Present: Rev. John Deal new – representative from Sherman for Arroostook Association, Jessie Dill (Reflector), Rev. Joanne Painter (Recorder), Rev. Linda Kimball, Rev. Anne Roundy (Chair)

The meeting was opened with prayer

Minutes were accepted. The one correction was: Jessie Dill was present and was the recorder.

June Boutwell gave her report. The New England Youth Event at Orono has been cancelled, but there will be an event at Pilgrim Lodge for the approximate 40 youth who did sign up. Dates are July 2nd to 5th. Brian Breault is looking at a loan that we do have and is trying to turn it into a grant to subsidize this event. If secured, it will bring the cost from $200 a person to maybe $100 per person. Regional has a scholarship for the first 100 who sign up, bringing their cost down to half price. Planning meeting is next week.

The Conference Annual Meeting: All is in place for workshops. Jill Saxby from Maine Council of Churches and Daeles Hayes from Cornerstone Fund in Rhode Island will be our speakers. There will be no Saturday night speakers. Speakers will be in the morning and in the afternoon. Workshops will be in the second part of the morning and in the evening.
OCWM Calendar: The deadline was last week for your church's picture to be on it in collage fashion, but get it in ASAP. Picture must be mega pixal, outside of building and send to Bryan Breault. It will be a 16-month calendar with all conference events that have been planned.

Disciples Of Christ: June will be with our common global services issues, which we share on various levels with this denomination.
Maine Ministerial Relief: Has access to 3 fundings, medical insurance, miscellaneous (like a blown up furnace), and clergy in distress. Please be sure to recommend someone you know who needs it. You can apply yourself whenever in need. It is there and is functioning.

The Christmas Fund: supplements funds and is there for some emergencies.
Massachusetts Relief Fund for Widows and Orphans: Since Maine was part of MA when this fund was conceived, we now can draw on it when need arises. It is available.

Honduras Partnership: There is a person on board now to coordinate efforts.

Maine Stay articles will have some direction on requests from Executive councils.

Resolution on Quality and Equality of Marriage: Council has approved the substitute resolution that was postponed from last year's annual meeting, (accomplished with parliamentarian assistance).

Difficult Conversations Training: will be on the web site, ACE, and a mailing will go out. This is a very important training. Site for Association and church moderators will be publicized through ACE, on the maineucc.org website, and through a private mailing.
Clergy leading these workshops are David Hall, Nash Garabedian, Bob Markwood, Dan Johnson, Linda Godfry, Bill Imes, and one more. The book used will be from the Alban Institute entitled, Having Difficult Conversations. The discussion will not be on the resolution; the discussion will be on dealing with difficult conversations.
Rockcraft property sales: Mark Schusler has been in conversation with the town office in Sebago. He will need to apply for a tax exemption certificate, which will be done. There are 6 lots with lake frontage and there are already several unsolicited requests to buy. This is property across the street from the buildings.
Staff is working hard to maintain programs and staff. Hoping to have a full registration during the weeks. It is not time to cut, but are looking for other ways.

Finance Comm. found over $37.000 to save, but are looking to deal with the $77,000 that it needs to cut. It looks at this point that Conference dues will be raised $1.67, bringing each member's dues to $12.40.
Criminal background check: The policy after July 1st will be in place. Clergy seeking a pastorates will need to submit credit card numbers, social security numbers and pay $140 fee. Information will be placed in the national multimedia data-base and clergy will be checked for felonies and misdemeanors. Churches will be asked to pay $140, which will be held in escrow. Pastors will receive their fee back only if and when called. Other candidates will be out their $140. This will be a line in Parish Life and Leadership compensation package. Licensed and cross judicatory pastors will need to be considered for this or some kind of policy developed.
Trainings and Workshops: Convocation 2007 Linda Smith who is with the Small Church Development will work with this committee for next year's Convocation for a combined effort.

Small Church Meeting: Linda Kimball has offered to attend as our rep.

COLA: Cost of Living Adjustment and Ministerial Guidelines are in progress for the annual meeting.

Members needed: We should be a 15-member committee. There are vacancies for sure in Franklin, Washington, and at large. We ask nominating committees to please check and try to have a representative for their association in place before the annual meeting. The "at large" member is nominated by the Co-ordinating council of the conference.