MINUTES OF THE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

OF THE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

Sun City, Arizona

February 7, 2004

ACTIONS 04-E-01

Through 04-E-37

Call To Order A regular meeting of the Executive Committee of the National

Association of Congregational Christian Churches was called to

order on Saturday, February 7, 2004 at 8:05 A.M. in the Conference Room of the Sun City Congregational Church, Sun City, Arizona by the chairman Mrs. Susan Carter.

Executive Committee voting members present, in addition to the chairman, 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 Backus, the Rev. Dr. Roy

Hotchkin, the Rev. Richard E. Butman, Mrs. Anne

Absent: Godard, Ms. Betty

Ex-Officio Executive Committee non-voting members were:

Glab, Mrs. Sherry, Secretary and Hall, Mrs. Hannah, Moderator-Elect.

Also present were: The Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Richard, Executive Secretary; Mr. James H. Walsh, Treasurer, Mrs. Marina Rosenberg, Controller; and the Rev. Dr. Lloyd M. Hall, Jr., Historian.

Devotions The devotions were given by Rev. Alice Murphy. She read two selections from “Parables of a Country Parson” by William E. Barton; “The New Recipe” and “The Moth in the Church Carpet”.

04-E-01 VOTED: By consensus the Agenda (Exhibit 1) was approved with the

Approve Agenda following changes: 6e was added, 11b deleted, 11c postponed, a call to Bonn Clayton would be made at 2:00 P.M., and an Executive Session would be held prior to recess for dinner.

04-E-02 VOTED: The minutes of the October 10-11, 2003 meeting were

Approval of approved as corrected. (Correction made prior to posting on

Minutes the website.) (Exhibit 2)

Executive Committee Minutes 2 February 7, 2004

04-E-03 By general consent the report of Rev. Don Bentley,

Moderator’s Moderator, was accepted (Exhibit 3).

Report Dr. Richard further noted that $2,395.00 has been received for the Providence Fellowship Grants and other funds have been applied for. Also that the list requested in the final paragraph of the report is being addressed.

Host Committee A written report from the Chairman of this committee, Jim Hopkins was presented and discussed (Exhibit 4).

Moderator-Elect’s Mrs. Hannah Hall’s report (Exhibit 5) highlighted the dates will be

Report June 26 through June 29, 2005. The Bible Lecturer is to be Rev. Dan Showalter, Congregational Lecturer Rev. Shawn Stapleton and the Moderator’s Seminar to be given by Rev. Dr. Lloyd Hall. She and Carrie Dahm visited the Kansas City, Missouri site in October and it is very adequate for our needs. Her concern is whether the small churches in the area will be able to carry out such an assignment.

Annual Meeting These are to be 45 minutes in length. Tom Richard suggested three

EC Sessions topics which would be “advertised” in The Congregationalist, i.e. Goals, Annual Meeting, and Budget. The purpose of small groups is having an input from more people. We want our goals to be those that the churches need and we need to go through the listening process. We need to let the churches know we are not selling a program but we are looking to be sure our goals are the right ones for them. Rev. Hall suggested we get this out in our publicity in hopes to have churches have enough representatives to attend these sessions and that these should not compete with one-time seminars.

Hannah Hall asked for input on her idea of “Nuggets on Congregationalism” for the 2005 meeting.

Mrs. Dahm’s In looking at Mrs. Dahm’s written report “Possible Future Meeting”

Report Sites” (Exhibit 6) a concern was voiced about the advisability of an Annual Meeting in Alabama in 2007. Dr. Richard asked that we depend on Carrie to determine the physical site. The suggestion was made that a one page host check list be available for areas considering hosting an annual meeting. Rev. Lottie Jones Hood suggested we ask churches not only “if” but “how”.

Executive Committee Minutes 3 February 7, 2004

Report of Associate Rev. John Carson’s report (Exhibit 7) was presented and discussed.

Executive Secretary

Report of Associate Rev. Dr. Don Olsen’s report was presented (Exhibit 8). Mrs. Carter

Executive Secretary questioned the paragraph pertaining to the grant provided by First Congregational Church, Detroit and Rev. Hood stated she had that report.

Report of Rev. Dr. Tom Richard presented his report (Exhibit 9) and further

Executive Secretary noted he will be going to Georgia in May to meet with one or two churches. Regarding the last paragraph on Page 3, Rev. Hotchkin urged that Tom attend the meeting in Baltimore.

Greetings Rev. Dick Adair, Senior Minister of the Sun City Church greeted us and welcomed us to Sun City and to the church.

Break At 9:15 A.M. Chairman Sue Carter called for a 15 minute break.

Reconvened The meeting was reconvened at 9:30 A.M. with all present as previously reported. Also present via speaker phone was Jeff Dillon, Assistant Treasurer

Controller’s Mrs. Marina Rosenberg presented her report (Exhibit 10). She

Report expanded on the subject of the “PBX” telephone fraud. Marina now works 30 hours a week, five hours of which are devoted to the work of the Foundation.

Treasurer’s Mr. Jim Walsh spoke to his report outline (Exhibit 11):

Report Considering a year ago our General Operating Fund is in better shape because we have been blessed with two major bequests and the market is kinder. He went on to say he is very concerned over the support from the churches. Marina Rosenberg noted that the Communication Services Committee has done an excellent job of solicitation for The Congregationalist. Division funding (Congregational Church Development and Missionary Society) is down. Mr. Walsh recommends building up unrestricted fund. Member church giving is about the same as a year ago. Pledges or estimates of giving from churches is still a possibility.

Investment Mr. Walsh reported for Bob Brunner, Chairman of the Investment

Advisory Advisory Committee, that J. Fred Rennebohm and Don Miesbauer

Committee have resigned from this committee and Timothy Roberts of

Changes Burlington, Iowa and Chuck Senn of Richfield, Wisconsin are now serving.

Executive Committee Minutes 4 February 7, 2004

Treasurer’s Report The attachment, to the Treasurer’s Report entitled “Funds Available

(cont’d.) for EC Designation” (Exhibit 12) was addressed and two changes were made to the written report. “Other Income” should be changed from $6,000 to $16,000 and “Special Gifts from $12,000 to $2,000.

Dr. Richard commented the need to “advertise” what gift money does: fill wishes and guard against future deficits. There is a need to educate the next generation to give.

Annual Meeting Mrs. Rosenburg reported the registration for the Annual Meeting,

Fees based on 500 attendees is $149.10 ($150.00).

04-E-04 Rev. Joe Clarke moved the registration fee for the 2004 Annual Meeting be $150.00. Seconded.

VOTED: Motion was adopted.

Report on Rev. Dewey Gierke reported on a conference call (of the

2004-2005 Proposed Budget Team) on January 5, 2004.

Budget

04-E-05 The Budget Team recommends to the Annual Meeting

delegates the 2004-2005 Proposed Budget. (Executive Committee travel is for full expenses for February and June meetings). (Exhibit 13)

VOTED: Motion was adopted.

04-E-06 VOTED: To accept the recommendation that the per diem

Per diem amounts of up to $11.00 (breakfast); $15.00 (lunch) and $20.00

Allowance for (dinner) tip and tax included.

Pre-meeting

Annual Meeting The designation for the offering received at the Communion Service Communion Service has not yet been decided upon for approval.

Offering Designation

04-E-07 VOTED: By general consent we accept the verification of the

Verification of National Association’s Controller, Mrs. Marina Rosenburg, that we Federal and State are in compliance with procedures for withholding, collecting and

Taxes remitting all Federal and State Taxes. Periodic review of the 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.

04-E-08 Rev. Joe Clarke moved that overdrafts of the line items in the Fiscal

Operating Budget Year 2003-2004 Operating Budget are approved provided that they

Line Items do not exceed the total expense budget by ten percent (10%). Seconded and adopted.

Executive Committee Minutes 5 February 7, 2004

04-E-09 VOTED: by general consent to engage Reilly, Penner and Benton,

Approve LLP for annual (May 2004) audit at the cost of $12,350. ($12,000 to

Auditing Firm come from the general budget and $350 from the Foundation).

04-E-10 VOTED: by general consent that we approve The Housing Allowance

Housing Allowance and Expense Proposals for the Executive Secretary, the Rev. Dr.

And Expenses Thomas M. Richard; the Associate Executive Secretary, the Rev. Dr.

Proposals for Donald P. Olsen and the Associate Executive Secretary, the Rev. John D. Carson. (Attachments 14, 15, 16)

04-E-11 Rev. Roy Backus moved that no transfer be made from earnings to

Morgan Park endowment principle of the three Morgan Park Endowment Funds

Transfer of Funds (CFTS, CCD and Hurting Churches). Seconded and adopted.

(Exhibit 17)

Historian’s Report The Rev. Dr. Lloyd Hall advised us that a decision has to be made as to how to approach the problem of what to do with the historical vault. Rev. Hall indicated he would like to work with Dr. Worthley, Rev. Dr. Steve Peay and Rev. Leslie Shultz and come back with a report in June.

He also reported he would like to honor Dr. Worthley in some way.

04-E-12 Rev. Backus moved that Dr. Hall’s recommendation that Dr. Hall

Proposal to honor come up with a way to honor Dr. Worthley be accepted.

Dr. Worthley Seconded and adopted.

Dr. Hall asked Rev. Dewey Gierke and Rev. Alice Murphy to work with him.

04-E-13 Rev. Joe Clark moved we bring back the motion which was postponed

Honorariums at the October meeting regarding honorariums (No. 03-E-58).

Seconded and adopted.

03-E-58 The postponed motion stated in the October minutes was:

Rev. Dewey Gierke moved that we discontinue paying honorariums to clergy and members of member churches for lectures, workshops, etc. within the National Association. Seconded.

04-E-14 After discussion Rev. Ed White moved the previous question. Seconded and adopted.

03-E-58 VOTED: Adopted.

During discussion Hannah Hall made the suggestion we have a budget for the Annual Meeting in lieu of line items.

Executive Committee Minutes 6 February 7, 2004

Recess The meeting was recessed at 11:57 A.M. Rev. Dewey Gierke led us in prayer and lunch was served by members of the Sun City Church.

The meeting was reconvened at 1:05 P.M. with all present except Sherry Glab. Mrs. Marina Rosenberg was appointed Secretary.

04-E-15 Rev. Dewey Gierke moved to bring the proposal to change the

Honorariums practice of honorariums back to the Executive Committee.

Seconded and adopted.

04-E-16 Rev. Dewey Gierke moved to amend the motion adding “2004 and 2005 Annual Meetings are exempt from this”.

Seconded and adopted.

03-E-58A VOTED: To accept the motion as amended: We discontinue paying honorariums to clergy and members of member churches for lectures, workshops, etc. within the National Association; 2004 and 2005 Annual Meetings are exempt from this. Motion was adopted.

Sherry Glab joined the meeting at 12:15 P.M.

04-E-17 Rev. Dewey Gierke moved to direct Annual Meeting Program

Regionalize Committees and suggest to the leadership team to, as much as

Key Speakers possible, seek the speakers (Congregational Lecturer, Bible Lecturer, Keynote Speakers, etc.) from the region in which we are holding the Annual Meeting.

Seconded and adopted.

04-E-18 Rev. Dick Hotchkin moved to rescind the previous motion. (04-E-17)

Seconded and adopted.

04-E-19 Rev. Roy Backus moved to encourage Annual Meeting Program Committees and, as much as possible, to seek speakers from the region in which we are holding the Annual Meeting.

Seconded and adopted.

04-E-20 Rev. Hotchkin moved that the Executive Committee appoint a

Alternative Fund committee of nine, to investigate alternatives to the present system of

Raising financial appeals to local churches. A report to be brought back to the Executive Committee at the 2005 winter meeting.

Seconded and adopted. (Exhibit 18)

Executive Committee Minutes 7 February 7, 2004

Alternative Fund The following were appointed to serve on this Fund-Raising

Raising (cont’d.) Committee: Rev. Alice Murphy, Rev. Dewey Gierke, Mr. Jeff Dillon, Mr. Jim Walsh, Rev. Dr. Tom Richard and a representative from each of the four divisions. Rev. Murphy to be the convener.

04-E-21 Rev. Joe Clark moved we add a representative from Church Services

Addition to Commission to the Program Committee. Seconded.

(Exhibit 19)

Program Committee

04-E-22 After a lengthy discussion Rev. Dewey Gierke called for the question. Seconded and adopted.

04-E-21 VOTED and adopted.

04-E-23 Rev. Roy Backus moved that until/unless it becomes unnecessary in

Conference Calls the future, to direct the chairman of the Executive Committee to follow-up the Fall and Winter meetings of the Executive Committee with conference calls to the leadership team members.

Seconded and adopted. (Exhibit 20)

Policy for EC A discussion was held regarding a proposal to create a policy

Liaisons regarding Executive Committee liaisons. Rev. Clark suggested liaisons/corporate member should stay on more than one year. (Exhibit 21)

Host Committee Chairman Sue Carter appointed the following to review consistency of

Handbook Review past and current proposals on Annual Meeting with current Annual

Committee Meeting Handbook: Rev. Dewey Gierke, Mrs. Sherry Glab, Rev. Dick Adair and ex-officio member Mrs. Carrie Dahm.

Goal Groups At 2:07 P.M. we broke into our Goal Groups for discussion.

The meeting was reconvened at 2:50 P.M. with each group reporting the progress of their group (Exhibit 22).

04-E-24 Rev. Alice Murphy moved that the NA staff, in consultation with

Test Marketing marketing consultant Mary Carson, and representatives of the New Hampshire Fellowship of Congregational Christian Churches, devise a series of spot ads for the Union Ledger in Manchester, New Hampshire. Up to $5,000 to be taken from the unrestricted gifts to the NA (wish list money) to fund this project (Exhibit 23).

Seconded and adopted.

3:23 P.M. Lloyd Hall left the meeting.

Executive Committee Minutes 8 February 7, 2004

Missionary Society A Request for Funding was received from the Missionary Society for the provision of meals for attending missionaries. (Exhibit 24)

04-E-25 Rev. Clarke moved that up to $2,000 of wish list money to be

Meals for used to pay for meals for missionaries attending the Annual

Missionaries Meeting. This to be a one time gift, next time it will come out of the Missionary Society budget.

Seconded and adopted.

CCD Request A Request for Funding was received from CCD for a one year

For Funding pilot project hiring the Rev. Patti Dando Haaheim as a trainer/consultant to train regional representatives to offer revitalization retreats in their locale. This partial funding ($5,000.00) would be in lieu of salary.

(Exhibit 25)

04-E-26 Rev. Alice Murphy moved we fund a one year pilot program allowing CCD to hire Patti Dando Haaheim for the amount of $5,000.00.

Seconded and adopted.

Land Committee Rev. Joe Clarke reported on behalf of the Land Committee. One solid bid has been received in the amount of $265,000 and possibly another one is in. The pending offer is in the negotiating stage and in consultation with the attorneys. The original price, which was discussed, was $280,000 with the hope of clearing $250,000.

DFM Proposal A Pay for Services Proposal was received. (Exhibit 26).

04-E-27 Rev. Alice Murphy moved that for pastoral search processes

Pay for Services the following pay for services be charged: non-member churches $150.00 for three months, renewable, plus expenses for executive visits paid; non-NA clergy, $75.00 for three months, renewable, which will include information on the Boston Seminar and other educational opportunities; that NA churches and NA clergy not be charged a listing fee; and that those member churches be encouraged to contribute toward outlined expenses for travel, meals and housing for Executive Secretary visits.

Seconded and adopted.

Break At 3:57 P.M. Chairman Sue Carter declared a ten minute break.

Reconvened The meeting was reconvened at 4:07 P.M.

Executive Committee Minutes 9 February 7, 2004

04-E-28 Mr. Mike Hicks moved we recommend the Youth Subcommittee

Youth become the Youth Commission. Seconded. (Exhibit 27 )

Subcommittee Dr. Richard suggested we (Executive Committee) expect something from the Youth Subcommittee as to programming for the local churches in youth ministry. Also that they must turn in budgets. Lloyd Hall stated that a charge for the Youth Commission needs to be written.

04-E-29 Joe Clarke moved to postpone action until the June meeting.

Postponement Seconded and adopted.

Mike Hicks is to instruct Karen Frazzell, Dr. Richard and Marina Rosenberg, to work with him and the Youth Sub-Committee to develop a charge to meet the needs of the Association.

Membership Mr. Mike Hicks reported on the Membership and Procedures

& Procedures Subcommittee. (Exhibit 28)

Churches He noted the following churches have withdrawn from the NACCC:

Withdrawn The First Congregational Church, Tarentum, Pennsylvania, Verdon Congregational Church, Verdon, Nebraska, and The United Church of New Marlborough, Southfield, Massachusetts. He noted that two of these churches have closed.

04-E-30 VOTED: To recommend for membership in the National Association:

Recommended Alexis Congregational Church

Church For Toledo, Ohio

Membership Adopted

Dr. Richard recommended we put new churches on the web site. He will ask Mrs. Dahm to do this. He also suggested that new member churches be encouraged to go through the process of applying with sister church and State/Regional Associations.

Executive Committee Minutes 10 February 7, 2004

Nominations Rev. Alice Murphy, Chairman of the Nominations and

& Appointments Appointment Subcommittee, gave the following report:

04-E-31 VOTED: To approve the nominee for the Christian

Approve Nominee Education/Spiritual Resources Subcommittee of the Church

For Christian Services Commission as presented by the Nominations and

Education/Spiritual Appointments Subcommittee to be presented to the delegates. Adopted

Resources – Church for election.

Services Commission Christian Education/Spiritual Resources – Four Year Term

Meredyth Bellows

Plymouth Congregational Church

Wichita, Kansas

Alyce Downer

First Congregational Church

Durand, Michigan

04-E-32 VOTED: To approve the nominees for the Youth Subcommittee

Approve Nominees of the Church Services Commission as presented by the

For Youth Nominations an Appointments Subcommittee to be presented to

Subcommittee - the delegates for election.

Church Services Youth – Four Year Term

Rev. Marchie Miyashiro Sims

Pilgrim Congregational Church

Pomona, California

Lexy Van Deneede

First Congregtional Church

Rosecommon, Michigan

Wendy Brown

First Congregational Church

Akron, Ohio

04-E-33 VOTED: To approve the nominees for the Communication

Approve Nominees Services Committee as presented by the Nominations and

Communications Appointments Sub-committee to be presented to the delegates

Services Committee for election.

Communications Services Committee:

Rev. Jan Bearderstadt

Renaissance Fellowship

Turner, Michigan

Executive Committee Minutes 11 February 7, 2004

Communications Rev. Lisa Dembkowski

Services Florence Congregational Church

(cont’d.) Florence, Massachusetts

Rev. Terry Bascom

Grace United Congregational Church

Farmington, Connecticut

Pam Smith

North Shore Congregational Church

Fox Point, Wisconsin

Alan Seltzer

Church in the Garden

Forest Hills, New York