MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OF THE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

ACTIONS 01-C-63 Olivet, Michigan

Through 01-C-75 October 4-6, 2001

Call to Order A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches was called to order by the Chairman, Ms. Carol L. Cole, at 7:00pm, Thursday, October 4, 2001, in Dole Hall of Olivet College, Olivet, Michigan. Prior to the meeting, at 5:00pm, a lovely reception and delicious dinner was hosted by Olivet College in the Student Center of the college.

Board of Directors present Thursday Evening in addition to the Chairman, were:

Arnold, Mr. Kenneth W. Simons, Mr. Blaine H.

Hopkins, Mr. James A. Gierke, the Reverend Dr. Dewey E.

Clarke, the Reverend Joseph Hicks, Mr. Michael

Dando Haaheim, the Reverend Patricia Murphy, the Reverend Alice

Ellcey, the Reverend Gregory A. Kniefel, Ms. Claudia

Backus, the Reverend Dr. Roy C. Bailey, the Reverend Steven H. Ware

Absent: Carter, Mrs. Susan

Present at all sessions: Heilmann, Ms. Lois A., Secretary

Also present representing the Leadership Team of the National Association, were: the Reverend Dr. Thomas M. Richard, Executive Secretary; the Reverend Mr. Phil R. Jackson, Associate Executive Secretary for Ministerial Development and Service and Youth; the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr., Historian; Mr. James H. Walsh, Treasurer; Mrs. Marina Rosenberg, Controller; Mr. Michael Fales, Director of Church Relations, Olivet College; Ms. Diane Williams, Chairman, Church Services Commission; Mr. Thomas Lootens, Chairman, Financial Services Committee; the Reverend Dr. Jay M. Terbush, Chairman, Division for Ministry; Mr. Theodore A. Flynn, Chairman, Communication Services Committee; Mr. Joseph B. Polhemus, Editor, THE CONGREGATIONALIST; the Reverend Mr. Thomas Miller, Missionary Society; the Reverend Mr. Richard Adair, Congregational Church Development Division; the Reverend Dr. Steven Peay, Chairman, Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies; the Reverend Mr. Richard Miller-Todd, Berwick Congregational Church, Berwick, Iowa.

Worship Service Following dinner, all present gathered together at the Olivet Congregational Church for a time of worship together. Music for the service was

Worship Service provided by Professor Emily Byrens, Pianist, and Professor Danford Byrens,

(Continued) Organist, members of the Olivet College Music Department. The congregation joined together in singing hymns, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations,” and participated in the Responsive Reading. The Lesson was taken from Matthew 5:43-48 and a lovely solo, “Psalm 91,” was offered by Ronald Tangcay, Class of ’03, Olivet College. Michael Fales, graduate of Olivet, Class of ’75, and currently Director of Church Relations for Olivet, brought a meaningful Message, “Knowledge is Good.” (Exhibit 1)

Following the Benediction, the group adjourned to Dole Hall for the business meeting.

Welcome The Chairman, Ms. Cole, welcomed everyone to the business session and offered special thanks to Michael Fales for his extraordinary efforts for this meeting and also for his thoughtful message offered at our Worship Service.

Introductions The Chairman asked each person present to give his or her name, church membership, Association participation, and personal “new” information.

01-C-63 VOTED: To approve the printed Agenda. (Exhibit 2)

Approve Agenda

Mr. James Hopkins, Chairman of the Congregational Foundation and Institute ad hoc committee, requested that his committee report be scheduled for Friday following lunch. The Chairman agreed to this time.

01-C-64 VOTED: To ratify the Mail Ballot concerning the June 21-26, 2001

Ratify Mail Ballot Corporate Board meeting minutes.

01-C-65 VOTED: (By Mail Ballot) To approve the minutes of the June 21-26,

Approve Minutes 2001, Corporate Board meeting. (Exhibit 3)

Staff Reports Ms. Cole called attention to the written staff reports from Dr. Richard, the Reverend Mr. Jackson, Dr. Olsen, and Mrs. Rosenberg which had been mailed to Corporation members prior to the meeting.

01-C-66 VOTED: To accept with appreciation the written staff reports.

Accept Staff Reports (Exhibits 4,5,6,7)

2002 Yearbooks The Reverend Mr. Jackson presented the new 2002 National Association Yearbooks for distribution.

Discussion The Chairman called for discussion/evaluation of the 2001 Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting held in Lansing, Michigan in June, 2001.

Moderator’s Ms. Claudia Kniefel, Moderator, was called upon for her report. The

Report Moderator stated that all was ready to go for the 2002 Annual Meeting in

Spokane, Washington.

Thanks to On behalf of the Board of Directors, Ms. Cole offered appreciation to Ms.

Moderator Kniefel for her excellent planning and said we are looking forward to the 2002 meeting.

Moderator-Elect’s The Reverend Mr. Steven H. Ware Bailey, Moderator-Elect, gave his report

Report stating that the Wisconsin Association will host the 2003 Annual Meeting to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Hilton Hotel and Convention Center.

Recess The Chairman declared the meeting in recess at 9:00pm.

Friday Morning, October 5, 2001

Call to Order Ms. Carol Cole called the meeting to order at 9:00am in Dole Hall with thirteen Board of Directors present. Mrs. Susan Carter was absent. Also present were: the Reverend Dr. Thomas M. Richard; the Reverend Mr. Phil R. Jackson; the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr.; Mr. James H. Walsh; Mrs. Marina Rosenberg; Mr. Joseph B. Polhemus; Mr. Theodore A. Flynn; Mr. Thomas Lootens; the Reverend Dr. Jay M. Terbush; the Reverend Mr. Richard Adair; Ms. Diane Williams; the Reverend Dr. Steven Peay; the Reverend Mr. Richard Miller-Todd; the Reverend Mr. Thomas Miller.

Devotions The Reverend Mr. Gregory A. Ellcey was asked to offer the Morning Devotion. Opening with prayer, the Reverend Mr. Ellcey asked God’s guidance as we worked as His servants. Reading Scripture from St. Luke, the 17th chapter, having faith as a grain of mustard seed, he recalled that when he was young, he and friends would study the wanted posters at the Post Office and dream of collecting the rewards offered. Our culture is based on rewards. In the Amish tradition work is a joy and they honor God and make no claims on God. If we are His followers, then we must be servants to our Master and should not expect thanks from God for doing His ministry. Our duty is to worship and honor God. We are given gifts and talents to carry on His work. As we receive God’s love, we must return His love without expecting rewards – “Love so amazing, my life, my all.” The Reverend Mr. Ellcey closed with a prayer asking guidance for the leadership of our National Association and remembering the sorrow of September 11th, asking mercy for those whose lives were lost and comfort for those who mourn.

Executive The Reverend Dr. Thomas M. Richard offered his report stating that on

Secretary’s Report September 11th the office met in prayer and via E-mail and on our Web page, and in regular mail, sent prayerful words of comfort and inspiration. He stated that due to the tragedy on September 11th, the retreat he and Dr. Olsen and the Reverend Mr. Jackson had planned, was postponed. Dr. Richard called attention to the new display showing the many programs available from our NA, for individuals and churches; it will be taken to the churches our Executive Secretaries visit. Dr. Richard reported on a workshop he had attended in Washington, D.C., “Faith in Action,” where he learned of grants available to churches which offer primary care. He also remarked on the new long distance phone system in the office, in which a portion of the funds go

Dr. Richard’s back to the NA when used by our churches. The new format of the NA News

Report (Continued) was favorably commented on. In the future the Executive Secretary is considering have the Bible Lecture and the Congregational Lecture underwritten by churches and/or individuals. This will be pursued.

Thanks to Dr. Sincere appreciation was expressed to Dr. Richard for his continued fine

Richard work on our behalf.

Controller’s The Controller, Mrs. Marina Rosenberg, gave her report next. Mrs.

Report Rosenberg offered the following Resolution for consideration:

Resolution WHEREAS, the NACCC previously adopted the Congregational Christian Churches/National Association Pension Plan (the “Plan”) for employees of NACCC member organizations; and

WHEREAS, the NACCC had determined that it is no longer feasible to maintain the Plan;

WHEREAS, the NACCC desires to terminate the Plan and distribute all benefits there under;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Plan shall be terminated

effective October 4, 2001.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NACCC’s Executive Secretary or

his designee(s), acting alone or together, be and they hereby are, authorized and directed in the NACCC’s name and on its behalf, to take any and all actions necessary or appropriate to effectuate the termination of the Plan.

01-C-67 VOTED: To approve the Resolution as written. (Exhibit 9)

Approve Resolution

Mrs. Rosenberg reported that she is continuing to look at various health plan programs to make this service available to our clergy.

Thanks to Controller On behalf of the committee, the Chairman thanked our Controller for her continued excellent work and concern for our clergy.

Treasurer’s Report The next report was given by our Treasurer, James H. Walsh, who presented written reports for the Operating Statements of all Divisions; the Annual Meeting Financial Results; THE CONGREGATIONALIST revenues and expenses; the Investment Portfolio update. Mr. Walsh stated that thus far this year we are exceeding the budgeted amount and that it is imperative that we take steps to correct this. The Treasurer answered questions concerning our budget as presented by Board members.

Following a brief break, with all the previously noted members in attendance, the Treasurer’s report was continued.

01-C-68 VOTED: To authorize the Executive Secretary, the Moderator, the

Set Fees for Annual Controller, and the Staff to set fees for the Annual Meeting within

Meeting reasonable parameters taking into consideration fees for past

Annual Meetings.

Investment Trust A long discussion, led by the Treasurer, was held, concerning the Investment Trust. For the last quarter, the Investment Trust showed a loss of 5.2%. Considering the current market situation, this is not excessive.

Ms. Carol Cole requested that the Financial Services Committee send a letter to the Commission, the Committees, and the Divisions, requesting that they take action to reduce their budgeted amounts.

01-C-69 VOTED: To recommend that the Financial Services Committee, the In-

Reduce Budget - vestment Advisory Committee and the Budget subcommittee

Revise Drawdown take under consideration the concerns of the Executive Committee/

Board of Directors with regard to our deficit budget and request the Commission, Committees, and the Divisions, to reduce their budgets for this year and to revise guidelines for the next fiscal year drawdown.

Historian’s Report The next to report was the Historian, the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr.

The writing of a history of our Association continues as a work in progress by the Reverend Dr. Steven A. Peay; this should be completed by our 50th anniversary.

During the report of the Historian, the Reverend Mr. Jackson left the meeting.

Report of the Editor The Editor of THE CONGREGATIONALIST, Mr. Joseph B. Polhemus, was

of THE CONGRE- next to report stating that he is most pleased with the action of the NA with

GATIONALIST regard to the tragedy of September 11th. He is pleased with the financial response to letters for donations to the magazine and he is hoping to build up our circulation.

01-C-70 VOTED: To affirm the recommendation of the Personnel and

Affirm Housing Administration subcommittee to approve the housing

Allowance and expense allowance and related expense proposals for the

Proposals for Executive Executive Secretary, the Reverend Dr. Thomas M. Richard,

Secretaries the Associate Executive Secretaries, the Reverend Mr.

Phil R. Jackson and the Reverend Dr. Donald P. Olsen, as

brought forth by the Association Office.

Note: This to be approved in February in the future.

Policy for Un- The Executive Secretary presented a written Policy Regarding Unrestricted

Restricted Bequests Bequests (And Other Major Unanticipated Gifts) for consideration. After discussion one minor correction was made to the section headed “Outline of Formula”. The next sentence to now read: “Every unrestricted gift or bequest to the NA would be divided in the following manner:”

01-C-71 VOTED: To approve this Policy as presented, with one correction.

Policy for Unrestricted (Exhibit 10)

Gifts

The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:25pm.

Friday Afternoon, October 5, 2001

Call to Order The meeting following lunch was held in the Olivet College Library with thirteen Board of Directors present. Mrs. Susan Carter was absent. All members of the Leadership Team as listed previously, with the exception of the Reverend Mr. Richard Miller-Todd, were also present.

Opening Prayer The Chairman of the Congregational Foundation and Institute, Mr. James Hopkins, called upon the Reverend Alice Murphy to open this session with Prayer.

Report of ad hoc The chairman of the Congregational Foundation and Institute ad hoc

Committee for committee, Mr. James A. Hopkins, convened the meeting.

Congregational The purpose of this committee was: 1. To develop a plan for the

Foundation and implementation of the Heritage Fund; and 2. To develop a plan for the

Institute implementation of the Congregational Institute. (Exhibit 11)

Discussion A long discussion followed with suggestions and recommendations from those present. The ad hoc committee will take these recommendations under consideration and report back to the Executive Committee in February.

On behalf of the ad hoc committee, Mr. Hopkins made the following proposal:

Proposal 1. Resolved that the NACCC endorse the foundation concept as presented

with the understanding that the plan will include an organized capital

fund drive and will require 2002-03 budget support.

2. That the ad hoc committee report the next step development and seek specific funding at the February, 2002 meeting.

3. That the NACCC provide, from current budgets, a sum not to exceed $5,000 for committee expense through June, 2002.

01-C-72 VOTED: To accept the Proposal as presented by the ad hoc committee for

Accept Proposal Congregational Foundation and Institute.

Mr. Michael Fales suggested that the two affiliated colleges, Olivet and Piedmont, be involved in the planning of this Proposal.

The meeting resumed in Dole Hall. Thirteen Board of Directors were in attendance. Mrs. Sue Carter was absent. The above listed members of the Leadership Team were present. The Reverend Mr. Jackson was absent.

Travel Policy Ms. Cole called for a report on the Executive Travel Policy. Mr. James A. Hopkins presented the Executive Travel Policy for consideration.

(Exhibit 12)

01-C-73 VOTED: That the Executive Committee approve the proposed Executive

Approve Executive Travel Policy presented in June by Dr. Richard with the awareness

Travel Policy that the executives may incur tax liability for that portion of the

travel budget used for spousal travel.

Leadership Reports Ms. Cole called for reports from the Leadership Team members.

Congregational The Reverend Mr. Richard Adair gave the report of the Congregational

Church Develop- Church Development Division stating that this group is now working with

ment Division three projects and have several prospective projects under consideration. The $10+ Club is now the 21st Century Club and will be promoted. The sum of $10,000 of their budget is being allocated to the revitalization of churches. CCD has made a change in their policy that they now will require 45 days

advance notice for applications of new church starts. They also require all Division members to attend Boot Camp.

Congregational The Reverend Dr. Steven Peay reported for the Congregational Foundation

Foundation for for Theological Studies by informing the group of a serious automobile

Theological Studies accident suffered by CFTS student, Susan LeFeber, who is now in recovery.

There are currently thirteen students enrolled in CFTS. Dr. Peay said that

CFTS is working to involve more clergy in attending the Boston Seminar and they are also working on the third Congregational Symposium to be held at the First Congregational Church, Los Angeles, California, in January, 2002.

Division for Reporting for the Division for Ministry was the Reverend Dr. Jay Terbush

Ministry who said that this Division is emphasizing the Ministerial Enrichment Fund to help clergy in financial need. They also support clergy enrollment for the yearly Convocation and make scholarships available for attendance to this time of fellowship and instruction for our clergy.

Missionary Society The report for the Missionary Society was offered by the Reverend Mr. Thomas (Ted) Miller who said that the Missionary Society has initiated a new category, “Recommended Missions” which will receive no financial support but will be held in a supportive relationship. This group will be traveling to Mexico to visit our missions in October, and each member will be responsible for their own expense for this trip.

Appreciation to Dr. Richard commended the Missionary Society for their willingness to cover

Missionary Society their own costs for the Mexican trip in order to relieve the NA of this expense. The group endorsed Dr. Richard’s comments with applause.

Returning from a brief break, the thirteen Corporate Board members previously listed resumed the meeting, as did the previously listed Leadership Team members with the exception of the Reverend Mr. Richard Miller-Todd and the Reverend Mr. Phil Jackson.

Planning Group The Reverend Dr. Roy Backus was asked to give a report proposing that individuals who have previously served our Association in the past, and who are not presently serving in an NA leadership position, would act as a group to do long range planning on an on-going basis, and to whom the EC and/or the Executive Staff might turn for counsel on matters of strategic planning, projects, and changes, before the EC acts on them and/or brings them before the Annual Meetings of the Association.

Discussion After discussion it was the consensus of the Board of Directors that the number of persons to serve on this group be six in total, and Dr. Backus requested that each Leadership Team member submit the names of two individuals as nominees to serve on this project. Dr. Backus will report on his progress in February.

“The Churches The Chairman distributed a Summary of “The Churches Speak” listing the

Speak” comments made by the delegates at the June Annual Meeting.

Recess The meeting recessed for dinner and the evening at 5:50pm.

Saturday Morning, October 6, 2001

Call to Order Gathering again in Dole Hall, twelve members of the Corporate Board were present at 9:00am when the Chairman, Ms. Carol Cole, called the meeting to order. Mrs. Susan Carter and the Reverend Mr. Bailey were absent.

Also present were the Reverend Dr. Thomas Richard; the Reverend Mr. Phil Jackson; the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr.; Mr. James Walsh; Mrs. Marina Rosenberg; Mr. Joseph B. Polhemus; the Reverend Dr. Steven Peay; the Reverend Mr. Richard Adair; Ms. Diane Williams; the Reverend Mr. Thomas Miller; Mr. Thomas Lootens; Mr. Theodore Flynn; the Reverend Dr. Jay Terbush; Mr. Michael Fales.

Devotions Mr. Blaine Simmons offered the Morning Devotions beginning with a Prayer for guidance and a safe journey back to our homes. Using the 31st Psalm, his theme was based on his love of clocks and the importance of time in our lives. Recalling what a missionary had once told him, that while traveling in Africa, an African had said that Americans all had watches, but had little time, while few Africans had watches, but always had time for each other. The missionary put away his watch for the rest of the trip. Our time is in our hands, how we spend it is up to us.

Welcome to Youth The Chairman welcomed the members of the Youth subcommittee to the

Subcommittee meeting along with members of HOPE and NAPF. After telling of their plans for Spokane, the Youth, NAPF and HOPE left the meeting.

Thanks to Youth The Board of Directors and Leadership Team offered sincere thanks to our Youth with strong applause, and expressed their joy that adults and youth will be sharing time together in Spokane.

Board of Directors The Chairman called for a review of the procedure of nominating and

Chairman/Vice electing the chairman and vice chairman of the Board of Directors. After

Chairman discussion it was the consensus of the Board that nominees for office for the Board of Directors should be selected based upon the best candidates available. Nominations can also be called for from the floor after the Nominating Committee has presented their slate.

01-C-74 VOTED: That it be the policy of the Board of Directors that the Senior

Nominating Committee Class of the Board of Directors serve as the Nominating

For Board of Directors Committee to present candidates for the offices of Chairman

and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.

(5 in favor; 3 opposed; 2 abstentions)

Procedure for New The Reverend Patti Dando Haaheim reported on the procedure for New

Church Membership Church Membership, outlining suggested application procedures. A long discussion followed with a number of suggestions and recommendations being made.

Mr. Ken Arnold left the meeting during the above discussion.

Following a brief break, eleven Board of Directors resumed the meeting and discussion. Mrs. Susan Carter, Mr. Ken Arnold and the Reverend Mr. Bailey were absent. Also present were members of the Leadership Team as previously listed with the exception of: the Reverend Mr. Thomas Miller; the Reverend Mr. Richard Adair; the Reverend Dr. Jay Terbush; the Reverend Mr. Phil Jackson; Mrs. Marina Rosenberg; Ms. Diane Williams.

Discussion Resumed The discussion resumed concerning the procedure for New Church Membership Applications. The Reverend Mrs. Dando Haaheim stated that she would take under consideration the recommendations made and will revise her report accordingly.

Ms. Carol Cole thanked the Reverend Mrs. Dando Haaheim for her good work and asked that she bring her revised report to the February meeting.

The Staff Handbook is being worked on and will be reported on in February.

The Reverend Mr. Phil Jackson entered the meeting.

Discussion re Discussion took place concerning the $50,000 allocated at the Annual

Marketing Plan Meeting in June to develop a Marketing Plan.

01-C-75 VOTED: To approve the expenditure of up to $3,000 to cover the cost of:

Approve expenditures 1. The National Association display (internal marketing); 2. One or two additional displays; and 3. Amount to cover a meeting with

Consultants (for consulting only) to suggest an approach to

marketing.

Ad Hoc Committee The Chairman named an ad hoc committee to work on this matter. The

Re: Congregational Reverend Dr. Steven Peay, Chairman, the Reverend Dr. Dewey Gierke, the

Institute Reverend Mr. Steven H. Ware Bailey, Mr. Michael Fales and a representative from Piedmont College.

The Executive Secretary stated that neither the Staff nor the Executive Committee/Board of Directors can develop an external Marketing Plan as proposed by the Reverend Michael Robertson in June. Such a plan will have to be developed by an outside marketing agent.

Mrs. Marina Rosenberg entered the meeting during the above discussion.

The Chairman, Ms. Carol Cole thanked everyone for their input and devotion to our Association and asked everyone to stand and join hands and recite together the Mizpah.

The meeting adjourned at 11:50am.

Lois A. Heilmann Secretary

Note: Future Board of Directors Meeting dates are:

Thursday, January 31st through Saturday, February 2nd, 2002 in

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Thursday, June 27th through Saturday, June 29th, 2002 in

Spokane, Washington

EXHIBITS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

EXHIBIT 1 Worship Bulletin

EXHIBIT 2 Meeting Agenda

EXHIBIT 3 June 21-26, 2001 Minutes

EXHIBITS 4,5,6,7 Written Staff Reports

The Reverend Dr. Richard, the Reverend Mr. Jackson,

The Reverend Dr. Olsen, Mrs. Rosenberg

EXHIBIT 8 Moderator’s Report – Ms. Kniefel

EXHIBIT 9 Resolution re Pension Plan

EXHIBIT 10 Policy re Unrestricted Bequests

EXHIBIT 11 Purpose of ad hoc Committee for Congregational Foundation

And Institute

EXHIBIT 12 Executive Travel Policy