Report from the Metro Board President
To the April 21, 2007 Annual Meeting of the Metro Association

Dear Members of the United Church of Christ Metropolitan Association:

I greet you in the matchless name of our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ, the Holy and Righteous One!

One year ago, at our 2006 Spring Meeting, held at the St. Albans Congregational Church UCC, I was elected President of this Association and was truly humbled to be called to such a high calling and to having to fill the shoes of my predecessor, The Rev. Dr. Ronald Williams Wells. I thank you, not only for electing me to this position, but supporting me and the members of the Board, with calls, prayers and words of encouragement, all of which have made this journey a fruitful one for us as a Board and for you as the Association.

Five months ago, we gathered at The Church of the Evangel for our 2006 Fall Meeting, participating in four events over the course of three days in a preparatory celebration of our denomination's 50 th birthday to be observed in Hartford this coming June (and surely hoping to see all of you there!). Clergy and congregations assembled for an intellectually stimulating Bible study led by The Rev. Dr. Fred Weisman. Our business meeting, so effectively led by Moderator Peg Mainusch, demonstrated this Association's commitment to:

1. Clergy training and development by instituting Boundary Training
   
   
2. Congregations , through a communication system (telephones, cell phones, email, snail mail, visits, conferences) between churches, Board members, and the Metro Office managed by Louise Manigault and her team of staff and volunteers; and
   
   
3. Our Covenantal relationship as an Association by being fiscally responsible through Spirit-led stewardship in passing a budget that was both visionary and empowering.

The Musical Festival, with participating churches from the four corners of our regional area, displayed our diversity of worship, traditions, styles, and cultural expressions in all their splendor. And the fourth event, matching worship with technology as we joined with fellow UCC'ers across the nation in celebration and received the preached word from Pastor-Elect, Rev. Lisa Robinson. To God, who is worthy of all our praise, BE the Glory!

Since that time, we have been diligent in our labor to this Association. I especially lift up:

1. The Ordination and Standing Committee in their work to ensure that the Clergy of this Association are well equipped to lead wherever they are called to serve. With so many tracks to pursue ministry, the varied backgrounds of those who enter this calling, and the escalating needs of people in this fast-paced, ever-changing, techno-driven society, we thank this Committee for their steadfast commitment in guiding members of the Clergy to honor our calling and be painstakingly faithful to continuous study and spiritual and professional development.
   
   Congratulations to Chair Rev. Dr. Robert Gunn on his installation as the Pastor of Rockville Center.
   
   
2. The Committee on the Church in the Metropolitan Community, most notably known for organizing the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration. This year was no different- and I was proud that my own brother, The Rev. Dr. Bernard R. Wilson, Pastor of Norfield Congregational Church, was the featured speaker at this event. This Committee has also been involved in major issues impacting the life of our community and our churches. I specifically name their grassroots organization to protest the violent assault by law enforcement on three unarmed men outside of a Queens club. Through the efforts of this Committee, churches in our Association was given a vehicle enabling those who desired, to voice our outrage, leading to a full two-hour meeting among Association members of the Clergy and congregants with Queens Borough President, The Honorable Helen Marshall. Special thanks to Board member Dorothy Gist and the members of the Committee for spearheading this effort.
   
   
3. Mission Priorities and Stewardship and specifically, Chaplain Kate Von Braunsberg and Melva Victorino ,who have been instrumental in reviving this Committee. We welcome home Rev. Wayne and Ingrid Wilson from the continent of Africa and Missionary Rev. Adora Iris Lee, who is here to greet us after serving in South Africa.
   
   
4. The Property Committee in their diligent efforts in providing stability and sanity in handling property crises and keeping matters under control.
   
   
5. The Blue Ribbon Committee, under the leadership of Rev. Susan Switzer and Deacon Lennox Grant, have the interest of this Association at heart and have given of their time, talent, and treasures; they have made tremendous sacrifices on behalf of this Association as they have tackled issues of finances, identity, vision, mission and by-laws. Special thanks to the Co-Chairs, members of the Committee and a special shout-out to Martha Gotwals whose intellectual acumen, passion for justice and heart of love has poured out for “the least of these” in her serving both this Committee and the Committee on the Church in the Metro Community. We are blessed to have the dedication demonstrated by this Committee.
   
   
6. You, Clergy and Congregations of The Metropolitan Association in helping us serve you by honoring your Fellowship Dues and making this the highest amount collected thus far for several years.

We are proud to present our continuing accomplishments in service to you as we present the slate of nominees to help in strengthening this Association in moving forward with the help of the Holy Spirit. Before placing your vote, whisper a prayer and ask for guidance in choosing candidates who will be blessed in serving this Association as well as be a blessing to us as well.

We pray for our Regional Conference Minister Rev. Michael Caine as he enjoys his much-needed sabbatical for his work to our community giving thanks to God for Rev. Susan Gibson, who, in Rev. Caine's absence, has been a patient, compassionate and listening presence to us as our Interim RCM; for Rev. Dr. Henry Simmons who also enjoys his sabbatical at this time; for Jan Powell in her Pastoral installation in Chicago; and for Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj, our Registrar who has been called to serve on the Board of Pacific and Asian Ministries in the United Church of Christ and to head the Asian American Churches in UCC in the Eastern Region. With a tinge of sadness, we bid farewell to the illustrious Pastor of Lemuel Haynes Congregational UCC, The Rev. Janie John as she forges new ground in ministry in the South. We wish upon her the blessings and peace of God that far surpasses our understanding.

Lastly (please forgive this lengthy letter but the saying goes, “to whom much is given, much is required”)…We thank The Rev. Robert Everett and the Congregation of Ridgeview as they open the doors of their church in pure hospitality to this Association for our Spring Meeting. I also give my personally thanks to:

• The Congregation of Safe Haven UCC whom I am honored to serve, for being my support, my prayer partners and for loving me even when I have to sacrifice our time together for the work of the Association;
  
  
• Louise Manigault, Executive Administrator, for going beyond the call, even when it means extra hours outside of your scheduled work hours, to ensure that the work of this Association is done to the minutest of details;
  
  
• Conference Minister Rev. Geoffrey Black who has provided leadership, vision and assistance with his presence at Board meetings and Association events;
  
  
• Executive Committee members, Secretary Brigitte Ermansons, Treasurer Harold Chapman, Jr., and Acting Vice President Rev. Christopher Solomon for your tremendous contributions and dedication to the work of this Association;
  
  
• Members of the Board of Directors, for putting up with my idiosyncrasies but more importantly, for letting God use you for God's highest!

So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

(Galatians 6:9-10, The Message Bible)

Submitted in Christ's Love,

Rev. Dr. Ruby M. Wilson, D.Min.
President of the Board of Directors, Metro Association