Oxford Union Association
United Church of Christ
October 21, 2007

Oxford Union Association Fall meeting was Oct. 21, 2007 at the Mexico Congregational Church. Rev. Ginger Snapp-Cunningham and Rev. Bill Wildman led the service, under the musical direction of Cindy Bohren.

Jane Chandler, scribe, read the roll call and presented the minutes of the Spring Association meeting April 29, 2007. 14 ministers, 16 members, 17 members representing 10 churches were present. The minutes were approved as distributed.

Donna Coombs presented the treasurer’s report in the absence of Sue Black. $1,145 is the balance in the checking account. All the churches have paid their membership dues. The treasurer’s report was accepted as distributed (Jane Rich moved, seconded by Bill Wildman). The special offering collected $211 for OCWM.

John Cunningham, moderator, chaired the meeting. He reported on decisions by the executive committee to not list a telephone ad in Verizon phone book this year. John mentioned upcoming Association and Conference-wide events. Retirement party for Rev. Earl Bell will be Sunday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m. Pilgrim Lodge Work Day is Saturday, Oct. 27, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Conference sponsored Town Meeting will be Saturday, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Norway Second Congregational Church. This is an opportunity to speak about the value of church properties and relate it to the mission and directions of the conference. Clergy advent retreat is Nov. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Woodsfords Church. The Clergy Lenten Retreat is January 24 at Norway from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The next O-U Association meeting will be Sunday, April 6, 2008 at the Oxford church.

Written reports were received from the Community Life, Spiritual Life, and Witness Life commissions, and Church and Ministry committee. Linda Kimball distributed a Calendar of Prayer for Association churches. George Kimball reported on the Church and Ministry Committee, Rev. Marc Fuller has been called to Houlton. Rev. Mike Johnson has been called to serve the Durham church in Cumberland Association. Congratulations to newly ordained Rev. Frank Haines and Rev. Vicky Carpenter. Churches with vacancies include the Poland Church, the Lovell Church, the Sweden church, and the West Bethel Church. Linda Kimball, Ginger Snapp-Cunningham, and Dixie Lee Piper are on the committee to plan a New England Women’s Celebration in March of 2010. They would like one contact person from each church and workshop suggestions.

Elliot Munn, Association Synod Delegate, report on the great celebration of the 50th anniversary of the United Church of Christ in Hartford, Connecticut. He mentioned important discussion on vital issues of immigration, climate control and physician aided dying. A resolution to defeat the approved marriage equity act of last Synod was defeated. Elliot mentioned how thrilled he was to celebrate with so many people. He specifically mentioned his favorite speech, Bill Moyers.

Rev. David Gaeweski, Conference Minister, spoke for the work of the Maine Conference. Rev. David Ray has resigned effective Dec. 31, 2007, as Associate Conference Minister for Small Church Development. The Coordinating Council has approved filling that position with an acting associate minister. This person will be allowed to apply for the permanent position, when the job description is tweaked. One laptop computer was stolen at the Annual Conference. Approximately 800 addresses for ACE (All Conference Email) were lost. Please spread the word to contact conference@maineucc.org to get back on the ACE email list. The God is Still Speaking campaign has about $3.5 million in debt. The national office decided that a percentage of the Strengthen the Church offering will go to future expenses of the God is Still Speaking Campaign. They have decided to pay down the debt from the UCC endowment.

George Kimball made the motion to adjourn following the evening meal, seconded by Bill Wildman. All approved.

Dan Johnson and Dick Bennett presented a discussion on new directions on discernment, encouraging people to all forms of ministry, not just ordained ministry. Dan described 4 facets of the call to ministry. 1) Call to be a Christian given to all who are Baptized. 2) The Secret Call is the inner, private conversation with God to work for God. 3) The Providential Call is an awareness to the gifts a person has to serve. It’s not necessarily perceived by an individual but by others who bring it to an individual’s attention. 4) And the Ecclesiastical Call is the formal authorization for ministry through ordination. The call can also include Christian lay leadership within the church. UCC has broadened it’s definition of ministry and encouraged a period of discernment with mentors. The Academy for Congregational Life and Leadership will offer training for leadership within the church. It replaces the ACT training program for Christian Educators. Dick Bennett gave his personal spiritual journey and encouraged others to share their calls or steps on discerning ministry.

Yours in Christ,

Jane Chandler, Scribe of Oxford Union Association