MINUTES OF THE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
CONGREGATIONAL
ACTIONS
02-E-36
Through
02-E- 82 June 27 –
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
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, Miss Lois A.,
Secretary, present at all sessions; Kniefel, Ms. Claudia, Moderator; and
Bailey, the Reverend Steven H. Ware, Moderator-Elect.
Also present were: the Reverend Dr. Thomas M. Richard, Executive Secretary; the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr., Historian; Mrs. Ellen H. Eckert, Nominee for the Executive Committee; the Reverend Dr. Lottie Jones Hood, Nominee for the Executive Committee; and Mrs. Sherry Glab, Nominee for the position of Association/Corporation Secretary.
Welcome The Chairman, Ms. Cole,
extended a warm welcome to the nominees, Mrs. Eckert, Dr. Jones Hood, and Mrs.
Glab, and on behalf of the Executive Committee, stated with what joy the
committee anticipated their election to their respective offices.
Evening Devotion Mr. Michael Hicks, invited to offer
the Evening Devotions, used the theme of Patience and Perseverance for his
presentation. Mr. Hicks advocated
patience to understand others and perseverance to never give up when goals seem
unobtainable. Patience is necessary in
our work on the Executive Committee and perseverance is necessary for us to
stay on course. Mr. Hicks noted individuals
who had not given up when their goals seemed to be out of
Devotion (Cont’d.) reach: Abraham Lincoln, was not elected
the first time he ran for president; authors Carl Sandberg and Louisa Mae
Alcott had their first manuscripts rejected but they all persevered. Quoting scripture from I Corinthians 13,
“Love is patient,…”, Mr. Hicks closed his Devotion with a Prayer asking God to
grant us the patience to seek answers to our challenges and perseverance to see
our tasks fulfilled.
Thanks to Mr. Hicks Ms. Cole thanked Mr. Hicks for his Devotion
and agreed that we are all in need of patience and perseverance in our work.
02-E-36 VOTED:
To approve the Meeting Agenda with the noted changes. (Exhibit 1)
02-E-37 VOTED:
To ratify the Mail Ballot concerning the January 31-February 2,
Ratify Mail Ballot 2002 Executive Committee
minutes.
02-E-38 VOTED: (By Mail Ballot) To approve the minutes of
the January 31-
Approve Minutes
The Chairman, Ms. Cole,
called upon the Moderator, Ms. Claudia Kniefel for her report.
Moderator’s Report Ms. Kniefel stated that everything was in
good order for this year’s Annual Meeting.
She commended Mrs. Carrie Dahm, our Meeting Coordinator, for her
excellent assistance and said that the Program and Host Committees had done a
great job. The meeting speakers were
all confirmed and ready and the hotel has proven to be an excellent site for
the meeting.
Thanks to Moderator On behalf of the Executive Committee, the
Chairman offered sincere thanks to Ms. Kniefel for all her efforts to make this
an outstanding Annual Meeting.
Ms. Cole next called upon the
Moderator-Elect, the Reverend Steven H. Ware Bailey, for his report.
Moderator’s-Elect The Reverend Mr. Bailey stated that his
Program Committee had visited the
Report site for the 2003
meeting and was very favorably impressed with the facility, the
Congregational Mr. James Hopkins was asked for his
report on the Congregational
Foundation Report Foundation. He reviewed a printed brochure which was
distributed to all present as well as a question and answer sheet. The brochure also included a pledge card; no
pledge card was to be included in the packet to the delegates. A discussion followed concerning the
presentation to be made to the delegates at the Annual Meeting. The delegates are to be informed that this is
a proposal which is open to suggestions and/or changes. (Exhibit
10)
Recess The Chairman called for
a break with the discussion on the Congregational Foundation to continue when
the meeting resumed in twenty minutes.
Call to Order The meeting was called to order
by Ms. Cole with eleven Executive Committee members present. Mrs. Sue Carter was absent. Also present were: the Reverend Dr. Thomas
Richard, Ms. Claudia Kniefel, the Reverend Steven H. Ware Bailey, the Reverend
Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr., Mr. James Walsh, Treasurer, Mrs. Marina Rosenberg,
Controller, Mrs. Ellen Eckert, the Reverend Dr. Lottie Jones Hood, Mrs. Sherry
Glab.
Discussion (Cont’d.) Discussion on the Congregational Foundation
continued with suggestions made that the word
“Draft” be stamped on the brochure before it is given to the delegates
and that the last two items be eliminated from the proposal.
02-E-46 VOTED:
1. That the Congregational
Foundation proposal is adopted as
Adopt Proposal for described in the Brochure,
Question and Answer Sheet, and
Congregational Foundation Annual Meeting Presentation. 2.
That the Executive Committee
is directed to appoint an Ad-Hoc
Congregational Foundation
Implementation Committee to perform the next implementation
actions, providing to the
Association, at its 2003 Annual Meeting,
a report of progress and
action taken. 3. That the Association
provide $15,000 to fund
legal and financial assistance, travel, and
general support of
implementation efforts.
Executive
Committee The Executive Committee
offered 100% support of the Congregational Support Foundation
proposal.
Thanks
to Ad Hoc The Executive Committee
offered a unanimous vote of thanks to Mr. Committee Hopkins
and his Committee for their excellent work on this matter.
The Chairman brought up the matter of electing a
Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee to serve in 2002-2003.
02-E-47 VOTED:
To elect Mrs. Sue Carter Vice Chairman of the Executive
Elect
Vice Chairman Committee to serve in
2002-2003.
Ms. Cole said that Miss Lois Heilmann had requested a few minutes to speak to the group. The outgoing Secretary expressed her appreciation to the Committee for their support and assistance and stated that each member of the Committee had very special and unique gifts which collectively enabled the work of the Committee to meet all challenges. She offered thanks to each individual member with a personal note and closed her remarks with a prayer thanking God for the presence of every person at the table and the blessings and special gifts they bring to the Association.
Recess Ms. Cole declared the
meeting in recess until Friday morning and asked the group to stand, join hands
and repeat the Mizpah Benediction.
The meeting recessed at 9:05pm.
Call to Order The Chairman, Ms. Carol Cole called the meeting to order at 8:30am with eleven members of the Executive Committee in attendance. Mrs. Sue Carter was absent. Also in attendance were: the Reverend Dr. Thomas Richard; Ms. Claudia Kniefel; the Reverend Steven H. Ware Bailey; the Reverend Dr. Donald Olsen; the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr.; Mr. James Walsh; Mrs. Marina Rosenberg; Mrs. Ellen Eckert; the Reverend Dr. Lottie Jones Hood; Mrs. Sherry Glab.
Morning Devotion The Reverend Alice Murphy was asked to
offer the Morning Devotion which she began by reading Scripture in Russian, a
language she could read and write. She
told of a trip to Russia and how happy she was that she was able to communicate
and read the written word. Jesus
communicated with others and if we listen and respond then we can establish
good communication. We are then able to
appreciate other viewpoints and adjust to the words of others. Recalling the story of the circus elephant,
“Bozo” she noted how
Devotion (Cont’d.) miscommunication almost caused the death
of the elephant and how easily we too can cause disaster by not being able to
understand or appreciate the words of others.
Closing with a prayer, the Reverend Alice Murphy asked that we be
granted love, kindness and patience to respond to others to create meaningful
bonds.
Joining the gathering during the
Devotion were: Mr. Ed Millar, Church Services Commission; Mrs. Kay Lenz, Church
Services Commission; the Reverend Kevin Roach, Missionary Society; Mrs. Carrie
Dahm, Meeting Coordinator.
Getting to Know You The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting
and asked each person to give his or her name, church membership and
participation in the National Association, as well as something about
themselves.
Internet Discussion The Reverend Dr. Donald Olsen was present to answer any
questions about the NA on the internet.
Giving helpful information as to how to resolve problems some
individuals were having, Dr. Olsen offered to make himself available for
private tutoring if needed.
During Dr. Olsen’s presentation
Mr. Bill Barnes and Mr. Tom Lootens of the Financial Services Committee entered
the meeting.
Dr. Olsen was thanked for his
dedication in keeping our NA internet up to date and for his generosity in
helping to solve problems.
Future Meetings Mrs. Carrie Dahm reported that
registration for this Annual Meeting was down. She said that plans for the 2003 meeting in
Milwaukee were proceeding well and that she had just received confirmation for
the 2004 meeting in Providence, Rhode Island.
Members of the Division for
Ministry entered the meeting. The
Division for Ministry presented a written Proposal for Program Committees for
Annual Meetings offering to sponsor a Plenary Session featuring an expert in
interim ministry, and also, one or two seminars featuring the Plenary Session
speaker and trained interim ministers, from our fellowship, to present a
program on Interim Ministry. The
Division for ministry would be responsible for all expenses for these sessions.
(Exhibit 11)
The Division for Ministry was
sincerely thanked for this generous offer and they left the meeting.
Controller’s Report Mrs. Marina Rosenberg, Controller,
presented her report outlining a health insurance plan which our clergy and
employees of NA member churches may join through the Ministers’ and
Missionaries’ Board of the American Baptist
Church. This would include a health insurance plan,
comprehensive long-term disability, life insurance and annuity plan. The IRS allows the Ministers’
and Missionaries’ Board of the
American Baptist Church to market their
services to other denomination
groups holding similar beliefs and practices.
Our legal advisers have approved our participation in this plan. (Exhibit 12)
02-E-48 VOTED:
That the Executive Committee empower our Executive Secretary,
pation in Benefits Plan required
for full participation in the benefits program of the
Ministers’ and
Missionaries’ Benefit Board (MMBB), with our
appreciation to all
involved in bringing this vital service to
completion.
Thanks to Mrs. Sincere thanks were expressed to
Mrs. Rosenberg for her dedication in
Rosenberg bringing this vital plan to
our churches, and also to her young son for his help in preparing her
presentation.
Break The Chairman called for a twenty minute
break.
The meeting resumed at 10:30am
with eleven Executive Committee members present; Mrs. Sue Carter was
absent. Also present were: the Reverend
Dr. Thomas Richard; the Reverend Steven H. Ware Bailey; Dr. Lloyd M. Hall,
Jr.; Mr. Joseph B. Polhemus; Mrs. Ellen
Eckert; the Reverend Dr. Lottie Jones Hood; Mrs. Sherry Glab; the Reverend
Kevin Roach.
Executive Secretary’s The Reverend Dr. Thomas Richard was invited
to give his report. He
Report suggested that we not
concentrate on our small size but should let our light shine. He commented on suggestions for a Marketing
Plan for our NA; setting goals for new church members; comments on the
Congregational Foundation; and his plans to share the good news of our
churches. He expressed his hope to add
ten to twelve new members to the Leadership Team as we have a large talent pool
available from our churches. Dr. Richard
also said that we must work more closely with our churches that have called
clergy from outside the NA. The
Executive Secretary listed five concerns in his report: 1. That we pay attention to those Churches that
have not participated in any way as member Churches; 2. A
plan to give birth to new Churches; 3.
Identify specific ways in which we can partner with state
associations; 4. A willingness to think creatively and
intentionally about everything we do; and 5.
Raising funds for new initiatives of which our committees, divisions and
commission dream.
It was suggested that the
Reverend John Lancz, who was to chair the Association luncheon at the Annual
Meeting, be invited to come to the October meeting to report on any comments or
suggestions made at this luncheon.
Marketing Plan Discussion took place concerning
the report by Dr. Richard concerning his Marketing Plan. (Exhibit 13)
Motion To have Todd Robert
Murphy come to the October meeting to further discuss his proposal and to
appropriate up to $12,000 this year to cover the Marketing Plan.
02-E-49 VOTED:
To table the Motion.
02-E-50 VOTED:
That the Executive Committee appoint an ad hoc committee to
Ad Hoc Committee identify who we are and
what we want to sell.
Committee committee to identify who we
are and what we want to sell: the
Reverend Dr. Dewey Gierke, the Reverend Patti Dando Haaheim, the Reverend
Steven H. Ware Bailey.
02-E-51 VOTED:
To receive and accept the report of the Auditors, Reilly,
Treasurer’s Report Mr. James Walsh next offered his
Treasurer’s Report showing our Net Income as ($124,057). The return on our investments for 2002 as of
March 3l, 2002 was 2.7%. (Exhibit 15)
Thanks to Treasurer Sincere thanks were extended to Mr. James
Walsh, our Treasurer, and Mrs.
And Controller Marina Rosenberg, our Controller,
for their concentrated efforts to present a balanced budget. The Executive Committee offered applause to
recognize such efforts.
Lunch Recess The Committee recessed for lunch
at 11:55am.
Call to Order The meeting resumed at 1:07pm with eleven Executive Committee members in attendance; Mrs. Sue Carter was absent. Also present were: Ms. Claudia Kniefel; the Reverend Steven H. Ware Bailey; Mr. James Walsh; the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr.; Mr. Joseph B. Polhemus; the Reverend Dr. Steven Peay, Congregational Heritage ad hoc committee; Mrs. Ellen Eckert; the Reverend Dr. Lottie Jones Hood; Mrs. Sherry Glab; the Reverend Kevin Roach.
Historian’s Report The Chairman asked the Historian, the
Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr. to present his report. The Historian reported on the creation of a
Library Committee to contribute to the ongoing care for the existing
collection; the expansion of the collection and recommendations for the future
and policies needed for its maintenance and operation. He stated that the primary purpose of the Founders
Library is archival and we provide a resource for scholarly inquiry and a
permanent home for historical material.
(Exhibit 16)
Thanks to Historian The Reverend Dr. Hall was offered sincere
thanks for his dedication to his responsibilities as our Historian.
Editor’s Report Mr. Joseph B. Polhemus, the Editor
of THE CONGREGATIONALIST, reported that in 1993, circulation of our
magazine remained at the 3,500 level with only about 1,200 paid subscriptions,
but in 1993 it was recommended going to free circulation and support by
voluntary contributions. Shortly
thereafter circulation was up to 8,000 where it has remained. Unfortunately, voluntary contributions, other
than the Editor’s Roundtable, did not flow in.
Two years ago the Communication Services Committee began to aggressively
solicit revenue and it was a success.
Individual giving increased, church giving increased and the greatest
support group, the Editor’s Roundtable, gave 45% of the total revenue. Now support from individuals and churches
has gone up but we still need to increase circulation. Mr. Polhemus thanked everyone for their
support and said that his service as Editor is a labor of love and that he has
edited some 70 issues over the past 13 years.
He gave thanks for the privilege of serving as our Editor. (Exhibit 17)
Thank You to The Executive Committee extended
appreciation to Mr. Polhemus for his
Our Editor continued excellent service
as Editor of THE CONGREGATIONALIST.
Report of Ad Hoc The Reverend Dr. Steven Peay was called
upon for the report of the
Committee – Institute Institute for Congregational Heritage ad hoc
committee. A memo prepared by
For Congregational the Reverend Dr. Dewey Gierke was
included in the meeting packet in which
Heritage it was suggested that
there is a need to nurture leadership as part of an integrated education
program which the Congregational Institute could provide. It was also noted that the Institute would
address the need for specific program materials and their use by local churches. Dr. Peay stated that the committee feels the
Institute would be a clearing house or think tank to provide needed
programs. He also said that they will
need space on the web site and that they are making progress in their work. (Exhibit 18)
02-E-52 VOTED:
That the Ad Hoc Committee on the Institute for Congregational
Ad Hoc Committee Heritage be continued for
the period of one year and that space be
To continue for One
Year provided for them on
the NA web site.
Members the Reverend Dr. Steven
Peay, the Reverend Mr. Steven H. Ware Bailey, the Reverend Dr. Lloyd Hall, the
Reverend Dr. Dewey Gierke and Mr. Michael Fales.
Discussion A discussion followed
concerning a suggestion for Schools/Colleges affiliating with the National
Association. It was the consensus of the
Executive Committee that we will not pursue this.
Piedmont College The Reverend Dr. Lloyd Hall reported
that the Trustees of Piedmont College
Report endorsed a
relationship with the United Church of Christ and that the college intends to
continue our relationship. The college
has also guaranteed that we will continue to hold two seats on their Board of
Trustees.
Strategic Plan The Reverend Dr. Roy Backus reported
that work on the Strategic Plan is continuing and making progress.
02-E-53 VOTED:
That there be a Future Planning Ad Hoc Committee to be
Appoint Future Planning appointed for the period of one
year. Members of the Committee:
Committee Robert
Carlson, Chairman,William Ahrens, Kenneth Arnold, Roy
Backus, Carol
DiBiaso-Snyder, Liane Jensen, Elizabeth Mauro and
Thomas Richard.
02-E-54 VOTED:
To appoint a Library Committee of: Lee Ann Richard, Charles
Appoint Library
Committee Packer, Ceil Wilson,
and Lloyd Hall.
Committee concerning the Fraternal
Delegates Committee. In a memo sent to
Executive Members prior to the meeting, Dr. Richard stated that members of this
committee would attend interfaith or ecumenical events when members of our
Staff were unable to attend. (Exhibit
19)
02-E-55 VOTED:
To appoint a Fraternal Delegates Committee for one year. The
Appoint Fraternal
Delegates members of the
Committee to be: Ashley Cook, Lottie Jones Hood,
Committee John Lancz, Steven
Balckburn, William Ahrens, John Alvord,
Arthur Voisin, Robert
Salmons.
Participation Team in Executive Committee
meetings. A memo prepared by the
Reverend Dr. Thomas Richard was reviewed.
It was the consensus of the group that we exercise all attempts to
continue to include the entire Leadership Team in Executive Committee
meetings. This matter to be brought up
for discussion at the Plenary Session.
Additional Churches The Reverend Patricia Dando Haaheim was called
upon to list additional
For Membership churches applying for membership in
the National Association since our last meeting. The Reverend Mrs. Haaheim offered the
following churches:
The First
Congregational Church of East Baldwin
The Reverend Gregory
Young
26 School Street
East Baldwin,
Maine 04024
Longmeadow
Congregational Church
The Reverend H.
Victor Allison
417 Longmeadow Street
Longmeadow,
Massachusetts 01106
02-E-56 VOTED:
To recommend to the delegates that the above two churches, from
Recommend Churches whom documentation has been
received, be accepted into the
For Membership membership of the National
Association of Congregational
Christian Churches.
The
Reverend Mrs. Haaheim also called to the attention of the Executive Committee
the fact that the Riverview Community Parish, the Reverend Dr. Jesse James, of
South Gardiner, Maine, which had been previously considered for membership, has
had their application placed on hold for further review and will not be
recommended at this time.
Church Withdrawals Reporting on church withdrawals from the
National Association, Mrs. Haaheim stated that the following churches have
elected to withdraw:
First Congregational
Church
600 Henry Street
Alton, Illinois 62002
Mayflower
Congregational Church
2500 West Brown Deer
Road
River Hills,
Wisconsin 53217
Westford
Congregational Church
368 Westford Hill
Road
Ashford,
Connecticut 06278
Pullman
Congregational Church
5156 124th Street
Fennville, Michigan
94908
First Congregational Church
764 North Linden Street
Wahoo, Nebraska
68066
Atkinson Memorial Church
710 Sixth Street
Oregon City, Oregon
97045
Atlantic Congregational Church
P. O. Box 7
Atlantic, Pennsylvania 16111
Future NAPF/HOPE Mr. Michael Hicks reported on the fact that
the co-sponsors of the NAPF and
Meeting Sites HOPE are not happy with the
Proposal of the Youth and Adults meeting together every other year. If possible, they suggest that the Youth and
the Adults be together or nearby, two out of four years. Every effort should be made to have the Youth
and the Adults meet together and have a Youth representative on the site and
Planning (Program) committees.
02-E-57 VOTED:
At future Annual Meetings, every effort should be made to have the
Future Planning Youth and the Adults meet at the same location
or in close
proximity.
The Chairman called for a twenty minute break.
The meeting resumed with eleven Executive Committee members in attendance; Mrs. Sue Carter was absent. Also present were: the Reverend Dr. Thomas Richard, the Reverend Steven H. Ware Bailey, Mr. James Walsh, the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr., Mrs. Ellen Eckert, the Reverend Dr. Lottie Jones Hood, Mrs. Sherry Glab.
Youth sub-committee Members of the Youth sub-committee of the
Church Services Commission
In Meeting joined the meeting: Michelle Simino, Deanna Hupp, Scott Kniefel,
Renee Soderberg, Lisa Dembkowski, Donna Williams. Mrs. Michelle Simino spoke for the group
stating that the intent of this sub-committee is to provide the best program
and the best location for their programs, in close proximity to the Adult
meeting location.
It was noted that Brown
University in Providence, Rhode Island is under consideration for the 2003
Youth meeting but no costs are available as yet. A concern expressed was that college campuses
and hotels do not bill or contract for meetings at the same time.
02-E-58 VOTED:
To authorize the Meeting Coordinator and a representative selected
Site Selection
Committee by the Youth
sub-committee of the Church Services Commission, to
constitute a site selection
committee to review sites for Annual
Meetings three years in
advance.
The Youth sub-committee left the meeting with the thanks of the Executive Committee for their continued good work.
02-E-59 VOTED:
To amend the above Motion to include the Executive Secretary
Amend Motion on the site selection
committee.
02-E-60 VOTED:
To accept the original Motion as amended.
Proposal – Reducing The
Executive Committee reviewed a Proposal for Reducing Annual
Annual Meeting Expenses as
prepared by the Executive Secretary, the Reverend Dr. Thomas
Expenses Richard. The Committee endorsed his proposal which
included: 1. That
a budget
such as the one enclosed be set-up to help program committee’s and host
committee’s work. 2. That the number of program committee members
be reduced to six or seven including: Host chair(s); the moderator-elect (for
the incoming year); two members at large, chosen by the moderator-elect; three
ex-officio members – the Meeting Coordinator, and a Staff Executive, a youth
committee representative (on years that the youth and adults meet together);
program committee meet once after the Annual Meeting preceding the
meeting for which they are responsible, if necessary, preferably during the
October or February leadership meetings.
3. Program committee planning by
conference call, e-mail or on-line worksite.
Site visit by Moderator, youth representative
Proposal (Cont’d.) (on years we meet with youth), and meeting coordinator only. 4. Limit expenditures for speakers, etc. according to the proposed budget attached.
(Exhibit 20)
The matter of automobiles for the
Executive Staff was referred to the Personnel and Administration sub-committee
of the Executive Committee, for their recommendation, after they have met with
the Staff.
The meeting recessed at 3:55pm.
Friday
Evening, June 28, 2000
Ms. Carol Cole welcomed everyone to the Plenary Session and called the session to order at 7:00pm. Eleven Executive Committee members were present along with the Secretary; Mrs. Sue Carter was absent. The
Plenary Session Reverend Dr. Thomas Richard, Ms. Claudia Kniefel, the Reverend Steven H. Ware Bailey, and representatives of the divisions, committees and commission filled the room.
Ms. Cole called upon Mr. Bill Barnes to give the report of the Financial Services Committee.
Financial Services Mr. Barnes called attention to the listing of the Financial Advisors shown in
Committee the yearbook. These individuals are located in various areas of the country and are available for financial assistance to our member churches. This group also contacts churches who have not made a donation to the National Association and encourages them to do so. FSC also has regional advisors who are ready and available to visit Regional Associations to offer financial assistance. This group also works with the Building and Loan Team, which makes loans at reasonable interest rates, to our churches.
Health Insurance The Reverend Dr. Jay Terbush came to
the podium to announce with deep
Program Fees gratitude that the Reverend Dr.
Harry R. Butman had eagerly agreed to the use of funds from the Harry R. Butman
Fund, in the amount of $12,000, to cover fees for the new Health Insurance
Program being offered to our clergy and churches under the Ministers’ and
Missionaries’ Benefit Board of the American Baptist Church (MMBB). The announcement was met with generous
applause.
Communication The report for the Communication
Services Committee was given by Mr.
Services Committee Theodore Flynn, the Chairman, who proudly
announced that in the past fiscal year financial support to this group has
almost doubled and the level of funding for our magazine, THE
CONGREGATIONALIST, has made it almost self-supporting. They have created the Congregational Press
and also encouraged electronic communication.
It is important, he reminded everyone, that communication is everybody’s
job.
Church Services Ms. Diane Williams, the Chairman of
the Church Services Commission, made
Commission her report saying that this
year was the last year for the Women’s Luncheon and the Men’s Breakfast – the
luncheon and breakfast will continue but under new format. The speaker for next year’s luncheon will
be Dr. David Kimble.
There were 4,800 Devotionals
printed and all were sold – the Devotionals are
very popular each year. Ms. Williams announced that if you are
looking for
something in which to carry your
Annual Meeting notebook and material, Church Services will have totebags for
sale.
Executive The Reverend Dr. Thomas
Richard came to the podium to introduce the office
Secretary’s Report staff: the Reverend Phil Jackson and Mrs.
Karen Frazzell, the Reverend Dr. Donald Olsen and Mrs. Ruth Mahnke, Mrs. Marina Rosenberg and Ms.
Danielle Rickert, Ms. Sue Grey,
and Mrs. Carrie Dahm, Assistant to Dr.
Richard and Meeting
Coordinator. The audience responded to
his introductions with eager applause in gratitude for the excellent work of
our office staff.
Congregational Mr. James Hopkins came forward to
give a brief outline of the Congregational
Foundation Foundation which will be
presented to the delegates at the Annual Meeting. He noted that there are pledge cards
available if anyone would care to make an early donation. This idea has the 100% support of the
Executive Committee and Mr. Hopkins said that he is available to answer any
questions about this program.
Moderator’s Report Ms. Claudia Kniefel, Moderator, reported
that all is ready for this year’s Annual Meeting and that she is looking
forward to a joyful and inspiring time for all. She reminded everyone of the First Timers’
Reception on Saturday at 2:00pm and also requested persons presenting awards at
the meeting to be seated in the front row at the scheduled time.
Youth Sub- Mrs. Michelle Simino gave the
report for the Youth sub-committee stating
Committee that 85 Youth had signed up
for the Pilgrim Missionary Voyage in Alaska where members of the First
Congregational Church of Anchorage, Alaska have found housing for all
attendees. The HOPE program will include
adult speakers from various professions who will explain how faith has been a
part of their professional life.
The Chairman, Ms. Carol Cole, thanked all presenters
and congratulated all groups for their excellent work. She then introduced the subject of Leadership
Team participation in Executive Committee meetings and asked for comments or
suggestions.
Leadership
Team Mrs. Joelle Sommers of the
Missionary Society said that it would be helpful if Participation one
member of each division, committee or commission attended Executive
Committee meetings, while the other members of that
respective group held their own meeting.
In that way, the one member could report back to his or her group.
Ms. Carol Cole suggested that perhaps one day could
be planned to be together leaving two days for individual board meetings.
Ms. Diane Williams stated that meeting with the
Executive Committee is helpful. In the
past using liaisons was not productive due to different timing or scheduling.
Mr. Theodore Flynn noted that small groups need to
have scheduled time together so better structure of time would be beneficial.
Mizpah Benediction Ms. Carol Cole thanked everyone for their
input and asked the entire group to form a large circle and recite the Mizpah
together. The Plenary Session was
adjourned.
Call to Order At 8:15pm, the Executive Committee resumed meeting in the Evergreen Room with eleven members present; Mrs. Sue Carter was absent. Also present were: the Reverend Dr. Thomas Richard, Ms. Claudia Kniefel, the Reverend Steven H. Ware Bailey, Mr. James Walsh, Mrs. Marina Rosenberg, the Reverend Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr., Mr. Joseph B. Polhemus, Mrs. Ellen Eckert, the Reverend Dr. Lottie Jones Hood, Mrs. Sherry Glab, Mr. Theodore Flynn and Mrs. Pam Smith of the Communication Services Committee, the Reverend Kevin Roach.
Communication Mr. Theodore Flynn requested
approval of the Executive Committee for the
Services Committee existence of a reserve account in the
amount of $25,000 to cover Congregational Press publications. When submissions are received and determined
worthy of publication, the Executive Committee would find a way to support it
in three to six months.
The Controller, Mrs. Marina
Rosenberg, suggested this could be put on top of our wish list and when the
next unrestricted gift is received we might take some money from that.
The Chairman, Ms. Cole, said that
the Communication Services Committee could seek material worthy of publishing
under the Congregational Press, and then the Executive Committee will take it
under consideration.
Marketing Action The Executive Secretary brought up the
subject of the Marketing Proposal which had been placed on the table.
02-E-61 VOTED:
To take the Motion from the table.
02-E-62 VOTED:
To have Todd Robert Murphy come to the October meeting
Todd Robert Murphy to further discuss his
proposal and to appropriate up to $12,000 this
To Come to October
Meeting year to cover the
Marketing Plan.
(Seven approved; five opposed)
Guideline for The Guideline for Program
Committee for Annual Meetings including a
Program Committee Budget outline was reviewed.
Transition for The Communication Services
Committee reported progress concerning
Editorship the transition plan for the
Editor of THE CONGREGATIONALIST.
Request from Youth The Reverend Patricia Dando Haaheim reported that she had been asked by the Youth sub-committee to submit their request that they become a separate commission.
Discussion After discussion it was
decided that this matter would be taken up at the October meeting.
Recess The meeting recessed at
9:15pm until Tuesday Afternoon following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting.
Forum Bays 2 and 3 with the Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, the Reverend Dr. Roy C. Backus, as Moderator. All eleven members of the Executive Committee were present; Mrs. Sue Carter was absent. The Moderator, Ms. Claudia Kniefel and the Moderator-Elect, the Reverend Steven H.. Ware Bailey, along with all Officers, Executive Staff and representatives of all divisions, committees and the commission were also in attendance. The Reverend Dr. Roy C. Backus introduced members of the Executive Committee and invited questions and/or comments from the audience.
Question: Will there be confusion in the names –
Congregational Foundation and the Congregational Foundation for Theological
Studies. Will there be a change in name
for CFTS?
Mr.
Hopkins: We are aware of the confusion
and the matter is being taken under consideration.
Question: What is the difference between a