BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

OF THE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES[LAH2]

ACTIONS 02-C-01 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Through 02-C-33 January 31 – February 2, 2002

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, January 31, 2002, in the Aviator Room of the Best Western Midway Hotel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to the meeting, the entire Leadership Team joined together for dinner with the blessing offered by the Executive Secretary, the Reverend Dr. Thomas M. Richard.

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

Hopkins, Mr. James A. Simons, Mr. Blaine H.

Clarke, the Reverend Joseph Gierke, the Reverend Dr. Dewey Haaheim, the Reverend Patricia Dando Hicks, Mr. Michael

Ellcey, the Reverend Gregory A. Murphy, the Reverend Alice

Backus, the Reverend Dr. Roy C. Kniefel, Ms. Claudia

Carter, Mrs. Susan

Absent: Arnold, Mr. Kenneth W.

Bailey, the Reverend Steven H. Ware

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; Mr. James H. Walsh, Treasurer; Mrs. Marina Rosenberg, Controller; the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr., Historian; Mr. Joseph B. Polhemus, Editor, THE CONGREGATIONALIST; Ms. Diane Williams, Chairman, Church Services Commission; the Reverend Mr. Thomas Miller, Missionary Society

Welcome/Getting The Chairman, Ms. Cole, welcomed the group, and asked each person to

To Know You share some information unknown, to the others, about their life.

02-C-01 VOTED: To approve the printed Agenda with necessary changes.

Approve Agenda (Exhibit 1)

02-C-02 VOTED: To ratify the Mail Ballot concerning the purchase of accounting

Ratify Mail Ballot software. (Exhibit 2)

02-C-03 VOTED: (By Mail Ballot) To approve the purchase of new accounting

Purchase Accounting software for the NA office.

Software

02-C-04 VOTED: To ratify the Mail Ballot concerning the request from Dr. Richard

Ratify Mail Ballot for an additional $5,000.00 to be spent for marketing and

marketing consultations. (Exhibit 3)

02-C-05 VOTED: (By mail Ballot) To approve an additional amount of $5,000.00 to

Approve Additional be added to the original amount of $5,000.00 authorized for use of

$5,000.00 for marketing and the NA office for marketing and marketing consultations.

marketing consultations

02-C-06 VOTED: To ratify the mail ballot concerning the October 4-6, 2001

Ratify Mail Ballot Board of Directors minutes.

02-C-07 VOTED: (By Mail Ballot) To approve the minutes of the October 4-6,

Approve October Minutes 2001 Board of Directors meeting. (Exhibit 4)

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

Dr. Richard added to his report the visits he had made to churches and associations; Mr. Hopkins suggested that in future reports, Dr. Olsen include the distribution of the financial gifts given to the September 11th appeal featuring stories about those who responded. The Reverend Mr. Jackson added to his report giving information of the Youth sub-committee who plan five different events each year and do a great job as well, with the Pilgrim Missionary Voyages. He also stated that we have received an estate gift designated for endowed scholarships. Mr. Jackson said that the NA is applying for a grant from the Lily Foundation and should know by October if this has been approved.

02-C-08 VOTED: To accept with much appreciation, the staff reports.

Appreciation to Staff (Exhibits 5,6,7,8)

Moderator’s Report Ms. Claudia Kniefel, Moderator, reported that all is in place for the June meeting in Spokane, Washington.

02-C-09 VOTED: That the fees for the 2002 Annual Meeting in Spokane be set at

Annual Meeting $150.00 for registrations received before May 24th, $160.00 after

Fees that date, and $165.00 for seven meals, including the Banquet.

The designation of the Communion Offering will be submitted at the June pre-meeting.

Thanks to The Moderator, Claudia Kniefel, was commended for her excellent planning

Moderator for the 2002 Annual Meeting and for her efforts to provide many options to attendees.

Child Care Plans The Reverend Joe Clarke stated that this year there will be three levels of child care offered, with suitable programs for all ages.

Moderator-Elect’s Due to snow in the Detroit area, the Moderator-Elect, the Reverend Steven

Report H. Ware Bailey, was not able to attend this meeting. He had been in contact with Ms. Cole and had informed her that the theme of the 2003 Annual Meeting to be held in Milwaukee, will be taken from Psalm 90 and the hymn, Our God Our Help in Ages Past, “For Years To Come.”

The meeting recessed for the evening at 8:30pm. Sub-committees met for the balance of the evening.

Friday Morning, February 1, 2002

All attendees met in the lobby of the hotel at 7:30am and were transported to the NA office by office volunteers. Once there, they were greeted warmly and offered refreshments.

In attendance were all of the earlier listed attendees along with all of the office staff and representatives of the divisions.

At 8:00am, the Reverend Dr. Donald Olsen, Associate Executive Secretary for Missions, Church Development and Technology, offered a presentation to help people work together more closely and to help everyone understand our NA Church work sites. After demonstrating what is available on our work site, and answering questions from the audience, Dr. Olsen stated that our NA Church work site can be found at: www.nachurch.org and again offered the help of our staff to guide people in its use. (Exhibit 9)

Thanks to Dr. Olsen Dr. Richard expressed the appreciation of our Association to Dr. Olsen for his command of our technical programs and for being the bearer of solutions to our problems.

Devotions Ms. Carol Cole invited the Reverend Dr. Roy Backus to offer the Morning Devotions. For his scripture, Dr. Backus used John 8:32 – “You will know the Truth and the Truth will make you free.” If we are disciples of Jesus we will make His Home, our home, for Jesus’ home will transform our lives. As we walk with Him, our lives will be forever changed and the Truth will make us free. Closing with prayer, Dr. Backus offered thanks to our Lord

Devotions for making His Home with us and asked for help to make us giving and

(Continued) authentic enough to make our home with Jesus.

Members of the Divisions were excused to convene their separate meetings.

Following a brief break, all Corporate Board members with the exception of Mr. Arnold, along with Dr. Richard, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Miesbauer, Mrs. Rosenberg, Dr. Hall, and Mr. Polhemus, gathered in the National Association library to resume meeting. Mrs. Carrie Dahm, Assistant to Dr. Richard, was greeted and asked to report on future Annual Meeting plans. Mrs. Dahm stated that in accordance with Dr. Richard’s suggestion, the expenses of the various lectures and breaks will be underwritten by churches and colleges. This will be a great help in keeping the costs of the meeting within reason.

Mrs. Dahm’s Report For this year’s Annual Meeting, all is progressing well and with Ms. Kniefel’s excellent plans, it is anticipated it will be a great success. In 2003, Mrs. Hannah Hall and Mrs. Mary York will be the Co-Chairmen of the Host Committee and the Reverend Steven H. Ware Bailey will serve as Moderator. All is going well with their plans. For the 2004 Annual

Meeting, it has been suggested that we meet in Providence, Rhode Island at the Biltmore Hotel, an historical landmark. Air flights into Providence are excellent and it is recommended that we accept Providence as our site for 2004.

02-C-10 VOTED: To accept the recommendation that the 2004 National

Accept 2004 Annual Association Annual Meeting be held in Providence, Rhode

Meeting Site Island.

Mrs. Dahm was unanimously and warmly thanked for her excellent efforts as our Meeting Coordinator.

Future Meeting Dates The Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Reverend Dr. Roy Backus, announced the dates of future Corporate Board meetings:

Thursday, October 10th through Saturday, October 12th in

Milwaukee, Wisconsin;

Thursday, February 6th through Saturday, February 8th, 2003

in Milwaukee, Wisconsin;

Thursday, June 26th, 2003 through Saturday, June28th, 2003 in

Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Discussion re The Chairman asked for comments concerning efforts to use electronic

Electronic Mail mail for EC communications. A discussion took place with various members noting difficulty they had experienced. It was determined that as

this is a new effort on our part, and with Dr. Olsen’s help, this can be a time

and cost saving endeavor.

Dr. Richards’ Report The Executive Secretary, Dr. Richard, said that he has had success in seeking sponsors for our Annual meeting lectures and that he feels this will be a popular way for our churches/individuals/associations to contribute to the work of our Association. It was suggested that we refer to this as underwriters, not sponsors.

Dr. Richard also noted that in the future, it is his hope that our budget will allow the addition of an Office Assistant to our NA staff. He outlined the responsibilities this position would entail.

Bylaws Re: Ballots The Historian, Dr. Hall, called attention to page 259 of the Bylaws of the Association, Section IV, item (h) which states that ballots shall be mailed. If we are now to send ballots electronically, this bylaw will have to be changed accordingly.

The Reverend Patricia Dando Haaheim, chairman of the Membership and Procedures subcommittee, will take this under advisement.

Controller’s Report The report of the Controller, Mrs. Marina Rosenberg, was reviewed and Mrs. Rosenberg was congratulated on her fine work and dedication to her responsibilities. The Controller stated that she has now been with us for one year and is very much enjoying her work.

Treasurer’s Report Mr. James Walsh presented his Treasurer’s Report and answered questions offered. He stated that he is most grateful to Mr. Don Miesbauer, his assistant, for his help and his willingness to take over when Mr. Walsh is out of town. Mr. Walsh reported that we are currently showing a deficit budget.

Investment Trust At the Annual Meeting in Spokane, a representative of the Investment Trust

Seminar Company, the firm handling our investments, will present a seminar which should be of interest to our churches. The return on our investments for the last quarter of 2001 was 6.9% and year to date for 2001 was (2.4%).

02-C-11 VOTED: To affirm the recommendation of the Personnel and

Affirm Housing Allowance Administration subcommittee to approve the housing

and expense Proposals allowance and related expense proposals for the

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.

02-C-12 VOTED: To accept the Resolution as presented by the Treasurer,

Accept Resolution Mr. James Walsh, that overspending of line items of the

Re: Operating Budget 2001-02 Operating Budget are approved, provided that

Resolution (Continued) the total Expense Budget may not be exceeded by more

than ten percent (10%).

02-C-13 VOTED: To accept the Resolution presented by the Treasurer,

Accept Resolution Re: Mr. Walsh, that procedures for the withholding, collecting

Federal and State Taxes and remitting of all Federal and State taxes are in place

and will be consistently implemented. Periodic review of

this procedure will be made and it will be reported to the

Board of Directors within 90 days of the close of the

calendar year that this responsibility has been fulfilled

for the prior year.

02-C-14 VOTED: To accept the Resolution presented by the Treasurer,

Accept Resolution Re: Mr. James Walsh, that the following individuals: James

Sale and Assignment H. Walsh, Treasurer; Donald T. Miesbauer, Assistant to the

of Securities Treasurer; and Thomas M. Richard, Executive Secretary,

are hereby authorized to sell, assign and endorse for transfer,

certificates representing stocks, bonds, or other securities

registered or hereafter registered in the name of the

National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.

02-C-15 VOTED: That there be no transfer of funds this year for the Morgan

Morgan Park Transfer Park Endowments recognizing the presence of nominal

of Funds inflation.

02-C-16 VOTED: To ratify the action of the office and approve the hiring

Approve new Auditing of a new Auditing Firm, Reilly, Penner & Benton LLP, of

Firm Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

At 10:50am, the Chairman, Ms Cole, called for a recess in order to

transport the Leadership Team back to the hotel.

At 11:30am, the Chairman called the meeting to order in the Aviator Room of the Best Western Midway Hotel with twelve Board of Directors in attendance as well as Dr. Richard, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Miesbauer, Mrs. Rosenberg, Dr. Hall, Mr. Polhemus, Mr. Miller and Ms. Williams.

Ms. Cole distributed copies of the informational brochure which the office gives to inquiring churches. (Exhibit 10)

Proposed Budget The Controller, Mrs. Marina Rosenberg, distributed copies of the Proposed

For Fiscal Year Budget for the fiscal year 2002-03, which was discussed. This Proposed 2002-03 Budget shows a 2% deficit of ($19,700).

Motion To reinstate an amount of $87,750 for THE CONGREGATIONALIST.

There being no second, the Motion failed.

Motion To allocate the amount of $86,000, which would be the same amount as

budgeted for this year, to THE CONGREGATIONALIST. The Motion failed.

02-C-17 VOTED: To amend the Motion to change $86,000 to $84,000 as the

Amount to be budgeted for amount to be budgeted for THE CONGREGATIONALIST.

THE CONGREGATIONALIST

02-C-18 VOTED: To approve the Proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year 2002-

Approve Proposed Budget 2003 as amended . (Exhibit 11)

The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:10pm.

Prayers The Reverend Dr. Richard offered a prayer prior to the meal in memory of our Attorney and friend, Mr. Walter Davis, and the Reverend Dr. Erwin A. Britton, past Executive Secretary, both of whom had recently departed this life. The blessing before the meal was offered by the Reverend Edward Fackler.

Friday Afternoon, February 1, 2002

Call to Order Ms. Carol Cole called the meeting to order at 1:30pm with twelve Corporate members present along with Dr. Richard, Mr. Walsh, Mrs. Rosenberg, Dr. Hall, Mr. Polhemus, Mr. Miller and Ms. Williams.

Congregational The Reverend Cynthia Bacon was welcomed to the meeting to make her

Hymnal presentation concerning the publication of a Congregational Hymnal. The Reverend Ms. Bacon had done a great deal of research on this matter and had obtained signatures of a number of churches who had indicated interest in this matter. She had also obtained financial gifts to date, in the amount of $6,000 for this project, and would like to have a committee working with her. Ms. Bacon requested: 1. Permission from the Executive Committee/ Board of Directors to continue this project; 2. The formation of a committee to work with her (she had a preliminary meeting agenda prepared); 3. Permission to raise additional funds; and 4. Web site involvement.

The Reverend Cindy Bacon was thanked and congratulated on her work on this project thus far and the Executive Committee said they would take this under consideration.

The Reverend Cindy Bacon left the meeting.

Piedmont College The Chairman welcomed Dr. W. Ray Cleere, President, and the Reverend

Representatives Ashley M. Cook, Campus Minister, of Piedmont College, Demorest, Georgia, to the meeting. Dr. Cleere stated that they had wanted to meet with the Executive Committee to announce that Piedmont College is in

Piedmont College dialogue with the United Church of Christ to form affiliations with both the

Report (Continued) National Association and the United Church of Christ. The church being formed on campus will have dual affiliation with the NA and the UCC.

After their presentation, Dr. Cleere and the Reverend Ashley Cook left the meeting. A brief discussion concerning the plans of Piedmont College took place.

Report of Mr. Mr. Joseph Polhemus, Editor of THE CONGREGATIONALIST, gave his

Polhemus report saying that he is grateful for the excellent articles he receives for publication and that serving as our Editor is still an enjoyable experience for him.

Mr. Polhemus was thanked for his continued good work on our behalf.

istorian, Dr. Hall.

istorian, Dr. HallH

The Congregational Mr. James Hopkins next gave his report on the establishment of The

Foundation Congregational Foundation, using Scripture from Matthew 5:13-16, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?” The Statement of Purpose for the Foundation was given:

The Congregational Foundation is entrusted with responsibility for funding salt and light for a new century by …

Providing a catalyst for charitable donations

Broadening the base of giving to Congregational purposes

Encouraging and funding new initiatives

Funding the missions and dreams of our Divisions, Commission and

Committees

Insuring the financial stability and work of the Association in support

of local churches

Discussion Mr. Hopkins requested approval to continue with this project and in June to make a presentation and ask for support via vote of the delegates. The matter was taken under consideration to be continued later in the meeting.

The Chairman called for a brief break.

The meeting resumed at 3:30pm with twelve Corporate members present along with Dr. Richard, Dr. Hall, Mr. Polhemus, Dr. Steven Peay, Dr. Jay Terbush, Ms. Williams, the Reverend Mr. Miller.

Nominating Mrs. Marjorie Walbridge, Chairman of the Association Nominating

Committee Report Committee, was welcomed to the meeting and asked to give her committee report. The following nominees were presented by Mrs. Walbridge:

Moderator-Elect - - - - - - - The Reverend Dr. Donald Bentley

Pilgrim Congregational Church

Pomona, California

Nominating Committee Treasurer - - - - - - - - - - - -Mr. James Walsh

Report (Continued) First Congregational Church

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Secretary - - - - - - - - - - - -Mrs. Sherry Glab

Pilgrim Congregational Church

Pomona, California
Historian - - - - - - - - - - - -Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr.

Plymouth Congregational Church

Racine, Wisconsin

Credentials Committee - - The Reverend Giovan Venable King

First Congregational Church

Los Angeles, California

Executive Committee- - - -Mrs. Ellen Eckert

First Congregational Church

Mansfield, Ohio

The Reverend Dr. Lottie Jones-Hood

First Congregational Church

Detroit, Michigan

The Reverend Milton White

Congregational Church of Sun City

Sun City, Arizona

Incoming Chairman Mrs. Walbridge announced that the Reverend Paul Ray will be the

Nominating Incoming Chairman of the Association Nominating Committee. She also

Committee announced that in the future nomination forms will be held for two years

and that nomination forms will be available in attendee’s packets in Spokane

and people will be encouraged to fill them out.

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

Reports

Division for The first to report was the Reverend Dr. Jay Terbush, Chairman of the

Ministry Division for Ministry, who said that this Division plans the annual Ministers’ Convocation and that funds are available to our clergy for registration, continuing education and financial emergencies. They are currently updating the Minister’s information form and working on a resource book for clergy and churches. This Division is looking into applying for a Lily Foundation grant.

Missionary Reporting for the Missionary Society was the Reverend Thomas Miller

Society who said the Missionary Society budget meeting was held in Mexico and members contributed to their expenses for the trip. They are looking for ways to raise money for administration costs. They have a calendar which shows various missions and they will be on display in Spokane. At Spokane there will also be prayers at mealtimes given by Missionaries in their native

Missionary Society tongues, with cards on each table giving the translation in English. They are

Report (Continued) working on a project to have the Missionary News and Needs publication included in copies of THE CONGREGATIONALIST.

It was the consensus of the group that the Missionary Society should take the necessary action to include News and Needs in our magazine.

Congregational The Reverend Dr. Roy Backus reported on the Congregational Institute

Institute listing four goals for this project: 1. How do we preserve the idea and the ideal? (This is in response to the Roozen Report); 2. To be a think tank for the Congregational Way; 3. To be a “moveable feast” i.e., provide learning, teaching, education, etc. opportunities for pastoral and lay training which can be mobile enough to reach people where they are geographically. (Regional opportunities and on line learning); 4. To use the NACCC National Office to house the Institute with relationships with Olivet and

Piedmont Colleges.

Dr. Richard suggested that the Heritage Foundation and the Institute work together in making future plans.

Strategic Plan Dr. Backus next presented a written report on the Strategic Plan which would consist of a group of leaders who serve or have served the NA, but are not presently serving in any NA leadership position. They will do long- range planning and evaluations on an on-going basis and be a resource to whom the Executive Committee and/or the Executive Staff may turn. Dr. Backus listed the purposes of this group; the rationale; its terms of service and tenure.

02-C-19 VOTED: To adopt the Proposal for the Strategic Plan as presented by Dr.

Adopt Proposal Roy Backus. (Exhibit 12)

Fraternal Visitors Dr. Richard presented a proposal for a Fraternal Visitors Team including

Team the Rationale for the team and its make-up and responsibilities. A discussion followed concerning this proposal.

02-C-20 VOTED: To accept the Proposal for a Fraternal Visitors Team as presented

Accept Proposal by the Reverend Dr. Richard. (Exhibit 13)

Congregational The Reverend Dr. Steven Peay gave the report for the Congregational

Foundation for Foundation for Theological Studies saying that this group was interviewing

Theological Studies prospective students at this meeting and by June they anticipate having five to seven more students. They are much impressed by the caliber of the applicants. Six students will graduate this year and all but two are already in churches. CFTS co-sponsored two symposiums with the Division for Ministry. They are working on a correspondence course in polity for Piedmont College.

Reverend Thomas Miller, Dr. Jay Terbush and Dr. Roy Backus left the meeting during the above report.

Vendors, Mailing Dr. Richard presented a Policy Statement with regard to vendors and our

Lists mailing lists, with the most important consideration being the benefit this may have for our local churches. The Policy he suggested was:

It is the mission of the National Association to provide resources for our local Churches. In doing so, we will take advantage of opportunities to display or otherwise advertise those resources keeping the following in mind:

Provide choices for our Churches, which reflect both theological

sensitivity and quality of service;

Accept fees for advertising, displaying, or otherwise recommending

their services, in consultation with the Executive Committee,
annually;

Waive fees for those vendors sponsoring annual meeting breaks, or

other, pre-determined program times.

02-C-21 VOTED: To adopt the Policy Statement for Vendors as presented by

Accept Policy Dr. Richard for the Spokane Meeting, with the Policy to be

re-evaluated after the Annual Meeting.

Congregational Discussion concerning the Congregational Foundation was resumed. Mr.

Foundation Hopkins was asked to check on our legal responsibilities with regard to this

Discussion matter. Mr. Hopkins stated again, the importance of having the complete endorsement of the Executive Committee/Corporate Board, to continue this project.

During this discussion the Reverend Dr. Backus entered the meeting.

02-C-22 VOTED: That the Executive Committee/Board of Directors approve,

Endorse Congregational endorse, and promote the Congregational Foundation as

Foundation described. That the ad hoc committee present the Congregational

Foundation to the Annual Meeting in Spokane seeking the

approval of the delegates. That the Executive Committee/