On April 25, 2019 members of America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU) along with employees, Board of Directors, Supervisory Committee, and local ministry partners convened upon ACCU’s headquarters in Glendora, CA to commemorate the 61st Annual Meeting of members. The Meeting marked the close of a successful sixth decade and the momentum ACCU carries into its seventh decade of service to over 130,000 members nationwide.
Annual meeting festivities began with the dedication of the newly constructed “Palmer” conference room. This room was named in honor of Phoebe Palmer (1807-74), known as the most influential woman in the largest, fastest growing religious groups in mid-19th century America, giving rise to denominations like The Church of the Nazarene, The Free Methodist Church, The Salvation Army, The Church of God, and The Pentecostal-Holiness Church, bridging 18th-century Methodist revivalism and 20th-century Pentecostalism. Phoebe was also deeply concerned about social ills, which was expressed in her role as founding director of America’s first inner-city mission, caring for the poor, downtrodden and marginalized. Fittingly, her famous quote, “Perfect love issues forth in passion for lives that serve humanity” now adorns the new conference room. Pronouncing God’s blessing at the dedication, ACCU’s Chair, Rev. Jerry Ferguson said, “What an honor to have a conference room at our corporate headquarters named after someone who perfectly embodies the identity, heritage and mission of ACCU.”
Through worship and fellowship, annual meeting attendees were able to reflect on God’s faithfulness in allowing ACCU to grow and flourish its commitment to its mission. In a particularly poignant moment, a special tribute was made to President/CEO Mendell L. Thompson for his 42 years of service as he marked his final annual meeting before his March 2020 retirement. Among ACCU’s many achievements under the leadership of Mr. Thompson was the placement over 1,850 children into loving families through its premier adoption loan program. Another was the $235 million in funded church expansion projects that came to fruition through a wide variety of corporate loans and financing solutions.
“How wonderful it is to look back on all God has allowed me to do through ACCU. God has given us the opportunity to lead our members to reach their financial goals, and I want to thank you all for your hard work in living out our mission. The children we help to find their forever families, and the ministries, churches and schools we walk alongside to extend the Gospel’s reach, wouldn’t be possible without your commitment to serving our members,” commented Thompson in presenting the 2018 Annual Report to attendees.
To round out the evening Julie Hartwig, Relationship Manager, was revealed as ACCU 2018 Employee of the Year, voted by staff. Hartwig a 12-year veteran of ACCU who oversees special accounts for churches and non-profits, honored for her dedication and exceptional service. In recognition of her achievements, she was presented with a commemorative plaque and congratulatory flowers. “Thank you so much for your support… I absolutely love what I do and you all (ACCU staff) make this a blessed place to come to and serve every day,” enthused Hartwig.