Fifteen members of the Canadian National Conference, along with the secretary, treasurer and legal adviser for the Church, participated in a teleconference on March 4.

In his address, the director of operations, Anthony Wasilkoff, focused on the value of a sense of urgency. He referred to the mountain climbers stranded on Mt. Hood and a young woman lost at sea. He showed from 1 Corinthians 9 how Paul felt urgent about preaching the gospel. When Christ healed the blind man, He said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). We are involved in a matter of spiritual life and death. We have a window of opportunity open to us now. We have excellent publications by which we can cast a spiritual lifeline to others. We must toil with a keen sense of urgency.

In the stead of David Palmer, Dennis Horlick gave an update on behalf of the Media Team. He gave statistics relating to recent Internet ads and an update on the Beyond Today television program.

Robert Berendt, on behalf of the Ministerial Services Team, reported that leadership development continues across Canada. Currently, two elders (Dennis Horlick and David Palmer) are participating in a six-week training program for newly hired ministers. In February, Canadian Feast coordinators attended Festival planning meetings in Dallas, Texas.

Treasurer Edwin van Pelt discussed finances past, present and future. We have once again received a clean bill of financial health via the annual audit. For the first time ever, UCG–Canada is not applying for a subsidy from UCGIA. Our work is a work of faith, and we do have much to be thankful for.

During his address, the chairman, Rainer Salomaa, discussed the various stages of boards. In stage 1, the administration is barely selected and the board handles many administrative matters. In stage 2, the board works with a small staff. During that stage, the board is pretty controlling and has to struggle at not micromanaging. Now in stage 3, the board has many crucial policies created. The staff is now capable and experienced. The board can focus more on governing, policy development and strategic planning. The chairman closed by reading sections of 2 Corinthians 4.

The secretary reported the ballot results. The 2006 Minutes, Auditor's Report, Strategic Plan, Operation Plan and budget for 2007-2008 were all approved. All four proposed amendments were ratified and are now part of the bylaws. Three individuals were selected to begin a three-year term on the Canadian National Council. They are: Ian Simons, Rainer Salomaa and Joseph Sheperd. Dr. Simons replaces David Campbell whose term is expiring.

Following the National Conference, the National Council met via teleconference in executive session. Rainer Salomaa was chosen to remain as chairman for another three years.