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209th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ United Congregational Church Worcester, MA November 1, 2008
Ms. Sybil Smith, Moderator, called the meeting to order at 8:37AM on Saturday, November 1. She called the group’s attention to the materials in the delegate packets and reviewed plans for the day. The moderator introduced the Rev. Mr. Tom McMillan, Vice-moderator, Mr. Dick Osterberg, Parliamentarian, the Rev. Ms. Kathy Musser, “Discernamentarian”, and Mr. Willie Sordillo, Recorder. She introduced the theme of the Annual Meeting, “Discernment”, and explained that worship would be interspersed throughout the meeting. Ms. Smith also spoke about the role of the “Discernamentarian”, which was to invoke God’s presence by means of prayer, song and other practices throughout the day. In accordance with the by-laws, the Moderator announced the appointment of the following persons to the Business Committee: the Rev. Mr. Rob Asinger, Ms. Margery Eramo, Ms. Sue LaLone, the Rev. Ms. Linda Michel and the Vice-moderator, who chaired the committee. She announced that Ms. Michel and the Rev. Ms. Sue Moenius of the Board of Directors would serve as time keepers, and that Ms. Bonnie Fleming, Secretary of the Conference and Chair of the Credentials Committee, had appointed the Rev. Ms. Marilyn Rossier and the Rev. Ms. Susan Remick to that committee.
The Moderator reported that Ms. Fleming had informed her of the meeting pre registration statistics as follows: 261 lay delegates, 224 United Church of Christ clergy, 135 visitors and others for a total of 620 registered participants. As there were more than 200 delegates present, the Moderator declared a quorum and acknowledged that the meeting was officially in session.
The Moderator appointed the Rev. Mr. Dale Hempen and his committee as tellers and ushers. The Moderator clarified the procedures for speaking according to the Standing Rules. She told the gathering to anticipate frequent pauses for prayer, discernment and song. She then introduced the consent calendar. There were no objections to the consent calendar as printed. The motion carried.
A period of speakouts followed. The Moderator called the Rev. Mr. Chris Dodge, Co-chair of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee to introduce the keynote speaker. Mr. Dodge introduced the Rev. Mr. Martin Copenhaver, Senior Pastor of Wellesley Village Church.
Mr. Copenhaver spoke of his desire to foment a revolution in the way that decisions are made in the United Church of Christ. He stated that Roberts’ Rules of Order were created by a former military man who was called to chair a Baptist church meeting and felt the need for more order. He suggested that the practice of spiritual discernment, which has deep roots in our Congregational tradition, is a far better way for a church to function.
Mr. Copenhaver further stated that discernment seeks to understand the will of God, rather than to determine the collective will of those present. Thus, it differs from both democratic and consensus processes. Spiritual discernment is based on several principles: 1. God is active in the world. 2. Not everything that happens is God’s will. 3. God does have a will for us as individuals and communities. 4. God’s will is not always clear. 5. Often, God’s will can be discerned. Trust in the Holy Spirit and in one another is essential for discernment. Church meetings should feel more like prayer meetings than business meetings.
Mr. Copenhaver introduced the Vice-moderator to talk about the question to be considered for discernment by the plenary: As we discern our local church budgets, to what extent are we obligated by our covenant with God and with one other to financially support the wider church? Those present were asked to break into groups of three to consider this question, using some of the practices of spiritual discernment described by Mr. Copenhaver.
Following small group discussion and a song, the Vice-moderator invited the delegates to incorporate practices of spiritual discernment during discussion of the Conference budget to follow later in the day.
The Rev. Ms. Terry Fitzgerald, pastor of the host church, introduced the hearings. Mr. McMillan announced that workshops and lunch would follow the hearings and declared the Annual Meeting in recess until 2:00 pm.
The Moderator reconvened the meeting at 2:10. She reiterated that Ms. Musser, Mr. Copenhaver, and musician Ms. Jody Hitzhusen would be leading the body in a variety of spiritual practices during the meeting. Ms. Hitzhusen led a song, which was followed by speakouts.
At the invitation of the Moderator, Ms. Jenny Valentine then shared highlights of the July 2008 National UCC Youth Event in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The Moderator then called on Ms. Sylvia Ferrell-Jones and the Rev. Mr. Alan Froggatt, Chair and Vice-chair of the Board of Directors, to give the report of the Board. Ms. Ferrell-Jones referred the delegates to a pamphlet in their packets which reports progress on the goals described in A Still More Excellent Way (a document affirmed by the Annual Meeting in 2007). The Conference has emphasized three areas of ministry: Adult Faith Formation, Leadership Development, and Prophetic Witness. 98% of new clergy are now engaged in a Community of Practice. Additional Communities of Practice focus on stewardship and on Christian education. Ten Associations have joined to sponsor common Boundary Awareness Training. Ms. Ferrell-Jones described a visit to Beecher Memorial Church, United Church of Christ in the lower 9th ward of New Orleans. She emphasized that the Massachusetts Conference is blessed with a wealth of resources, stating “we have everything we need”.
Mr. Froggatt, incoming Chair of the Board of Directors, next addressed the plenary. He talked about “shifting the default” in members’ perspectives, from seeing the Massachusetts Conference as the Framingham office, to seeing it as the local churches. Mr. Froggatt stated that Jesus was constantly “shifting the default” and offering new perspectives. He mentioned that the Board of Directors is working on a proposal for a new volunteer structure, considering ways to share expertise with other United Church of Christ conferences, and planning a new listening process to hear from clergy and laity throughout the Conference.
The Moderator called upon Ms. Elizabeth England and the Rev. Ms. Fran Bogle to speak about the environmental ministries of the Conference. They spoke about the 350 Rings Campaign, encouraging churches which have not yet participated to join the campaign.
The Moderator then called Mr. Dile Holton, Chair of the Associate Conference Minister Search Committee, to speak about the searches in process. Mr. Holton stated that two of the Acting Associate Conference Ministers are applying to fill the positions they now serve on an interim basis. Applications are being reviewed and interviews will begin this month.
The Moderator invited the Rev. Ms. Marilyn Rossier to report for the Nominating Committee. Ms. Rossier called our attention to the pink sheets found in the delegate packets and invited those present to consider serving. She then moved that the Annual Meeting elect the slate of nominees as listed on Pink I. The motion was seconded. After brief discussion and corrections to the Association affiliations of some nominees, the motion carried.
The Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Conference Minister and President, called upon the body to recognize Conference staff. He then called attention to Purple I, listing clergy who have been ordained for 50 years. He went on to recognize clergy ordained since the previous Annual Meeting, and welcomed the Roslindale Congregational Church into the United Church of Christ, through the care of the MBA. Dr. Antal also recognized the Ecumenically Shared Ministries churches. Finally, he recognized dignitaries visiting the meeting, named on Goldenrod I.
Following a hymn led by Ms. Hitzhusen, Dr. Antal was called to give his address and sermon.
Dr. Antal spoke of seven qualities of a faith community which are in operation during a process of spiritual discernment: trust, transparency, recognition of God in every single person, safety, candor, patience, and engagement in a truth larger than the self.
The Moderator announced that the Congregational Church of Whitman had withdrawn a proposed resolution and invited Ms. Musser to pray in reflection of this process.
The Moderator called upon Mr. Dick Harter and Rev. Ms. Linda Reilly of the Board of Directors to present the proposed budget as shown on page 11 of the Advance Materials. Ms. Reilly spoke of the budget as a tool for stewardship and evangelism. Mr. Harter reviewed the major income sources reflected in the budget, referring delegates to the Report of the Treasurer in the Advance Reports. He stated that income from local churches, in the form of Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support and Fellowship Dues, constitutes 90% of Conference income.
Mr. Harter stated the Board’s budgetary recommendations for 2009 as follows: that the proportion of Basic Support retained by the Conference remain at 40%, that the Fellowship Dues rate be increased by 2.5% to $16.40 per member, and that the Annual Meeting approve a budget with income of $2,199,300, expenses of $2,236,300, and a transfer from the Reserve Fund in the amount of $37,000. Ms. Reilly reminded us that Fellowship Dues were paid on only 84% of Conference membership in 2007. The goal for 2009 is 89%.
The Moderator called on the Rev. Mr. Terry Martinson to report on the hearing on the Conference budget. Following his report, Mr. Harter and Ms. Reilly moved the questions on the budget as separate items. It was moved, seconded and voted that
Ms. Musser called for a moment of silence and prayer to reaffirm that God is good.
The Moderator then introduced the Rev. Ms. Kathryn Huey of the national setting of the UCC. Ms. Huey thanked those present for their contributions to Our Church’s Wider Mission. She recognized in particular churches which tithed to Basic Support in 2007, churches which gave more in 2007 than in 2006, and churches which are “5 for 5” – that is, those which give to Basic Support as well as all four special offerings of the national church.
Ms. Hitzhusen led the plenary in song.
Ms. Musser suggested that, during the upcoming deliberation, those gathered respond to each speaker by reciting the brief prayer “May the Holy Spirit speak through us”.
The Moderator then ceded the podium to the Vice-moderator. The Vice-moderator called upon the Rev. Mr. Mark Seifried to report on the hearing on the Resolution and Action Plan on a Massachusetts Innocence Commission. Mr. Seifried reported that the hearing had not resulted in consensus about the resolution. The Vice-moderator then called the Rev. Mr. Jonathan Tetherly, one of the proposers, to move the resolution and speak in its favor. Mr. Tetherly did so, offering some amendments arising from the hearing. After much discussion, the amended resolution passed by a small majority.
Mr. Copenhaver stated that the vote showed no consensus on the proposal and suggested that this was a matter that called for further discernment. He proposed that it would be better to wait on this resolution and act on it another time. He stated that this would not be in conflict with Roberts’ Rules, as those rules allow a vote to reconsider a vote previously taken. Mr. Copenhaver then moved that the Annual Meeting vote to reconsider the previous vote. After much discussion, the Annual Meeting voted to reconsider the vote to approve the resolution. Mr. Tetherly then moved that the amendment to line 8 be removed from the proposal. The motion was seconded and discussion followed. The Rev. Jonathan Wright-Grey moved to table the resolution, which was seconded. The motion to table passed. Mr. Dick Osterberg then addressed the body, exhorting the delegates not to be discouraged by the discernment process, which is new and difficult. He pointed out that all present were learning through the experience of the meeting.
The Vice-moderator asked that Mr. Harter return to the podium to the move the action on Warner Farm. The Rev. Ms. Jan Gregory-Charpentier reported on the hearing related to this proposal. Mr. Harter moved the resolution, which was seconded. An amendment to restrict 90 acres of the property in question as conservation land was offered and defeated. The resolution passed.
The Vice Moderator then ceded the podium to the Moderator, who called upon Ms. Patricia Gnazzo Pepper to report on the hearing on Clergy Compensation Guidelines. She reported that a question had arisen as to what percentage of churches meet the guidelines; the answer is unclear, in part because only about half of Conference churches complete Annual Reports, and only a quarter report on their pastors’ compensation.
The Moderator invited the Rev. Mr. John Hudson of the Leadership Development Commission to move the Guidelines. The proposed Guidelines reflect a 5% increase in compensation over the Guidelines passed by this body for 2008. Rev. Hudson acknowledged the difficult financial times but stressed the importance of just compensation for clergy.
The proposal was seconded and discussed, after which it was voted that:
The Vice-moderator then presented the report of Business Committee, announcing that all of the business of the Annual Meeting had been accomplished.
Dr. Antal thanked the Moderator and outgoing members of the Board of Directors. He welcomed Mr. McMillan as the new Moderator, and welcomed the new Vice-moderator, the Rev. Ms. Cynthia Maybeck.
Ms. Margery Eramo, co-Chair of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee, thanked the outgoing members of that Committee, and offered special thanks to Ms. Susan Dickerman of the Conference staff. She also thanked the Business Committee and Ms. Dawn Hammond, who staffs that committee.
An offering was received and communion celebrated. It was announced that a portion of the offering would be donated toward the purchase of a well for the community of Pomeran, Tanzania, whose choir sang at the Awards Banquet on Friday evening. As a result of the offerings taken at the two events, two wells will be provided to the people of Pomeran.
The Moderator adjourned the meeting at 6:30 PM.
Willie Sordillo Bonnie Fleming Recorder Secretary
Appendices to the Minutes of the 209th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ
Appendix A Consent Calendar
Appendix B Nominating Slate
OFFICERS
Rev. Tom McMillan (MODERATOR) Senior Pastor, West Parish Church, Andover; Past Vice-moderator; Past Andover Association Committee on Church & Ministry; Connecticut Conference: By-law Revision Committee, Justice and Witness Team, Association Committee on Church & Ministry; Board of Directors of Windham Area Interfaith Ministries, Children’s Center of Connecticut, Women’s Center of Northeast Connecticut.
Rev. Cynthia Maybeck (VICE-MODERATOR) Pastor, Trinity Church, Northborough; PEP new clergy facilitator; Past General Synod delegate; Member of Worcester County Ecumenical Council; Host of "Morning Prayer" radio show; President, Northborough Interfaith Clergy Association; Gift & Promise Visitor; Church growth consultant.
Rev. Jim Antal (MINISTER & PRESIDENT) Member, First Church in Cambridge, Congregational UCC; Current Minister & President; Former local church pastor in Shaker Heights, OH, and Newton, MA; Former Executive Director, Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Ms. Bonnie Fleming (SECRETARY) Member, Second Congregational Church, UCC, Beverly; Former Conference Moderator; member, Northeast Area Minister Search Committee.
Mr. Walter Kreil (TREASURER) Member, First Church Congregational, UCC, Methuen; Former VP & CFO, pharmaceutical company; Local church moderator, Board of Trustees chair; Assistant Treasurer, MACUCC.
Mr. Hooks Johnston (ASSISTANT TREASURER) Member, South Church, Andover; Past member, MACUCC Board of Directors; Minister and President Search Committee; Listening Process Steering Committee.
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES Board of Directors Class of 2012 Ms. Vilma Thompson (MBA) Member, First Congregational Church, Raynham; Representative to Justice & Witness Ministries Board; Past MACUCC Board of Directors; Past Cornerstone Fund Board; Past Moderator of Old Colony Association; SE ACM Search Committee.
Ms. Carol Yelverton (MBA) Member, Plymouth Congregational Church of Belmont; Listening Process Steering Committee; MBA Council; Local church stewardship committee.
Rev. Debbie Clark (Central) Pastor, Edwards Church, UCC, Framingham; General Synod Delegate; PEP Facilitator; Central Association Church & Ministry Committee; Past Annual Meeting Worship Committee.
Class of 2011 Ms. Amy Chin (Berkshire) Member, Church on the Hill, UCC, Lenox; Association Vice-moderator; Local church diaconate.
Class of 2010 Rev. Steve Alspach (Central) Interim Pastor, First Congregational Church, UCC, North Adams; Member, Chaffin Congregational Church, Holden; PEP Facilitator.
Class of 2009 Rev. Frank Groggett (Hampden) Pastor, First Church in Ludlow, UCC; Commission for Leadership Development; Hampden Church & Ministry Committee; Past Florida Church & Ministry Committee.
Annual Meeting Planning Committee Class of 2011 Ms. Patricia Gnazzo Pepper (MBA) Member, First Church in Cambridge; Past Annual Meeting Planning Committee.
Rev. James Lumsden (Berkshire) Pastor, First Church of Christ, Pittsfield; Past Moderator of the Southwest Conference; Planning of Conference-wide worship in Southwest and Ohio Conferences; Cleveland Board of Education; Michigan Conference Peace & Justice Task Force; Justice work with United Farm Workers of America.
Class of 2010 Ms. Nancy Lawrence (Barnstable) Member, First church of Christ, Sandwich; Representative to Local Church Ministries Board; Past member of Annual Meeting Business Committee; General Synod Delegate; Past Chair of Board of Directors; NE Search Committee; Vision for Growth & Renewal Committee.
Rev. Gail Miller (Central) Pastor, Union Congregational Church, Groton; PEP Facilitator; Past Annual Meeting teller.
Ms. Deb Shepard (Hampden) Member, First Church of Monson, UCC; Licensed Minister; Youth Minister, Wilbraham United Church; Past Board member; Central Area Search Committee.
Rev. John Zachry (Andover) Pastor, Central Congregational Church, Chelmsford; PEP Facilitator; Andover Church & Ministry Committee.
Class of 2009 Ms. Liz Mahoney (Central) Member, First Congregational Church, Marlborough; Past Annual Meeting delegate; Vice-chair, local church council; NOLA recovery work.
Commission on Communication Class of 2011 Mr. Jeff Brewer (MBA) Member, Congregational Church of Needham; Webmaster; Local church Outreach Committee and Youth Board.
Ms. Nancy Johnson (MBA) Member, Pleasant St. Congregational Church, Arlington; Graphic designer; Local church webmaster and CE chair.
Commission on Ecumenism Class of 2011 Rev. Judith Martowska (Pilgrim) Pastor, East Weymouth Congregational Church; MBA Committee on Ministerial Standing; Named “Outstanding Young Church Woman of 2006” by the Massachusetts/Rhode Island chapter of Church Women United.
Rev. Cynthia Maybeck (Central) Pastor, Trinity Church, Northborough; PEP new clergy facilitator; Past General Synod delegate; Member of Worcester County Ecumenical Council; Host of "Morning Prayer" radio show; President, Northborough Interfaith Clergy Association; Gift & Promise Visitor; Church growth consultant.
Ms. Kelly Forbush (MBA) UCC Congregational, Burlington; UCC Council for Youth & Young Adult Ministries; Workshop leader at National Youth Event 2008; US representative to World Council of Churches Ecumenical Water Network Summer School on Water; President of Smith College Ecumenical Christian Community; Undergraduate Fellow of the Fund for Theological Education.
Mr. Stan Rossier (Berkshire) Member, First Congregational Church, Lee; Past General Synod Delegate; Past Annual Meeting teller; Past representative to a national setting board.
Commission for Educational Ministries Class of 2011 Ms. Corey Lincoln (Central) CE Minister, Pilgrim Church, Sherborn Ms. Elsa Marshall (Essex) CE Minister, Maple Street Congregational Church, Danvers Ms. Christine Stahlinski (MBA) CE Minister, United Church of Christ, Congregational, Burlington Ms. Sherley Phillips (MBA) Member, St. Mark Congregational Church, Roxbury Rev. Sherrill Willis (Franklin) Youth Minister, First Congregational Church, Sunderland Ms. Robin Withers (Hampden) CE Minister, Foster Memorial Church, Springfield Ms. Nancy Yesu (Hampden) CE Minister, First Church of Christ in Longmeadow
Class of 2009 Ms. Betsy Miller (Barnstable) Youth Minister, Second Church of Plymouth, UCC
Commission for Evangelism & Congregational Vitality Class of 2011 Mr. Bill Rhyne (Essex) Member, Congregational Church of Topsfield Rev. Kathie Rhyne (Essex) Pastor, Congregational Church of Topsfield Ms. Chanta Bahn (Essex) Student Pastor, First Church in Swampscott Ms. Joan Christopher (Barnstable) Member, Federated Church of Orleans Ms. Estelle Margarones (MBA) Member, Wollaston Congregational Church, UCC Rev. Karla Miller (MBA) Associate Pastor, Eliot Church of Newton Ms. Estelle Margarones (MBA) Member, Wollaston Congregational Church, UCC Rev. Jennifer Barrett Siegal (Pilgrim) Associate Pastor, Old South Union, So. Weymouth
Class of 2009 Rev. Rob Gormbley (Hampden) Pastor, Mittineague Cong. Church, W. Springfield Rev. Armand Proulx (Hampden) Pastor, Second Congregational Church, Greenfield
Commission for Leadership Development Class of 2011 Mr. Larry Atkins (Essex) Member, Congregational Church of Topsfield Rev. Quentin Chin (Berkshire) Interim Pastor, Plainfield Congregational Church; Member, Church on the Hill, Lenox Rev. David Fountain (Central) Interim Pastor, First Congregational Church, Holliston; Member, Trinity Church of Northborough Rev. Bob Johansen (Central) Pastor, Memorial Congregational Church, Baldwinville Rev. Nicole Lamarche (Barnstable) Pastor, Cotuit Federated Church, Cotuit Rev. Bob Livingston (Hampshire) Interim Pastor; Member, First Congregational Church, Amherst Rev. Terry Martinson (Pilgrim) Pastor, Old South Union Church, South Weymouth Rev. Wendy Miller Olapade (MBA) Interim Pastor, Hope Church, Roslindale; Member, First Congregational Church, UCC, Reading Ms. Anastasia Kidd (MBA) Member, First Congregational Church, UCC, Reading Ms. Christo Owens (Hampden) In care, St. John’s Congregational Church, Springfield
Class of 2010 Mr. Bruce MacCullagh (Hampshire) Member, Congregational Church in Belchertown Mr. Jack Eklund (Old Colony) Member, Mattapoisett Congregational Church
Class of 2009 Mr. James Oosterman (MBA) Member, First Congregational Church in Melrose, UCC Rev. Frank Groggett (Hampden) Pastor, First Church in Ludlow, UCC
Commission for Mission and Justice Ministries Class of 2009 Mr. John Sudsbury (Hampden) Member, Wilbraham United Church; Economic Justice Jubilee Justice Task Team; General Synod Delegate.
Commission for Stewardship Class of 2011 Dr. Jean Souther (Barnstable) Member, Federated Church of Orleans Ms. Jena Roy (MBA) Member, First Congregational Church in Winchester, UCC; Chair of local church capital campaign; Student at Andover Newton Theological School. Mr. Stephen Silver (MBA) In care, Trinitarian Congregational Church, Concord Ms. Karen Weisgerber (MBA) Member, Union Church in Waban; Local church stewardship chair. Ms. Margery Williams (Central) Member, United Parish of Lunenberg; Past Nominating Committee member; Gift & the Promise staff.
Class of 2010 Mr. Vard Johnson (MBA) Member, Old South Church in Boston; Legal aid lawyer; Local church stewardship chair; Former Nebraska State Senator.
Nominating Committee Class of 2011 Ms. Mary Alice Stahleker (Barnstable) Member, First Church of Christ, UCC, Sandwich; Past MACUCC Board; Past Commission on Ecumenism; Annual Meeting Re-visioning Task Team; Minister & President Search Committee; Past Annual Meeting Business Committee; MACUCC Amistad Committee; Past General Synod delegate; Timothy Project Coordinating Team; Past representative to wider church board; Lilly Grant Implementation Team; Vision for Renewal & Growth Committee; Gift & Promise Advisory Committee.
Class of 2010 Rev. Fred Anderson (Central) Interim Pastor, Original Congregational Church, Wrentham; Member, Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale; PEP Facilitator; Restorative Justice Task Team.
Class of 2009 Mr. Robert McBride (Essex) Member, Maple Street Congregational Church, Danvers.
Rev. Will Sencabaugh (Old Colony) Pastor, So. Dartmouth Congregational Church; General Synod Delegate; PEP Facilitator; Past Chair of MACUCC Board of Directors; Franklin Assoc. Church & Ministry Committee.
GENERAL SYNOD DELEGATES Class of 2011 Rev. Jennifer Barrett Siegal (Pilgrim) Associate Pastor, Old South Union Church, So. Weymouth Ms. Elizabeth Sangster (Pilgrim) Member, First Congregational Church, UCC, Stoughton Rev. Nicole Lamarche (Barnstable) Pastor, Cotuit Federated Church, Cotuit Rev. Alan Froggatt (Essex) Pastor, Second Congregational Church, UCC, Beverly Ms. Mercy Duffill (Essex) Member, Maple Street Congregational Church, Danvers Ms. Mari Tyndall (Essex) Member, First Congregational, UCC, Rockport Ms. Kathy Olmsted (Essex) Member, West Gloucester Trinitarian Church Ms. Renee Knott (Central) Member, Original Congregational Church, Wrentham Mr. Dile Holton (Central) Member, First Congregational Church, Shrewsbury Rev. Linda Michel (Central) Pastor, First Congregational Church, Princeton Rev. Greg Schmidt (Central) Pastor, Evangelical Congregational Church, Harvard Rev. Paul Adkins (Central) Pastor, First Congregational Church, Shrewsbury Rev. Bob Johansen (Central) Pastor, Memorial Congregational Church, UCC, Baldwinville Rev. Frank Groggett (Hampden) Pastor, First Church in Ludlow, UCC, Ludlow Rev. Carrie Bail (Berkshire) Pastor, First Congregational Church, UCC, Williamstown Mr. David Aldinger (MBA) Member, First Parish of Westwood, UCC Ms. Sherley Phillips (MBA) Member, St. Mark Congregational Church, Roxbury Rev. Jonathan Page (MBA) Member, Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, UCC Rev. Reebee Girash (MBA) Pastor, Pleasant St. Congregational Church, Arlington Mr. Stephen Peck (Franklin) Member, Second Congregational Church, UCC, Greenfield
Class of 2009 Rev. Karen Fritz (MBA) Pastor, Brighton/Allston Congregational Church Rev. Susan Cartmell (MBA) Pastor, Congregational Church of Needham Rev. Quinn Caldwell (MBA) Associate Pastor, Old South Church in Boston Ms. Sylvia Ferrell-Jones (MBA) Member, Pilgrim Congregational Church, Lexington Rev. Chad Kidd (MBA) Minister of Music, First Congregational Church of Reading Rev. Dee Ledger (Hampshire) Pastor, First Congregational Church, UCC, Southampton Rev. Elva Paul (Hampden) Pastor, First Congregational Church, Westfield Ms. Christo Owens (Hampden) In care, St. John’s Congregational Church, Springfield Ms. Susan Kennedy (Hampden) Member, First Church of Christ, Longmeadow Rev. Debbie Clark (Central) Pastor, Edwards Church, Framingham Ms. Kris Lo Frumento (Central) Member, Edwards Church, Framingham Rev. Katherine Kallis (Andover) Associate Pastor, South Church in Andover Ms. Nancy Butcher (Andover) In care, Christ United Church, Lowell Rev. Dan Spacek (Barnstable) Associate Pastor, First Church of Christ, UCC, Sandwich Ms. Diane Scovil (Barnstable) Member, New Mashpee UCC Rev. Bernie Hinckley (Old Colony) Pastor, Trinitarian Congregational UCC, Norton Ms. Christina Borel (Pilgrim) Member, Church of the Pilgrimage, Plymouth The Rev. Ms. Jill Graham (Massachusetts Conference Staff) The Rev. Ms. Wendy Vander Hart (Massachusetts Conference Staff)
Appendix C Sale of Warner Farm
Whereas, the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ (the “Conference”) owns the real property in Cummington, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, known as the Warner Farm; and
Whereas, the Resource Development and Management Committee of the Board of Directors of the Conference has recommended that the Conference sell the Warner Farm; and
Whereas, the Board of Directors of the Conference agrees with said recommendation of the Resource Development and Management Committee; and
Whereas, the Conference has received an appraisal of the Warner Farm as of October 15, 2007 from a Certified General Appraiser, valuing that property at $350,000.00; and
Whereas, the Conference has received an offer from Rev. Richard Fournier and Sarah Fournier-Scanlon to purchase the Warner Farm for $300,000.00; and
Whereas, Article IX, Section 5 of the Conference’s By-laws provides in part:
“However, corporate assets, whether restricted monies or title to real property and whether one transaction or a series of related transactions, involving more than an aggregate of $250,000 shall be disbursed or conveyed only by a vote of the Conference.”
Now, therefore, it is hereby:
Voted: That the Conference hereby authorizes the Board of Directors of the Conference to sell the real property owned by it located in Cummington, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, known as the Warner Farm; and it is further
Voted: That the Conference hereby authorizes the Board of Directors of the Conference to proceed to sell the Warner Farm at its fair market value, such fair market value to be determined by the Board of Directors, but not less than $300,000.00, upon such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors shall determine to be reasonable and necessary; and it is further
Voted: That the Conference hereby authorizes the Board of Directors of the Conference to enter into such purchase and sale agreement and execute such deed or deeds and such further documents as the Board of Directors deems reasonable and necessary to effect such sale; and it is further
Voted: That the Conference hereby authorizes the Board of Directors of the Conference to delegate signing authority for such purchase and sale agreement, such deed or deeds, and such further documents to the Conference’s Minister and President and the Conference’s Treasurer or either of them.
Appendix D Clergy Compensation Guidelines
The Leadership Development Commission, MACUCC presents 2008 Guidelines for Local Church Personnel and Search Committees for Clergy Compensation and Professional Expense Reimbursement The 208th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ, concerned with the growth of its churches and the compensation of its ordained leaders, recommends that all congregations meet the goals as outlined in Guidelines for Clergy Compensation. The guidelines apply to all full-time pastors, associates and assistants, both settled and interim. Because the pastor of a church is required by the Associations of the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ to be a highly educated and trained professional, the salary and housing package for pastors should be congruent with the compensation of other similarly trained professionals in the community. The total compensation package could be considered at least equal to that of professionals requiring three or more years of post graduate training such as school superintendents, secondary and middle school principals, engineers and other professionals in administrative positions, showing consideration for years of service, special skills and training, and natural aptitude. The federal tax structure is unique for clergy, and the compensation package should be designed in such a way as to maximize the pastor's income. The work schedules and compensation packages of local pastors should be healthy for the pastor and for the church. That would require a balance of time spent in the church’s ministry and time spent with family and friends -- a balance of work and recreation, a balance of exercising the body and the mind, a balance of care of others and care for self. Some churches, because of their smaller membership and/or financial constraints, may be unable to provide an adequate compensation package for full time pastoral service. They are encouraged to meet with MACUCC staff to review their situation. They may consider creative options, such as calling a part-time, bi-vocational pastor or sharing a pastor with another congregation in the area in order to combine resources to offer adequate compensation. A congregation should not expect a pastor to work full time for part-time compensation. Finally, in order to recognize both the changing nature of a clergyperson's financial and family situation, along with the dynamics of the overall economy, local churches should thoroughly review on a yearly basis all aspects of the salary and benefits package. Be it resolved that the 208th Annual Meeting recommends: 1. Churches pay at least the minimum entry-level cash salary according to the following table for a full-time pastor; 2. Churches provide either: a. a PARSONAGE or b. a CASH PACKAGE sufficient to allow the minister to buy or rent, furnish and maintain a median-priced house in the church's community. 3. Full benefits and professional expenses be provided, as listed below; benefits and professional expenses, including expenses associated with clergy professional development, participation in Clergy Communities of Practice, and sabbaticals are not to be considered part of the clergy person’s compensation, but are part of the professional costs of having a well trained ordained minister, growing in faith, leadership and pastoral leadership in service with your local church; 4. Churches already at or above the minimum and also fully providing all benefits and professional expenses as outlined in below give at least a cost of living increase and consider a merit increase also; 5. The work schedule of local pastors be a maximum average of 40-50 hours per week with no more than 3 evenings in a given week; in addition, pastors take 2 days off per week. 6. Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ local churches are urged to complete the UCC Annual Report so that more accurate information about clergy compensation can be compiled. CASH SALARY RANGES The cash salary ranges do NOT include housing, benefits, professional or any other expenses. In calculating years of ordained experience, churches may wish to include other relevant life and work experience.
HOUSINGChurches provide either: a. a PARSONAGE with a furnishings allowance, all utilities, and an equity development plan which will ensure the pastor has housing assets in retirement; or b. a CASH PACKAGE sufficient to allow the minister to buy or rent, furnish and maintain a median-priced house in the church's community; the minimum cash package should be no less than 1 percent per month of the value of a median-priced home in the community. This figure covers the costs for a 30-year, fixed rate mortgage, at 5 percent interest, with a five percent down payment, along with other associated housing costs: furnishings, property taxes, maintenance, insurance, etc. For example: At the low end of the housing market, if a median-priced house in a community is $150,000, the church's minimum cash package for housing would be $1,500 per month, or $18,000 per annum. At the mid-level of the housing market, if a median priced home in a community is $300,000, the church's minimum cash package for housing would be $3,000 per month, or $36,000 per annum. At the high level of the housing market, if a median priced home in a community is $500,000, the church's minimum cash package for housing would be $5,000 per month, or $60,000 per annum. BENEFITS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES A. SOCIAL SECURITY ALLOWANCE Since clergy are treated as self-employed for social security purposes, pastors must pay the current 15.3% on the cash salary plus housing allowance or on cash salary plus the fair market rental value of the parsonage plus utilities. Therefore it is recommended that churches pay 7.65% of the pastor's salary plus housing allowance or, where a parsonage is provided, 7.65% of fair market rental value plus cost of utilities for social security. This is taxable income which must be reported on a clergy person’s tax returns. B. BENEFITS Benefits - The various benefit plans of the UCC are designed to assist in financial security during years of ministry and years of retirement. The terms of the benefit plans are not easily summarized and the following comments are not the full and official plan. For a more complete explanation of the plans, please consult the Pension Boards. You may reach them at 1-800-642-6543, Option 6 or visit their web page at www.pbucc.org. 1. Annuity The Annuity Fund-UCC provides a retirement account plan that allows for pre-retirement accumulation of assets used to provide an income in retirement. Minimum contribution is of 14% of base salary plus housing (or minimum of 14% of 130% of base salary if parsonage is provided). Deposits are made on a quarterly basis. Members of the Annuity Fund have the opportunity to make personal contributions to enhance their retirement security. 2. Life Insurance and Disability Benefit Plan This coverage is available at a premium of 1.5% of the salary basis to ministers. Such coverage is highly recommended because it provides: a. Short term benefits replace a percentage of salary and housing allowance after 30 days of disability, continuing for 5 months. b. Long-term disability benefits are payable after 6 months and include a percentage for salary, housing allowance, annuity contribution and health premiums replacement. c. Term life insurance on a minister’s life to insure that survivors have some financial protection in the event of the minister’s death. 3. Medical/Dental Benefit Plan Participation in the UCC Health and Dental Benefit Plans is available to fulltime clergy and lay employees. For employees new to an employment relationship with the UCC application must be made during the first 90 days of employment to avoid the requirement of providing medical information for underwriting purposes. When a new employee application is made within the first 90 days of UCC employment coverage is automatic and no medical underwriting is applied. Clergy who are participating in the Health and Dental Plans continue their coverage uninterrupted as they move from one church to serve another. 4. Flexible Spending Accounts There will be a tax savings for the pastor if a Flexible Spending Account is established into which the pastor may designate pre-tax deductions from his/her salary be deposited. The amount designated does not add to the pastor’s compensation expense for the church. Upon presentation of proper documentation for certain medical and dependent care expenses, those amounts are reimbursed to the minister tax-free. Following a modest set-up fee, the UCC Pension Boards will administer such a plan at no monthly cost for participants in the UCC Health Benefits Plan. As an alternative, the local church may administer such a plan itself, but must be careful to follow all the pertinent regulations. 5. Holiday and vacation time - usual holidays ( or compensation time) and 4 weeks vacation per year 6. Sick time 7. Maternity/paternity leave, including for adoption For more detail, see Clergy Compensation Booklet C. PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES Tax law allows deduction of business expenses on Schedule A only after the minister has spent more than 2% of family adjusted gross income on such expenses. THEREFORE it is important that a church establish an “Accountable Reimbursement Plan” which will reimburse or pay directly all costs which the pastor incurs for "doing business" for the church, so that the pastor is not paying income tax for church expenses. These should include but not be limited to: 1. auto reimbursement - for use of personal car at current IRS rate plus tolls and parking, or an automobile provided by the church 2. business expenses - other travel, meetings, professional subscriptions, and all other business expenses allowed by the IRS 3. continuing education time and expense - participation in a Clergy Community of Practice; regular time for supervision or mentoring; two weeks away from daily ministry tasks focused on practical, future-oriented and renewing professional development activities; and time devoted to visioning, spiritual development and skill building with lay leaders and teams1 4. sabbatical time and expense - 3 months full time sabbatical leave every 5-7 years, with proportionate savings earmarked each year to provide for pastoral coverage for the sabbatical period2 For more detail see the draft Continuous Professional Development for Clergy Guidelines.
1, Continuing Professional Development expenses can be estimated at 1.5% of the clergy person’s salary and housing expense. In some cases, local churches may have one budget line item shared by several called ministers, and when planned well, this can promote learning across a ministerial team. There are many resources for continuing professional development on at http://www.macucc.org/leadership/ . 2. Best practices indicate that sabbaticals provide rich opportunities for both the local church and the clergyperson to renew, recommit and refocus their ministries. When carefully planned, these occasional interludes foster healthy long term pastorates in vital churches. Therefore we recommend that churches earmark 1/5th to 1/7th of the expected expense of clergy coverage each year, so the church is served by a pastor well suited to supporting growth in faith and mission during the church’s sabbatical time.
For reference, the following is an illustration of what is needed to fund the POSITION of a pastor (salary, housing, AND benefits and professional expenses) for a minister with 12 years experience, receiving a mid-range salary, serving in a church with 150-300 members: EXAMPLE of a COMPENSATION PACKAGE: salary $44,691 housing allowance (for those not in a parsonage, fair market value of a $300,000 house x 12%) $36,000 Total $82,691 BENEFITS: annuity (salary + housing) x 14% $11,577 life insurance and disability benefit plan (salary + housing) x 1.5% $1,240 medical/dental insurance (employee, partner and children) Plan A $16,242 social security offset (salary + housing) x 7.65% $6,326 Reflects a 5.2% increase from 2007 costs. This is taxable income which must be included with taxable wages on the W-2 form given to the pastor and reported on a clergyperson’s tax returns.
PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES:auto reimbursement (14,000 miles/year @ $ .485/mile) $8,190 business expenses $1,500 annual continuing education expenses (salary + housing) x 1.5% $1,240
Total needed to support vital clergy leadership of a local church $129,006
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR CLERGY Continuous professional development believes God is Still Speaking, and that there is always more to learn about God, God’s call on our hearts, and God’s plan for achieving God’s reign on earth. Clergypersons learn and grow in faith and in leadership skills through intentional study of our faith traditions, challenging give and take with colleagues in ministry, and careful examination in concert with leaders of our congregations about what they need to learn to grow together towards God’s vision of peace with justice. We know robust engagement along with others is essential to learning. We walk together in covenant with God, clergy colleagues, our own local churches and other ministry sites because it is through the gifts God has granted others that our own gifts are called forth most effectively and faithfully. We listen and grow in faith together with Jesus. The Commission for Leadership Development of the MACUCC recommends that clergy, local church leadership, and Church and Ministry Committees create a mutual plan for continuous professional development. Such a plan will be on-going, balanced, and accountable. Continuous professional development plans are cyclical in nature, moving intentionally through the stages of (1) assessment, (2) investigation, (3) investment, (4) integration and (5) reflection. Church leaders and clergy should work together toward a more comprehensive, faithful and challenging plan for continuous professional development founded upon communication, support, invited participation, creativity, and a three to five year funding proposal. The MACUCC encourages congregations, clergy and Church and Ministry Committees to adopt six guidelines for continuous professional development: (1) Ongoing collegial mentoring, i.e. participation in Clergy Communities of Practice or supervision for your ministry; (2) An annual minimum of two weeks intentional time away from daily ministerial tasks, focusing specifically on practical, future oriented and renewing professional development activities; (3) Devotion of an additional five to eight days per year with lay leaders, committees, teams or task forces of the local church engaging in team learning; (4)Participation in at least one dimension of the wider church, i.e. conference-sponsored colloquies; (5)Participation in a periodic support consultation with your Association Committee on the Ministry, and; (6) A sabbatical every five to seven years, carefully prepared for and funded by the local church. Information about sabbatical planning can be obtained from the Pastoral Excellence Program team members and web site: http://www.macucc.org/pep/index.htm. Vital congregational life and embodiment of the ministry of all the baptized compels continuous learning. This is true for the laity and clergy. The practices of ministerial leadership are constantly changing, therefore continuous professional development among clergy and laity should be the norm as we seek to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. The Leadership Development Commission of The Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ urges all authorized clergypersons and each local church to prayerfully examine how continuous professional development is currently supported in their setting, and to covenant together towards implementing a plan for continuous professional development that will enrich our clergy, the local church, and the wider church. Complete guidelines for continuous professional development are available from the Pastoral Excellence Program team members and at http://www.macucc.org/leadership/documents/ContinuingProfessionalDevelopmentV4.pdf
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