MINUTES OF THE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

OF THE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

 

ACTIONS 01-E-75                                   Olivet, Michigan

Through 01-E-87                                      October 4-6, 2001

 

Call to Order                A regular meeting of the Executive Committee 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.  

 

                                    Executive Committee voting members present Thursday Evening in addition to the Chairman, were:

 

                                    Arnold, Mr. Kenneth W.                          Backus, the Reverend Dr. Roy C.

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

                                    Clarke, the Reverend Joseph                     Gierke, the Reverend Dr. Dewey E.

                                    Dando Haaheim, the Reverend Patricia   Hicks, Mr. Michael

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

 

                                    Absent: Carter, Mrs. Susan

 

                                    Ex-Officio Executive Committee non-voting members present were:  Heilmann, Ms. Lois A., Secretary, present at all sessions; Kniefel, Ms. Claudia, Moderator; and Bailey, the Reverend Steven H. Ware, Moderator-Elect.

                                              

                                    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 provided

                                    by Professor Emily Byrens, Pianist, and Professor Danford Byrens, 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.

 

Learning that the Reverend Mr. Joseph Clarke was celebrating a birthday, the group wished him a musical Happy Birthday.

 

01-E-75                       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-E-76                       VOTED:  To ratify the Mail Ballot concerning the June 21-26, 2001

Ratify Mail Ballot                          Executive Committee meeting minutes.

 

01-E-77                       VOTED:  (By Mail Ballot)  To approve the minutes of the June 21-26,

Approve Minutes                          2001, Executive Committee 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 Executive Committee members prior to the meeting.

 

01-E-78                       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.  It was suggested that tapes be made

Discussion                  available of the speakers and that the CFTS Worship Service be scheduled at

(Continued)                a different time and that the Necrology be also rescheduled.  The different

                                    worship services were well received and appreciated.  If possible, the

                                    delegates were to be seated together.   The split housing was a negative.  The togetherness with the Youth was exciting and the welcoming of the New Churches was very good.  Presentation of awards should be kept short;  awarding groups might be present but not as speakers.   These suggestions were noted by the Moderator.

 

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.  It will be necessary to rearrange the schedule to accommodate the Bible Lecturer but this will not be a problem.  Ms. Kniefel will visit the site the end of October to finalize plans.  There will be two seminars: 1.  Aspects of Worship; and  2.  Retreats.  The hotel will provide shuttle service from the airport.  Some special pre-meeting events are planned and suggestions for interesting area sites will be available for those planning on additional travel in the area.  (Exhibit  8)

 

Thanks to                     On behalf of the Committee, Ms. Cole offered appreciation to Ms. Kniefel for

Moderator                    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.  The Reverend Mr. Bailey will have a complete report in February.

 

Future Meeting             The Executive Secretary, Dr. Richard, said that Providence, Rhode Island is

Sites                             being considered for the 2004 Annual Meeting, and that sites for 2005 and 2006 are now being considered.  Possible sites include Illinois, Florida, Colorado, Alabama, Anchorage, Alaska and San Diego, California.  Dr. Richard will have a more complete report in February.

 

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 eleven Executive Committee members present.  Mrs. Susan Carter was absent.  Also present were: Ms. Claudia Kniefel; the Reverend Mr. Steven H. Ware Bailey; 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 a new display showing 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 back to the NA when used by our churches.  The new format of the NA News 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;

 

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

(Continued)                  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-E-79                       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 committee members.

 

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

 

01-E-80                       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-E-81                       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

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., who stated that we have acquired relevant books from the libraries of the Reverend Dr. Thomas Richard and the Reverend Dr. Philip Muth.  An

                                    arrangement has been worked out with the Oak Creek staff to keep our

                                    Necrology up to date.  This will still require some effort to have a complete record.

 

                                    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.  Archival space in Oak Creek is barely adequate and a study needs to be made on a long-term plan for our records.

 

                                    Dr. Hall also stated concern about our Library and that in his opinion the dissolution of the Library Board was probably imprudent as this was virtually a no-cost service and gave us a framework for library policy and operation.

 

                                    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-E-82                       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.

 

                                    The Executive Secretary presented a written Policy Regarding Unrestricted

                                    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-E-83                       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 eleven members of the Executive Committee 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 ad hoc committee, 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, first introducing

Congregational             the other committee members: the Reverend Alice Murphy, and Mr. Blaine

Foundation and             H. Simons, who were present, and the Reverend Mrs. Kathrine Miller-Todd

Institute                        and Mr. Arthur Wallach who were not present, but who had participated in telephone conference calls.

 

                                    The purpose of this committee was:  1.  To develop a plan for the implementation of the Heritage Fund; and  2.  To develop a plan for the 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-E-84                       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 with  eleven Committee members in attendance; Mrs. Sue Carter was absent.  The above listed members of the Leadership Team were present, with the exception of the Reverend Mr. Jackson.   

                                         

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-E-85                       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.

 

Nominations                 The Reverend Dr. Gierke reported that he had been in contact with

Reports                        Mrs. Marjorie Walbridge, Chairman of the Association Nominating Committee, and that they had decided on the nomination material to be sent to churches and that they would also have material available on a display table at the Annual Meeting.  They have reviewed the letters to be sent out and decided on the selection policy.   All nominees must have been asked and approved of their being nominated.  Nomination forms will not be held over from one year to the next.

 

                                    The Chairman offered thanks to Dr. Gierke for his report and for his fine work.

 

Leadership Reports      Ms. Cole called for reports from the Leadership Team members.  The first to report was Mr. Theodore A. Flynn, Chairman of the Communication Services Committee who said that his committee would continue to send letters re-

Communication             garding THE CONGREGATIONALIST and that they were pleased with the

Services Committee      result thus far.  This committee is now planning to move on to other activities including various ideas for the Internet such as a Band of Prayer on our web site.

 

                                    Mr. Flynn was rewarded with a round of applause for his continued good work.

 

Financial Services         Mr. Thomas Lootens reported for the Financial Services Committee stating

Committee                    that his committee makes available the services of financial advisers in different areas of the country and they also are available to help with church stewardship, benefit plans, endowments, bequests, investments and insurance plans.  He also reminded the group that loans at a very reasonable rate are available from the Building and Loan team.

 

The fine work of the Financial Services Committee was recognized with applause.

 

Church Services           Ms. Diane Williams gave the report of the Church Services Commission.

Commission                  This group is busy preparing for the Resource Room at our next Annual Meeting.  This year Family Life, Men’s and Women’s subcommittee and the

Church Services           Christian Education and Spiritual Resources will be working together rather

Commission Report      than separately.  The Youth subcommittee will be represented at CSC

(Continued)                  meetings.  The Advent Devotional has gone to the printer; the retired ministers group will be responsible for the Lenten devotional again this year.  The Youth subcommittee and NAPF and HOPE planning committees are meeting at this   time to plan the meetings in Spokane.  Ms. Williams expressed appreciation to Ruth Mahnke, Karen Frazzell and the Reverend Mr. Phil Jackson for their great support of CSC work.

 

Proposal                       On behalf of the Church Services Commission, Ms. Williams offered a proposal for rebate programs through various curriculum publishers and distributors.  In order to participate in such programs, it would be necessary for the NA to make our membership mailing list available to such publishers.

 

Discussion                    A discussion concerning this proposal followed after which it was decided that material from publishers may be displayed in the Resource Room where individual churches can request material if they are interested, but that our mailing list is not to be released.

 

Relating to Churches     Dr. Roy Backus, due to a conflict of interest, asked to be removed from the ad hoc committee, Relating to Churches.   The Chairman, Ms. Carol Cole, stated that the responsibilities originally assigned to this ad hoc committee would now be part of the responsibilities of the Congregational Foundation and Institute ad hoc committee and therefore, the Relating to Churches ad

                                    hoc committee would be dismissed with thanks.

 

                                    Returning from a brief break, the eleven Executive Committee members previously listed resumed 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 Executive Committee 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 and divided the Leadership Team into five small groups for a time of review and discussion.

Small Group                 Calling the entire Leadership Team to order, Ms. Carol Cole asked that

Reports                        each small group report their ideas and/or suggestions.

 

Group No. 1                Reporting for the first group was the Reverend Dr. Jay Terbush who said that this group suggested that the summary be published in THE CONGRE- GATIONALIST.

 

Group No. 2                The second report was given by the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr., who suggested some language changes in Focus No. l, and noted that we are now addressing some of the items listed.

 

Group Nos. 3 and 4     Both Groups 3 and 4 felt that the Summary should be widely distributed and that continued small group discussions at Annual Meetings should be

                                    continued.  It was suggested that such discussion be held after the Bible

                                    Lecture or the Congregational Lecture.

 

Group No. 5                The Reverend Steven H. Ware Bailey reported that this group found that small churches may feel unequal, and that one small group discussion would be sufficient.

 

Article for                     The Chairman requested that the Reverend Dr. Jay Terbush and the Reverend

Publication                    Patti Dando Haaheim write an article to be published in THE CONGRE-_ GATIONALIST and report back in February.

 

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, eleven members of the Executive Committee were present at 9:00am when the Chairman, Ms. Carol Cole, called the meeting to order.  Mrs. Susan Carter was absent.  Also in attendance were:  Ms. Claudia Kniefel; 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.  Those present from the Youth subcommittee were: Diane Williams, Donna Williams, Michelle Simino, Chris Jones, Deanna Hupp, Scott Kniefel and Lisa Dembkowski.

Heritage of Pilgrim        The Co-Directors of Heritage of Pilgrim Endeavor, (HOPE), Greg Gelzinnis

Endeavor (HOPE)        and Joanne Simpson, introduced the Officers of HOPE, Elizabeth (Liz) Kannenberg, Kenny Meehan and Angela Soucy, who shared plans for their meeting in Spokane.  The theme will be “Spiritual Gifts” and they plan to have eight sessions with adults representing various talents: Arts and Crafts; Business; Civil Service/Medicine; Teaching/Counseling, and Ministry/ Missions.  HOPE will ask the adult speakers to share how spiritual gifts are used in their line of work.  The members of HOPE asked for the

                                    names of adults who might participate in their program and said that they are very much looking forward to having joint meetings with the adults in

                                    Spokane.

 

National Association     Wendy Brown and Lynn Merkel, the Co-Directors of the National

of Pilgrim Fellow-         Association of Pilgrim Fellowship (NAPF), were introduced next, along with

ship (NAPF)                the Officers of NAPF: David Gorman, Steven White, Ryan Hite and Laura Grover.  The theme for their meeting in Spokane will be: “Quest toward Discipleship” – Questions to be answered; Understand the truth; Emulates of discipleship; Seek to be transformed; Tell us about the Gospel message.  NAPF will be working with HOPE on a Mission project. They plan to help the NAPF students who will be ready to join HOPE, make the transition.

 

Youth Leaders              Chris Jones spoke briefly about the Youth Leaders Retreat to be held in

Retreat                         Angola, Indiana from 2/28/02 through 3/3/02.  All Church Youth Leaders and Christian Education teachers are invited to attend.

 

Pilgrim Missionary        Scott Kniefel spoke of the Pilgrim Missionary Voyage to be held in

Voyage                        Anchorage, Alaska following the Annual Meeting in Spokane.  This will be the third PMV and interest is high and reservations are already coming in.  As of this time there are over 60 registrations in.  Those attending will be working at an Episcopal Church camp reconstructing hiking trails.  They will visit a number of area sites and will be housed in the homes of Anchorage Church members.  Following the Pilgrim Missionary Voyage a number of events are planned.

 

Thanks to Youth           As the Youth subcommittee, HOPE and NAPF and their Co-Directors, left the meeting, the Executive Committee and Leadership Team offered sincere thanks with strong applause, and expressed their joy that adults and youth will be sharing time together in Spokane.

 

Birthday Greetings        As a happy interlude, a birthday cake was presented to the Reverend Mr. Phil

To Phil Jackson            Jackson and he was serenaded with “Happy Birthday.”  The birthday honoree graciously shared his cake with all present. 

 

 

Executive Committee    The Chairman called for a review of the procedure for nominating and

Chairman/Vice              electing the chairman and vice chairman of the Executive Committee.  After

Chairman                      discussion it was the consensus of the Executive Committee that nominees for office for the Executive Committee 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-E-86                       VOTED:  That it be the policy of the Executive Committee that the Senior

Nominating Committee               Class of the Executive Committee serve as the Nominating

For Executive Committee            Committee to present candidates for the offices of Chairman

                                                     and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee.

                                                     (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, ten Executive Committee members resumed the meeting and discussion.  Mrs. Susan Carter and Mr. Ken Arnold were absent.  Also present were members of the Leadership Team as previously listed with the exceptions 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.

 

Annual Meeting            Dr. Thomas Richard said that the Annual Meeting Handbook is being revised

Handbook                    and will be completed by the February meeting.  The portion dealing with Host responsibilities will be brought to the February meeting.

 

                                    The Staff Handbook is also 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-E-87                       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,

Institute                        the 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.

 

Discussion re                The group discussed revising the form included in the Annual Meeting packet

Evaluation Form           for delegates/attendees evaluation of the Annual Meeting.  The Chairman asked Ms. Claudia Kniefel and Mr. Theodore Flynn to work on this.

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 Executive 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 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 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