Annual Meeting 2005
Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ
Grand Summit Hotel, Sunday River, Bethel, Maine
September 23, 24, 25, 2005



Fequently Asked Questons about Annual Meeting

Q: Where do I/We Register once we arrive?
A:  The Annual Meeting Registration Table is located outside the Grand Ballroom Lobby - As you come into the Hotel Lobby take a left down the Exhibit Hallway toward the Grand Ballroom.  The Registration Table is set up just outside the Grand Ballroom Door.  You will be greeted by the Conference Support Staff and directed to whatever location you are searching for.

Q: What accommodations are availble to us? 
A:  Grand Summit Hotel, Sunday River, Bethel - Please call the hotel 1-800-543-2754 to make reservations at the Grand Summit Hotel, Snow Capp Inn and Condos.   Hotel and Condo keys can be picked up at the Grand Summit Hotel.  If you are staying at the Snow Cap Inn you can go directly to the Inn for your room keys.  Private Housing is also available.

Please also see other hotels/motels in the area click the following link:
http://www.bethelmaine.com/

Q: What is the Theme?
A: Act Justly...God is Still Speaking

Q:  Can any church apply for a "Church Award"? 
A: Each year churches are invited to submit their church for one of the awards listed below.  These awards are given for work done that is either outstanding and/or extraordinary.  Submit no more than a five page summary to the Awards Committee describing your church work in one of the areas listed below. The deadline is September 1, 2004.   
          Awards Criteria
This is the fifth annual "Awards" that will be presented at annual meeting in September. The following Awards will be presented at Annual Meeting in the areas of :  Education, Mission, Evangelism, Stewardship, Youth Ministry, Accessibility  -----
The criteria is as follows:
     1) The activity is one which is on-going or has been completed
          since the last Annual Meeting of the Conference.
     2) The activity is a source of pride for the congregation.
     3) The activity is effective for the program of the Local Church.
     4) The activity is a creative response to some need or difficulty.
     5) The activity is a faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Send by September 1st.
Mail to:
Annual Meeting Awards
Maine Conference UCC
P.O. Box 966
Yarmouth, ME 04096-1966

  
Q: What Are Speak Outs!
A: This is an opportunity for persons to speak to any issues before delegates, clergy and visitors. One minute is allowed per person. A sign up sheet will be available before each Speak Out.  Please go to the Registration Desk and sign up on the Bulletin Board. The time limit will be strictly enforced.  No repeat announcements please. 

Q: Where can we leave messages for our delegates?
A: There will be a Bulletin Board available in the Registration Area to leave messages for church members and friends attending the annual meeting. 

Q: Is there a Swimming Pool/Work Out Room?
A: Heated outdoor pool with inddor/outdoor access, health club and spa among some of the amenities.  No Lifeguard on duty thus churches/guardians are responsible for their youth oversight in the pool.  Please note times when these facilities open and close.

Q: Is there Handicapped Parking available?
A: Yes. The hotel has handicapped parking available. 

Q:  Where do we park?
A:  Parking is located on the next level down from the Grand Summit Hotel.   No parking on the top level (Grand Summit Hotel entrance area) except for handicapped parking.  Unauthorized vehicles may be towed at the owners expense.
 
Q:  Will there be Coffee available at our meeting?
A: There is a Coffee Shoppe located on the second floor of the Grand Summit Hotel.  People can make coffee in their hotel rooms or condos...bring supplies and travel mugs from home.  Complimentary coffee will be available Saturday morning during the Plenary session.


Q: Will there be Child and Youth Care?
A: Yes, Child and Youth care will be located at the Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River, Bethel.  Please fill out the form and mail directly to Sunday River:  Child/Youth Care Form

Q: Will there be Displays at Annual Meeting?
Displays will be located in the hallway section between the lobby of the Grand Summit Hotel and the Grand Ballroom, where the plenary sessions will be held. We encourage you to visit the display area and learn a little more about your Conference and the wider church.

Q: What is New Delegate Orientation?
A: New Delegate Orientation is designed for anyone, new or seasoned, who would like an overview of how the Conference Annual Meetings are run.  The orientation will be on Friday, September 23, 1:30 p.m. in the Whittier Room. This is the time period that will include an overview of UCC Polity, Annual Meeting Procedures, and how delegates report back to their church.

Q: What about Youth Functions at Annual Meeting?
All youth attending annual meeting must fill out a Consent and Health Release Form and should be mailed in with their Registration Form to the Conference Office. Each church is allowed one voting youth delegate. Youth delegates are encouraged to sit with their church delegation during the Plenary Sessions.  All youth are required to inform their church leadership where they will be at all times.  All churches have full responsibility for their youth delegates and youth attending annual meeting. All Youth are invited to a Youth Gathering on Friday and Saturday evenings in Ballroom North (following evening activities). The Youth Ministry Team and the State Youth Council, a Committee of the Commission are the sponsors and will have chaparones available.

This year there will be a Youth Service Project on Saturday afternoon that youth are invited to participate.  A Youth Release Form needs to be filled out and signed by the youth's parent(s)/guardian in order to participate.

There is a swimming pool at the Grand Summit Hotel available for hotel guests.   Each church is responsible for the whereabouts and lifeguard duty of their youth. 

Q: What do we need to bring?
A: Each association is asked to bring items to make up ""Heart to Heart Kits"

Q: Do you have other questions? 
A: Email conference@maineucc.org     We will post them to this page.