Metro 2008 Annual Meeting

Bob Everett was elected Metro Moderator.

131^st Annual Meeting of the Metro Association
New York Conference, UCC

8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday, April 26, 2008

Christava Tamil Koil, UCC
Middle Vilage, NY 11379

These are among the reports and resolution to the 131^st Annual Meeting at Christava Tamil Koil.

Outgoing Moderator Ming Ng opened the 131^st Annual Meeting of the Metropolitan Association at Christhava Tamil Koil, UCC church in Middle Village . Outgoing Registrar Christopher Ponnuraj declared a quorum with at least 150 persons from at least 46 Metro churches.

Treasurer Harold Chapman reported First Quarter revenues exceeded First Quarter expenses, thanks to a combination of timely payment of Metro dues and careful monitoring of expenses. Chapman reported a 2% decline in the investment account due to volatile market conditions. However, he noted the portfolio is invested conservatively.

Reporting for the Nominating Committee, Deborah Dee Brayton presented the names of those nominated to serve the Association . Additional nominations were accepted from the floor, and the nominees were elected. Those newly elected were commissioned by Sue Gibson, after which newly-elected Moderator Bob Everett conducted the balance of the business meeting.

Reporting for the Committee on the Church and the Metropolitan Community, Martha Gotwals and Elice presented a resolution supporting Trinity UCC in Chicago and its former pastor Jeremiah Wright . After discussing the possibility of expanding the request for dialogue to cover additional issues, the resolution passed as printed.

Donna Schaper gave examples of how current immigration laws and their enforcement are threatening the stability of hard-working immigrants. She introduced Jean Montrevil, a Hatian immigrant threatened with deportation. Judson Memorial Church, the church Donna serves, is providing sanctuary and support for Jean and his family. Moderator Bob Everett invited those in the audience to join in prayer and the laying of hands for Jean.

Excellent volunteer actors brought to life how easy it is for boundaries to be violated between clergy and their parishioners. One role play depicted how a pastor might cross boundaries when counseling a troubled member of the congregation. A second role play challenged clergy and laity to beware of boundaries in financial matters. The boundary training concluded with a reminder that clergy owe it to themselves, their families and their congregations to be in good physical and mental health, and congregations are well served to support their clergy in achieving this goal.

Sunder Devaprasad welcomed Annual Meeting participants to worship at the church he serves, Christhava Tamil Koil, UCC. Worship included liturgical dance, singing by the children's and senior choirs of Christhava Tamil Koil, scripture, prayer and a sermon by Donna Schaper.

Following worship, participants in the Annual Meeting gathered to unveil and dedicate an arch honoring John Blackwell and family members of Christhava Tamil Koil.

Reported by Lucy Pullen Werner