Chestnut Assembly of God

Annual Business Celebration March 5, 2025

The Annual Business Celebration was called to order by Pastor Antonio (Tony) Cotto at 7:11pm.

Pastor Tony asked Marilyn Snook to open in prayer. The congregation then stood for a time of prayer and praise unto the Lord.

Pastor Tony stated that a quorum of 92 members was needed to continue the meeting, and thankfully, it was established. Pastor Tony thanked Cheron Rosado for putting the Annual Report together.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS AND HONOR OF MEMBERS PASSED AWAY

Pastor Tony read the names of the new members for 2024 and welcomed them into the church family.

The pastor also honored the members who passed away in 2024. He cited Psalm 116:5, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints,” and named each person: Manny Rios, Lester Clayton and Pastor Emeritus Ralph Snook.

TECHNICAL QLITCH

LEAD PASTOR’S REPORT

Pastor Tony read his Annual Report emphasizing the theme of "Yes" for 2024 and the church's growth in prayer, fasting, and giving.

The church took significant steps in the community, including attending a school board meeting and influencing policy.

Various special services, events, and ministries were highlighted, including evangelist visits and baptisms.

The church saw a significant number of people giving their lives to Jesus each Sunday, which was celebrated as a miracle.

Marion Kennedy moved to accept the report as presented, which was seconded by Shafina Ramdhanie. The congregation’s vote to accept was unanimous.

Bylaws Amendment and Next Generation Involvement

Pastor Tony proposed an amendment to the bylaws to create a board member position for individuals aged 30 and under.

The amendment aims to ensure multi-generational influence and representation at the board level.

Pastor shared the success of involving a young person in board meetings and the decision to make this position official.

The amendment is voted on - Danieliz Figueroa motioned to accept the amendment as presented, which was seconded by Ron Josephsen. The congregation’s vote to accept was unanimous. Pastor then ratified Oleh Chernenko as the first board member aged 30 and under (non-voting for the first 6-7 months). Oleh expressed a few words of acceptance gratitude.

BOARD SECRETARY’S REPORT

The Secretary’s Report from March 6, 2024, Annual Business Meeting was included in the Annual Report and made available to church members prior to the meeting. Donna Perez motioned to forgo the reading of the minutes, and the ministry reports and to accept them as presented. Steve Splatt seconded the motion, and the congregation’s unanimous vote to accept it.

TREASURERS REPORT

The Annual Financial Statement is not designed to be a detailed report. On a monthly basis, the Deacons elected by the membership review the detailed reports to ask questions, express concerns, and seek clarification.

Normally, the membership would receive the Annual Financial Statement prior to the Business Meeting, invited and encouraged to submit any questions to Pastor tony prior to annual meeting but unfortunately, Pastor Tony apologized for a technical glitch on Sunday morning, specifically a lack of a QR code for the financial report.

Members are given one week to review the financial report and ask questions via email to Cheron Rosado.

**Regina Lopez stepped down as treasurer and Toshie Faloye stepped in to finish the second year of the first three 2-year term. She was ratified tonight and spoke a few words of acceptance and gratitude. Next year’s meeting she will be ratified for the second 2-year term. **

GENERAL/MISSIONS FUND

Treasurer Toshie Faloye presented the General Fund Statement by reading the subtotal and total figures.

Pastor Tony provided information, shared explanations, responded to questions, and clarified specific items in the General Fund Statement.

· The financial report for 2024 is presented, showing total revenues of $1,861,512.99 and total expenses of $1,753,610.32.

· The church broke the $1 million mark in tithes and offerings, indicating strong trust and support from the congregation.

· The mission fund report shows total revenues of $106,518.90 and total expenses of $119,704.54, with a shortfall in support for Haiti students.

· The board decides to have Missions Sunday in May to raise more funds for the students.

Eddie Cruz made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Angel Santiago seconded the motion, and the congregation voted to accept it unanimously.

BUILDING FUND

Treasurer Toshie Faloye read the total figures of the Building Fund Statement. Christine Lampson moved to accept the Statement as presented, which was seconded by Yvonne Brown. The congregation’s vote to accept was unanimous.

· The building fund report shows total revenues of $210,561.82 and expenses of $87,358.12, with a significant contribution coming from a grant for the food pantry.

SAVINGS FUND

Treasurer Toshie Faloye presented the Savings Fund Statement by reading the total figures. Maria Perkins made a motion to accept the Savings Fund Statement as presented. The motion was seconded by Diane Alexander, and the congregation’s vote to accept it was unanimous.

· The church has a savings account for the first time, which is used for various needs and opportunities.

PAYROLL FUND

Treasurer Toshie Faloye presented the Payroll Fund Statement by reading the total figures. Angel Santiago made a motion to accept the Payroll Fund Statement as presented. Damian Lampson seconded the motion, and the congregation’s vote to accept was unanimous.

NET WORTH STATEMENT

Treasurer, Toshie Faloye, presented the Net Worth Statement by reading the total figures. The report was provided for information only and does not require a vote by the congregation.

DEACONS AND ELDERS

The pastor provided a detailed explanation to the congregation, highlighting the distinction between the roles of deacons and elders. Deacons are responsible for managing the church’s finances, while elders assist the pastor with the spiritual aspects of the ministry.

v ELDERS:

The pastor fills this felt led to add a new elder to the leadership team. He picked Ron Josephsen. Ron addressed the congregation and expressed his gratitude for this new position.

v DEACONS:

· According to our bylaws, the pastor is not required to undergo a body nominee process for deacon. As outlined, when there is a vacancy, the board selects a candidate they believe is qualified for the position. The pastor then interviews and evaluates the individual. The pastor and board decide on the most suitable person for the specific role.

· The Secretary and Treasurer are appointed positions, each serving a two-year term. Every two years, if they wish to continue their roles, Pastor presents them to the church body for ratification.

Election of New Board Member

There is one open position since Maria Collini decided to step down. She spoke a few words of gratitude.

Three candidates, Don Ancello, Tony Melendez, and Trevor Turner, are introduced and each gave brief speeches about their qualifications and experiences.

The voting process is explained and while ballots are counted, Pastor announced a few things:

· Pastor Greg Corson is ordained during the New Jersey Network Council, a significant event for the church which will be held in-house May 2025

· The church plans major renovations in the foyer and bathrooms, with updates to the concrete flooring.

· Sandy Perez is introduced as the new person managing the church's finances.

· The church is looking for potential missionaries to Haiti, with opportunities for long-term service and oversight of ministries.

· Jonah Cotto – Media Director

NEW DEACON:

· Trevor Turner is elected as the new board member.

MINISTRY REPORTS

Other Ministry Reports were included in the handout for the congregation’s reference. The pastor asked specific ministry leaders to give updates on their ministries.

· Ivan Perez updated church about media and production. Also introduced Tyler as producer on their song writing overseeing the writing process from start to finish. The church also listened to a rough draft of one of their arrangements.

Food Pantry Update and Security Enhancements

· The food pantry project is updated, with construction progressing and a $15,000 shortfall remaining.

· George Perez donates a print of his artwork, with 100% of the proceeds going to the food pantry.

· The church's security system is upgraded with a new network, cameras, and a drone, ensuring safety and protection.

PASTOR’S CLOSING REMARKS

Pastor emphasizes the importance of not criticizing the church's moves of God and instead focusing on worship and prayer.

The church is encouraged to prepare for revival and significant spiritual growth.

ADJOURNMENT

Pastor Tony entertained a motion to adjourn the Annual Business Meeting at 8:49pm. The meeting concluded with a prayer led by Pastor Barb, asking for guidance and obedience in the church's future endeavors.

Ron Josephsen made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Damon Lampson and carried out by unanimous vote of the congregation.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lillian Baker

Board Secretary