MINUTES OF THE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

OF THE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

 

Providence, Rhode Island

June 25-30, 2004

 

ACTIONS  04-E-40

Through 04-E-57       

 

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

Association of Congregational Christian Churches was called to 

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

           

Executive Committee voting members present were:

 

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

Hicks, Mr. Michael                                   Murphy, the Rev. Alice

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

                                    Clarke, the Rev. Joseph                            Godard, Ms. Betty

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

                                                                       

                                               

Ex-Officio Executive Committee non-voting members were:

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

 

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

 

                                    The Chairman welcomed Mrs. Kniefel.    

 

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

                                               

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

arrived.

 

04-E-40                       VOTED:  By consensus the Agenda (Exhibit 1) was approved

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

Of the                          9:00 A.M., a representative from Church Services will be

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

 

 

Executive Committee Minutes                           2                                            June 25-30, 2004

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

 

                                    The Chairman noted the January, 2004 conference call.

 

04-E-41                       VOTED: By general consent, the minutes of the February 7, 2004  meeting were approved as posted.

 

04-E-42                       VOTED: By general consent, the minutes of the March 25, 2004 telephone conference call were approved as posted.

 

04-E-43                       VOTED: By general consent, the minutes of the April 13, 2004 telephone conference call were approved as posted.

 

Moderator’s Report  No report.

 

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

 Report                       she wants ideas from the Executive Committee  by October.

                                  

EC Seminars              All members agreed they were prepared for the seminars.

 

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

 

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

Executive Secretary   (Exhibit 3)

 

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

Executive Secretary   (Exhibit 4) 

 

Executive                    Dr. Tom Richard presented his written report (Exhibit 5) and

Secretary                    noted he would update us at the Executive Session. 

 

                                    8:53 Mrs. Hannah Hall left.

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

 

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

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

 

Break                          At 9:50 the chairman declared a 15 minute break.

 

                                    The meeting resumed at 10:05 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Committee Minutes                         3                                       June 25-30, 2004

 

04-E-44                       Rev. Roy Backus moved that we approve a $50,000 grant to the Congregational Foundation for development purposes.  

Seconded and defeated.

 

04-E-45                       Mr. Blaine Simons moved the Executive Committee designate $50,000 to be used for development activities in the Congregational Foundation and that a transfer of these funds be made from the N.A. to the Foundation.

                                    Seconded and approved.

 

10:33  Mrs. Hall returned

 

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

Request for                Rev. Hall requested that the Executive Committee, on behalf of

Resolution                  the NACCC, adopt a Resolution honoring the Rev. Dr. Harold F. Worthley.  The Resolution to be presented to Dr. Worthley during the Association’s 50th Annual Meeting, June 2004.

04-E-46                       Rev. Dewey Gierke moved that the Executive Committee, on behalf of the NACCC, adopt a Resolution honoring Rev. Dr. Harold F. Worthley at the 50th Annual Meeting, June 2004.  Seconded and adopted.

 

Visitors                       The revised draft of the Visitor’s Handbook was presented,

Handbook                   Exhibit 10, which is a result of suggestions coming out of goal groups. Dr. Richard stated the handbook will be used by Fraternal Delegates and others visiting churches on behalf of the National Association.  We need to complete the circle of communication with a follow up letter and let the National Association know the outcome of each visit.

 

Alternative Fund        This was postponed until the February 2005 meeting.

Raising

 

Annual Meeting         This was discussed in a goal group.

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

Executive Committee Minutes                           4                                    June 25-30, 2004

 

Church Services         Mrs. Diana Hupp, from the Youth Subcommittee, recommended that the current Youth Subcommittee of the Church Services Commission be changed to commission status and be called “The Commission for Youth Ministry” to better reflect the responsibilities of the group and embrace cooperation on site selection for adult and youth conferences. Members of the Youth Subcommittee will automatically become members of the commission.

 

04-E-47                       Mike Hicks moved the above resolution be recommended to the

Commission for          delegates. 

Youth Ministry           VOTED:  Motion was adopted.

 

Lunch                          At 11:30 Mrs. Sue Carter declared the meeting recessed for lunch which was held in the Garden Room.

 

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

 

                                    Lloyd Hall informed us that the delegates in a 1996 action created a commission, not a subcommittee, with 24 members on the commission. The delegates need to correct the number of members on the Church Services Commission.

 

EC Seminars              The goal groups reported (Exhibit 11).  Dr. Richard suggested “Activities” should be more specific.

 

Marketing Plan          The Marketing Plan was presented (Exhibit 12).  Tom Richard updated us on the activities of Mary Carson.  Rev. Hotchkin suggested Anne Butman get involved in the marketing endeavor.

 

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

 

Youth Commission     We will need to appoint another liaison for the Youth Commission.

 

Host Committee         Jim Hopkins added to his written report (Exhibit 13) that the Planning Committee had been a great group to work with.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Executive Committee Minutes                           5                                    June 25-30, 2004

 

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

Congregationalist      report (Exhibit  14):   Revenue for the magazine was up $17,000;

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

 

Incoming Editor’s       Rev. Jim Eaton added to his written report (Exhibit 15) that

Report                        $17,000 worth of new software has been purchased as well as a color laser printer which will be used in the preparation of The Congregationalist.  He commented that he asks of each article “How does this effect people in the churches?”.

 

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

 

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

& Procedures             presented the proposed amendments to the Articles of Association, and the Bylaws of the Association. (Exhibit 16)

04-E-48                       Rev. White then moved that the Executive Committee recommend to the Assembly (Delegates) the revised updated versions of the NACCC Articles of Association and the Bylaws of Association dated June 2004.

                                    VOTED:  Adopted

 

                                    Rev. Hall suggested that each set of bylaw changes be printed on different colors of paper.

 

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

 

                                    At 3:15 Mrs. Carter called the meeting to order and called upon Mr. Mike Hicks for his Membership/Procedures Report.

 

Membership               Mr. Mick Hicks reported that two member churches had

& Procedures             requested to be dropped from the NA.  He then read the names

                                    of those churches who are seeking membership at this Annual Meeting. (Exhibit 17)

 

Electronic Voting       Dr. Richard brought up the subject of electronic voting per an e-mail generated by Rev. White dated May 13, 2004.  It appears, per Ed White’s research that, unless proven otherwise, electronic voting is permissible for a State of Wisconsin Corporation.   

 

Membership               Returning to the subject of member churches, Tom Richard then put forth a discussion as to whether new member churches need to belong to a state/regional association. 

 

 

 

Executive Committee Minutes                       6                                             June 25-30, 2004

 

 

“Protocol For              A document entitled “A New Protocol For Inquiring

Inquiring Churches”         Churches (checklist-updated 4//22/04)” (Exhibit 18) was presented.  

04-E-49                       Rev. Dewey Gierke moved that the “New Protocol Checklist For Inquiring Churches” be approved.  Seconded and adopted.

 

Nominations               Rev. Alice Murphy presented a document (Exhibit 19) naming the 2004 Nominees and Appointments.

04-E-50                       Rev. Murphy moved that we accept the nominees and appointees for presentation to the general assembly.

                                    VOTED:  Adopted.

 

Wish List                    Alice Murphy presented two wish list requests from the Youth Sub-Committee.  It was decided to put these aside to be discussed at our October meeting.

                                   

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

 

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

 

Communication          Mr. John Miller, Chairman, Communication Services, started his

Services                      report with the fact that Joe Polhemus is retiring as Editor of The Congregationalist and he welcomed Rev. Jim Eaton who is the new Editor.  This committee is expanding their Information Services and now have a web hosting program with First Congregational Church of Detroit.

 

Financial                     Mr. Tom Lootens, Chairman of Financial Services reported that

Services                      the Executive Committee contacted churches who were not Fair Share participants and the committee followed up reminding churches who give that the Fiscal Year ends March 31.  They have published a brochure listing the Financial Services we have to offer. On the website they also recognize those who give gifts to the N.A. and give suggested methods of resources to churches.   They are hosting a Seminar regarding MMBB (Ministers, Missionaries Benefit Board) and a Congregational Investment Trust Seminar during the Annual Meeting.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Executive Committee Minutes                               7                                June 25-30, 2004

 

Plenary Session (cont’d.)

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

 

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

 

 

Missionary                 Rev. Kevin Roach, Chairman of the Missionary Society,

Society                        reported $451,000.00 of Missionary money came through the National Office.  They wish to upgrade communication technology with missionaries.

 

Church Services         Mrs. Christine Fleischmann, Chairman, told of the variety of

Commission                workshops they are offering during Annual Meeting: Congregational Polity, Rotation Model (Sunday School), After School Programs and Parish Nursing.  She thanked all who contributed articles and who purchased the Advent and Lenten Devotionals.  She ended her report by thanking Mrs. Ruth Mahnke for her work with this Commission.

 

Youth Subcommittee        Mrs. Dee Hupp reported they are sponsoring the NAPF  and HOPE intergenerational event Sunday night. Copies of the CD of the power point presentation from last year is available.  Other accomplishments this year includes articles in publications, updating of brochures and a Youth Leaders Retreat.  Missionary work with youth will happen in 2005-2006.

 

Congregational           Rev. Bob Carlson reported they have raised $17,000 and spent

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

 

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

 

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

                                   

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

 

 

 

 

Executive Committee Minutes                              8                                 June 25-30, 2004

 

 

Executive Session      An Executive Session was called to order by Sue Carter at 7:10 and adjourned at 7:30 P.M.

 

 

 

Saturday Morning, June 26, 2004

 

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

 

                                    All of the Executive Committee voting members were present.

 

                                    Ex-officio Executive Committee non-voting members present were: Mrs. Sherry Glab, Secretary, Rev. Dr. Donald Bentley, Moderator and Mrs. Hannah Hall, Moderator-Elect.

 

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

 

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

 

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

Fund                            which solicited funds to give to churches to send delegates to the Annual Meeting which otherwise could not afford to be represented.  As a result of this program, six churches were able to send delegates. Six individuals and three churches gave to this effort.  Mention was given to People’s Congregational Church which gave $1,377 from their Blessing Fund.  A total of $4,272.00 was received out of which $3,705.00 were given out in grants with a balance of $566.00 still in the fund. (Exhibit 20 )

 

                                    At 8:40 Mr. James Walsh arrived.

 

                                    At 8:55 Don Olsen left and at 9:05 Rev. Glenn Lawson arrived.

 

                                    At 9:15 Don Bentley left the meeting.         

                                   

 

 

 

 

Executive Committee Minutes                             9                                  June 25-30, 2004

 

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

 

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

 

04-E-51                       Rev. Dewey Gierke moved that we accept the invitation of the Alabama/Georgia Association to host the 2007 NACCC (Annual Meeting) pending site visit by NA staff with youth.

                                    Seconded and adopted.

 

Requests from            Alice Murphy presented two requests for funding

Youth                          from the Youth Subcommittee; one for up to $10,000 for

Subcommittee             scholarships and one for $1,500-$2,000 for CD duplicator (to provide CD’s of the PF/HOPE conferences). (Exhibits 21 & 22))

                                    The Chairman asked that we might wait to act upon these requests until we have received a firm request with actual costs.

04-E-52                       Dewey Gierke moved that the NA office staff report to the Executive Committee at its October 2004 meeting its response to requests for funding by Youth presented at June 2004 meeting.

                                    Seconded and adopted.

                                 

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

 

Proposal To EC          Dr. Hall reported that he and Dr. Steve Peay have written a document entitled “In Fellowship with Sister Churches”.  (Exhibit 23)

 

Church Services’        Mrs. Christine Fleischmann, Chairman of the Church Services

Proposal                      Commission, read a proposal (Exhibit 24) regarding resource rooms and workshops at Annual Meetings.  Following her report, discussion ensued from which the following suggestions were made: Anne Butman suggested Annual Meetings need a framework within which to plan and Tom Richard suggested we write a handbook from Carrie Dahm’s evaluations and have a Handbook Committee revisit this aspect having Carrie Dahm and Tom Richard as ex-officio members of this committee.

 

 

 

Executive Committee Minutes                     10                                                  June 25-30, 2004

 

Thank-you                  Sue Carter thanked Mrs. Fleischmann for her report.  Mrs. Fleischmann left the meeting.

                                   

                                    At 10:10 Hannah Hall left the meeting.

                                    

Fraternal                     Mr. Bonn Clayton reported eight or nine people made visits, in

Delegates                   addition to those made by the office staff, and more needs to be done.  Executive Committee members, and others, could help with visits.    We now have ecumenic