Report to the 2007 Metro Association Fall Meeting
Board President

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November, 2007

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

In this season of thanksgiving, we come in gratitude as the Metropolitan Association of the United Church of Christ, first and foremost, to worship our generous God; a God who not only gives us necessary things but beautiful things; a God who not only blesses us for what we pray for but gives us far in excess of anything that we could ask or think. Our God not only fills the cup but makes it run over by adding love to life, beauty to duty, grace to space and joy to everything. God's blessings are new every morning; fresh every evening; present in every situation. That is why the Psalmist sang, O give thanks unto the Lord for God is good . We have also come to present and discuss the business of this Association whose ministry comes alive through our local churches and the pastors who are called to serve our congregations. We thank The Rev. Patrick Duggan and the Congregation of South Hempstead for their gracious expression of welcome as they provide space for us to experience the 2007 Fall Meeting.

The Officers (newly appointed Vice President Rev. Christopher Solomon, Brigitte Ermansons-Secretary, Harold Chapman-Treasure, myself), and members of the Metropolitan Board of Directors, have worked together in hearing your needs about revitalizing our churches, 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. Through the passionate and dedicated work of the Blue Ribbon Committee led by Rev. Susan Switzer and Deacon Lennox Grant, results of the survey, which will be presented today, are encouraging, and we will continue the work of addressing concerns about mission, vision, stewardship, and the ministry of this Association.

There is an excitement in the air. Call it revival; because God is truly making all things new! When Jesus told the woman at the well that worship will not be relegated to a specific location, UCC Metro prayer warriors experience that reality as our various churches have met via internet and phone, holding up individuals, congregations, pastors and leaders in prayer. Witness the newness of God in the plans presented by committees for ministry in 2008.

• Youth leaders of Metro will be asked to come together in an effort to build upon the trumpet call at General Synod 2007 for youth development and leadership.
  
  
• Clergy and laity will have opportunities for spiritual enrichment and professional development.
  
  
• UCC Metro Women under the new leadership of Vatsala Ponnuraj will work toward strengthening the communion of sisterhood at the Association and the Conference levels.
  
  
• The Church in the Metropolitan Community Committee, upholding our intention to be a church concerned with justice, has received global exposure in their work with the New Sanctuary Movement, letting all know that God is still speaking.

And there is so much more; for Jesus put us on notice that the harvest is plentiful. It's Boundary Training, Casting Your Nets, Fellowship and Worship, all at the 2007 Fall Meeting. UCC Metropolitan Association, revival is on---Catch It!

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr , Ruby Wilson, Pastor-Safe Haven UCC
President, Metropolitan UCC Board of Directors