Metro 2006 Annual Meeting
Report from the Blue Ribbon Committee
By Brigitte H. Ermansons, Metro Board Blue Ribbon Committee LiaisonRevelation 3:14-19 :
"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation:
"I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore and repent."
The Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) consists of a group of fifteen concerned United Church of Christ members that are committed to making the Metro Association more effective. In addition, the core group may seek advice or opinions of a five member Sounding Board. The Sounding Board is made up of volunteers that believe strongly in the Blue Ribbon Committee, but due to time constraints cannot be part on a regular basis.
The Blue Ribbon Committee was formed as a direct result of our very open and vocal Fall Metro Association Meeting. The members either volunteered or were recommended to serve on this committee. Great care was taken to have diverse lay and clergy representation from within the Association's Congregations. The mission of the BRC is to research the challenges and opportunities of the Metro Association's current and future paths. The goal is to have some recommendations presented for consideration by the whole Association at our Fall 2006 meeting.
Our first meeting was held on March 14, 2006 , at Broadway UCC. Michael Caine kicked off this meeting with worship and introductions. Folders of background materials were handed out at this and at our following meeting to orient and support our journey. One of the items in the folders was a list of tasks to consider from the Board of Directors. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that this list is too enormous and the BRC would rather accomplish a few things well than many projects poorly. The group set the next meeting for Monday, March 27, 2006 , at which we had to organize ourselves. The meeting was held at Broadway UCC, and we set a regular monthly meeting date to be the fourth Monday of each month from 7pm – 9pm at Broadway UCC. We elected two Co-chairs & Secretary. We further agreed that all decisions are made by consensus and input is sought from all members who are encouraged to speak honestly and listen well, with Christ in our hearts.