Present: Anne Roundy, Millie Baggs, Jeff Belcher, Jessie Dill, Kate Winters, Judy Hubley, Denise Goodman

Anne opened the meeting with prayer and a written reflection of the historical struggle with congregational and societal inclusivity.

Denise agreed to act as recorder and Jeff volunteered to serve as reflector.

Recent Honduran Trip
David Gaewski reported on the recent Franklin Association Honduran mission trip including 27 individuals, 20 of those from the Farmington Church and 10 of them teenagers. He said it was his first opportunity to do actual construction. He discussed the political realities there including a gang attack on a bus shortly before they arrived that killed 28 and a general rise in gang violence fed by narcotics traffickers seeking to destabilize the Honduran government, especially in light of upcoming November elections in which all major candidates are pledging to reinstitute the death penalty. He termed the Maine group’s nightly reflections “the most inspiring moments I have had in years.” The threat of violence has relevance for the Maine Conference, he noted, because another 12 mission trips are planned by Maine groups between now and June.

God Is Still Speaking Initiative
David noted that Maine CBS and NBC affiliates accepted the “bouncer” ads paid for with about $4,000 of Maine Conference funds. This phase of the campaign is over and the “little girl” ad will run nationally during Lent if the national setting receives sufficient contributions

Prior to publication of his letter in the Portland Press Herald, David said, early e-mails reflected strong support from non-UCCers and 50-50 reaction from UCC folks. After the letter was published, he said, again early positive response came from non-UCCers. He explained that when a variety of approaches were tested with focus groups of unchurched or those with previous negative church experiences, 100 percent selected the bouncer ad as the most effective. He also said he appreciated the leaders of other denominations who stepped forward and said they were glad the UCC launched the campaign.

He said he and other UCC leaders were surprised by those who asked, “Why are you bashing other churches?” David said he acknowledges that we have bouncers in our churches and he hopes one impact of the campaign will be making us more aware of our own “bouncer” behaviors and attitudes. The “little girl” ad will make us feel warm and fuzzy, he predicted, but “warm and fuzzy” is probably not what we need.

David suggested the ad campaign is part of a time of spiritual awakening and predicted that one of the interesting theological struggles in the next few years will be around the concept of inclusivity.

Jeff suggested that our commission wrestle with the follow-up—how we can help congregations approach this issue. David agreed and said the Conference will also do its own follow-up, both with churches that already have completed the GISS training and providing training for those who now want to opt in.

Church & Ministry Committees Gathering
We agreed to change the date to March 9. Judy cleared it with the Waterville Church and said she will take responsibility for food arrangements.

David suggested a program focused on when and how to intervene with churches considering leaving the UCC. He noted two “pseudo-UCC groups” – Biblical Witness Fellowship and Evangelical Association – that are sending packets to UCC churches whose pastors are leaving asking “Are You Looking for a Godly Minister?” He suggested Kent Siladi, a regional minister with the Connecticut Conference, as a possible keynoter. Anne will contact him. Denise suggested the afternoon session focus on training for Situational Support Consultations. David said he could lead this and would invite several C&M Committee members who have participated in this process to help with the presentation.

Rapid Response Training
We agreed to postpone training, originally scheduled for March 5, until October 21-22. David will contact the national Parish and Life Leadership folks for resources.

Impact of Jean Alexander’s Resignation
David explained that the Coordinating Council accepted her resignation via a conference call. The Executive Committee will meet Jan. 13 and talk via conference call with Loren Cope, the national setting official charged with conference relations, about securing an interim conference minister. Loren will meet in person Jan. 21 with the Coordinating Council. David emphasized the need for clarity about the in-between position. An “interim” conference minister would suggest the Conference would be in an “interim” status with the selected minister charged with working on “interim” issues. Calling a “transitional minister” would not suggest such a broad assignment or Conference process.

David also said the Coordinating Council (and perhaps the Conference) will have to decide wither to continue the co-conference minister model or opt for another leadership configuration. David said he believes the co-conference minister model works well in Maine.

Jeff emphasized that David needs a strong personal support group at this point since his work load is likely to increase and his future role is somewhat unclear at this point.

Denise said she has proposed exit interviews with both Jean and David to discern what has worked well with the co-minister model and what might need tweaking to work better.

Other Business
Denise noted the need to clarify who will be the second SLC representative to the Coordinating Council

Jessie and Judy reported that Church Leaders Convocation (April 9) planning is on track with the keynote speaker and 18 workshops confirmed.

Anne suggested we invite John Widdows, the pastoral counselor facilitating the Clergy Consultation Groups, to an SLC meeting this spring. She said she’s finding the Farmington group very helpful.

Jeff and Millie agreed to review our budget and suggest any changes for the proposed 2006 budget.

We agreed to postpone the Portland Seminary Day program until fall.

A worship service and social gathering to mark Jean’s departure is scheduled for Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. at the Waterville church.

Reflections
Jeff suggested the tone of the meeting indicates “we are living in changing times,” citing changes in the Conference, post-9/11 responses and reactions and the God Is Still Speaking initiative. He referred to David’s description of the recent Honduran trip – “how people were pushed to spiritual depths when confronted with violence.” He suggested there is a new sense of spirit and appreciation of who we are as the UCC. “We’re making and adjusting plans in light of a new reality,” he said. “It’s a good time to be in the UCC and it’s a good time to be in the Maine Conference.”

The meeting was adjourned with the reminder that commissions meet next on Feb. 12.

Respectfully submitted, Denise Goodman, acting recorder