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"The Power of Invitation and Welcome"
Saturday, April 9, 2005
The Congregational Church of Manhasset, UCC
Over 130 persons gathered for the 128th Annual Meeting of the Metropolitan Association which included:
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After registration and continental breakfast, Moderator Christopher Solomon opened the meeting in the Parish Hall. We were welcomed by Jimmy Only, pastor of the Manhasset Church . He explained the host church was founded in 1941, " Pearl Harbor Year". Its current programs include:
- Active program for children and youth which includes as least one mission project each month
- Adult education and retreats
- Mission and Outreach which include a school tutorial program begun in 1969
- Beautiful music in worship
With a smile Jimmy said, "there is preaching during the music's half time."
Registrar Christopher Ponnuraj declared a quorum with attendance by:
43 churches
131 persons
The minutes of the 2004 Annual Meeting were approved.
Regional Conference Minister Michael Caine referred us to his written report, emphasizing the need to develop and support our leadership, both clergy and lay.
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Michael urged financial support of the work of the broader church though payment of our Metro dues and support of OCWM (Our Church's Wider Mission) which finances the work of the New York Conference and the national setting. He noted that if he goes to help a church which has not paid its dues or contributed to OCWM, he is providing help financed by the dollars of those who do make their financial contributions. He emphasized the issue by reporting the New York Conference fell $88,000 short in OCWM contributions in 2004.
"We must share the financial resources God has given us with our church in the local, state and national settings," he urged.
Michael closed by saying, "I feel blessed to work with you, inspired by you, and I love you."
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Board of Directors President Ronald Williams Wells also referred us to his written report. "Last year we voted a deficit budget. The Board of Directors has pledged to reach out to churches that have not been providing financial support. So far Michael and I have visited two congregations. One of them is now in re-payment."
Ronald said we live and breathe covenantal relationships. It is important that we call each other to task when we are not living up to our covenants.
"We on the Board of Directors are seeking to model transformation," Ronald said. He closed by noting, "Anything that is dead should be buried."
Registrar Christopher Ponnuraj referred us to his written report. He emphasized the fact John Barrett was called to be pastor of West Center Congregational Church in Bronxville. He reminded us that Gular Glover will be ordained on Sunday, April 10, 2005 . And he reported that the Ecclesiastical Council for Jennifer Glover approved her for ordination on Saturday, April 23, 2005.
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Chair of the Ordination and Standing Committee Jan Powell emphasized three points:
Thanks to those retiring from the committee - Harold McQuilla, David Powers and Sylvia White.
Joy in the creation of our online polity course , the first online course known to those who attended a recent meeting of polity teachers
Committee emphasis on mentoring those entering the association in any form of ministry - in care, privilege of call or licensed ministry
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Jan said the Committee is planning a Teach In for local congregations who have persons in care to help these congregations nurture those who feel the call to ministry.
Chair of the Committee on Congregational Development and Standing Ruby Wilson referred to her written report and to the report of the Coordinator of Hispanic Ministries.
Ruby said the Committee is planning a 2005 E-Vent (Evangelism Event) to continue the enthusiasm for the God Is Still Speaking initiative.
The Committee is also tracking down churches which haven't been active in the Association to learn if they need help.
Much of the Committee's work has focused on working with Winston Pena and the congregation of La Palabra as they embark on an ambitious capital campaign.
Ruby asked anyone interested in or knowing of candidates for the position of Coordinator of Hispanic Ministries to contact her.
Chair of the Committee on the Church and Metropolitan Community Dorothy Gist referred us to her written report. Dorothy noted the Committee had focused much of its effort on the 2005 Martin Luther King Celebration graciously hosted by the Flatbush-Tompkins church. At one of its next meetings the Committee will determine if the 2006 King Celebration will be held on Sunday or Monday.
The Committee will also meet with Regional Conference Minister Michael Caine to examine other activities on which it might focus.
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Dorothy reminded Annual Meeting participants of the Justice and Witness ListServe. Persons interested in participating in this exchange of information about justice and mission issues can contact Martha Gotwals or e-mail office@uccmetrosuffolk.org
Dorothy concluded by reminding us "You are the wind beneath our wings."
Chair of the Committee on Mission Priorities and Stewardship Adrienne Brockway referred us to her written report. She reminded us that this committee had previously been a group to give grants to local mission projects. With the vote on the 2004 Budget which transferred emphasis to funding Hispanic Ministries, the Committee is now focusing on supporting mission at the local, regional and global levels.
To that end four committee members are contacting local churches to learn of their mission projects. This information will be entered in a database that can help churches work together and/or get ideas from the work of others. The goal is to have the database ready for presentation at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the New York Conference May 20-22.
The Committee is also brain-storming ideas for an Association-wide mission project which might last one or two years.
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Chair of the Nominating Committee Buddy Sampson, assisted by the Ruth Garwood, liaison between the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee, presented the Report of the Nominating Committee.
During the discussion and election that followed the report was amended to:
Elect Alice Brown to the Board of Directors rather than to the office of Vice Moderator
Direct the Board of Directors by July 9, 2005 to select from those elected to the Board of Directors a Vice Moderator and to identify persons to fill other vacant positions.
Nominate and elect Barbara Cody to the Class of 2007 and Alan Ross to the Class of 2008 for the Committee on Congregational Development and Standing.
Nominate and elect Cynthia Pinder to the Class of 2007 and Mark Marsh to the Class of 2006 for the Committee on Metro Mission Priorities and Stewardship.
Nominate and elect Elice Higginbotham to the Class of 2008 for the Committee on the Church and the Metropolitan Community.
The balance of the Report of the Nominating Committee was accepted and the nominees elected.
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Treasurer Fannie Davis was delayed in her arrival. In her absence, Ronald Williams Wells and Michael Caine asked for questions/discussion of the:
Statement of Income and Expense
Balance Sheet
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Chair of the Deer Hill Committee, John Werner, reported that the sale of Deer Hill which had been predicted at the 2004 Annual Meeting was not consummated, for the potential buyers didn't have enough money. John said the Committee is optimistic that a new buyer will be found and that the proceeds of the sale will enhance the Association's financial position.
Michael noted the financial statements are currently unaudited. There may be changes during the audit. "We want to be completely transparent. We want you to know how God's money is being spent," he said.
Michael Caine installed those elected to serve the Association. He also thanked those retiring from their positions and those who continue to serve. "Jesus teaches his disciples that they are to focus on serving rather than being served." He urged those elected to serve the Association to keep this in mind.
Nominations were then accepted from the floor for the Nominating Committee. The Association By-laws prohibit the Nominating Committee from nominating its own successors. Those nominated and elected were:
Henry Veal - Class of 2007
Jennifer Glover - Class of 2008
Jim Adelmann - Class of 2008
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Other Business included:
David Wescott announcing a meeting regarding The Church and the UN to be held at Riverside Church on May 22.
Julie Olmstead expressing concern that we have not had significant activity in two areas she considers very important - the Youth Advisory Committee and the Committee on Spiritual Life and Professional Development.
Judith Hoche Ray announcing a conference on Theology and Sexuality October 16-18, 2005.
Ruby Wilson inviting people to "Safe Haven Hope" on April 23, a celebration of those receiving grants from 10% of Safe Haven's income.
Pam Spence-Bakker reporting that the Committee on Spiritual Life and Professional Development, under the leadership of Noel Vanek, sought to bring together clergy in the last year but found busy schedules resulted in low attendance. Pam asked for a show of hands, first of clergy, then of lay persons, who would be interested in an annual retreat.
Tom Martinez inviting participation in the June 9 walk from Brooklyn to Ground Zero.
Yves Pierre urging help to those in Haiti.
The business meeting adjourned with prayer at 10:45 AM.
Reported by Lucy Werner
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