MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

OF THE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

Providence, Rhode Island

June 25-30, 2004

ACTIONS 04-C-27

Through 04-C-44

Call To Order A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the National

Association of Congregational Christian Churches was called to

order on Friday, June 25, 2004 at 8:30 A.M. by the chairman, Mrs. Susan Carter, in State Room C of the Biltmore Hotel .

Twelve voting members present were:

Simons, Mr.Blaine H. Gierke, the Rev. Dr. Dewey E.

Hicks, Mr. Michael Murphy, the Rev. Alice

Hood, the Rev. Dr. Lottie Jones White, the Rev. Milton “Ed”

Clarke, the Rev. Joseph Hall, Mrs. Hannah

Butman, Mrs. Anne Godard, Ms. Betty

Hotchkin, the Rev. Richard E. Carter, Mrs. Susan

Present at all sessions: Sherry Glab, Secretary

Also present were: Mr. James H. Walsh, Treasurer; the Rev. Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr., Historian; and Mrs. Claudia Kniefel.

The Chairman welcomed Mrs. Kniefel.

Devotions The devotions were given by Mrs. Anne Butman using the face as her theme. Volcanoes are capable of changing the face of the earth. She likened the power of God to volcanoes.

At 8:37 A.M. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Richard, Executive Secretary arrived.

Corporation Minutes 2 June 25-30, 2004

04-C-27 VOTED: By consensus the Agenda (Exhibit 1) was approved

Approval of the with the following changes: Bob Carlson will be joining us at

Agenda 9:00 A.M., a representative from Church Services will be coming in at 11:00, Jim Hopkins at 2:00 P.M.; Saturday at 9:00 A.M. a representative from the Alabama Association will meet with us. Also the minutes of the telephone conference calls of March 25 and April 13 need to be ratified.

At 8:38 Mr. Jeff Dillon, Assistant Treasurer, arrived.

The Chairman noted the January 2004 conference call.

04-C-28 VOTED: By general consent, the minutes of the February 7, 2004 telephone conference call were approved as posted.

04-C-29 VOTED: By general consent, the minutes of the March 25, 2004 telephone conference call were approved as posted.

04-C-30 VOTED: By general consent, the minutes of the April 13, 2004 were approved as posted.

Moderator’s No report.

Report

Moderator-Elect’s In addition to her written report (Exhibit 2) Mrs. Hall added that

Report she wants ideas from the Executive Committee by October.

Host Committee This report will come later in the meeting.

At 8:47 Rev. Dr. Roy Backus arrived.

Associate Rev. John Carson’s written report was received and accepted.

Executive Secretary (Exhibit 3)

Associate Rev. Dr. Don Olsen’s written report was received and

Executive Secretary accepted. (Exhibit 4)

Executive Secretary Rev. Dr. Tom Richard presented his written report (Exhibit 5) and noted he would update us at the Executive Session.

At 8:53 Mrs. Hannah Hall left.

At 9:03 Mr. Bonn Clayton arrived and was welcomed.

Corporation Minutes 3 June 25-30, 2004

Congregational Rev. Bob Carlson, Chairman of the Congregational Foundation

Foundation presented his written report on the activities of the Foundation since the last Annual Meeting. A little over 500,000 has been pledged. They were in hopes of raising $50,000 cash but received $26,000. They are hosting a reception at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday for those who have shown interest and he extended the invitation to us. They now have 175 potential contacts. They are asking for a grant for $50,000 so by the end of July they can hire a Director of Development. This person needs to be from the Milwaukee area. The $50,000 would cover the salary ($30,000.00) and development expenses. Position would require 20-25 hours per week. Mr. Howard Lewis is coming on to the Board to replace Mr. Grant Stannard. A discussion period followed with questions for Rev. Carlson.

Treasurer’s Report Mr. James Walsh brought our attention to the following reports: financial report (Exhibit 6), the supplemental letter from the auditors (Exhibit 7) and the Treasurer’s report to the delegates (Exhibit 8).

Tom Richard pointed out we should change the timing of our requests for money to churches so that they will receive them in time to be included in their church budget planning.

Break At 9:50 A.M. the Chairman declared a 15 minute break.

At 10:05 A.M. the meeting resumed.

04-C-31 Rev. Roy Backus moved that we approve a $50,000 grant to the Congregational Foundation for development purposes.

Seconded and defeated.

AT 10:33 Mrs. Hall returned.

Historian’s Report Rev. Lloyd Hall presented his report (Exhibit 9). He commented that we need to move toward microfilming the archival material.

Visitors Handbook The revised draft of the Visitors Handbook was presented, which is a result of suggestions coming out of goal groups. Dr. Richard stated the handbook will be used by Fraternal Delegates and others visiting churches on behalf of the National Association. We need to complete the circle of communication with a follow up letter and let the National Association know the outcome of each visit.

Corporation Minutes 4 June 25-30, 2004

Alternative Fund This was postponed until the February 2005 meeting.

Raising

Annual Meeting This was discussed in a goal group.

Evaluation Mrs. Christine Fleischmann will be asked to collate the results of this year’s evaluation forms. Mrs. Hall informed us she was going to have a drawing from the turned in forms and award a free registration to next year’s meeting.

Goal Groups At 11:00 A.M. we broke into Goal Groups for a ten minute session.

Mrs. Carter resumed the meeting at 11:15 A.M. Mrs. Fleischmann, Mrs. Hupp and Karen Frazzell joined us.

Lunch At 11:30 Mrs. Sue Carter declared the meeting recessed for lunch.

Meeting Resumed At 1:33 P.M. the meeting resumed with all voting members present. Hannah Hall requested prayers for her sister Prudence and Dr. Richard asked for prayers for Carrie Dahm’s mother-in-law.

Marketing Plan The Marketing Plan was presented (Exhibit ) Tom Richard updated us on the activities of Mary Carson. Rev. Hotchkin suggested Anne Butman get involved in the marketing endeavor.

Land Committee Joe Clarke reported the sale of the land is in process. Delineation of the wetlands has been done and the survey is being done this week. The surveyor has suggested we add 25 feet more than the city requires, and had put in the sale, for traffic.

CCD No report.

DFM No report.

CFTS No report.

Missionary Society No report

The above four divisions will be reporting at the Plenary Session.

Host Committee Jim Hopkins added to his written report (Exhibit 10) that the Planning Committee had been a great group to work with.

Corporation Minutes 5 June 25-30, 2004

At 2:10 P.M. Mr. Joe Polhemus and Rev. Jim Eaton arrived

Report of The Mr. Joe Polhemus made the following comments to his written

Congregationalist report (Exhibit 12 ): Revenue for the magazine was up $17,000;

Editor the Pilgrim Ride was an outstanding success and his booklet entitled “15 Years of Comment in the Congregationalist” will be on sale during the Annual Meeting for $5.00 per copy.

Incoming Editor’s Rev. Jim Eaton added to his written report (Exhibit 13 ) that

Report $17,000.00 worth of new software has been purchases as well as a color laser printer which will be used in the preparation of The Congregationalist. He commented that he asks of each article “How does this effect people in the churches?”.

Thanks Chairman Sue Carter thanked Joe (Polhemus) for his years of service.

Membership Mrs. Carter asked Rev. Ed White for his report. Rev. White

& Procedures presented the proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of Corporation. (Exhibit 14)

04-C-32 Rev. White moved that the Board of Directors recommend to the Assembly (Delegates) the revised updated versions of the NACCC Articles of Incorporation and the bylaws of Corporation.

VOTED: Adopted

Recess At 3:00 P.M. the Chairman called a 15 minute recess.

At 3:15 P.M. Mrs. Carter called the meeting to order.

Electronic Voting Rev. Tom Richard brought up the subject of electronic voting, per an e-mail generated by Rev. White dated May 14, 2004. (Exhibit 14). It appears, per Ed White’s research that, unless proven otherwise, electronic voting is permissible for a State of Wisconsin Corporation.

“Protocol for A document entitled “A New Protocol for Inquiring Churches

Inquiring Churches” (checklist-updated 4/22/04” (Exhibit ) was presented.

04-C- Rev. Dewey Gierke moved that the “New Protocol Checklist for Inquiring Churches” be approved.

Seconded and adopted.

Corporation Minutes 6 June 25-30, 2004

Nominations Rev. Alice Murphy presented a document (Exhibit 15) naming the 2004 Nominees and Appointees.

04-C-33 Rev. Murphy moved that we accept the nominees and appointees for presentation to the general assembly.

VOTED: Adopted.

Wish List Alice Murphy presented a request from the Division for Ministry for special funding (Exhibit )

04-C-34 Rev. Murphy moved that we grant $29,500.00 to DFM to implement their request for special funding. Seconded.

Following a lengthy discussion:

04-C-35 Rev. Murphy moved that we postpone action on this motion until we can discuss this with Rev. Michael Chittum.

Seconded and adopted.

Recess The meeting was recessed at 4:00 P.M.

Plenary Session Following dinner in the Garden Room, Chairman Mrs. Sue Carter called the Plenary Session to order at 6:03 P.M. and called on each of the following Division chairmen for their reports:

CCD Rev. Neil Hunt, Chairman, Congregational Church Development told how they are continuing to work on the revitalization of churches with the help of Rev. Patti Dando Haaheim.

CFTS Rev. Casey vanderBent, Chairman, Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies, reported there were eleven students currently in the program, one is graduating and five are being interviewed. Lay, and licensed, Ministry Programs continue to grow. They are also talking to children and youth regarding the ministry as a profession. They are “seeding” a fund for an endowed CFTS (Dean’s) chair.

DFM Rev. Mike Chittum, Chairman of the Division for Ministry, told us that they need financial help for assisting ministers and for the meetings of the Division.

Missionary Society Rev. Kevin Roach, Chairman of the Missionary Society, reported $451,00.00 of missionary money came through the National Office. They wish to upgrade communication technology with missionaries.

Corporation Minutes 7 June 25-30, 2004

Plenary Session (cont’d.)

Congregational Rev. Bob Carlson reported they have raised $17,000.00 and

Foundation have spent $15,000.00. They look forward to hiring a Director of Development. They will be hosting a reception on Tuesday at 5:00 P.M.

The Chairman thanked everyone and then explained the space constraints at the Annual Meeting.

Rev. Dr. Don Olsen briefly described information on line, access and webhosting to churches.

The Plenary Session closed at 6:50 P.M.

Saturday Morning, June 26, 2004

Call to Order The Chairman, Mrs. Sue Carter, called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M.

The fourteen voting members were present.

Also present were: Rev. Dr. Thomas Richard, Executive Secretary; Rev. Dr. Don Olsen, Associate Executive Secretary; Mr. Jeff Dillon, Assistant Treasurer; Miss Lois Heilmann, Member of the Program Committee; Rev. Dr. Michael Chittum, Chairman, of the Division for Ministry; and Mrs. Christine Fleischmann, Chairman of Church Services.

Devotions Mr. Blaine Simons gave the devotions by reading the poem “The Calf Path” and then spoke briefly on “What led us here?”.

Delegate Grant Miss Heilmann gave a brief report on Dr. Bentley’s program

Fund which solicited funds to give to churches to send delegates to the Annual Meeting, which otherwise could not afford to be represented. As a result of this program, six churches were able to send delegates. Six individuals and three churches gave to the effort. Mention was given to People’s Congregational Church which gave $1,377.00 from their Blessing Fund. A total of $4,272.00 was received out of which $3,705.00 were given out in grants with a balance of $566.00 still in the fund. (Exhibit 17)

Corporation Minutes 8 June 25-30, 2004

At 8:40 Mr. James Walsh arrived

DFM Request A discussion ensued regarding their request for special funding (Exhibit 18) with the help of Rev. Don Olsen and Rev. Mike Chittum. Jim Walsh explained there is $360,000 available for Part 1. (Part 1 reads: “Realizing that our retired ministers face the rising burden of prescription drug costs, the DFM seeks funding to help them deal with this burden “.) It was decided that it would be DFM’s decision if this item is within the purpose of the fund. In the retirement fund there is $850,000 of which $520,000 is restricted. Also regarding Item 4 there is $46,000 in the Ministers’ Assistance Fund. (Item 4 reads: ”Connected to the above (Item 3) request is the desire to provide the opportunity for more of our clergy to attend the one NACCC wide event for fellowship and education – the Minister’s Convocation. Scholarships would help many of our clergy be in attendance”).

At 8:55 Don Olsen and Mike Chittum left

At 9:05 Rev. Glenn Lawson arrived

At 9:15 Don Bentley left the meeting

Invitation for 2007 Rev. Glenn Lawson, United Congregational Christian Church, LaGrange, Georgia and Moderator of the Alabama Association of Congregational Christian Churches, extended an invitation to the National Association to hold their 2007 Annual Meeting in Montgomery, Alabama. He explained there is an Embassy Suites available and in 2006 a Marriott would be available plus a convention center. There are three universities nearby.

Thank-you After answering some questions the Committee asked, the Chairman extended thanks to Rev. Lawson, after which he left the meeting.

04-C-36 Rev. Dewey Gierke moved that we accept the invitation of the Alabama/Georgia Association to host the 2007 NACCC (Annual Meeting) pending site visit by NA staff with youth.

Seconded and adopted.

Corporation Minutes 9 June 25-30, 2004

04-C-37 Rev. Murphy moved that Motion 04-C-35 (which had been postponed) be withdrawn.

Seconded and adopted.

04-C-38 Rev. Murphy moved we grant $13,500 to DFM to implement Parts 2 and 3* of their pending request.

Seconded.

04-C-39 Following discussion Rev. Murphy moved to amend the motion by changing the word “grant” to “designate”.

Seconded and adopted.

04-C-38 VOTED: Adopted as amended.

*Part 2: “One of the major responsibilities of “our part” of the NA office is to assist churches in their ministerial search and ministers in their search for new ministry positions. The current process is quite cumbersome. It could be streamlined using electronic means. Requesting $7,500 to acquire the necessary components.”

Part 3: “Dealing with the sense of isolation faced by many of our clergy is a critical need for the NACCC. One means of doing this would be to create a website through which our clergy can share ideas. Requesting $6,000 to develop the website. Requesting $6,000 to develop the website.”

At 9:50 A.M. Rev. Dr. Lloyd Hall arrived.

At 10:10 Hannah Hall left the meeting.

Heritage Writers It was announced the Heritage Writers will be meeting here at the Annual Meeting.

Annual Meeting Dewey Gierke reported this is an ongoing project and they are

Participation continuing to survey the churches.

Project

October Meeting Regarding meeting, in October, via telephone conference calls, Dr. Richard reported it would be a series of three of them. A Board of Directors meeting costs approximately $7,000.00; meeting by conference calls would be approximately $1,200.00. If we are to hold a meeting it has been determined the Detroit area has the most concentration of Board members. Tom Richard asked the members to make the decision that they help with expenses.

Corporation Minutes 10 June 25-30, 2004

04-C-40 Rev. Dewey Gierke moved that the Executive Committee meet face to face in October, 2004 subject to call and Executive (Secretary’s) cost clarification. Seconded and adopted.

Tom Richard will ask Carrie to investigate costs and come up with expenses.

Rev. Lottie Jones Hood extended an invitation for us to stop by the display table of the Underground Railroad.

Recess At 11:30 the Chairman declared a recess until Tuesday afternoon.

Lunch Rev. Marvin Jones of the Piney Woods County Life School, Kearny, Mississippi, gave the blessing prior to lunch which was held in the Garden Room. This lunch was for the Leadership Tem to meet with the First Timers.

Tuesday, June 30, 2004

Call to Order Outgoing Chairman, Sue Carter, called the meeting to order at 4:18 P.M.

Ten of the voting members of the Board of Directors present were: Rev. Dr. Dewey Gierke, Mr. Michael Hicks, Rev. Alice Murphy, Rev. Dr. Lottie Jones Hood, Rev. Ed White, Mrs. Anne Butman, Rev. Joe Clarke, Rev. Richard Hotchkin, Mrs. Claudia Kniefel and Mr. Bonn Clayton.

Those absent were: Ms. Betty Godard, Rev. Wendy van Tassell, Mrs. Hannah Hall, Moderator and Rev. Rev. Richard Adair, Moderator-Elect.

Also present were the Secretary, Mrs. Sherry Glab; Rev. Dr. Tom Richard, Executive Secretary; and outgoing Board members Rev. Dr. Roy Backus; Mrs. Sue Carter and Mr. Blaine H. Simons.

Thanks Mrs. Carter thanked Mr. Blaine Simons and Rev. Dr. Roy Backus for their service on the Board.

Election Mrs. Carter announced that nominations were now open for

04-C-41 Vice-Chairman. Rev. Backus nominated Rev. Ed White.

Voted: There being no objection, Rev. Ed White was elected Vice-Chairman.

Corporation Minutes 11 June 25-30, 2004

04-C-42 Rev. Dr. Dewey Gierke moved that Rev. Alice Murphy be declared Chairman.

Seconded and adopted.

04-C-43 Rev. Murphy moved that the members of the Executive committee become members of the Corporation.

Seconded and adopted.

Appointments Chairman Alice Murphy announced the following appointments for the year:

Corporate Members

CCD – Rev. Richard Hotchkin

CFTS – Ms. Betty Godard

DFM – Mr. Bonn Clayton

Missionary Society – Mrs. Anne Butman

04-C-44 Mr. Mike Hicks moved the officers of the Executive Committee be named the officers of the Corporation.

Seconded and adopted.

October Meeting The October meeting will be held on October 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th for those who can stay over to attend church on Sunday. It will be held somewhere in the Milwaukee, Detroit, Quad City area. Board members will have to contribute to attend this meeting.

Expense Reports Dr. Richard asked that all expense reports be turned in as soon as possible.

Goals/Assignments Sherry Glab was called on to orally give the goals/assignments for the October meeting.

Yearbook Dr. Richard advised us they were printing 200 to 250 Yearbooks. There is a possibility they may be offered for sale.

February Meeting The February meeting will be February 4^th and 5^th. Location to be determined.

Closing Prayer The meeting was closed with a prayer given by Rev. Dr. Lottie Jones Hood.