York Association Annual Meeting
April 24, 2005
First Parish Congregational Church of Saco

Welcome: The Rev. Stephen Hastings, Association Moderator, welcomed people and presented the order of the meeting at 3 p.m. at the First Parish Church of Saco in a building newly rebuilt after the previous building burned in 2000.

Worship: The Rev. Doug Nielsen of Saco then led worship focused around the concepts of stabilito, conversatio morum and compassion, which form a cycle of community.

Call to Order: The business meeting was called to order with prayer by moderator at 4:25 p.m. A quorum was present. The moderator asked churches to share building plans:

  • Wells (Bob Rasche) is finding the space cramped, and is considering what facilities may be needed in the future. They have remodeled to receive an organ given by South Church, Kennebunkport.
  • George von York, Association Treasurer, urged churches to review insurance, because churches probably don't have the coverage they think they have.
  • Kittery Point is in the midst of a building program.
  • Christ Church is considering renovating their kitchen, in order to include two large refrigerators.
  • The First Church of Buxton is challenged by an old building, and is building community.
  • West Newfield and Limerick have planning teams which have been meeting since last fall, to see where God wants the churches to be in 5-10-15 years.
  • South Church, Kennebunkport, is dedicating a new organ. Also, Janet Leighninger has returned to work at Christ Church after her accident.

Minutes of the October 24, 2004, meeting were accepted as presented.

Treasurers Report: George von York reviewed the Treasurer's Report for 2004, and the report was accepted as presented.

Auditor Don Warren said the report was accurate, and commended the treasurer's work.

Church & Ministry: Loren Downey presented the Church and Ministry Report, and corrected the title of the position to which Joanne Stoughton will be installed on May 15 to "Pastor and Teacher."

Missions: Brad Hirst presented the Missions Committee Report. He urged people to take the number of buckets they feel their church can fill. Food menus can be interpreted flexibly. Contributions are also needed to raise $5,000 for equipment and materials for their travels.

Nominating: Margi Rasche spoke for the Nominating Committee that they were having trouble filling positions. The Association elected those who were nominated by the Committee.

Commissions:
Spiritual Life: Carl Gunn reported for the Spiritual Life Commission, to whom Church and Ministry Committees relate. He spoke of efforts by the Biblical Witness Fellowship to have churches exit the UCC. The Commission is also sponsoring Consultation Groups for clergy.

Witness Life: David Stansfield said the Witness Life Commission provides scholarships for seminary students.

Community Life: Pam Precourt said the Community Life Commission welcomes new members. Peter Mercer reported for the Coordinating Council.

Maine Conference: Annette Mott reported for the Maine Conference that there is new transitional associate conference minister, the Rev. June Boutwell, and that the ACTS program would be done on a one-year format, and there will be regional youth event in July, 2006, in Maine.

The moderator thanked Hope Shelley for her services as historical consultant.

Installed: Those elected were installed: Peter Mercer (Coordinating Council), David Stansfield (Witness Life Commission), Donna Goulding (Mission Committee), Merle Steva and Carl Gunn (Church and Ministry). Charles Whiston showed the God is Still Speaking quilt.

Fall Meeting: The fall meeting is Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005, with the location to be decided.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m., and dinner was served by the First Parish Church.

Respectfully submitted,
Franklin Anderson, Scribe