MINUTES

52nd ANNUAL MEETING

OF THE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

June 24 – 27, 2006

Hilton Costa Mesa, Costa mesa, California

HOST

CAL-WEST ASSOCIATION

Actions: 06/A/1 – 06/A/17

This is the Way; Walk in it! Isaiah 30:21
OPENING/BUSINESS SESSION 1 Saturday, June 24, 2006, 1:00 p.m.
Opening	At 1:10 p.m. Moderator, Rev. Richard Adair, welcomed meeting attendees to California.
Credentials	Jim Larson reported there are 441 active churches in the NA. Twenty percent (20%) were needed for a quorum He reported that 143 NA churches were represented at the 2006 Annual Meeting. Rev. Adair declared a quorum and called the 52^nd Annual Meeting of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches to order.
Constituting Prayer	The Moderator called on Rob Brink to give the Constituting Prayer.
Presentation of Colors	Boy Scout Troop 723 from Placentia, California presented the colors and led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Introduction of those seated on the Dais	The Moderator introduced those seated on the dais: Helen Gierke, Moderator-Elect, First Congregational Church, Cape Coral, Florida; Mrs. Sherry Glab, Parliamentarian, Pilgrim Congregational Church, Pomona, CA; Susan Carter, Association/Corporation Secretary, Heritage Congregational Christian Church, Madison, WI; Mrs. Carol Cole, Assistant Secretary, Church of the Messiah, Westchester, CA. Rev. Adair then introduced and thanked song leader, Rev. Cynthia Bacon, Heritage Congregational Christian Church, Madison, WI and Helen Gierke, pianist. Rev. Adair asked for special prayers for Rev. Phil Jackson and Walt Vernon.
Host Chair	Rev. Sandy Freud, Host Committee Chair, welcomed participants to California. He then introduced the Host Committee. In addition, he made several announcements concerning scheduling, etc.

Adopt Standing Rules	Parliamentarian, Sherry Glab, stated the Proposed Standing Rules were on page 14 of the Program Booklet. (Exhibit 1) 06-A-1: By general consensus the Standing Rules were approved.
Approved Agenda	Moderator, Rev. Richard Adair, referred attendees to the meeting agenda in the Program Booklet. (Exhibit 1) 06-A-2: By general consensus the Agenda for the 52^nd Annual Meeting was approved.
Acceptance of New Member Churches	Rev. Richard Hotchkin presented the names of those churches wishing to join our Association. 06-A-3: Rev. Hotchkin moved that the following churches be received into the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches: First Congregational Church of Salida, Modesto, CA Center Congregational Church, Atlanta, GA Imani Tabernacle, Augusta, ME Sebago Center Community Church, Sebago, ME Robbins Memorial Congregational Church, Greenfield, MA 1st Congregational Church of Williamsburg, Williamsburg, MA 1^st Congregational Church, Morenci, MI Brunswick Congregational Church, Brunswick, NE Amelia Christian Church, Clayton, NC Grace Church, Columbiana, OH Ione Community Church, Ione, OR Warden Community Church, Warden, WA VOTE: Motion adopted
Written Greetings	Rev. Richard Adair read a letter of greeting from Rev. Arvel M. Steece, Florence Congregational Church, Florence, MA. (Exhibit 2)
Congregational Church Development Division	Rev. Joy Baumgartner, Chair of CCD, was called on to give her report. Rev. Baumgartner introduced the DVD produced by CCD. It is the hope that this DVD, sharing the story of three new church starts, will inspire others to consider starting new churches and supporting new church starts in their area. (Exhibit 3 - Reports of Divisions, Committees, Commissions & Executive Secretaries, June 2006) Rev. Baumgartner recognized the churches involved in the DVD, those who helped in the development, present and past members of CCD. Every church in the NA will receive a copy of the DVD.
2005 Annual Meeting Minutes	Moderator Adair announced that the minutes of the 2005 Annual Meeting (Exhibit 4) held in Kansas City, Missouri were available to all member churches on the NACCC website. The accuracy of the minutes were certified by Rev. Terry Bascom, Rev. Patti Dando Haaheim, and Ms. Carolyn Sundquist. 06-A-4: By general consensus the minutes of the 2005 Annual Meeting were ratified.
Break to honor new churches	Church Mutual Insurance sponsored a refreshment break to meet and greet members of the churches received into the NA.
Youth Ministries Commission	Wendy Brown reported that NAPF and HOPE would begin alternating years of mission work and annual conference. The first mission week will be in 2008. (Exhibit 3 - Reports of Divisions, Committees, Commissions & Executive Secretaries, June 2006) This year five scholarships were offered to NAPF and HOPE conference attendees.
Missionary Society	Leo Christian spoke on behalf of Missionary Society Chair Willow Bascom. The Missionary Society developed and presented a video titled “Joys of Going On a Mission Trip”. The video will be available for member churches. (Exhibit 3 – Reports of Divisions, Committees, Commissions & Executive Secretaries, June 2006)
Financial Services	Hal Frentz introduced a Power Point presentation available for member churches on services available through the Financial Services Committee. (Exhibit 5)
Church Services Commission	Becci Dawson Cox introduced members of the CSC who then presented a skit on a typical CSC conference call in preparing for the NA Annual Meeting. (Exhibit 3 - Reports of Divisions, Committees, Commissions & Executive Secretaries, June 2006)
Division for Ministry	Rev. William Fillebrown was called on to give the Division of Ministry report. (Exhibit 3 - Reports of Divisions, Committees, Commissions & Executive Secretaries, June 2006)
CFTS	Rev. Cindy Bacon highlighted the work of CFTS through a Power Point presentation “Year in Ministry”. (Exhibit 6) She reported the new CFTS Chair is Rev.Will Lang.
Communication Services Commission	Alan Setzler presented the work of the Communication Services Commission through a Power Point presentation. (Exhibit 3 - Reports of Divisions, Committees, Commissions & Executive Secretaries, June 2006)
The Congregationalist	Rev. Jim Eaton, editor of The Congregationalist, reported on the status of the magazine. Forty-one individuals have contributed articles to The Congregationalist this year. (Exhibit 7)
Historian	Rev. Dr. Lloyd Hall was called on to give his Historian Report. (Exhibit 3 - Reports of Divisions, Committees, Commissions & Executive Secretaries, June 2006)
Executive Committee Report	Rev. Ed White, Chair of the Executive Committee, highlighted the work of the EC. (Exhibit 8)
Executive Secretary’s Report	Rev. Dr. Tom Richard gave his “State of the Association” report. Dr. Richard introduced the NA Headquarters staff. (Exhibit 3 - Reports of Divisions, Committees, Commissions & Executive Secretaries, June 2006)
Associate Executive Secretary to: CFTS, Division for Ministry, Information Services	Rev. Dr. Donald Olsen gave his report focusing on the new program introduced by CFTS called Encouraging Ministry Related Gifts or EMRG. It is directed primarily toward young adults who are considering their life calling. (Exhibit 3 - Reports of Divisions, Committees, Commissions & Executive Secretaries, June 2006)
Associate Executive Secretary for Missions, Church Development and State and Regional Associations.	Rev. John Carson highlighted the work of the Missionary Society, CCD, Building and Loan, and multiple State and Regional Associations. He spoke of the new projects – Mission Statement and a Capital Campaign – intended to take us in important, new directions as a fellowship of churches. (Exhibit 3 - Reports of Divisions, Committees, Commissions & Executive Secretaries, June 2006)
Break	The Moderator declared a brief recess.
Congregational Lecture	The Moderator reconvened the meeting at 5:00 p.m. and introduced the Congregational Lecturer, The Rev. Dr. Steven Peay.
Dinner/Entertainment	At 6:00 p.m. a general dinner was held followed by “All Stars Big Band”
BUSINESS SESSION II Sunday, June 25, 2006, 8:00 a.m.
RSI Presentation	Moderator Adair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. and introduced the representatives from RSI. They presented information on a proposed Capital Campaign to the delegation and discussed the fundraising potential of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. (Exhibit 9)
BUSINESS SESSION III Monday, June 26, 2006, 8:00 a.m.
Call to Order	Rev. Adair called the meeting to order at 8:15 following open worship and installation of new churches.
Treasurer’s Report	Treasurer Jeff Dillon was called upon to present the Treasurer’s Report. (Exhibit 10)
Budget	Don Sturgis, Chairman of the Budget Sub-Committee of the Executive Committee, was called upon to give his report. (Exhibit 11). Rev. Adair reminded the delegation that this would be discussed and acted upon on Tuesday.
Nominating Committee Report	Sandy Freud was called upon by the Moderator to give the report of the Nominating Committee. Rev. Freud placed in nomination the following slate of officers: Moderator-Elect Rev. William Fillebrown Chiltonville Congregational Church Plymouth, Massachusetts Secretary: Susan Carter Heritage Congregational Church Madison, Wisconsin Treasurer: Jeff Dillon Faith Community Church Greenfield, Wisconsin Historian: Rev. Dr. Lloyd Hall Plymouth Congregational Church Lansing, Michigan Executive Committee: Edith Bartley Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims Brooklyn, New York Michael S. Robertson Falmouth, Massachusetts Rev. Casey vanderBent South Cross Community Church Burnsville, Minnesota The Moderator asked if there were any further nominations for each of the offices. Nominations from the floor for Executive Committee: Rev. Dr. Steven Peay 1^st Congregational Church Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Rev. E. Neil Hunt Meadowbrook Congregational Church Novi, Michigan Nominations from the floor for Credentials Committee: Paul Smith Rockland Congregational Church Rockland, Maine 06-A-5: By general consensus, the nominations were closed.
Nominations and Appointments	Rev. Adair asked Anne Butman, Chairman of the Nominations & Appointments Subcommittee of the Executive Committee to present her report. The following names were presented: 2006 Communication Services Committee (7 members appointed for 1-year terms – up to 5 years Rev. Thom Christian – 2006-First Congregational Church, Clear Lake, Iowa Kate Galivan – 2005 – First Congregational Church, Hanson, Massachusetts Rev. Samuel Schaal – 2005 – First Congregational Church, Wauwatosa, WI Franklin Pierson – 2004 – Barnstead Parade Congregational Church, Barnstead Parade, N.H. Rev. Donald Mayberry – 2004 – First Congregational Church, South Paris, ME Alan Seltzer, Chair – 2003 – Church of the Gardens, Forest Hills, NY Rev.Lisa Dembkowski, Florence Congregational Church, Florence, Massachusetts 2006 Financial Services Committee Harold Frentz, Chair, Oneonta Congregational Church, South Pasadena, CA Thomas King, Jr. – First Congregational Church, Los Angeles, CA Thomas Lootens – First Congregational Church, Royal Oak, MI William Riner – First Congregational Church, Cheyenne, Wyoming Arthur Wallach – First Congregational Church, Akron, Ohio 2006 Appointees to Investment Advisory Committee Robert Brunner, Chair – North Shore Congregational Church, Fox Point, WI James Walsh – First Congregational Church, Wauwatosa, WI Ron Heiligenstein – North Shore Congregational Church, Fox Point, WI Keith Naeve – Plymouth Congregational Church, Racine, WI Richard Peterson – Faith Community Church, Franklin, WI Richard Stanley – People’s Congregational Church, Bayport, MN 2006 Nominee to Commission for Youth Ministries (1 four year term) Rev. Aaron Goodro – First Congregational Church, Kingston, N.H. 2006 Nominees to Congregational Church Development (2 four year terms) Rev. Sandy Freud – New Faith Fellowship of Orange County C.C., Orange, CA Jon Hanson – Fox River Congregational Church, Pewaukee, WI 2006 Nominees to Congregational Foundation for Theological studies (2 four year terms) Rev. Charles Packer – First Congregational Church, Rockwood, MI Rev. Adrienne Eggleston – Oneonta Congregational Church, South Pasadena, CA 2006 Nominees to Division of Ministry (2 four year terms) Rev. Robert Stainback – Congregational Christian Fellowship, Winchester, Virginia Rev. Patti Dando Haaheim – South Cross Community Church, Burnsvllle, MN 2006 Nominees to the Missionary Society (2 four year terms) Pamela Quay Farlow-Wolgast – Pilgrim Congregational Church, Bloomfield Hills, MI Louise Scott – First Congregational Church, Hanson, MA 2006 Nominees to World Christian Relations Rev. Elizabeth “Betsey” Mauro – Rockland Congregational Church, Rockland, ME Rev. Dr. Lottie Jones Hood – First Congregational Church, Detroit, MI Bonn Clayton – Colonial Church, Edina, MN Carol Cole – Congregational Church of the Messiah, Los Angeles, CA Rev. Michael Halcomb – North Shore Congregational Church, Fox Point, WI Rev. Harlan Nuss – Memorial Congregational Community Church, Memorial
	The Moderator asked for nominations from the floor. There were no additional nominations. 06-A-6: By general consensus the nominations were closed. The proposed slate will be voted on Tuesday, June 29, 2006.
Nominations for Nominating Committee	The Moderator asked for nominations for the Nominating Committee. The following names were placed in nomination: Rev. Elizabeth Bingham, Pilgrim Congregational Church, Pomona, CA Dian Cummins, Heritage Congregational Church, Spokane, WA Bernice Gamage, Congregational Church of the Messiah, Los Angeles, CA 06-A-7: By general consensus, the nominations were closed. Vote will be on Tuesday, June 28, 2006.
Membership and Procedures	Rev. Richard Hotchkin, Chairman, Membership and Procedures Sub-Committee of the Executive Committee, was invited to present the proposed amendment to the Articles of Association (Exhibit 12) to be voted on by the delegates at the 2007 Annual Meeting. Rev. Hotchkin also presented the proposed amendment to the Bylaws of the Association. (Exhibit 13) to be voted on Tuesday, June 28, 2006.
New Business	Ratification of action taken by the Executive Committee on Saturday, June 25, 2006 - borrowing money from ourselves to fund the Capital Campaign.
BUSINESS SESSION IV TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006, 8:30 a.m.
Call to Order	Rev. Dick Adair called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Approval of the Budget	06-A-8: Donald Sturgis moved that the General Operating Budget for fiscal year 2006-2007, as presented, be adopted by the Delegates of the NACCC. VOTE: Motion adopted
Bylaws	06-A-9: Rev. Hotchkin moved that Bylaws IV. COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS Section 2. Committee on Credentials. Be deleted in its entirety, and that Section 7 of Bylaw III. OFFICERS be renumbered as Section 8, and that there be a new Section 7 of Bylaw III. OFFICERS that reads, “7. Credentials Report. A Credentials Reporter shall be elected at each Annual Meeting to serve from the adjournment of the meeting at which the Credentials Reporter is elected through the next Annual Meeting. No person shall serve more than three years in succession. The Credentials Reporter shall certify the existence of a quorum and shall prepare a final report to be presented before the conclusion of the Annual Meeting showing the roll of member Churches of the Association represented at the meeting, with the names of their Official Delegates and Alternate Delegates (if any) as determined by the presentation of credentials from the member Churches. This roll shall be made available to all delegates by posting or duplicating or both.”, and That in Bylaw IV, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS Section 3. Nominations Committee; Nominations and Elections. (a) the words “Credentials Reporter” be substituted for the words “Credentials Committee.”: 06-A-10: Harlan Nuss moved to amend the proposed bylaw change (Bylaw IV Section 2) be from the proposed one person one year term to a committee of two serving two-year staggered terms. Second. VOTE: Motion adopted 06-A-11: Rev. Dr. Lloyd Hall moved as sub amendment that in Article IV, section 2 the number 3 be changed to 2 in each instance. Second. This now becomes the main motion. VOTE: Motion adopted
Credentials Committee	06-A-12:The Nominating Committee moved that the following people serve on the Credentials Committee: Marjories Weidlich, South Congregational Church, Hartford, Connecticut James Larson, First Congregational Church, Peterson, Iowa VOTE: Motion Adopted
Election	06-A-13: Rev. Ed White moved that the 2006 delegates of the NACCC approve the election of all non-contested officers on the ballot. VOTE: Motion adopted. A paper ballot for the election of the members of the Executive Committee was distributed to all delegates. The following people were elected to four year terms on the Executive Committee: Edith Bartley, Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, Brooklyn, NY Rev. Casey vanderBent, South Cross Community Church, Burnsville, MN. Rev.E. Neil Hunt, Meadowbrook Congregational Church, Novi, MI
Ratification of the Executive Committee Actions	06-A-14: Rev. Ed White moved to accept the 2005/2006 actions of the Executive Committee (Exhibit 14). Second. VOTE: Motion adopted
RSI Capital Campaign	06-A-15: Executive Committee presented a motion that a contract for services be negotiated with RSI as recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee; and that the Executive Secretary be authorized to sign that contract after approval by the Executive Committee. VOTE: Motion adopted 06-A-16: Executive Committee presented a motion that the 2006 NACCC delegates approve an amount, not to exceed $325,000.00, from corporate funds for front-end funding for our Capital Fund Campaign (RSI). VOTE: Motion adopted
BUSINESS SESSION V – FINAL SESSION TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2006, 1:15 P.M.
Installation of Officers	The officers and chairmen were introduced and invited to come to the front of the Assembly. Rev. Dr. Tom Richard conducted the installation.
Official Credentials Report	Rev. Dick Adair invited Sandy Freud to the podium to give the final Credentials Report (Exhibit 15). He reported the following: Delegates 149 Alternates 111 Attendees 107 Observers 18 Missionaries 14
Recognition of Rev. Karl Schimpf	Before the closing of the 52^nd Annual Meeting, the Moderator recognized Rev. Schimpf for encouraging and bringing so many members of the North Shore Congregational Church – Wisconsin to the gathering.
Adjournment	06-A-17: By consensus the 52^nd Annual Meeting of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.

Recorder: Susan Carter, Secretary