Present: The Rev. Stephen Hastings, Moderator
The Rev. Franklin Anderson, Scribe
Mr. George Moore and Ms. Donna Berg, at large members
Mr. Loren Downey, Church and Ministry Chair
The Rev. Brad Hirst, Mission Committee Chair
The Rev. Peter Mercer, Coordinating Council Representative
Guest: Maria Elena Paz from Honduras
Excused: Ms. Margi Rasche, Vice-Moderator, Mr. George von York, Treasurer, Ms. Anita Higgins, At large member

Called to Order: at 9:40 a.m. by the Moderator with introductions, welcome, and prayers. Steve opened with a reading from Ephesians 2:10 and a responsive reading of Psalm 8.

Actions:

1. Minutes of the January 26, 2005, meeting were accepted as presented.

2. First Parish York will host the fall meeting Oct. 23. The Giving Winds initiative to capitalize Maine Native American investment will be the program. Brad, Steve, and perhaps Rich Knight will prepare details for the fall meeting.

3. We might focus on the work of Caring Unlimited next year, and ask to meet at North Parish Sanford.

4. We reviewed the spring meeting at First Parish, Saco. Loren noted that people do not make reservations: 25 responded, and 78 meals were served. We had a long discussion of meals, and various alternatives. Loren will talk with the York church to let them know what to expect. Franklin will ask churches for a list of their delegates, addresses, emails and a chair for the delegation.

Reports:

1. We welcomed Maria from Honduras, who is visiting Pilgrim Lodge and churches of our Association. She said the Honduran children are very happy for everything we have done.

2. Brad reported that people were having trouble getting items into buckets for Honduras. We discussed various modifications to the food based on the experience so far this year, and discussed various details of the process.

3. There are 15 going on the July trip to Honduras and 14 in August. Each team will visit 4 Amigos sites, help prepare and serve the lunch, help with VBS in the afternoon, and work on an addition to the church

4. Franklin reported on behalf of George von York that no changes had happened in finances other than writing the check for the yellow pages ad.

5. Peter reported that the Coordinating Council is considering what the staff structure should be for conference ministers. Jean Boutwell will join the conference staff in an interim capacity in June. The Coordinating Council is asking for input through a questionnaire to pastors and moderators.

6. David Stansfield and Pam Precourt are not continuing on the Witness Life and Community Life Commissions.

7. Loren reported for Church and Ministry that
• Merle Steva had joined the Committee,
• Joanne Stoughton had been installed at First Congregational Church of Buxton;
• ethical boundary training will be held June 1 and 14
• Nash Garabedian will be installed Sept. 18 at Seafarer’s Friends.
• periodic reviews with ministers will take place in October
• the retired clergy dinner will be June 22 at Salmon Falls Country Club

Next Meeting: Wed. Sept. 28, at 9:30 a.m. at Christ Church

Adjournment: 12:04 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Franklin Anderson, Scribe