Committee Report

The Annual Meeting of the Tidings Publishing Committee was held October 19 at the new Ann Arbor ecclesial hall. We were very sorry to receive the retirement of Bro. Norm Luff, Brantford, Ontario, due to a recurrence of ill health. We pray a new series of treatments will work to give Bro. Norm a renewal of strength until the Lord’s return. Bro. Mark Giordano, Norfolk, Virginia, has accepted an invitation to join the committee and we look forward to benefiting from his many talents. The publishing committee now consists of the following brethren:

John C. Bilello (Chairman and books), Ann Arbor, Michigan

Gar Cooper, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Ken Curry, Toronto (Cosburn), Ontario

Clive Drepaul, Brooklyn, New York

Mark Giordano, Norfolk, Virginia

Joe Hill, Austin, Texas

Tony Isaacs, Atlanta (Stone Mountain), Georgia

George Rayner, Toronto (West), Ontario

Ted Sleeper, San Francisco (Peninsula), California

Phil Snobelen, Vancouver, British Columbia

Ken Sommerville, Simi Hills, California

Reuben Washington, Echo Lake, New Jersey

Section editors

It was noted that several books have been submitted to the Tidings for review but the editor has just not got around to it. (Some time ago we lost Bro. Bob Lloyd’s round-to-it.) Endeavoring to help in this matter, Bro. Joe Hill has agreed to serve as reviews editor.

Also acting as editors for various sections of the magazine are Sis. Pat Bartle, Picton, Ontario, who, with Bro. Derek, edits the exhortations. This is a particularly time-consuming function as most exhortations are not designed as articles and Sis. Pat is frequently working with somewhat limited speaker’s notes. It should be noted that we need submissions in this area. Please send them to the Tidings PO Box or Tidings email address (dhelstyles@hotmail.com) and we’ll pass them on to the Bartles. Bro. George Rayner continues editing the Signs of the Times section and Bro. Ben Brinkerhoff continues with “Youth Speaks.”

Particularly observant readers will have noted the addition of Sis. Lori Cusenza to our section editors. For a few years, Sis. Lori has sent out reminders to North American ecclesias to send in news to the magazine. She was so efficient and the flow of news has been so steady, we asked, and Lori agreed, to edit the news. For Lori’s sake, it is very helpful if news is submitted via email. And, of course, the largest section that goes through a section editor is the Caribbean Pioneer. Although he retired a year ago, Bro. Alan Eyre still processes much of the material in these pages. We would, however, repeat an appeal made before: readers in the Caribbean, please send news and articles, large or small, to the Tidings PO Box or email addresses.

In all cases, we go over what passes through the section editors so final responsibility still rests with the undersigned. All complaints should therefore be directed to the editor.

In addition to the section editors, great help in production of the magazine is also received from those doing the proofreading and those handling the address lists. Following the first issue of our editorship 15 years ago, Sis. Tammie Campbell, San Francisco (Marinwood), volunteered her proofreading skills which we have benefited from ever since. In addition to Sis. Tammie, proofreading help is also provided by Sis. Deborah Kauffman, Milford, Michigan, whose special job is to check the Bible quotes, by Bro. Joe Banta, Austin, Texas, and in all stages of production by Sis. Ellen.

Bro. Joe has also taken on the job of Associate Editor. In discussing what would happen if the present editor was suddenly indisposed, it was decided someone was needed who could produce the magazine for at least a couple of issues. Bro. Joe has kindly agreed to assume such a responsibility. Having family in the Detroit area, it’s a natural for Bro. Joe, on one of his visits, to become thoroughly familiar with the magazine’s operation.

Bro. Jonathan and Sis. Cathy Betteley, Milford, are a great help in maintaining the address lists which are updated by the 21″ of each month. We realize some have experienced the frustration of letting us know of a change of address and still getting one more magazine at the old address. That’s what happens when we receive the information after the 21⁵⁵. Because of production schedules and the post office, we have a built-in time problem and can only solicit your understanding.

Book publishing

The committee noted that Parables by Bro. John Bilello was well received and Legalism vs. Faith by Bro. David Levin is selling well. Many will remember a magazine series of articles by Bro. Peter Hemingray on the early years of the truth in North America. Bro. Peter has expanded his work into a 360-page book which, Lord willing, will be available in the new year under the title, “John Thomas, His Faith and His Friends.”

Other books are under consideration and announcements will be made as they enter into final production.

Financial matters

While the magazine continues to be dependent on donations to cover half of its operating expenses, we are told that this is a fairly low number in the world of similar publications. Evidently most magazines derive much more than half their income from advertising and from association fees or group donations, with a fairly small percent coming from the subscription price. In our case, the contributions are coming from individuals and ecclesias and are greatly appreciated.

During 2002, expenses were kept lower by printing a combined July-August issue. As response to such a move was generally positive, the committee decided we’d do it again and thereby keep subscription rates the same, with one exception. The rate for UK for the annual subscription is going up to £,13 to cover air mail delivery. All UK magazines will be air shipped to Bro. Malcolm Cross in York and then entered into the British post. This should speed up delivery by three to four weeks.

tidings.org

Bro. Peter Bilello produces a very fine web site at tidings.org and continues to improve its usefulness. The current magazine is posted about the 15th of the month, and links are provided to past articles, the Bible Companion readings and many other Christadelphian sites. In addition, coming events, address changes and new subscriptions can be communicated through the site to the Tidings office. The committee was encouraged to see that use of the site continued to grow during the year.

Editorial policy

The committee and the editor are highly supportive of current unity efforts within North America. As committee members come from various areas of North America and many have experience in reunion matters, much valuable interchange occurred at the annual meeting. Accordingly, the magazine will continue to provide editorial encouragement for unity and seek to offer basic Bible exposition supportive of the unity of the body of Christ in these last days.

As volume 66 begins, it is the heartfelt prayer of the entire Tidings staff and committee that the Lord will come quickly. Until he comes, it is our prayer that our efforts might contribute to his servants being ready to meet him with joy.