Minutes from Executive Council Meetings 2005
   

December 2005

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MINUTES
December 5, 2005

Present:  John Gipson, Rev. Jim Todhunter, Rev. Sandy Dodson, BudDennie, Sue Dollins, Trish Esposito, Winifred Roberts, Pete Hotchkiss, Jim O’Steen, Bill Prindle, Dan Pence, Karen Lee, Tom Ault, Judy Cox, Stevan Fisher, Dave Ackerman
Guests:  Dianne Abraham, Bruce Esposito

Moderator John Gipson called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.  Following an opening devotional and the introduction of Dianne Abraham as the new Church Administrator, the minutes for November were approved with one correction.

Music Director Search Committee

John reported that, in order to have a new music director on board by next fall, he will appoint a search committee by January.

Senior Adults Visioning Task Force

Co-chair Dave Ackerman reported that the committee is gaining a fuller understanding of the variety of needs of senior adults at CCC and is exploring various ways in which those needs might be addressed.  He said one of the challenges facing the committee is that budgetary limitations may make the fulfillment of the central element of the vision  formulated at last February’s Visioning Day and subsequently endorsed by the Council – namely, increasing the hours of the Director for Senior Programming to 20 hours a week -- difficult to achieve.  The committee, Dave said, also is discussing whether and how the Called to Care program might be more engaged with seniors.

Worship and Event Schedule

Jim Todhunter described the following upcoming worship services and events:

Sunday, Dec. 11 – worship will have a theme of John the Baptist.  Caroling at 4:00 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 16 – joint choral concert at Brinklow Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Sunday, Dec. 18 – two identical services at 9 and 11 a.m.  Joint choral concert at 5 p.m. at CCC.
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 – a children and families service at 5 p.m. and a service of lessons and carols at 9 p.m.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25 – a Moravian love feast (or agape meal) at 10:30 a.m. in the Social Hall.
New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 – a single worship service at 10:30 a.m. with communion.

Sue Dollins noted that she needs both donations and more volunteers for the reception the Council agreed to sponsor after the choral concert on Dec. 18.

Planning Day

John reported that the committee planning the Jan. 21 event has had an initial meeting and will meet again on Dec. 14 to finalize a plan.

Endowment Committee

Tom Ault reported that the committee consists of Dave and Toko Ackerman, Mary Stone, Dick Meyer, Pete Hotchkiss, and himself; that it has met twice; and that it is rotating its leadership rather than appointing a chair.  He noted that the UCC identifies five modes of church giving – (1) annual pledges, (2) capital donations, (3) planned giving, (4) special offerings, and (5) memorials.  CCC, he said, has not had a good planned giving program but needs one.  Tom distributed a description (attached) of the various roles pertaining to an endowment fund set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws and said the committee, on the whole, has found the constitutional provisions to be pretty good.  The central problem, he stated, is that the Special Gifts Committee has not functioned for several years.  To address another perceived shortcoming, he said, the committee has drafted a vision statement for possible uses of the endowment fund; and he distributed the statement (attached) and asked for feedback.  Tom said the committee in the near future will discuss whether it is better for planned gifts to be invited on an undesignated or specified basis, whether the administrative structure for the endowment fund should be altered, whether it might be useful to establish a separate 501(c)(3) entity, and what educational materials might be useful.

Location of Coffee Hour

Trish Esposito reported the Outreach and Engagement Board recommends that the fellowship time after worship be moved to the Social Hall.  The foyer, she said, has simply become too crowded, and that creates safety issues.  Stevan Fisher responded that the Board for Church Life likely will be comfortable with the change, and he will take the matter back to the board.  Tom Ault suggested that signs be placed in the foyer inviting people downstairs.  Bill Prindle said it might also be good to put sales downstairs, and Tom said the trustees are developing a policy on that.  Judy Cox expressed concern about the impact the change might have on the sense of hospitality communicated by the foyer.  Sandy Dodson stated we need to be intentional in creating that sense of hospitality, perhaps even stationing people in the foyer after worship to invite visitors and others downstairs.  Jim O’Steen suggested that an invitation be stated during concerns.  Stevan said his board could initiate the change this coming Sunday.

“God Is Still Speaking” Campaign

Trish reported that ads for the “God Is Still Speaking” Campaign will be in the Washington Post and the Express this month.

Bruce Esposito submitted a report (attached) on behalf of the Debt Reduction Committee, whose members include himself (chair), Doug Griffin, Carolyn Hoskinson, Karen Lee, Jackie Walters, and Tim White.  Bruce said the assumption of the Keystones and Re-commitment campaigns that we could pay off our building debt in the short term needs to be re-thought.  Our renovated building serves our ministries, he said, and it should be seen as ok to carry a mortgage.  We now owe $1.48 million on the Cornerstones loan and $382,000 in member loans; servicing these debts, he stated, costs us $179,000 a year.  The operating budget has been paying $30,000 of that cost, he reported, and the Building Fund the remaining $149,000.  The central recommendation of the committee, he said, is that we should not undertake a new multi-year capital campaign when the Re-commitment Campaign ends in February, 2006, but should put giving to the Building Fund on an annual basis and incorporate the request for support into the annual stewardship campaign.

An extended discussion ensued.  Jim O’Steen suggested that the change amounted to a multi-year campaign in perpetuity and seemed to put the Building Fund in competition with the operating budget.  Karen Lee said we needed to explore that issue with the financial consultant recommended in the committee’s report and observed that giving from income rather than assets in the Re-commitment Campaign essentially covered the annual amortization costs of our debt.  Bruce said the committee’s hope was that present contributors to the Building Fund would continue to give, that newer members would come on board, and that the Special Gifts Committee would be resurrected to encourage planned giving.  In response to a question by Sandy Dodson on whether the committee’s proposal means that the stewardship campaign will have to raise at least an additional $149,000, Bruce said “yes.”  But he expressed the hope that donations would be sufficient so that our debt service could be handled entirely out of the Building Fund and the present $30,000 from the operating budget would no longer be needed.

Jim O’Steen said the interest rate likely will be higher when our Cornerstones loan is re-negotiated next year, and Bruce reported that an informal inquiry had found the current rate on such loans to be about a quarter percent higher (7.5% rather than 7.25%).  Pete Hotchkiss said we might want to explore what a commercial lender might offer, and Karen Lee said the committee had found that Potomac Valley Bank might be interested.  Tom Ault concurred.  John Gipson said it might be easier for newer members to understand paying off a mortgage rather than assuming an existing debt. 

Pete Hotchkiss observed that there is a gap between the end of the Re-commitment Campaign (in February) and the beginning of payments on stewardship pledges for 2006-07 (in July) and asked whether the Building Fund was seen as a buffer for that gap and for any shortfall in pledges.  Bruce said the committee hopes that present contributors to the Building Fund will continue after February.  There is enough money in the Building Fund to service the debt through December, he said, but the committee does not want the Fund entirely depleted.  Dan Pence said contributors to the Building Fund need to be specifically asked to continue.  John Gipson said a congregational meeting could be scheduled as soon as possible and the invitation could be made then.  Pete Hotchkiss noted that the Re-commitment Campaign has reduced the principal of our Cornerstones loan and of the member loans and asked whether the committee gave any consideration to renewing and increasing member loans as a way of reducing or replacing the Cornerstones loan.  Bruce noted that the interest rates on the member loans are less than that on the Cornerstones loan.

Jim Todhunter congratulated the committee for its report and said it was a model for presenting the whole picture.  Dave Ackerman asked what impact acceptance of the committee’s proposal might have on giving out of assets.  Dan Pence observed that some now fulfil their stewardship pledges by giving stock to the church, and Bruce expressed the hope that the Special Gifts Committee would be resurrected to encourage planned giving.  John Gipson suggested that the committee’s recommended approach might put our debt financing on a basis that would allow Phase II to happen.

Bill Prindle, chair of the Stewardship Board, asked whether anyone else was feeling anxious.  After several affirmative responses, he commented that the proposal would necessitate a 1/3  increase in annual giving.  That could be positive, he stated; focus groups after last year’s stewardship campaign, he noted, had found some who said Re-commitment was a drag on their giving to the operating budget.  Tom Ault said he was very positive about the report.  We have a problem, he said, with donor fatigue, and the committee’s recommendations offer a new way of dealing with our debt.

Dave Ackerman asked who would administer this new approach –  is the Board of Stewardship willing?  Bruce said the education of the congregation to the new approach needs to begin immediately, but it is not entirely clear who would do it.  John Gipson said the Debt Reduction Committee, at the least, needs to make a report at the congregational meeting.  Bill Prindle said the effort requires input from not only the Stewardship Board but also the trustees, the Budget Visioning Committee, and the Debt Reduction Committee. 

Judy Cox asked whether the increase in our membership has led to new pledges to Re-commitment?  Tom Ault noted that 39 pledges totalling $34,000 have been made to Re-commitment since the campaign formally ended.

Pete Hotchkiss said the next phase is critical, that full information needs to be provided to the whole congregation, and that the effort needs to be well-coordinated.  Bill commented that the communication process needs to begin immediately.  Tom noted that the building campaign succeeded in part because there was a steering committee that focused intensely on coordination and communication and called for such a committee here.  Pete expressed agreement but said he was worried about the shortness of time.  Bill stated that planning for the stewardship campaign is underway now and that, if we are to use a financial consultant as recommended by the committee, it would be helpful to do that now.

Jim suggested that the congregational meeting could be purely educational, as several were during the Keystones Campaign and the building process.  John Gipson suggested that the first three recommendations of the committee regarding renewing the Cornerstones loan next year, maintaining the member loan program, and putting pledging to the Building Fund on an annual basis could be presented to the congregation for approval.  Tom Ault suggested that, perhaps, the fourth recommendation about engaging a professional in church financial development could be placed before the congregation as well.

John concluded that there was a general consensus around the committee’s recommendations and thanked the committee for its work.  He said that a congregational meeting would be scheduled for January 22 and that he would quickly put together a steering committee drawn from stewardship, trustees, budget visioning, and debt reduction.

Following Jim’s reading of several Bible verses, John adjourned the meeting at 9:50.

Respectfully submitted,
Dave Ackerman
Church Clerk

November 2005

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MINUTES
November 7, 2005

Present:  John Gipson, Rev. Jim Todhunter, Pete Hotchkiss, Bill Prindle, Ruth Prindle, Doris Raber, Leslie Weyn, Sue Dollins, Winifred Roberts, Trish Esposito, Karen Lee, Bud Dennie, Dan Pence, Stevan Fisher, Tim White (for Trustees), Martha Krieger (guest)

Moderator John Gipson called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.  Following a time for check-in and prayer, Jim Todhunter asked the Council to keep Sandy Dodson in their prayers as she traveled to the Gulf Coast as part of a fact-finding mission on behalf of the Central Atlantic Conference.  Following a motion by Sue Dollins, the Council approved the minutes for October without change.

Status of Ad Hoc Committees

John updated the Council on developments in several of the ad hoc committees the Council has appointed:

(1)   Debt Reduction Committee – The committee will report to the Council in December. 

(2)   Open and Affirming Committee – Sarah Anders is chairing the committee, which has had its first meeting. 

(3)   Music Visioning Committee – The committee has sent a survey to the congregation and friends of CCC. 

(4)   Older Adults Committee – Dave Ackerman and Ruth Prindle are co-chairing the committee.  The committee is currently gathering information regarding a number of topics of concern, including responsibilities (i.e., job description) of a minister for seniors, possible funding sources for such a position, and how to better meet the needs of homebound older adults and those who reside in long-term care facilities.

(5)   Endowment Committee – The committee has had one organizational meeting and plans to meet again in December.

Fair Trade Coffee Proposal

On behalf of the Board for Social Witness (BSW), Winifred Roberts brought a proposal to increase the price charged for fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate at the monthly sales sponsored by the BSW (see attached).  Charging approximately a 20% premium over the wholesale cost of these products would enable the BSW to raise funds that it proposes to use for two purposes.  The first purpose would be to provide fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate to the Board for Church Life for Sunday coffee hours. The second purpose would be to purchase items and fund practices to make church operations more environmentally friendly.  Examples of the types of items the BSW envisions purchasing with these funds include flourescent lightbulbs to replace incandescent bulbs; recylced, non-bleached paper products; organic cleaning products, etc.  Specific recommendations for environmentally friendly purchases will be made by the Stewards of the Earth and approved by the BSW.

Trish Esposito asked whether making a profit on the coffee sales would impact CCC’s tax-exempt status.  The consensus was that this would not be a problem.  Pete Hotchkiss asked who would make the decisions about what items were bought with the funds and how the purchases would be accounted for.  Winifred explained that the funds collected and disbursed would be handled as part of  the BSW budget.  BSW members will purchase the items they identify and will coordinate the purchases with the Church Administrator.  Tim White asked whether this proposal needed to go to the Board of Trustees for its approval.  John Gipson responded that he did not think it necessary to ask the Trustees’ approval, since this proposal would have a relatively small impact.  Jim Todhunter stressed the benefits of the proposal as a vehicle for continuing to educate the congregation about the environmental and economic issues around fair trade, as well as continuing to expand environmentally friendly purchasing at CCC.  Winifred agreed, pointing out that the Stewards of the Earth would continue to make reports in the Bulletin and in NewsNotes about the impact of implementing such practices.  The Council approved the proposal unanimously.

Mission Grants

Winifred reported that the BSW has made the following allocations out of its discretionary mission funds:  (1) $500 to the UCC National Youth Initiative; (2) $100 to the UCC LGBT Coalition; (3) $500 to Impact Silver Spring; (4) $500 to Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition; (5) $300 for the upcoming Peace Camp at CCC; and (6) $200 for the Anti-Racism Working Group to use for leadership training.

Shepherd’s Table

Winifred reported that the BSW continues to have difficulty recruiting enough volunteers to fully staff CCC’s night at Shepherd’s Table.  A full team requires 15 volunteers; 12 is the absolute minimum.  Jim Todhunter suggested continuing efforts to educate the congregation, as was done earlier this year by inviting a speaker from Shepherd’s Table to participate in Sunday morning worship.  The Council agreed that Board Chairs should bring this issue to the attention of their Boards.  Bill Prindle suggested that a one-page handout describing what is required of volunteers be prepared to distribute to Board members.

Reception Following December 18 Concert 

Martha Krieger asked whether the Council would be willing to sponsor a reception following the December 18 Christmas Concert that will be presented jointly by the CCC Chancel Choir and the Choir of Emmanuel-Brinklow Seventh-Day Adventist Church.  Jim Todhunter reported that because of the concert, Christmas caroling will not take place on December 18, as had previously been planned.  The Council agreed to sponsor the reception.  Sue Dollins agreed to coordinate the effort.  Bill Prindle, Tim White, and Karen Lee also offered to help.

Christmas Services

Karen Lee reported that the Christmas Eve Family Service will take place at 5 p.m.  The program will be the same as the one presented last year.  Jim Todhunter said that the Christmas Eve candlelight service will be at 9:00 p.m.   He also reported that there will be a single service of worship on Sunday, December 25, at 10:30 a.m.

Trustees Report

Tim White reported that a new Church Administrator has been hired.  She is Dianne Abraham, and she will begin work on November 16.  Tim said that the Trustees are very enthusiastic about Dianne, who has a strong background in church administration.  Two ad hoc committees have been formed to help Dianne during her initial orientation and beyond.  The first is a traditional support group, and is made up of Jim M. Brown, Jackie Walters, Tim White, and Martha Krieger.  The second committee will focus specifically on property management issues, with the hope that their support can help lessen the risk of burn-out for Dianne.  The members of the property management support team are Randy Caswell, Jackie Walters, Dick Meyer, and Rick Sniffin.

Proposal for a Retreat House Visioning Committee

Sue Dollins reported that the Retreat House Committee had met and elected new co-Chairs: Cory Gray and Bruce Strand.  At their meeting, the Retreat House Committee drafted a motion which Sue brought to the Council.  The motion was to authorize the Moderator to appoint a Retreat House Visioning Committee charged with coming back to the Executive Council with a plan for serving the church’s mission to youths, adults, families, and the greater community and developing a strategy for sustaining the Retreat House structurally, programmatically, and financially for years to come.  The Retreat House Committee recommended that the Visioning Committee be made up of individuals from the following constituencies:  Ministerial Staff, Retreat House Committee, Board of Trustees, Board of Christian Education, Board of Deacons, Junior and/or Senior High Youth, and the congregation at large.

Several Council members commented on the large number of committees currently working, and on the need for coordination.  In response to a question, Karen Lee reported that the Debt Reduction Committee’s charter did not include the Retreat House.  Bill Prindle specifically mentioned the need to make sure that the work of the Retreat House Visioning Committee be coordinated with the ongoing budget visioning process.  Pete Hotchkiss stressed the need for coordination between all the ad hoc committees.  There was also discussion of the need to include the Retreat House Visioning effort in the planning day.  John Gipson suggested that the Retreat House Visioning Committee be asked to report back to the Council at the April 2006 meeting.  Bill queried whether the Committee would have recommendations and budget projections in time for next spring’s Stewardship campaign.  

Trish Esposito said that what is needed is to create a vision, in light of CCC’s history and that of the Retreat House, for how the Retreat House fits into CCC’s overall mission and its educational efforts.  Karen stated that CCC is still lacking an overall strategic plan.  If CCC had such a plan, then every initiative, committee, or working group could be evaluated based on how (or if) it advanced the strategic plan.  Bud Dennie concurred, stating that we need to establish concrete, written goals.  Karen added that desired outcomes should be articulated and that persons or groups should be assigned to be accountable for those outcomes.

The motion was passed unanimously.  There was then further discussion of how the Retreat House Visioning Committee should be staffed.  Tim White said that it was important to make sure the Committee had a sense of excitement, direction and going forward with energy.  John suggested that each Board nominate a person to serve on the Committee.  Trish said that it was more important to staff the Committee with folks who are excited about the Retreat House than to have a representative from each Board.  It was decided not to require each Board to put forward a nominee, but to announce the formation of the Committee at Board night and discuss it at Board meetings, in the hope that people who are enthusiastic about serving on the Committee might come forward.

Selling at Church

In response to a recent offer from a member of the congregation to hold a sale of Mary Kay cosmetics at CCC after Sunday services and to donate the profits from the sale to the Y-Geli program, John Gipson pointed out that CCC lacks a clear policy on what kind of selling/fundraising is permitted.  John pointed out that currently the BSW holds its fair trade coffee sale monthly and the youth have been selling Giant Food cards and entertainment books as fundraisers for Y-Geli.  Bud Dennie said that any separate fundraising raises the fundamental question of whether CCC is going to have a unified budget, or not.  Karen Lee said that, in her view, CCC does not have a truly unified budget now.  She reminded the Council that items such as Y-Geli and the organ repairs have already been funded outside the unified budget.  Dan Pence said that CCC needs to stick to the idea of a unified budget to avoid congregation members making donations earmarked for pet projects.  Karen pointed out that the way certain projects are funded outside the budget process gives rise to feelings of favoritism for some projects and discrimination against other projects.  Bill Prindle advanced the idea of a core budget, that would include certain non-negotiable items, such as staff salaries and property administration costs.  Tim White said that the Board of Trustees will be grappling with the issue of the unified budget.  The discussion returned to the specific issue of selling in the CCC foyer after Sunday services.  Concerns were raised about clutter and traffic in the foyer.  Doris Raber stated that, when so many tables are set up for selling, then there is not enough room for older adults to sit down during coffee hour.  Trish Esposito stated that there could even be safety concerns with the crowded conditions and people trying to exit through the foyer.  Dan Pence and others expressed concern about whether it is appropriate to foster a “bazaar” atmosphere in the foyer on Sunday.  As no consensus was reached, John tabled the discussion.

Emergency Response

John Gipson raised a concern about what he perceived to be an inordinately long response time of EMTs/firefighters to several recent episodes where a congregation member or visitor became ill during Sunday morning worship.  There was a discussion about the pros and cons of installing Automatic Electronic Defibrillators (AEDs) at CCC.  Bill and Ruth Prindle expressed concerns about staffing and liability issues relating to AEDs.  Tim White emphasized that training and procedures would need to be implemented if AEDs were to be installed. Trish Esposito stressed the need for all adults working with youth at church, as well as volunteers at the Retreat House to be trained in CPR.   The Council decided to delegate to the Board of Trustees the responsibility to formulate an emergency preparedness plan for CCC.

John adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Weyn
For Dave Ackerman

October 2005

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MINUTES
October 2, 2005

Present:  John Gipson, Rev. Jim Todhunter, Rev. Sandy Dodson, Pete Hotchkiss, Bill Prindle, Jim O’Steen, Doris Raber, Leslie Weyn, Sue Dollins, Holly Brooks, Trish Esposito, Karen Lee, Judy Cox, Bud Dennie, Dan Pence, Tom Ault, Dave Ackerman

Moderator John Gipson called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.  Following a time for check-in and prayer, the Council accepted the agenda and, on a motion by Karen Lee, approved the minutes for September without change.

Potomac Association Meeting

John shared a few of the comments of Donna Schaper, the keynote speaker at the recent meeting of the Potomac Association, on the results of the “God Is Still Speaking” campaign:  Many UCC churches are now growing, she said.  The UCC has become more press savvy.  We are better able to perceive the Holy Spirit in unexpected events.  The Church of God has had to launch a campaign to differentiate itself from the UCC.   The UCC has become more comfortable with evangelism.  Conservatives, she concluded, have spent decades building up institutions to serve their cause; we need to do so too.

Status of Ad Hoc Committees

John updated the Council on developments in several of the ad hoc committees the Council has appointed:

(1)   Music Visioning Committee – Anne Weissenborn has agreed to chair the committee, and Richard Rolls has been invited to join.

(2)   Debt Reduction Committee – The committee’s first meeting proved productive, and the committee is expected to report to the Council in December.  Dave Ackerman asked whether that means a new campaign could not occur before the giving period of the present campaign expires in February, 2006.  John said “yes”; the committee, he stated, thinks a new campaign may not be feasible until the fall of 2006.  Pete Hotchkiss asked whether existing contributions, as a consequence, would be used only for debt repayment rather than debt reduction.  John said that would be the case.  Debt repayment costs the church about $180,000 a year; for the next twelve months or so, he said, that can be covered by the $150,000 now in the Building Fund plus the additional $30,000 likely to be included in next year’s operating budget.  Dave asked whether that would keep faith with the premise of the Recommitment Campaign that two-thirds of contributions would be used for debt reduction and one-third for debt repayment.  Karen Lee said that matter had not been raised in, or discussed by, the committee.  In response to a question about the membership of the committee, John said it consisted of Bruce Esposito (chair), Karen Lee, Jackie Walters, Carolyn Hoskinson, Doug Griffin, and Tim White.

(3)   Open and Affirming Committee:  Sarah Anders has agreed to serve as chair.  Other members are Chris Lewis, Ingrid Jacobsen, and Ann Marshall.

Update on Hurricane Katrina and CCC

On behalf of the Board for Social Witness, Holly Brooks reported that she and Ted Foster are chairing a CCC committee to help re-settle a family displaced by Katrina and now staying at the D.C. Armory.  We do not yet know the identity of the family, she said.  Housing will be provided through the Interfaith Housing Coalition, and we will need to help with furniture, food, clothing, etc.  She said BSW is setting up a supplemental listserve on Yahoo for those in CCC who want to know what is going on and how to help.  In response to a question by Karen Lee about how many are going to be helped by Montgomery County, Holly said ten families will be assisted.  Karen observed that the unemployment rate in New Orleans had been 18 percent while here it is only 2 percent.  Jim Todhunter commented that our long-term relationships with organizations such as the Interfaith Housing Coalition pay off in situations like this.  It may be less glamorous than sending a bus to the affected areas to gather evacuees, he said, but it is effective.

Mission Grants

Holly reported that the Board for Social Witness has made the following allocations out of its discretionary mission funds:  (1) $1500 to the Senior Connection; (2) $1500 to the Shaw Community Ministry; and (3) $1000 as a set-aside for Richard Jaeggi’s ministry in the Longbranch community.

Y-GELI Update

Rev. Sandy Dodson reported that the Y-GELI program has now become a high-profile item in the Potomac Association and Central Atlantic Conference, and other congregations want to take part.  That, she said, has created a question of where the founding congregations want to take the program.  Rather than splitting the group and having each congregation assume the leadership of a new cluster of congregations, Sandy said the three congregations have decided to help inform and train other churches by having them “shadow” what we are now doing.  She further said that Y-GELI is now considering whether to send 2 or 3 young people to Durban, South Africa, or to re-focus on racism here at home as revealed by the recent hurricanes.  Karen Lee added that participants have to have a high level of commitment to the program; they cannot take part in leadership events without prior training.

Regular Board Reports

John posed a question about whether it would be desirable for each board to make a regular report to the Council.  After several comments suggesting this would not be desirable, John voiced a consensus that the boards should bring only important matters or issues that require action to the Council.  

Trustees Concerns

Tom Ault reported that the Board of Trustees has approved using memorial funds to underwrite a concert series Markus Williams has put together.  He also stated that the Church Administrator Search Committee is very close to making a recommendation to the Board.

Planning Day

John raised a question of how the Planning Day now set for January should be organized.  In response to a question from Sandy about the purpose of the day, John said it would be a follow-on to last year’s Visioning Day.  Karen Lee commented that we don’t need a whole new vision; there is still a lot from last year to be worked on.  Tom Ault said it was a chance to touch base with the larger congregation and endorsed creating a committee to plan the day.  Jim Todhunter recalled that the idea last year was to connect the vision with stewardship and the budget process; and he said we need to retain that tie.  Bill Prindle said we need to update last year’s initiative but also have some room for new stuff.  Tom said the Debt Reduction Committee could well feed into the session.  Bill asked whether last year’s Budget Visioning Committee still existed, and John said “not really” but some members may be willing to help this year.  Bill Prindle and Pete Hotchkiss volunteered to help, and Karen and Tom said someone from their boards would also participate.

Retreat Follow-Up

John distributed a copy of the final report of the Budget Visioning Group interlaced with the comments and suggestions made at the Council’s September retreat (attached).

Membership

Trish said our membership is now at 697, with 6 scheduled to join in October and at least 3 more in November.  About 48 interested non-members are attending regularly, she noted.  She further reported that a new young adult group got launched on Oct. 1.  She encouraged the boards to update their information on the CCC website.  Karen Lee said we also need to be ready to respond to people who become interested in CCC as a result of the upcoming PBS program on interfaith marriages.

Shortfall in Coffee Fund

Noting that contributions to the coffee hour fund provide only about half of the $1000 needed each year, John asked whether the funding ought to come out of the regular church budget.  Tom noted that the Board for Church Life requested such funding last year but the trustees were unable to find the money for it.  Dan Pence suggested that boards and committees could chip in.  Holly said we could raise the price on the fair trade coffee we sell and use the proceeds to fund the coffee hour.  Jim asked whether the donation box on the coffee table detracts from our welcome to visitors.  Sandy suggested that the cost could be handled like the flowers each week, with individuals and families signing up to pay the costs.  Dan said there are a couple of special purpose funds that have standing surpluses – the flower fund and the Sanctuary Committee.  After some discussion, John said the Board of Trustees should take a look at the surplus in the flower fund to see if that could fund the coffee hour.

John adjourned the meeting at 9:36 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Dave Ackerman
Church Clerk

September 2005

Moderator John Gipson called the meeting to order at 2:39 p.m. After amending and approving the agenda, the Council, on a motion by Sue Dollins, approved the minutes for August without change.

Nominating Committee
Upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, the Council unanimously elected Ted Foster to the Board for Social Witness for a term ending June 30, 2006, and Pete Hotchkiss as an at-large member of the Executive Council for a term ending June 30, 2007.

Fair Trade Gift Sale
On behalf of the Board for Social Witness, Leslie Wilson proposed that the middle school youth of the church be permitted to organize and run a Fair Trade Gift Sale this fall (proposal attached). She said the enterprise would further the youth’s understanding of consumerism, child labor, and fair trade issues and would be consistent with the resolution on fair trade sponsored by CCC and adopted by the Central Atlantic Conference. After a brief discussion, the Council, on a motion by Sue Dollins, unanimously approved the proposal.

Church Administrator Search
Tom Ault reported that, to give the search committee more time to conclude its search, Jackie Walters has agreed to serve as interim Church Administrator in September and Dick Meyers has agreed to do so through November. He further reported that Dick has recruited three young people – Larry Gipson, Coleman Fisher, and Jordan Johnson – to serve as custodians on weekends. In response to a question by Pete Hotchkiss about whether the interims are being paid, Tom said "yes."

Status of Various Committees and Task Forces
John Gipson reported on the status of several committees and task forces that have been established by the Executive Council in recent months, as follows:

Music Visioning – Chair Rob Stansberry has resigned and the committee is considering its next steps. Sandy Dodson said a replacement will be sought for Rob.

Endowment – Toko Ackerman has agreed to convene (but not chair) the committee.

Open and Affirming – Its membership should be completed before the end of the month.

Debt Reduction – The committee is still organizing and will not meet the September deadline for making its report and recommendations. John said it seems apparent that there will need to be another recommitment campaign in January or so.

Older Adults – The committee, with Dave Ackerman and Ruth Prindle as co-chairs, is formed and functioning.

Response to Hurricane Katrina
Building on the information he and Sandy provided to the Council earlier in the retreat, Jim Todhunter suggested three possible actions for Council approval: (1) urging CCC members to support the UCC "Hope Shall Bloom" Covenant of Compassion on the UCC website; (2) encouraging members to support the UCC’s fund-raising efforts; and (3) establishing a means to explore CCC involvement in a specific project. After several members spoke in support, Dave Ackerman moved that the Council endorse and encourage CCC members to support the UCC Covenant of Compassion and the UCC’s fund-raising efforts in response to Katrina. Following a second, the Council approved the motion unanimously. Leslie Wilson said the Board for Social Witness will lead efforts to engage CCC in a specific reconstruction project.

After thanking Sue Dollins and Bill Prindle for their leadership of segments of the retreat and Carolyn West-Gipson for preparing all the meals, John adjourned the meeting at 3:19 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dave Ackerman
Church Clerk

August 2005

Moderator John Gipson called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. After an opening led by Ruth Prindle, the Council approved Sue Dollins’ motion to accept the minutes for July without change.

New Committees
The three new committees that John constituted prior to the July council meeting are beginning their work. The Older Adults Programming Committee will have its initial meeting on September 4; the Music Visioning Committee will meet in late August and the Debt Reduction Committee is communicating by email until members return from vacation.

John announced that he is in the process of forming three additional committees: 1) the Endowment committee, growing out of the 2005 visioning days, is comprised of the members who volunteered on visioning day. The Open and Affirming (O&A) committee will be re-established with interested members from the previous O&A committee, with additional members to be sought through an article that John will place in the next Newsnotes. John invited suggestions for members and leadership of the Sanctuary/Worship/Visioning Committee, another initiative stemming from the visioning process.

Search for a New Church Administrator
Tom Ault reported that the search committee is continuing its work and will meet jointly with the Board of Trustees on August 9 for a second round interview with a potential candidate. Dick Meyer is serving as an interim Church Administrator during the month of July and will continue through August 20. Anne Weissenborn will be interim administrator August 21-31.

Executive Council Retreat
John confirmed that the Council retreat will be Sept. 16-17. Sue Dollins and Ruth Prindle are helping John plan it. The Council discussed possible agenda items and agreed on these: 1) leadership workshop (led by Bill Prindle); 2) setting CCC goals, drawing on the Visioning Committee report; 3) review of retreat house problems (tentatively led by Rick Sniffin); and 4) September business meeting. The Retreat House Committee is developing a plan to address several retreat house structural problems. This plan will be considered by the Trustees in September and presented to the Council in a future meeting. At the September retreat, the Council will get a preview by seeing the problems first hand. John Gipson will call Rick to see if he can participate in the retreat.

Board Concerns
Stewardship – Bill Prindle reported that as of July 21, total pledges amounted to $545,535, an increase of $37,000 or about 7% over the prior year. Pledges come from 222 units, compared to 214 in 2004-05 and 203 in 2003-04. Bill noted the number of pledge units has increased about 20% from two years ago.

Deacons –Bud Dennie noted there had been a significant flow of email about the length of the worship services and he reported that the Board of Deacons works with staff to keep the length of the service between 60 and 70 minutes. In response to the recent concern, yesterday’s worship service went very smoothly and ran about an hour in length.

Christian Education – Sandy Dodson spoke about the two prestigious awards bestowed on CCC – and also on Little River and Heritage UCC churches – for the Y-GELI program. Rev. Ginna Minasian Dalton, associate pastor at Little River UCC and founder of the Y-GELI program, will present CCC with the World Council of Churches Peacemakers Award during worship Sunday, August 28. Coleman Fisher accepted the UCC’s Just Peace Award at the UCC General Synod July 1-4 in Atlanta GA last month along with representatives of the other two churches. Karen Lee Brown suggested that CCC should recognize the efforts of the youth and leaders who gave so much of their time and effort to make Y-GELI possible. The Council agreed to include such recognition on "Y-GELI Sunday," already scheduled for October 2.

The Council discussed what would be the most appropriate board to have responsibility for Y-GELI, the Board of Social Witness or CE; or, should Y-GELI be a separate committee reporting directly to the Council? After a lengthy discussion, John suggested tabling the issue for a future meeting. Sandy and Karen also noted that CE would like to fill its board vacancy with someone with an interest in youth programs and/or in adult education.

Other Business
John reviewed the building use policy recently approved by the staff. According to the policy, the building will be closed from 5:00 PM on Friday until Tuesday morning on the following holiday weekends: Martin Luther King’s Birthday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Additionally, the church observes Christmas Day and New Year’s Day unless they fall on a Sunday. The policy also provides that the building will be reserved on Sundays for use by CCC, with a few exceptions such as music recitals. Similarly, the building will be reserved for CCC during Holy Week. There was no discussion or vote of the Council on the building use policy.

September 11 – church school resumes and fall schedule begins
September 18 – introduction of CCC’s seminarian, Vicki Kemper
September 25 – recognition of Jackie Walter’s service as Property Administrator and Church Administrator. Terry Strand has volunteered to help plan this.

John adjourned the meeting at 8:46 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Tom Ault

July 2005

Moderator John Gipson called the meeting to order at 7:39 p.m. Following a time for the introduction of new and continuing members of the Council, John said his expectation for the Council in the coming year is that it will in part serve to coordinate information about events in the life of CCC but, more importantly, should be the planning body for the church and wrestle with issues critical to our future. On a motion by Sue Dollins, the Council then approved the minutes for June without change.

New Committees
John reported that three new committees have been constituted, as follows: (1) Debt Reduction Committee – Bruce Esposito (chair), Karen Lee Brown, Tim White, Jackie Walters, Carolyn Hoskinson, and Doug Griffin; (2) Music Visioning Committee – Delilah Marrow, Terri Brush, Kathleen Murley, Jan Forbes, David Fouse, Rob Stansbery, and Lynn White; and (3) Older Adults Programming Committee – Gale Haggard, Mable Elliott, Dave Ackerman, Ken Stith, Ruth Prindle, and Eleanor Waldrop.

Search for a New Church Administrator
Jim Todhunter reported that the search committee has not as yet chosen a candidate and that Dick Meyer is serving as an interim Church Administrator during the month of July.

Executive Council Retreat
John asked whether Sept. 9-10 would be a good time for a Council retreat. Betty Stith noted that her grandson has reserved the Retreat House for a wedding on Sept. 10. The Council then agreed to schedule a retreat for Sept. 16-17. Sue Dollins volunteered to help John plan the retreat.

Board Concerns
Election -- Upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, Dave Ackerman moved that Susan Hill be elected to a two-year term on the Board of Trustees. Following a second, the Council approved unanimously.

Outreach & Engagement – Trish Esposito reported that O&E will again sponsor a table at the Takoma Park Festival on September 11 and asked for updated versions of brochures and other information to distribute. She also reported that church membership has now climbed to 697 and that O&E is tracking about 70 visitors to the church.

New Board Chairs – John asked that all the boards inform Susan Gray when they elect a new chair or co-chairs.

Future Meetings
In response to a question, John said the Council will meet on Monday, August 1, and that the September meeting will be part of the retreat on September 16-17.

John adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Dave Ackerman
Church Clerk

June 2005

Moderator Leslie Weyn called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. She thanked the Council members for their prayers, support, and hard work during the year; and the Council applauded her for her work as Moderator over the past year. Following a time of sharing, the Council approved the agenda with the addition of time for a stewardship update and an item from the Property Administrator and, with two corrections, the minutes for the May meeting.

Stewardship Update
On behalf of the Board of Stewardship, Mary Stone reported that as of June 4 approximately $530,000 has been pledged for the coming year. She said the Board projects a final total of about $540,000.

Property Administrator
Jackie Walters requested that all handouts for the June 12 Annual Meeting be in the church office by COB Wednesday, June 8, to give sufficient time for duplicating.

Budget Visioning Committee Final Report
Co-chairs Tim White and Ruth Prindle presented the final report of the Budget Visioning Committee (attached) and asked for the Council’s endorsement. Tim praised the visioning sessions that had been held and said they had generated much positive dialogue about the church. He stressed that this is intended to be a 3-year process and that not everything can be accomplished in the first year. Tim said the committee recommended that both the Visioning Day and the Vision-to-Reality Day be retained next year but suggested that the process begin in January so that its results can be better integrated into the stewardship campaign and the final report be finished in time for inclusion in the Annual Report. He further recommended that the Council endorse a 3-year visioning process, that the ad hoc Budget Visioning Committee be continued for the next two years, that the boards be encouraged to embrace particular recommendations in the final report, and that the report be distributed at the Annual Meeting. Leslie thanked the committee members for their hard work and asked for a motion.

Jackie Walters moved that the Council accept the final report of the Budget Visioning Committee and endorse the committee’s recommendations regarding the continuation of the visioning process. Following a second by Sue Dollins, the Council had a lengthy discussion about whether the report should be accepted or endorsed. Dave Ackerman asked whether an endorsement of the report would, for example, commit the Council to increasing the hours of the senior ministry staff to 20 hours. Tim said the recommendations were not an action list. Doris Raber commented that the recommendations will continue to evolve as the process moves forward. Anne Weissenborn expressed concern that the recommendations would be lost if not endorsed. Trish Esposito said we’ve done a good job of going back to the recommendations of the Self-Study Report and the Children and Youth Report to see what has been accomplished. Mary Stone and others noted that both the incoming Moderator and Moderator-Elect are members of the Visioning Committee and that other members will also be on the Council. John Gipson said he would prefer that the report be endorsed by the Council. The Council approved the motion unanimously.

John Gipson then moved that the Council endorse the final report of the Budget Visioning Committee. Following a second by Mary Stone, the Council continued to debate the implications of endorsement. John said it would help keep the visioning process alive. Jim Todhunter suggested that the Council agree to review and reflect on the visioning recommendations from time to time. Neville Platt said that continuing Council review was already implicit in the process. By a divided vote of 8-7, the Council then approved the motion. Jim Todhunter commented that the vote indicated a sense of ambiguity on the Council about how to deal with the report. Leslie agreed but emphasized that there was no ambiguity about the visioning process itself.

Formation of New Committees
Leslie noted that the visioning process had raised the possibility of several new committees being formed to pursue particular initiatives and presented the following for the Council’s consideration:

Endowment: Several people at the February Visioning Day, Leslie noted, had expressed a willingness to serve on a committee to explore whether and how an endowment fund for the church should be established. Following comments that this committee ought to be separate from the existing Special Gifts Committee, John Gipson moved that the Moderator be directed to appoint an ad hoc committee to study issues related to the establishment of an endowment for the church and to make recommendations to the Council. After the motion was seconded, the Council approved the motion with one abstention.

Progressive Christianity: Leslie noted that substantial interest had also been expressed in establishing a task force on progressive Christianity to ensure that CCC is a vigorous voice on public policy issues and to seek out other like-minded congregations and organizations. Mary Stone said that she had a list of interested participants from Visioning Day.

Phase II: John Gipson commented that the question of what to do with our physical structure is broader than simply entering into a second phase of renovation, and Jackie Walters said part of the question is how to envision sacred space and its possible uses within the church. Jackie further said there was a consensus at Visioning Day to begin this process in September.

On behalf of the Board for Social Witness, Anne Weissenborn presented a recommendation (attached) on a process that might be followed in reconsidering CCC’s relationship to the Boy Scouts of America and Cub Pack 275 – an initial meeting convened by the Board of persons interested in the issue; the creation of a new Open and Affirming Task Force; a series of meetings involving interested members, parents of the Cub Scouts, representatives of the BSA, and others; and the formulation of proposals for action by the Council and congregation. Discussion focused on whether the O & A Task Force should report to the Council or be a sub-group of the Board for Social Witness. Mary Stone said the previous task force had gone out of business before the current range of issues had surfaced and that she would favor the creation of a new task force reporting directly to the Council. Trish commented that the Board of Outreach and Engagement encountered open and affirming issues in its work as well and would benefit from a body with some expertise in this area. Dave Ackerman noted that the revisions of the bylaws brought about by the Self-Study Report had made it possible for the boards to create task forces for particular purposes with members drawn from both inside and outside the boards. Anne said she saw O & A issues as broader than the mission of her board. Jim asked whether we might need a new standing committee on the subject to keep us on the cutting edge of O & A issues.

Mary Stone moved that the Executive Council constitute a new Open and Affirming Task Force to report to the Council, to interact with the boards and committees as needed and appropriate, and to explore whether there needs to be a standing committee on the subject. Following a second, the Council approved unanimously. Anne said the Board for Social Witness would convene the first meeting set forth in its recommendation and discuss the other steps with the new task force.

Jim reported that the search committee has selected a candidate, a job description and offer package has been approved, the candidate has accepted the offer, and he will begin on June 24. More specific information will be forthcoming to the congregation soon, he said.

On behalf of a committee composed of Karen Lee, Delilah Marrow, Bill Prindle, and herself, Leslie presented a recommendation (attached) for a music visioning process. In response to a question from Mary Stone, Leslie said the process probably would take 9-12 months. Dave Ackerman praised the recommendation but objected to the items saying that the Personnel Committee needs to be represented on the visioning group and that no member of the visioning group should be included in the search committee that will eventually be created to find a permanent Director of Music. Dave then moved that the Council authorize the Moderator to appoint a Music Visioning Committee and that the Moderator commend to the committee the process set forth in the recommendation. Following a second, the Council approved unanimously.

Sandy Dodson said that further discussions need to be held with the trustees regarding funding for YGELI and expressed uncertainty about the feasibility of obtaining grants for the program. Mary Stone volunteered to research what foundations might make grants not only in this area but also in the area of seniors programming.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Tim White expressed appreciation to Jim Henkelman-Bahn for facilitating the Vision-to-Reality day, to the Budget Visioning Committee, and to the Board of Stewardship for its campaign. He stated that 30 people had participated in the Vision-to-Reality day and that 14 had joined in the discussion of the trustees’ draft budget on June 4. Noting that the draft budget had used a pledge figure higher than what the results of the stewardship campaign now appear to be, he said the trustees and the congregation face some tough choices. There likely will be some funding proposed for some of the initiatives that grew out of the visioning process, he said, but the weekend administrator position and certain major maintenance items are likely to be delayed. Mary Stone suggested that perhaps the Annual Meeting needs to be held later in June so that full stewardship results can be known. Neville Platt expressed concern about the increasing amount of the budget that is being devoted to our property and about the lack of any long-term plan to deal with our debt. In response to a question from John Gipson about whether we now have a firm grasp on the costs of our new building, Jackie said "yes" but there likely will continue to be increases in maintenance contract costs and perhaps in cleaning costs from year to year. Neville recalled that an Events Committee had operated during the Keystones Capital Campaign, with funds raised going toward the debt, and said it would be appropriate to reconstitute the committee now. He moved that the Moderator be authorized to appoint an Events Committee to raise money to address our debt. Sandy Dodson seconded. After several comments that such a committee might be desirable but that it should be considered within the framework of a more comprehensive plan for addressing our debt, Jackie Walters moved to table the motion. Following a second, the Council approved the motion to table. Suggestions were made that the debt issue be high on the agenda of the incoming Moderator and Council.

After a prayer by Sandy Dodson, Leslie adjourned the meeting at 10:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Dave Ackerman
Church Clerk

May 2005

May 2, 2005

Moderator Leslie Weyn called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. After a moment of silence, Mary Stone reported on behalf of the Board of Stewardship that 122 pledges for a total amount of $376,000 had been received so far, which is $36,000 ahead of last year at this time. The Council then approved the agenda without change and the April minutes as corrected.

Saturday, June 4, 2-4 p.m. – all-church farewell celebration for John Touchton.

Sunday, June 12 – Annual Meeting. Leslie asked whether we should have a luncheon that day. Given that there will be one worship service that day starting at 10:00 a.m., there was a general consensus that we should proceed directly to the meeting without lunch. Leslie reported that child care will be available.

Wednesday, July 6 – Executive Council meeting (instead of Monday, July 4)

On behalf of the Budget Visioning Committee, co-chair Tim White presented a draft report entitled "Christ Congregational Church Plan 2005-2008: A Living Document" (attached). He noted that the report uses a logo of a tree designed by Yoshiko Jaeggi to capture the three themes which emerged in the visioning process – (1) nourishing the congregation (roots), (2) engaging the broader world (branches), and (3) using the building for ministry (trunk). The logo, he said, also reflects Micah 6:8: (1) loving kindness (roots), (2) doing justice (branches), and (3) walking humbly with God (trunk). Tim asked that the boards look at the document at their meetings on May 16 and give feedback to the committee; and he asked for further comments by members of the Executive Council by that date as well. He also reported that the committee and the Board of Trustees will sponsor an open meeting with interested members of the congregation on May 21 to integrate the results of the visioning process into the budget projections for next year. The committee, he concluded, will return to the Executive Council on June 6 to seek its endorsement of the plan and will then present it to the congregation at the Annual Meeting on June 12 for approval.

John Gipson expressed the hope that the boards will take ownership of some of the visioning recommendations and noted that not all of them will cost money. Bud Dennie suggested that the report be shared not only with the boards but also with the standing committees in the church and perhaps other groups as well. Karen Lee said that we need to think strategically and put people on the boards who can accomplish what is set forth in the plan. Toko Ackerman stated that the nominating committee can do that if the boards take ownership of particular recommendations. Anne Weissenborn suggested that the wording of Recommendation 2(5) regarding the promotion of a progressive Christian voice ought to be stronger, and several others spoke in support. Jackie Walters asked whether the congregation will feel like it is their plan and whether there may need to be more efforts to share the recommendations before the Annual Meeting. Mary Stone noted that, unlike the Visioning Committee, the Self-Study Committee had a budget for mailings. Toko commented that the specificity of Recommendation 1(1)(a) to increase the hours of the elder ministry staff to 20 hours a week in July, 2005, contrasts with the more general nature of the other recommendations and questioned the use of the phrase "elder ministry." Gale Haggard said "Senior Adults" is the current usage and that the intent of the recommendation was to return to Dale Ostrander’s schedule. Jim Todhunter observed that the recommendation emerged in its specific form in the Visioning Days in February and March. Leslie thanked the committee for its ongoing work.

Leslie called attention to the letter from Robert Stansbery (attached) concerning the conflict between CCC’s open and affirming policy and our sponsorship of Cub Scout Pack 275 and asked Jim to summarize our past actions on the subject. Jim reported that we had discussed the matter with regional scout leaders in 2001, including a session facilitated by Jim Henkelman-Bahn, and with parents and scout leaders who shared CCC’s concerns; and we had sought guidance as well from the national UCC. We learned that some churches which have protested the Scouts’ anti-gay policy have had their charters lifted and their Scout troops removed elsewhere, while others have adopted what amounts to a "don’t ask, don’t tell" approach. We also learned that other UCC churches were not interested in working collectively through the Potomac Association. Sensing that we did not want to force the termination of our sponsorship of a Cub Scout pack, Jim said that he and then-Moderator Rick Brush sent a forceful letter to the national office of the Boy Scouts stating our open and affirming policy and urging the organization to reverse its policy (attached). The Boy Scouts never replied, he said.

Toko said we should continue to press the BSA to change and that on Scout Sunday we should make clear our disagreement. Anne Weissenborn said she would favor removing the troop, if necessary, but said the parents of the scouts need to be involved in deciding what we do. Karen Lee said that sometimes it is best to try to change an organization from within. Dave Ackerman asked how the BSA sets its policies, and Bud Dennie said it is done by a Board of Directors. Mary Stone asked whether there is an alternative organization, and Jim said there is. He also noted that our contract with the Boy Scouts is renewed each year. Toko suggested that there be a dialogue with parents and others. Jim said Christopher Lewis should be involved and perhaps a small groups from the Council as well. John Gipson said a dialogue about how scouting is helpful and how the BSA’s anti-gay policy is hurtful would be useful. Karen Lee noted that her parents’ church, by congregational decision, had given the BSA an ultimatum and had their charter pulled as a result. Leslie asked whether the Board for Social Witness might be willing to take this on. Toko moved that the Board be asked to facilitate a congregational dialogue on the issue of CCC continuing its charter relationship with the Boy Scouts. No vote occurred, but with the general assent of the Council Anne said the Board will look into the issues and make a recommendation to the next meeting of the EC about how to proceed.

Leslie reported that an interim music director search committee has been appointed consisting of Jim O’Steen (chair), Lynn White, Linda Phelps, and Sam Brush. She said the committee is preparing ads but has already received two resumes.

Bud Dennie distributed the affirmative action portion of the Personnel Committee’s draft "Policies and Procedures Manual" now in preparation and asked whether it should serve as guidance for the search committee. The draft states as follows:

Christ Congregational Church is an equal opportunity employer and subscribes to Affirmative Action. Search committees will make every opportunity to explore and seek qualified minorities. This may require search committees to conduct outreach in areas where minorities are represented in the population, including seminaries. Christ Congregational Church shall not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability.

Dave Ackerman questioned the appropriateness of the last sentence and said we should not bar ourselves from intentionally seeking diversity. Toko suggested adding the phrase "balanced and diverse staff" to the second sentence. John Gipson asked whether a policy set forth in a Policies and Procedures Manual could be legally binding, and Dave said some courts could so find. Jackie asked whether the intent was to direct the search committee to seek candidates who would add to a balanced and diverse staff. Jim said that went beyond the statement; John Gipson said he would be happier with that directive. Leslie asked whether we might share the first three sentences with the search committee as general advice and not as a directive to achieve a diverse staff. Karen Lee commented that the Anti-Racism Committee was proposing affirmative action in hiring as well as in the pool of candidates. Dave observed that neither the Council nor the congregation had endorsed that policy as yet. Toko asked whether the search committees that brought us Jim and Sandy had been given a diversity mandate; and Mary Stone and Dave said they had not. Gale stated we need to seek the best candidate for the permanent position. Jim suggested that the draft policy and the Council’s discussion be shared with the search committee, and the Council generally agreed.

Leslie asked whether we need a committee to help the congregation envision what we want in the music program and then, subsequently, a separate search committee. She also asked what constituencies need to be represented in the committee. After brief discussion, Mary Stone moved that the Moderator appoint a subcommittee of three people to formulate a plan on how to proceed with the visioning of the music program and to bring that recommendation to the June meeting of the Council for action. Following a second, the motion was unanimously approved.

Leslie adjourned the meeting at 10:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Dave Ackerman
Church Clerk

April 2005

April 4, 2005

Present: Leslie Weyn, Jim Todhunter, John Gipson, Anne Weissenborn, Doris Raber, Sandy Dodson, Mary Stone, Jackie Walters, Neville Platt, Sue Dollins, Karen Lee, Judy Cox, David Main, Trish Esposito, Dan Pence, John Touchton, Gale Haggard.

Guests: Delilah Marrow, Jim Henkelman-Bahn

Moderator Leslie Weyn called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.. After a time of sharing, the Council approved the agenda for the evening with the addition of the consideration of a Fair Trade Resolution, The March minutes previously sent out via E-mail were approved.

Delilah Marrow stated that 24 people had attended the Power Equity Workshop, and close to 50% of the attendees were people of color. Delilah read favorable comments from one of the participants. Jim Henkelman-Bahn then presented to the Executive Council the following recommendation which came out of the visioning sessions on anti-racism:

"The Guidance Committee for the CCC Anti-Racism Initiative recommends that the Executive Council use the opportunity provided by having two staff positions open in the coming months to move toward a multi-racial, multi-cultural staff for CCC. In order to achieve the future vision for CCC to reflect the demographics for the community, it is important to seek people of color for the position of Minister of Music and/or Church Administrator."

Jim Henkelman-Bahn stated that this was a recommendation for the Executive Council to consider in making decisions. Karen Lee wanted to know if Jim and Delilah could help on finding minority candidates. Jim replied that he could definitely provide help. Trish Esposito was concerned that the recommendation might not be understood by some CCC members. Leslie Weyn said it should be up to the Executive Council to consider how to interpret the resolution for future action. We don’t plan to make any decisions tonight. John Gipson concluded this discussion by strongly endorsing intentionality about CCC becoming more multi-cultural.

Anne Weissenborn reviewed the resolution previously drafted by CCC calling for the Central Atlantic Conference of the UCC to be a Fair Trade Conference. This resolution had been previously presented to the Executive Council in March. A month was allowed for any comments from the CCC congregation, and only one comment was received during that time. Jackie Walters moved that the resolution be accepted by the Executive Council, and the motion was seconded. The resolution was approved unanimously.

The following is a summary of this part of the meeting that was prepared by Jackie Walters and approved by Leslie Weyn for publication in the News Notes for April 12, 2005.

"At the Council’s invitation, Director of Music John Touchton offered his perspectives and suggestions for dealing with this transition.

After sharing personal reflections on his tenure at CCC and his reasons for persuing a new direction in his profession, John noted that in 47 years, CCC has had 3 directors of music: Al Neuman, Paul Zdunek, and himself. John suggested that his departure creates an opportunity for CCC to study the place of music and the role of a music director with the same thoughtful and focused intentionality that it devoted to children and youth (when the Children and Youth Task Force was formed as a result of the aspirations adopted in the 1995-96 Self Study), to the administrative support staff structure, and to the Associate Minister position. He urged the appointment of a committee reflecting the diversity within the congregation and a period of several months to reflect on a series of questions about the program and the person who will direct it.

If CCC is clear about what it wants for the long-term, John asserted, it will market the program more effectively and will attract a qualified candidate pool. He outlined several things candidates would be looking at: how clear the church is about its vision for the program, the instruments, the staff, the choir and lay involvement, the program budget, and the compensation package.

John also shared his conviction that CCC needs an interim director in place in June to be the "go-to" person for the program, and he laid out several factors to consider."

After John Touchton departed, the Council wanted to come up with a couple of options on how we could proceed. John Gipson and Jackie Walters thought we should try and get an interim director soon. Trish Esposito said having an interim will allow us time to grieve the loss of John and to better plan what we want in the next permanent music director.

Karen Lee said an interim is desirable because John Touchton has been so beloved. Jim Todhunter felt the issue is boiling down to whether we want to take the time to really study our long-term musical needs and directions. With regard to an interim Music Director, Jim Todhunter and Chancel Choir members talked about the need for someone to coordinate participants in worship (scheduling, selecting music, accompanying, rehearsing), to work with the ministers on worship and long-term planning, and to be available for memorial services and other events. The Council also discussed the merits of looking for someone outside the congregation who could fulfill a purpose similar to that of a pastoral interim: absorb and deflect the emotion surrounding the departure of a beloved leader, introduce and experiment with new ideas, and ask probing questions. Linda Carder’s tenure as an interim Associate Minister was held up as a successful model for a music interim.

The Council’s sentiments focused down to the following two points: (1) the need for a short-term personnel committee to find an interim Music Director and (2) the need for a long-term visioning committee to look at what we want in the long run. John Gipson moved that the Moderator form a committee to find an interim full time Music Director for 6 to 12 months. This motion passed unanimously. No action was taken yet with regard to a long-term visioning committee.

John Thomas, the President of the UCC will be here for conversation on Saturday, April 16. Jim Todhunter said he will invite CCC leaders to have lunch with John Thomas. The CCC Conference Room is available for the lunch. Sue Dollins and Jackie Walters volunteered to lead a committee to plan for the lunch.

Consecration Sunday is April 17.

Farewell plans for John Touchton: Is June 4 the appropriate time? We need to talk to John about this date. Another committee will be needed.

There will be a potluck by the Budget and Visioning Committee on Saturday evening, April 23. Everyone on the Executive Council is invited.

The Moderator adjourned the meeting before 10:00 p.m. 
Respectively submitted, 
Gale Haggard substituting for Dave Ackerman.

March 2005

March 7, 2005

Moderator Leslie Weyn called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. After a time of sharing, the Council approved the proposed agenda for the evening and, with several corrections, the February minutes.

Social Witness: As promised at the last meeting, Anne Weissenborn and Winifred Roberts presented a draft resolution (attached) for presentation at the next meeting of the Central Atlantic Conference (CAC) calling on the CAC to support Fair Trade. As background, they distributed a similar resolution (attached) that has been adopted by the Massachusetts Conference of the UCC and noted that the Potomac Association is very interested in this initiative. The discussion centered on whether a congregational meeting should be called to discuss the proposal or whether the Council could approve it. Jackie Walters and John Gipson spoke in support of a congregational meeting; Neville Platt, Gale Haggard, Mary Stone, and Tom Ault spoke in support of Council action. Anne said the Board had no strong preference regarding the procedure. Jim Todhunter suggested that the Council defer action until next month’s meeting and provide opportunities for congregational feedback prior to that time, and this met with general approval. As a result, a motion was made that the proposal be put in the bulletin and in Newsnotes during March with a notation that the Council will act on it on April 4 and inviting comments. Following a second by Neville Platt, the Council approved the motion unanimously.

Anne then presented the draft of a letter (attached) to be sent on behalf of the Council to the Board of Education supporting its decision to include sexual identity issues in a revised health curriculum for the public schools and opposing proposals to delete that material. Following several changes to the text of the letter suggested by Tom Ault, Leslie, Sandy Dodson, and John Potts, Anne moved that the Council approve sending the revised letter to the Board of Education. Following a second, the Council approved unanimously.

Trustees: Tom Ault reported that the Board has approved making a loan of $8-9 thousand to Sandy for 6 years at an interest rate of 6.5 percent to help her buy a house. Tom said that the Board saw this action as within its purview but wanted to inform the Council and ask whether anyone thought it should be taken to the congregation. Neville Platt noted that the interest rate was the same as we are paying on the five-year member loans. After Anne Weissenborn stated we have done similar things before, Tom said each situation has been unique but the Board has been willing to help staff with their housing needs.

Tom then reported that a budget request letter will be sent to the Boards and committees later this week and asked for responses by March 31. He further noted that the Board has been having more extensive discussions than in previous years with the staff about budget priority issues and that the Visioning Subcommittee will be giving its input on budget priorities to the Board by April 15 and will also participate in the Board’s initial budget session on April 30.

Stewardship: Mary Stone reported that the stewardship campaign is getting into full swing, with Consecration Sunday set for April 17. She asked Council members to help generate enthusiasm and support for the effort.

On behalf of co-chairs Tim White and Ruth Prindle, Mary Stone reported that the Visioning Subcommittee intends to consolidate the input from the March 5 event in time for the boards to discuss the findings at their March 21 meetings. The findings, she said, will also be posted on the CCC website and presented in Newsnotes in anticipation of two additional opportunities for the congregation to give feedback on April 3 and April 24.

Leslie initiated the discussion by saying that John Touchton’s impending departure left her with feelings of both excitement and sadness. Betty Stith recalled that past transitions have also been opportunities -- Joey’s death eventually led us to Dale and Linda and their departure brought us Sandy. Anne Weissenborn noted the difficulty of letting go. Tom Ault commented that he felt optimistic about the church’s future but had a profound sense of personal loss. John Gipson noted that the opportunity for John is great and how good it is that we are missing him, and he said we need to plan a party.

Tom Ault stated that he wanted the Council to authorize the Moderator to appoint a search committee for a new music director. He said the committee would need lead-time if we want to find someone by fall. He also recalled that until the last three years the position had been a ¾ time position and recommended that we go back to that, and said that one issue the church may face is whether a choral director is also willing to serve as organist. Mary Stone asked about expenses for the search committee; Dan Pence said expenses were likely but they would not be incurred prior to the Annual Meeting and approval of next year’s budget. In response to a comment by Sandy about the need for a position description, Leslie suggested its development could proceed on a parallel track. Jim said both the visioning process and John Touchton could provide helpful input in developing a position description, and Trish Esposito said Sam Brush could as well. Jackie recalled that John’s search committee had written the position description at that time and said that the decision about whether the music director and organist positions should be separate needs to be based on more than budget considerations. Tom recalled the difficulty Al Neumann had encountered when we had a separate organist. Leslie summarized what needs to be done as follows: (1) plan a celebration, (2) do an exit interview with John, (3) create a search committee, (4) arrange for an interim music director, and (5) develop a job description.

Anne Weissenborn moved that the Moderator be authorized to appoint a search committee and to request the Personnel Committee, together with representatives from the Search Committee, to develop a new job description for the Director of Music with input from the outgoing Director, the current staff, and other interested constituencies within the church. Tom Ault seconded the motion. Leslie asked whether the motion allowed these matters to proceed on parallel tracks, and several members said it did. John Gipson commented that there is an opportunity to seek a person of color for the position. Dave Ackerman said it was critically important that search committee members be involved in conversations about the nature of the job. Doris Raber stated it would be important to have a non-choir person on the search committee. Sandy said emotions about a search process often run high, and Jim cautioned that we need to take care in choosing the members of the search committee and communicate what is happening to the congregation. The Council approved the motion unanimously. Leslie commented that we will need a committee to plan a celebration for John, and John Potts said the Board of Church Life is willing to help.

Jim noted that one of the suggestions made at the Feb. 5 Visioning Day was to invite the UCC President, Rev. John Thomas, to CCC. Rev. Thomas, he said, will be in the area for the 50^th anniversary celebration of Little River Turnpike UCC and has agreed to come to CCC on April 16. The format for his visit has not yet been determined, but Jim said he likely will talk about the "God Is Still Speaking" campaign and other efforts to promote progressive Christianity. Trish said this is an opportunity to build pride in the UCC, and Anne Weissenborn noted that her board will sponsor a trip to the national UCC offices in Cleveland in November.

Sandy noted that the Y-GELI program has evolved into an ongoing way of doing youth ministry. The question, she said, is how to institutionalize it; and she asked for guidance on what kinds of fund-raising might be appropriate. Little River, she noted, now budgets $10,000 for Y-GELI while CCC budgets $1000. Several members noted that Y-GELI had come up several times on Visioning Day as an important initiative for the church. Jim suggested that the bequest from the Kromer family might be helpful. Trish stressed that there needs to be a balance between youth-initiated fund-raisers and having money in the unified budget, and Mary and Tom agreed. Sandy said she appreciated the guidance.

Leslie adjourned the meeting at 10:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Dave Ackerman
Church Clerk

February 2005

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MINUTES
February 7, 2005

Moderator Leslie Weyn called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. After a moment of silence, Leslie suggested adding time to the agenda to talk about CCC’s role as a charter organization for a Boy Scout troop and for a preliminary report on Visioning Day.

Boy Scouts: Neville Platt commented that the recognition of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in yesterday’s worship service seemed insufficient. Chris Lewis, CCC’s Boy Scout Coordinator, noted that Cub Scout Pack 275 has been here more than 50 years and said that next year’s recognition ceremony will involve more pageantry. Leslie recalled the concern that had been raised in the past about the policy of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) regarding gay and lesbian leaders and noted that CCC had decided to continue to be a charter organization but to be in dialogue with BSA on the matter. In response to a question by Mary Stone about whether BSA has changed its policy, Chris Lewis said "no" but that the policy is not stated in any of BSA’s literature. Trish Esposito said that the congregation needs to be educated about the substantial responsibilities involved in being a charter organization. Sandy Dodson suggested publicizing all that the Scouts do at CCC. Chris noted that Pack 275 meets every week here, with a den for each grade; has periodic banquets; and helps with yard work around the church.

The Council then approved the agenda, as modified, and, with no corrections, the minutes for the January meeting.

Visioning Day: John Gipson, on behalf of the Visioning Subcommittee, said that more than 70 people – including 6 visitors to CCC -- had participated and termed the day "a great success." The subcommittee had met yesterday to process the results, he said, and had found that the "passions" of the day fell generally into three groupings: (1) fostering a richer life within the church (issues of mindfulness, participation of youth and young adults, programming for seniors, etc.); (2) serving the wider world (issues of GLTB at the county and state levels, ministry to the Long Branch community, engaging the political issues of the day from our Christian perspective); and (3) improving the church’s finances (issues of developing CCC’s endowment and re-visioning the layout and use of our facilities, especially the sanctuary). The subcommittee, John said, will meet again next week to put together a final report and will then convene a second all-church opportunity on March 5 to obtain guidance in setting priorities for CCC. Trish expressed regret that participants did not include more parents of young children, and Neville noted that more than half had been over 55. In response to a question by Mary Stone about how we obtain their input, Sandy suggested convening special small groups as a possibility. Trish noted that she had tried to convene a group of parents of young children on Visioning Day but no one came. Gale Haggard said he was impressed with the number of new people taking part in Visioning Day. Mary Stone noted that turnout had been larger than at a comparable event in 1995. Dave Ackerman praised the structure and leadership that Jackie Bahn-Henkleman and Jim Henkleman-Bahn had provided for the day.

Outreach and Engagement: Trish asked all boards to be sure to update their information on CCC’s web site, because we are getting a lot of hits on it lately. She also reminded the Council that new members generally join on the fourth Sunday of each month.

Deacons: Neville Platt noted several special services during Lent – early morning and evening services on Ash Wednesday, along with a pancake supper; a Maundy Thursday service, possible in a new format; a Good Friday vigil from 12-3 with a service of healing in the evening; and two identical services on Easter Sunday. The preaching schedule, he said, is as follows: Feb. 13 – Sandy; Feb. 20 – Jim; Feb. 27 – Rev. Paul Saddler; March 6 – Sandy; March 13 – Sandy; March 20 – Jim; March 27 – Jim. Sandy commented that there is an ongoing effort to make communion Sundays more family-oriented.

Trustees: Tom Ault gave an update on the state bond situation and asked the board to rescind a motion it had adopted earlier. He said that CCC has received $50 thousand from the one grant but has not gotten the other $50 thousand for failure to make timely application. For various reasons, he recalled, it had previously been thought that the latter grant could be revived by a simple legislative act; and as a consequence, he noted, the Council in September had adopted a motion approving such an initiative. But, Tom said, the trustees in their January meeting had reconsidered the matter with both Leslie and Jim present and had concluded that an attempt to obtain legislative re-authorization of the second grant is no longer viable. In response to a question by Anne Weissenborn on the state of the LinkAges program, Tom said there were some things happening but at a low-key level. If we sought more funds, he stated, CCC would need to do more. In response to a question from Mary Stone regarding the reporting requirements on the $50 thousand we had received, Tom said there were none. Tom then moved that "the Council direct the Board of Trustees to proceed no further to obtain bond funds from the State." After a second by Sara Watson, the Council approved the motion unanimously.

Social Witness: Anne Weissenborn said that the board is preparing a proposal that the Central Atlantic Conference (CAC) adopt fair trade policies and asked whether that is something that the Council can authorize. Dan Pence and Neville Platt said such an proposal ought to be approved by the congregation. In response to a question by Dave Ackerman about what we had done to promote an open and affirming policy by the CAC, Mary Stone said we had proposed a resolution on the matter to the CAC but that she did not recall whether the congregation had given prior approval. Tom Ault commented that the Council could act for the congregation on business matters but proposals on public policy issues might be different.

Stewardship: Mary Stone reported that there will be a recognition event for volunteers in March – "Just Desserts." Consecration Sunday, she said, will be on April 17, with two services each preceded by breakfast. The Rev. Dr. Bernice Powell Jackson, Executive Minister of the UCC Justice and Witness Ministries and newly elected as a Vice-President of the World Council of Churches, will be our witnessing steward, she stated. Mary also noted that of the 35 new members who have joined since July 1, 2004, 10 are pledging and a number of others are contributing. The Board, she said, is sending letters to all new members to encourage pledging.

Becoming a Teaching Congregation for Vicki Kemper: Sandy said that CCC has been asked to be a "Teaching Congregation" for Vicki Kemper, a student at Wesley Theological Seminary, to help her prepare for eventual ordination; and she distributed a packet of materials (attached) detailing the request and what it would involve. If we agree, she said, Vicki would work here for 8-10 hours a week for two years under the supervision of the staff and a small group of lay persons. Similar to Tony Hudson’s internship here, she stated, there would be no financial obligation. In response to a question by Sara Watson about who the lay persons would be, Sandy said that might be done through the Board of Deacons. Neville Platt agreed and said he, like the staff, was excited about the possibility. Sara also noted the requirement that a Teaching Congregation agree to abide by all Wesley Theological Seminary policies and asked whether Wesley would have any problem with our Open and Affirming policy. Sandy said she would inquire and if there were a conflict, we would not do it. Gale Haggard asked how Vicki had come to our attention. Sandy noted that Vicki has been attending CCC for a while and had even come to Visioning Day. After Gale and Tom Ault spoke in support, Mary Stone moved that the Council approves CCC becoming a Teaching Congregation for Vicki Kemper. Following a second by Dan Pence, the Council approved the motion unanimously.

Project Equality Update: Sandy expressed appreciation for the Council’s support in our continuing journey on open and affirming issues. She said she has never wanted to be seen as a lesbian advocate but does see a critical need for conservative Christians to be challenged on this. As a consequence, she said, she is becoming identified by Project Equality as a clergyperson who is willing to speak out on this subject and who is comfortable with her home congregation in doing so. On Feb. 8, she said, she will be participating in a meeting at the CAC office which is intended to network UCC churches with Project Equlity on GLBT issues and will include a joint press statement. Feb. 14, she noted, will be a lobbying day at Annapolis on GLBT issues. In response to a question by Sara Watson about whether others are welcome, Sandy said Feb. 8 is clergy only but Feb. 14 is for everyone. Anne Weissenborn said information about the Feb. 14 lobbying effort would be in the bulletin this Sunday.

Sandy’s Trip to Guatemala: After distributing the itinerary of her two week seminar in Guatemala (attached), Sandy said her experience reminded her of her Outward Bound ventures – an intense immersion with folks from a variety of backgrounds. The first day, she stated, the group was taken to the dump for Guatemala City to witness how desperately poor people managed to organize recycling projects to sustain themselves. The organization was informal, she said, but the people knew which trucks came from the affluent neighborhoods and brought the "best" garbage; and they worked cooperatively to sort out what might be recycled. By way of contrast, Sandy said, the group then went up into the mountains to where the upper class (about 2% of the population) lived. The group learned about the politics and history of the country, the great variety of indigenous people and of language, the long and devastating civil war, the peace accords, the lack of medical care, the unavailability of jobs; and she said she wondered how you can have hope in such circumstances. But there was progress, she said; and she read from Henri Nouwen’s book Love in a Fearful Land: A Guatemalan Story. She said she learned how a church can be an agent of God’s love – or not. Y-GELI, Sandy noted, has a poverty focus this year and speculated that perhaps there might be a future connection with a Guatemalan community.

Gale Haggard recalled that when Joey had gone to Honduras, she had been surprised to find people who knew only of their tribe but not of their nation. Neville asked about how the schools function in the face of so many different languages. Sandy said teaching is in Spanish, so non-Spanish speaking communities have to become bilingual to participate. But the greatest problem is simply the lack of educational opportunity. There is no public financing of education beyond the 6^th grade, she said, and only 1 in 10 girls go to school at all. Neville then asked about what the infrastructure is like. Sandy said Guatemala City has paved roads and skyscrapers; but it also has lots of pollution to the point that asthma is common. Outside the city roads are two-lane and unpaved, but the villages do have electricity generally. Dave Ackerman asked whether there would be a chance for Sandy to share her experience with the larger congregation. Sandy suggested that maybe a Sunday potluck might be possible.

Leslie adjourned the meeting at 9:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Dave Ackerman
Church Clerk

Corrected and approved March 7, 2005

January 2005

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MINUTES
January 3, 2005

Moderator Leslie Weyn called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Following a moment of silence, the Council approved the agenda, with the addition of time for an update on the work of the Visioning Subcommittee and for a concern of the Sanctuary Committee, and the minutes for December, with two corrections.

Nominating Committee: Leslie presented the recommendation of the Nominating Committee that Christopher Lewis become Boy Scout Coordinator. Sue Dollins moved approval; Jackie Walters seconded; and the Council adopted the motion unanimously.

Sanctuary Committee Concern: Neville Platt shared a letter he had received from Joanne Hollcroft on behalf of the Sanctuary Committee expressing dismay over the display of the "God Is Still Speaking" banner in the sanctuary. Neville said he had discussed the matter with Joanne, explaining that the banner was intended to be a short-term display to support the UCC campaign and that it would have been appropriate for the Sanctuary Committee to be informed of that intent beforehand and promising to bring the matter to the attention of the Executive Council.

State Bond: Tim White reported on behalf of the trustees that the church has finally received a grant of $50,000 from the state of Maryland in support of those parts of the renovation that have made the LinkAges program possible. Tim noted that Tom Ault had worked very hard on this and deserves our "high esteem and appreciation."

Visioning Subcommittee: Tim White reported that Jim Henkleman-Bahn and Jackie Bahn-Henkleman have agreed to facilitate the Feb. 5 Visioning Day, which will begin at 9 a.m. and end at about 2:30 p.m.. The day will be devoted to exploring and expressing what excites people about the future of CCC, Tim said, and will be followed by another meeting about a month later (provisionally March 5) which will focus on setting priorities for CCC. A separate group, he stated, is organizing the logistics of the meeting. Tim asked that the Moderator coordinate with Jackie Bahn-Henkleman regarding Feb. 5.

Commissioned Ministry of Richard Jaeggi: Jim Todhunter recalled that the Council at its December meeting had agreed to invite Richard to this meeting to discuss the possibility of recommending Richard to the Potomac Association as a candidate for a commissioned ministry. After the members present introduced themselves, Richard described his sense of calling to serve God and his effort to clarify that calling through consultations with Jim and others. He said he doesn’t just want to be doing another project and sees Jim’s recommendation of a commissioned ministry as "grounding" what he chooses to do. The project bubbling in his mind, he said, is to train youth and young adults in the Longbranch community in emergency preparedness and the methods of nonviolence and develop what Gandhi called a "peace army" that can call us to our "better selves." The project is still forming in his mind, he said, and he can’t as yet see very far ahead. He said he has had extensive discussions with his family and with various people in Longbranch, and that he is aware of training programs in emergency preparedness that have used churches as the base. In response to a question by John Gipson, Richard noted that he has worked extensively with teenagers in D.C. The problem, he said, is that after young people leave school, they often lose structure. The 18-29 age group, he stated, needs to focus on what their purpose in life is; and he said he hopes his project can connect young people to elders in the community to help them develop that focus.

Several members expressed their admiration for Richard’s sense of calling. In response to a question from Neville Platt, Richard noted that his oldest child is in college on full scholarship, a second is attending Montgomery College, and a third is in high school. Money for his family, he said, is never fulsome but is "sufficient"; and he noted that he will soon begin a paid 9-month project at Howard University. But he emphasized that he intends the Longbranch project to be full-time. He said he is not clear as yet how the project will be funded and expects the participants will need to come up with some ways of raising money. He said his "checkered" work history should be helpful in that. He also said that he hoped that his project might push the church a bit and help us all become deeper Christians. John Potts commented that the Weather Service does a lot of emergency preparedness stuff and that he would be interested in talking further with Richard about that.

After Richard left the room, Leslie noted that the question before the Council was whether to recommend Richard to the Potomac Association as a candidate for becoming a commissioned minister, in accordance with step 4 in the UCC Commissioned Minister document distributed at the December meeting. Neville Platt so moved, and Sue Dollins seconded. Dave Ackerman noted that step 16 of the document contemplates that an organization will eventually call the candidate to a ministry and support him/her in that calling; and he asked whether approval of the pending motion implied that CCC would eventually be that calling body for Richard. Jim said that was not a necessary implication of the pending motion but that the nature of the call and the identity of the calling body would unfold over time. Neville commented that we now would simpy be recommending that he become a candidate, and Jim agreed. The next step, Jim said, would be for Richard to meet with the Potomac Association committee.

Tim White asked Jim what he had in mind when he recommended the possibility of a commissioned ministry to Richard. Jim said that Richard has two things going on – What is the project that excites me? And what is God calling me to do? His consultations with Richard have been trying to clarify both of these, he said; and only when Richard concluded that his calling was for something within the church, Jim stated, did he recommend the possibility of a commissioned ministry.

Judy Cox commented that she saw Richard as a high energy, genuinely warm person, someone to whom other people are drawn. In response to her question about how Richard has performed in his other projects, Jim noted that Richard was very active in the Silver Spring redevelopment activities, especially the arts components; has been writing a column for the Silver Spring Voice; has worked closely with the Shaw Community Ministry; is a member of Sojourners and of the Church of the Savior; and is very well networked in the community.

John Gipson commented that the nature of Richard’s project didn’t seem very clear to him and asked whether Jim thought Richard had a clear sense of it. Jim said Richard remained in process on this but was clear that he wanted faith to be a major component. Jackie Walters commented that recommending Richard to the Potomac Association does not mean we will eventually be the calling body but that it could be a challenge to the church to consider the possibility. Jim stated that the calling body could be a new organization and noted that some funds are available from the UCC for youth ministry.

The Council unanimously approved the motion to recommend Richard to the Potomac Association as a candidate for a commissioned ministry.

Anti-Racism Initiative Update: Delilah Marrow reported that the anti-racism audit of CCC had been completed and is now available on our web site. Snapshots of the audit, she said, had been given at the pre-board meeting in November and a December older adults luncheon and that the focus now was on getting people to sign up for the February Power Equity workshop. Jim Henlkeman-Bahn noted that the guidance committee had met in mid-December and he distributed a document (attached) that, he said, the committee is thinking of bringing to the Feb. 5 Visioning Day. Discussion focused largely on the last statement of the document which would commit CCC by 2008 to have "a business policy that is in harmony with Just Peace, Open and Affirming, and Anti-Racist positions." In response to a question by Mary Stone asking what is meant by "business policy" and whether it would impose a burden on church staff in such matters as researching the policies of contractors, Jim said the group that would develop a policy on this would have to wrestle with the issue. John Touchton asked whether the policy would apply to hiring decisions; Mary Stone said "no." Leslie commented that the contents of the document were not set in stone at this point and that it was intended to stimulate discussion at Visioning Day. Delilah said the statement is also a description of where CCC is now and where we want to go. Jim Todhunter noted that the audit had helped to raise consciousness about racism issues at CCC and that it would take hard work to shape its specific recommendations into a vision. In response to a comment by Neville that the business policy recommendation might be subsumed in a more general part of the document, Tim White noted that it was the specific nature of the recommendation that had led to the discussion here. Leslie asked whether the Council needed to take any particular action now. Dave Ackerman and John Touchton said "no."

After Leslie expressed the appreciation of the Council for Jim and Delilah’s work, Jim reported the February workshop is close to having the required minimum of 20 people signed up but that the projected financing of the event is about $4300 short of what is required. He asked for guidance of what to do about that and about logisitics. Trish Esposito stated that O & E has budgeted $200 for the event. Dave Ackerman said there was no constraint on Jim and Delilah approaching individuals in the congregation for support but that the Council could not bless such approaches. Several persons said if they were informed about what the logistical needs were for the event, they could take them to their boards.

Publicity for Political Events: Jim Todhunter shared a letter from Mark Woodard noting that the Silver Spring Democratic Club will be hosting a meeting in our Social Hall on Jan. 19 at which County Executive Doug Duncan will speak and asked whether it would be okay for the church to publicize the event. Jackie Walters suggested it was important that we be balanced in publicizing political events. Dave Ackerman stressed that Duncan was not as yet a declared candidate for governor but simply our County Executive and that it would be appropriate and desirable for us to publicize the event. Jackie asked whether the Democratic Club should be able to advertise the event in our bulletin. Dave responded that outside groups never control our bulletin; the decision of what to publicize is always ours. Jim said he had sufficient guidance.

Communications Committee: Judy Cox described the proposal she had distributed in December on "CCC Communications Committee: Goals and Roles" and asked for feedback. John Touchton praised the idea of a communications "Tool Kit" that could be used by groups in the church. He said the proposal seems to contemplate that the committee will be a resource rather than do the communicating itself, so that the church doesn’t always have to reinvent the wheel. Dave Ackerman said the proposal moves in the direction of what the Self-Study Committee intended. Judy said her personal circumstances in the next few months will prevent her from working intensively on communications but that she would like to continue to get feedback and use the next year or so to get the basic structure in place. Leslie asked if there was any need to amend the bylaws to accord with the proposal; Dave Ackerman said the bylaws were already sufficient.

"God Is Still Speaking" Campaign Update: In response to a query from John Gipson, Trish reported that we contributed $1000 for the national ad campaign and $500 for local ads. The latter, she said, are appearing in the Washington Post and Gazette. She said there is no evidence anyone has come to CCC in response to the ads but that there has been an increase in "hits" on our web site.

Leslie adjourned the meeting at 10:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,

Dave Ackerman
Church Clerk