The call of Witness Life Commission is to focus on areas of ministry relating to God’s world globally, nationally, state-wide, 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. The Commission continues its activities with the Maine Council of Churches,

Noteworthy this year are the following:

1. The RESOLUTION to call for and end to the American War in Iraq and to have the Maine Conference United Church of Christ declare itself a Just Peace Church was passed by the delegates to the Maine Conference United Church of Christ Annual meeting on 29 September 2007.

2. The Commission continues with its official relationship and correspondence with Thandiwe (Amy) Globedale, who is a missionary in India, working at the Family Village Farm and King’s Matriculation School.

3. DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM: This team has the responsibility to be prepared to respond to any disaster that might occur. Efforts continue for the recovery of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Lori Whitemore has been named as DRT coordinator. A web page is available on the Maine Conference UCC website for updated information.

4. QUALITY AND EQUALITY OF MARRIAGE: The Conference has formed a team of 5 persons who have been trained and area available to assist churches concerning this issue.

5. A GREATER GIFT: Jan McLaughlin has had to resign from coordinating this endeavor. No replacement has yet come forward.

6.PEACE AND JUSTICE: Thanks mostly to Commission member, Jeanette Davis, an e-mail network has been established. Based on the national Justice and Peace Action Network, this network allows persons interested in peace and justice issues and events specific to the state of Maine to be informed in a timely manner.

7. UCC ENVIRONMENTAL TASK FORCE: The Rev. Steve Hastings has been named as our representative to the national body.

8. SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIPS: AS witness of our desire to model prophetic witness, the language in the Seminary Scholarship application has been changed to recognize nontraditional families and relationships. $500.00 was awarded to each of 7 applicants.

9.SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING: Because of ongoing discussions between the Commission and the Maine Conference Trustees, language .

10. HONDURAS PARTNERSHIP: The partnership is currently in flux with more changes inevitable. We are committed to this partnership , with much effort and energy going to make it a viable and positive relationship.

The Commission also continues its activities with the Maine Council of Churches, Kennebec Valley Organization, Interfaith Power and Light, ONA, Native American Connection, Global Ministries and has faithfully discerned ways of being fiscally responsible in making budget cut suggestions to the Witness Life Commission budget.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen B. Nielsen, York Association representative to Witness Life Commission