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Our Fall 2006 Metro Meeting was part of an exciting three-day
event launching our celebration of the UCC's 50th Birthday.
We began Friday evening, November 3, with Bible study led
by Dr. Frederick W. Weidmann, Director of the Center for
Church Life and Professor of Biblical Studies at Auburn Theological
Seminary.
Saturday, November 4 we gathered at 3:00 PM for our Metro
Business Meeting. (See below). This was followed by a fellowship
dinner hosted by the Church of the Evangel.
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Saturday evening we joined with the Suffolk Association for a
rousing Music Extravaganza directed by Jim Ahrend of Sayville UCC.
Sunday Lisa Robinson led us in worship and, with members of the
United Church of Christ across the nation, we watched the live
webcast from the Amistad Chapel in the UCC Church House, Cleveland,
OH.
Metro Business Meeting
Saturday,
November 4, 2006
Church of the Evangel, Brooklyn, NY
We passed our Budget for 2007 available as an Excel
Spreadsheet and Printable
Web Page .
We made boundary training a requirement for all clergy with active
standing and for all candidates prior to ordination.
We heard a preliminary report with recommendations from the Blue
Ribbon Committee.
We recognized with gratitude the OCWM gifts and the "Five for
Five" congregations.
Joyfully we accepted an invitation from the Suffolk Association
to join them on Saturday, December 2, for lunch and to hear Rev.
John Thomas, General Minister and President of the UCC.
These reports were also made for the November 4, 2006 Meeting.
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Resolution Regarding Boundary
Training
From the Committee on Ordination and Ministerial Standing
November 4, 2006
Whereas the United Church of Christ Insurance Boards now require
Safe Church/Boundary Training for all clergy, staff and volunteers
who work with children;
And whereas many other denominations have already required
their clergy and church staff to have Safe Church/Boundary
Training;
And whereas the interests of justice and concern for our common
life call us to be vigilant in our care and protection for
one another and ourselves,
Therefore be it resolved that the New York Metropolitan Association
of the United Church of Christ call on all its clergy to participate
in a mandatory Clergy Safe Church/Boundary Training program within
the coming year, irrespective of when they were ordained, and
that henceforth such a training program be required of all clergy
members of the Association, ministerial in-care candidates prior
to ordination, ministers seeking dual-standing, and licensed
or commissioned ministers;
Be it further resolved that, to make such training possible,
the Metropolitan Association devise, plan and conduct workshops
in Safe Churches expeditiously not only for clergy, but for church
staff and appropriate volunteers, on at least two dates in the
coming year between November, 2006 and May, 2008, and that in
order to facilitate such workshops, potential leaders participate
in the New York Conference leadership training programs at Stella
Maris on January 29-30 or March 5-6, 2007.
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Message From The Board
President - Fall 2006
Dear Clergy and Congregations of the United Church of Christ Metropolitan
Association:
First and foremost, all honor, glory and praise to God, my Creator,
to the Head of my life, my Savior Jesus Christ and for the marvelous
gift of the Holy Spirit without whom, nothing can be done. To our
Regional Conference Minister, Rev. Michael Caine whose love for
this church moves him to act on her behalf in so many ways; to
my own local church, Safe Haven UCC who supports my commitments
even though it means that more than likely, they have to involved
as well; to the Executive Committee- Secretary Brigitte Ermansons
and Treasurer Harold Chapman whose outstanding efforts have helped
to keep the work of this Association on track; to Executive Administrative
Louise Manigault whose meticulous attention to detail, in a timely
fashion, has enabled the lines of communication to flow a bit freer;
to the Church of the Evangel who has so graciously opened the doors
of their church home and allowed us to have the opportunity to
experience the Word made flesh right here among us. And to you,
the gathered body of The Metro Association, grace and peace be
with you this day and always.
I am honored and humbled by the privilege of being elected to
serve as President of the Board of Directors of Metro Association.
I am grateful to God that through the leading of the Holy Spirit,
this Association has elected a Board committed to vision, prophetic
leadership, stewardship, effective communication (hearing, listening,
speaking and heeding God's voice in whatever manner God chooses
to use), and passionately covenanting with you in equipping our
clergy and our local churches to do God's redemptive work through
powerful and dynamic ministry, in our fast-paced, ever-changing
communities.
In his tenure as Board President, my predecessor and colleague,
Rev. Dr. Ronald Wilson Wells, encouraged faithful stewardship through
Sound Business Practices. He recognized that we must be intentional
about managing the endowment entrusted to us by those who came
before us. For what has been passed on to us must be used prudently
and in such a way that it increases by the time we reach the end
of our part in the process. It is my hope and prayer that we continue
to build upon Sound Business Practices and also expand this intentionality
to all areas related to this Association to ensure that the work
of ministry will continue long after we are able to do so. Such
was the case when the Board gathered at our Annual Retreat in June.
The Building Committee so named because it specifically dealt with
the property at 79-11 Caldwell Avenue in Queens , (the Association's
headquarters as well as the meeting place for the church CTK) was
renamed the Property Committee, expanding to include all properties
owned by Metro as well as those we will receive in the future.
You can read about the extensive work of the Property Committee
and related Board decisions here ..
This Board will focus upon getting to know you and hearing your
needs on revitalizing your church, planting new churches, developing
new ministries, targeting specific populations or areas (youth,
seniors, unchurched, economic empowerment, capital funding, etc.),
and recruiting and training Clergy and Laity. We will do this by
working effectively through our committees who will be accessible
to you when the need arises. We will be proactive as well; coming
to you to assist you in your areas of need. We are committed to
the Association in working to give more support to the congregations
and their ministries.
We hope you have enjoyed the Conference so far that began with
Bible Study last night. We ask that you enjoy the meal, stay and
be blessed for tonight's Musical Extravaganza and tomorrow's worship
celebration with our simulcast and the anointed and dynamic preaching
of Rev. Lisa Robinson. Our Planning Committee under the direction
of Chair Ming Ng of the Congregational Church of South Hempstead,
along with subcommittees, Music Committee (Chair Jim Ahrend of
Sayville Congregational UCC) and Worship Committee (Chair, Deacon
Stephanie Bennett of the Church of the Evangel) have done an outstanding
job of pulling this all together, graciously giving of their time,
talent and treasure so that the body of Christ will be filled in
order to be a blessing to others.
Should you need to reach us about what this Board can do for you,
contact us at Metro Association at uccnymetro@aol.com or
you can reach me at SHMinistries@aol.com .
We look forward to hearing from you and working with you as we
make our Association a manifestation of what God can do through
the people of God. Have faith and believe because there is NOTHING
impossible for God who is a rewarded for all who diligently seek
God (Hebrews 12:6).
Rev. Dr. Ruby M. Wilson
President
Metropolitan Association Board of Director
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Report From the Committee
on The Church and the Metropolitan Community
Fall 2006
There has been much discussion about the Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. Celebration for 2007, and the committee has decided to return
the celebration to Dr. King's Day:
Save the Date:
Monday, January 15, 2007 , 9:00
AM - Approximately 2:00
PM
Theme: "Beyond Vietman and Iraq :
Martin Luther King, War and Peace."
Other details will be forthcoming about this celebration.
Dorothy Gist
Chair
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Report of the Congregational
Development and Standing Committee
Fall Meeting of the Metropolitan Association ~ November 4, 2006
The function of the Committee on Congregational Development and
Standing is to seek to develop new churches, strengthen existing
churches and their ministries, and to discover other churches that
are looking for a spiritual and larger church connection. The committee
currently holds a dinner meeting on the first Tuesday or Thursday
of each month at the Bowne Street Community Church in Flushing
, New York . We graciously thank this church for its hospitality.
The following is a summary of our work since the Spring Association
meeting:
- The Committee began its new working year in August by reviewing
the description of its purpose from the Basic Beliefs and
By-Laws of the Metropolitan Association of the New York Conference
of the United Church of Christ .
Rev. Michael Caine then reviewed with the committee the large
number of Association churches which are in transition, in need
of assistance, or possibly defunct.
- The Committee asked our Association Registrar to send a registered
letter to The Church of the Living Lord , 48
Allen Street , New York, NY 10002 to determine if this church
still exists. The letter advised that unless it responded, the
Committee would recommend removal from the rolls of churches
at the November 4, 2006 Metropolitan Association Fall Meeting .
Having received no response, such action is now recommended.
- The Committee discussed its role of helping churches. It was
noted that UCC churches are autonomous, and, as such, the committee
has no jurisdiction over how a church resolves its challenges.
However, it would like to function in the role of Situational
Support Consultants that come in when the pastor/congregation
need an outside ear. The group might listen, write a report,
make recommendations, and tactfully encourage strong spiritual
leaders to step back and look at the situation in a different
way. This would have to be done in a consistent, objective way,
and might occur in a variety of settings. Some churches might
need such presence at a board meeting, others at a congregational
meeting, or a worship service. In order to be better prepared
to serve in such a role, Rev. Susan Gibson provided the Committee
with training based upon a course she took on Conflict Transformation
Skills at the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. Members of our
Committee will arrange to visit any of our churches upon invitation.
Please contact Rev. Michael Caine if interested.
- The New York Conference has notified this committee that it
has ended the Leadership Subsidy of Pilgrim United Church of
Christ in the Bronx . The subsidy was granted in early 2004 to
help the church and its pastor, José Lantigua, revitalize
the small Guyanese congregation and bring in new Spanish-speaking
members from the neighboring community. \ The subsidy has been
discontinued as this did not happen, despite numerous attempts
to help \ on the part of Rev. Michael Caine, this committee,
the New York Conference, and Rev. Rivera-Santiago (UCC National
Office).
Respectfully submitted,
Bonnie Miller, Facilitator/Convener
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Report of the Property Committee
Fall 2006
Originally the Property Committee (Building Committee) was set
up to be a vehicle for the partnership between the Metropolitan
Association and Christhava Tamil Koil when we moved into 79-11
Caldwell Avenue (Formerly known as The Elmhurst Community Church).
The committee was responsible for all issues and agreements with
Metro and CTK with regard to the upkeep and proposed purchase of
a portion of the building by CTK.
At the Metro Board Retreat in June, 2006, it was decided that
the Building Committee expand it horizons as an outreach instrument
for other churches in the Association, and therefore, the name
of the committee was changed to the Property Committee.
Property concerns that have come to the Board of Directors and/or
to Congregational Development and Standing are being forwarded
to this committee for review, site evaluation and ultimately written
recommendations to the Board of Directors.
The committee is currently working with issues concerning St.
Luke's Community Church , Brooklyn; Community Congregational Church
of New Hyde Park, Nassau County ; and Christhava Tamil Koil, Queens
. The options by CTK have been reviewed, and we have recommended
the purchase of the property ( 79-11 Caldwell Ave. ) by CTK as
soon as final agreements and contracts are completed by the attorneys
and forwarded to the Board of Directors.
Preliminary recommendations have been made to the Board concerning
other properties, and further evaluations are being conducted before
final recommendations are made.
We will work closely with the Board and the Committee on Congregational
Development and Standing. Future reports and recommendations will
be made at the Spring Meeting of the Association.
James G. Thomas
Chair
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Registrar's Report to the
Fall Meeting
November 4, 2006
The Ordination and Ministerial Standing Committee interviewed
the following persons for various statuses in the Metro Association
since the 129th Annual Meeting on April 29th,
2006.
Full Standing
Rev. Dr. Edgar J Miller ( Chaplain-Columbia Presbyterian Hospital-Judson
Memorial Church, Manhattan )
Rev. Antonio Rivera-Rodriguez (Retired Pastor - Puerto Rico)
Installation
Rev. Cathlin Baker (Union Seminary - Judson Memorial Church, Manhattan
)
Rev. James Campbell (Broadway UCC, Manhattan )
Rev. Thomas Lenhart (First Congregational UCC, Chappaqua, NY )
Dual Standing
1. Rev. Kurian Matthew Nanthicattu (CSI Malayalam Congregation,
Seaford, NY )
Licensures for Ministry
• Rev. Reuben D. Cediño (The Filipino - American
UCC, Queens )
• Mr. Joseph F. Medlin Jr. (Chaplain - Calvary Hospital,
Broadway UCC, Manhattan)
• Mr. Peter Denebaum (First Congregational Church,
Rockaway Beach, NY)
Ordination
1. Rev. Dr. Margaret Blamberg (Chaplain-UN, Plymouth Church of
Pilgrims, Brooklyn) 2. Rev. Alfred Rajasekaran Thiagarajan (The
Christhava Tamil Koil, Queens)
Ecclesiastical Council
1. Ms. Frances Wise Grenley: Ecclesiastical Council
will be on November 16th, 2006. On recommendation of
the council ordination will be held on December 10th,
2006.
2. Ms. Elsa Peters: Ecclesiastical Council will
be on First week of January 2007. On recommendation of the council
ordination will be held on January 21st 2007.
In-Care
• Ms. Ruby Solomon (Union Congregational Church, Manhattan)
• Ms. Kathleen M. Von Braunsberg (Congregational Church
of South Hempstead, Nassau)
• Dr. David Seiple (Broadway UCC, Manhattan)
• Ms. Jennifer Aull (Broadway UCC, Manhattan)
We have 28 candidates as In-Care of our Association. We processed
two requests for transfer of Ordained Ministerial Standing to other
Associations.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj
Registrar
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Report from the Scholarship
Committee
November 4, 2006
The South Congregational Church, Brooklyn, NY Endowment Fund administered
by the Metropolitan Association for Association students, has been
established by the bequests from the South Congregational Church
of Brooklyn, NY for individuals who are beginning their second
year of academic training in an accredited university
or college in the United States, provided he or she has not applied
for any other scholarship funds originating from The Society of
the South Congregational Church. The accumulated interest from
the fund is used each year to provide these scholarships.
The application period extends from May 1 - June 30 of each year.
Those who are interested in applying must complete and submit an
application, which is obtained from the Metropolitan Association
office, submit a recent Bursar's Statement, have college transcripts
sent directly to the Metro office, send a copy of all awards received
from other sources and submit a letter of reference from the pastor
showing active involvement in the church. Awards are made based
on academic achievement and written narratives in the application
packet.
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2006 Scholarships:
Ms. Roberta Johnson - St. Albans Congregational Church
Delaware State University
Mr. Robert Worlow - Congregational Church of Patchogue
Rider University
Ms. Annika L. Adelmann - Garden City Community Church
Boston University
Ms. Dana Forde - Corona Congregational Church
Plattsburgh State University of New York
Mr. Patrick C. Duggan - Congregational Church of South Hempstead
SUNY at New Paltz
Ms. Lesley K. Moses - St. Albans Congregational Church
York College
Ms. Gifta L. Jones - Christhava Tamil Koil
St. John's University
Ms. Stephanie R. Phillips - Congregational Church of South Hempstead
Queens College
Ms. Tamara Brantley - Congregational Church of South Hempstead
University of Maryland
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