Commission for Community Life

September 6^th 2008

Minutes

Attendees: Tom Hancock, Earle Simpson, John Crowe, Heidi Flick, Marley, Bob Fast, Nancy Godfrey, Linda Smith, Marge Bartlett.

Conference Representative: Darren Morgan and Susie Craig

Absent: Betty Anne Haskell, Kris Galasyn

Commission for Community Life-Budget

§       We are currently within budget.

§       We questioned the $1,084.00 in Women of Maine. Earle will check with Herb to confirm.

§       Earle will talk to Mark about adding a table at the bottom of the budget.

Old Business

Reports from the Ministry Teams/Committees

o Outdoor Ministries Committee –Margie

§       As of July, things were going well at Pilgrim Lodge.

§       They are seeing fewer younger campers.

o Women of Maine - Nancy

·       As of May, the New England Women’s Leaders dues had not been paid.

§       Nancy will check with Joan Morton to confirm this payment has been received.

o Clergy Spouse Network - Tom

§       Jo Nancy Gunn sent Tom an e-mail update.

§       CSN had a wonderful retreat in April.

§       Still deciding when and what to do for their next event.

o Small Church Mission Team – Darren for Linda

§       Next meeting will be October 2^nd

§       Darren is doing well in his new role.

§       SCM will be adding 2 recommendations to their process –

·       After 3 years in the program, a church should go into Parish of Promises Program.

·       every church in the program should fill-out a Hartford Seminary Parish Profile (PPI)

§       Grant applications are out due back in September expect numbers to be up.

§       The team had a wonderful retreat at Baxter state park July

o Support Staff Network – Betty Anne

o      No Report

o Rockcraft Committee – Earle

§       Next meeting will be in the fall.

§       Conference office has requested Rockcraft pamphlets for a mailing.

§       John Crowe will be our new Rockcraft representative

o YMAT Committee – Susie

o      NYE –

§       Sent 19 youth (5 in Middle School) & 11 adults from as far north as Michias.

§       Bus ride created opportunity for bonding

§       Stayed in PA on ride down/back (1/2 way point)

§       Living the Life was the theme for the event.

§       Wonderful Speakers everyday emphasing theme, including John Thomas who received a standing ovation.

§       There’s a link to information regarding from our website.

Junior High Network

§       JR High Network still working on getting resources

Other

·       Bill Walsh ended term as SYC advisor. Phil Hilton is new advisor.

Conference Office Report – Darren

§       Representatives rotate attendance at Commissions and will rotate among Commissions while here.

§       Darren is planning / leading retreats for 2 churches.

§       The Conference has created a website for churches to capture how they are saving energy / energy plans, and where they need assistance.

§       Darren reviewed the Conference Calendar including:

·       October 14^th Fall Church Educators Day Away in North Yarmouth

·       October 17 – 19 Fall Convention for Youth at Pilgrim Lodge. This is a great opportunity to encourage young people from our churches – HS age.

·       November 7^th – 8^th Planting the Seeds of Change in Waterville

§       Virginia Theological Seminary is leading a Retreat on Small Church paid for by the Lilly foundation. People to apply now for selection.

Annual Meeting Committee report – Herb & Linda

§       Linda Smith will be our representative on this committee

§       September 24 – 27 2009 is the date for our next Annual Meeting at Sunday River.

§       Otis Moss III / Keynote Speaker (new minister at Trinity Church)

Coordinating Council Report (Governing body of conference) - Herb

·       Their annual retreat is scheduled for September 26^th.

·       They will discuss Assets and take tours of the sites.

Executive Committee Report meeting-

·       This group is made up of the executive of the conference

·       This group makes recommendations to Coordinating Council

New Business

§       Linda will be our representative on Annual Meeting Committee

§       Herb in his role as Vice Moderator will be working to strengthen Association involvement in Conference Business.

Next Meeting: October 4^th – We are responsible for Refreshments.

Bob Fast will deliver the service.