Mission Statement: The mission of the Commission for Witness Life is to focus on areas of ministry relating to God’s world globally, nationally, statewide, locally, and ecumenically through: serving human need, proclaiming peace and justice, promoting the integrity of creation, witness of evangelism, denominational and ecumenical ties, stewardship and mission interpretation, and in consultation with the Coordinating Council, new and emerging ministries.

In General, the Commission has continued working on the areas of ministry outlined above, but the following items stand out as noteworthy for this year.

Guests: At our October, 2006 meeting we were joined by Annette Mott, who presented to us the possibility of a mission relationship with Thandiwe (Amy) Globedale, who is a missionary in India, working at the Family Village Farm and King’s Matriculation School. The Commission voted to enter an official relationship with Thandiwe, and a liaison person was assigned to keep us in contact.
Rev. Mair Honan joined us in May and talked about her experience demonstrating against the war in Iraq. This led to a discussion on our faithful response, and subsequently it was decided to write and present a resolution on the war to the conference annual meeting.

Disaster Response Team: Early in the year the DRT became a permanent entity under WLC which would be prepared to respond to any disaster that might occur. Rev. Dana Reed, who had been leading the DRT since it’s inception as a response to Hurricane Katrina, stepped down and turned the role of Coordinator over to Rev. Lorraine Martin. Under Lorraine’s leadership, the DRT established a webpage on the conference website and has continued to respond to Katrina in various ways. In the spring of ’07, Rev. Martin resigned from the DRT, and recommended Lori Whitemore as her replacement. At the April meeting, the commission voted to name Lori as the DRT coordinator, and she has been working with Lorraine to make a smooth transition.

Marriage: Following up on the resolution on marriage which was passed at the 2006 annual meeting, a five person team was formed to assist churches with discussions concerning marriage.

A Greater Gift: Jan McLaughlin was unable to continue as the coordinator for this endeavor. Appeals in the ACE have not yet resulted in a replacement for her.

Peace and Justice: Mostly due to the efforts of Commission member Jeanette Davis, an email network has been formed, based on the national Justice and Peace Action Network, so those interested in peace and justice issues that are specific to our state can be made aware of particular issues and events on a timely basis.

UCC Environmental Task Force: Rev. Steve Hastings has been named as our representative to this national UCC body.

Seminary Scholarships: In line with our desire to model prophetic witness, the language in the Seminary Scholarship Application has been changed to reflect recognition of non-traditional families and relationships. Of the $3,500.00 available, we awarded $500.00 to each of the seven students who applied.

Native American Connection: The Commission is keeping informed concerning issues involving the Native American folk of Maine, with Commission member Silver Moore-Leamon as our liaison. Silver is also an officer of MCC.

Socially Responsible Investing: Subsequent to ongoing discussion between the Commission and the Conference Trustees, language concerning socially responsible investing has been included in the Trustees’ Investment Policy. One way SRI has been implemented is through the purchase of a CD from a local bank, which helps bolster the local economy. Screening of investments is another method that is being used.

Thanks to: The Commission wishes to thank those who have assisted and/or advised us this year: Rev. David Gaewski, Conference Minister; Rev. June Boutwell, Transitional Associate Conference Minister; Mark Schussler, Business Manager; Denise Goodman, Conference Moderator; Annette Mott, Director for Local Church Resources; and many others who have offered their opinion or knowledge for our consideration.

Respectfully Submitted
Ernie Campbell, Chair
Commission for Witness Life