MINUTES
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRIES
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
October 9-12, 2008
Radisson Hotel at Gateway
Cleveland, Ohio
The October 9-12, 2008 meeting of the Board of Directors of Local Church Ministries (a
Covenanted Ministry of the United Church of Christ) was held at the Radisson Hotel at
Gateway in Cleveland, Ohio.
Members Present
Diane Bennekamper, Jo Ann Chance, Marja Coons-torn, Karen Curtis-Weakley,
Katherine Davidheiser, Phyllis Dent, Tim Downs, Harold Drury, Dawn Garrett-Larsen,
Jack (John) Gilman, Jean Golden, Jill Harkins Goodman, Ted Huffman, Trinaka
Jamison-Finger, Debra Joseph, Richard Kamanu, Constance King, Renae Koehler, Paul
Lance, Nancy Lawrence, Caroline Martinson, Ted Michalsen, Holly MillerShank,
Marilyn Pagán-Banks, Shannon Michael Pater, Kevin Peterson, Sharyl Peterson, Jane
Quandt, Niloufer Rajaratnam, Ron Ruggles, Sr., Richard Schuster, David Spollett, Carol
Stanley, Stephen Sterner, Archie Thornton, Bob Ullman, Ken Ulmer, Jan Wargo, Joyce
Watson, Carol Williams, R. Joaquin Willis
Members Absent
Diana Coberly, Lehel Deak, Edward Hall, Courtney Clayton Jenkins, Sarah Kim, Melinda
McLain, Monica Neuburgh, Herbert Perkins, Maria Porrata, Margaret Schemmel, John
Thomas, George Weavill, Jr.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2008
The Development Committee met from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review Committee met from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The Executive Committee met from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2008
Opening Worship
An opening worship service was led by Shannon Michael Pater, chaplain for this meeting.
Local Church Ministries (LCM) staff members were recognized for their anniversaries of
ordination, service and ministry.
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FIRST PLENARY SESSION
The First Plenary Session of the LCM Board of Directors Meeting was convened on
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. with Marilyn Pagán-Banks, Chairperson of the
Board of Directors, presiding.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Marilyn Pagán-Banks.
Establishment of Quorum
Jan Gomoll, Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, reported that 30 of 41 registered
LCM Board members were in attendance for the First Plenary Session of the Board of
Directors. A majority of the Board of Directors was present, establishing the existence of
a quorum.
Review of Several LCM Board Policies and Procedures
Diane Bennekamper, Chairperson of the Governance Committee, reviewed the LCM
Board of Directors Covenant of Commitment, Conflict of Interest and Safe Church
Policies. She also reviewed the election procedure for the LCM Board of Directors
chairperson and vice-chairperson and indicated that the Governance Committee will
begin receiving nominations for these positions. Diane reported that, per previous vote of
the LCM Board, although all LCM Board members will be invited to go to General
Synod 2009, only 30 of those will be designated as voting delegates. The Governance
Committee will bring a vote to the Board at this meeting regarding the election of those
30 voting delegates.
Executive Committee Assignment of Business to the Board of Directors Committees
There were no business items to be assigned to committees by the Executive Committee.
Requests for New Business to Come Before the Board
There were no requests for new business to come before the Board at this time.
Review and Adoption of Agenda, Appointment of Parliamentarian, Rules of Order
LCM-BOD-10/08-1
VOTED: To adopt the agenda, as distributed from the Executive Committee, as the
Agenda for the October 9-12, 2008 Meeting of the Board of Directors of Local Church
Ministries.
MOTION CARRIED BY CONSENSUS
LCM-BOD-10/08-2
VOTED: To appoint Mark Thomas, Pastor, Lakewood Congregational UCC, as
parliamentarian for the October 9-12, 2008 Meeting of the Board of Directors of Local
Church Ministries.
MOTION CARRIED BY CONSENSUS
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LCM-BOD-10/08-3
VOTED: To adopt Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised 10th Edition as the standing
rules for the October 9-12, 2008 Meeting of the Board of Directors of Local Church
Ministries.
MOTION CARRIED BY CONSENSUS
Granting of Voice Without Vote
LCM-BOD-10/08-4
VOTED: To grant voice without vote to Sylvia Ferrell-Jones, Governance Follow-Up
Team representative of the United Church Foundation Board of Directors, for this
meeting of the LCM Board of Directors.
MOTION CARRIED BY CONSENSUS
Approval of the Minutes
LCM-BOD-10/08-5
VOTED: To approve the Minutes of the April 9-12, 2008 Meeting of the Board of
Directors of Local Church Ministries.
MOTION CARRIED BY CONSENSUS
Election of New Members - Filling of Vacancies
LCM-BOD-10/08-6
VOTED: To elect Monica Newburgh, representing the Penn Northeast Conference, as a
member of the LCM Board of Directors, class of 2011, filling the term of Mark Ruzicka,
and to serve on the Governance Standing Committee & Worship and Education Ministry
Team Committee of the LCM Board of Directors.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-7
VOTED: To elect Sharyl Peterson, representing the Rocky Mountain Conference, as a
member of the LCM Board of Directors, class of 2009, filling the term of Kobus DuToit,
and to serve on the Governance Standing Committee & Worship and Education Ministry
Team Committee of the LCM Board of Directors.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-8
VOTED: To elect David Spolett, representing the Connecticut Conference, as a member
of the LCM Board of Directors, class of 2011, filling the term of Alan Kendrix, and to
serve on the Governance Standing Committee and the Publications, Resources, and
Distribution Ministry Team Committee of the LCM Board of Directors.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
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MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-9
VOTED: To elect George Weavill, Jr., representing the Rhode Island Conference, as a
member of the LCM Board of Directors, class of 2011, filling the term of Sharon Key,
and to serve on the Governance Standing Committee and the Stewardship and Church
Finances Ministry Team Committee of the LCM Board of Directors.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Welcoming and Pinning of New Board Members
Newly elected Local Church Ministries Board of Directors members who were in
attendance, Sharyl Peterson and David Spollett were welcomed and presented with
United Church of Christ pins.
Report from the UCC Governance Follow-Up Task Group (GFT)
LCM Board representatives to the GFT, Jean Golden and Carol Williams and Council for
Youth and Young Adult Ministries (CYYAM) GFT representative, Kevin Peterson,
reviewed the GFT process so far, work accomplished at the meetings of the GFT since
April 2008, and the vote that will come before the Board later during this meeting. They
urged Board members to be in covenant with a strong sense of spiritual discernment
while considering the GFT proposal.
Report of the Treasurer
Kathy Houston, Treasurer of the Corporation, reported on changes that have occurred
among the financial staff at the national setting. Since the UCC Chief Financial Officer
left the national setting earlier this year, Kathy and Ann Kiernozek (Treasurer of Wider
Church Ministries) have accepted the role of jointly providing direction to the Financial
Services Team within Common Services.
Kathy reviewed LCM finances year 2008 to date. Due to financial market conditions, the
LCM portfolio has experienced a decline and OCWM Basic Support is behind last year’s
receipts through September. However, Strengthen the Church Offering receipts are ahead
of September 2007. LCM has experienced net savings in expenses.
Kathy reported that LCM ministry team leaders worked hard to reduce their respective
budgets and reviewed the projections that were used to develop the 2009 LCM budget.
Copies of various financial reports were made available.
Report of the Acting Executive Minister
The Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Sterner, Acting Executive Minister, Local Church Ministries,
presented his report to the LCM Board of Directors. He shared highlights of several very
successful LCM gatherings which took place since the spring, 2008 LCM Board Meeting.
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LCM staff departures and new hires as well as changes in the financial services operation
of the national setting were reviewed by Steve. He confirmed that LCM staff continue to
work cross covenantaly and in partnership with the wider church.
Steve reported that LCM staff are embracing new concepts and many are engaged in new
work group models which gather staff around ideas for mission and program that will
enhance the life and vitality of local churches. The work groups are goal oriented, time
limited and reach across internal and external boundaries for participation and support.
He provided several examples.
Steve affirmed that he supports the Governance Follow-Up Team (GFT) Proposal and
shared a few thoughts about it. He addressed three areas of debate regarding the
proposal; checks and balances, the multiracial/multicultural vision and the manner in
which mission decisions are made and communicated to the whole church. Steve assured
the Board that LCM will move ahead to nurture the vitality of our local churches
regardless of the outcome of the GFT Proposal.
The proposal for reconfiguration of the LCM ministry team was reviewed. Steve’s
proposal combines the Evangelism, Stewardship and Church Finances, and Worship and
Education Ministry Teams into one team under the leadership of David Schoen, current
Minister and Team Leader of the Evangelism Ministry Team. The result will be a total of
three LCM ministry teams with three areas of focus; leadership development, local
church and resources. Current Worship and Education Ministry Team Leader, José
Abraham De Jesús, will continue as a team leader working on important priorities.
Steve explained that his decision to submit his name for re-nomination to the position of
LCM Executive Minister was influenced by his desire to see to completion LCM
organizational changes, and changes in ways of doing ministry that he envisions. The
success he has achieved so far has been very encouraging and supported by LCM staff.
Excerpts from the Report of the Executive Minister will be available on the LCM Board
of Directors Web site and from the Office of the Executive Minister.
SECOND PLENARY SESSION
The Second Plenary Session of the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors Meeting
was convened on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. with Debra Joseph, Vice-
Chairperson, presiding.
“21st Century Context for Ministry” - Bill McKinney
The Board welcomed Bill McKinney, President, Pacific School of Religion, who shared
his statistical data research to help set the context for LCM work by looking at what is
happening in local churches today.
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Ministry Team Committee Meetings
Meetings of the Evangelism, Parish Life and Leadership, Stewardship and Church
Finances, Worship and Education and Publications, Resources and Distribution Ministry
Team Committees took place from 2:45 - 5:30 p.m. Each committee devoted this time to
reflect on Bill McKinney’s presentation.
LCM staff members were invited to engage with Bill McKinney in the Amistad Chapel
while the Board members were attending their respective ministry team committee
meetings.
THIRD PLENARY SESSION
The Third Plenary Session of the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors Meeting
was convened on Friday October 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. with Debra Joseph, Vice-
Chairperson, presiding.
“21st Century Context for Ministry - Reflections
Representatives from each ministry team committee shared their respective committee’s
reflections on Bill McKinney’s presentation.
Overall themes included the following:
Use of technology to build relationships, facilitate communication, empower
everyone, share resources;
Decentralization;
Identification of models of ministry and best practices;
Empowerment of leaders and investment in future leaders;
Empowerment and investment in youth and young adults;
Identification of passion;
Creation of trust with more transparency;
Acknowledgement of the need for change and acceptance of change;
Shift in perception of what the role of national staff will/should be;
Realization that one size does not fit all (cultural, generational, regional
differences);
Initiation of interactive flow of information rather than one way flow from the
national staff;
Creation of partners and collaboration groups with seminaries, business, industry,
foundations, interfaith communities, lay institutes, church leaders, community
reach out programs;
Movement to where the people are;
Address of finance and economy.
Additional comments included the following:
We need to be God focused, Christ centered, and Holy Spirit driven.
Conversation about being Christ centered is being lost.
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We should be spending our energy across the church doing mission.
Some of the themes sound product driven.
Vision must precede mission. More visioning is needed.
Are we are afraid of leadership or centralized power? Jesus was a leader focused
on God. More prophetic pastors are needed.
Leadership and democratic process must co-exist.
Does the leadership we need now look different than what we are used to? Do we
need leadership that is collaborative, connective and transformative?
We must move toward transformational leadership (creativity, adaptability, risk
taking, visionary).
Assessment must precede brainstorming.
Some of our rituals have become empty.
Growth refers not only to more locations and members, but also to growth of
those who are present.
What does it mean to be a congregationally based church?
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2008
Ministry Team Committee Meetings
Meetings of the Evangelism, Parish Life and Leadership, Stewardship and Church
Finances, Worship and Education and Publications, Resources and Distribution Ministry
Team Committees took place from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Standing Committee Meetings
Meetings of the Personnel, Budget and Finance, and Governance Committees took place
from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
FOURTH PLENARY SESSION
The Fourth Plenary Session of the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors Meeting
was convened on Saturday October 11, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. with Marilyn Pagán-Banks,
Chairperson, presiding.
Executive Committee Report and Business
Marilyn Pagán-Banks reported that she had appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to coordinate and
complete the process for re-nomination of the LCM Acting Executive Minister, Steve
Sterner, and to bring a suggested vote to the Board at this meeting. Committee members
are Debra Joseph, Constance King, Joyce Watson, and Diane Bennekamper. The Ad Hoc
Committee gathered information and sought comments concerning Steve Sterner’s
potential nomination for the position of LCM Executive Minister from a broad group of
persons. This group included those who have served on the Executive Committee of
LCM during Steve’s tenure, three members of the Cabinet of the Council of Conference
Ministers, the chairpersons of the Historically Underrepresented Groups, the other
members of the UCC Collegium of Officers and a representative cross-section of LCM
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staff. In addition, a Web page was posted to solicit comments from any member of the
UCC.
LCM-BOD-10/08-10
Election of Executive Minister
VOTED: To elect The Reverend Doctor Stephen L. Sterner as Executive Minister of the
Local Church Ministries Board of Directors and to forward his name to the Executive
Council for election by the General Synod as an officer of the church.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper on behalf of the Ad Hoc Committee.
SECONDED: Karen Curtis Weakley
MOTION CARRIED
Change of Registered Agent in the State of Ohio
LCM-BOD-10/08-11
VOTED: To revoke the appointment of Rod Mundy as the statutory agent in the state of
Ohio for Local Church Ministries (a Covenanted Ministry of the United Church of
Christ), and appoint Jan Gomoll as successor statutory agent for Local Church Ministries
in said state.
MOVED: Debra Joseph, for the Executive Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Executive Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Trading Account(s) with McDonald Investments Inc.
LCM-BOD-10/08-12
VOTED: To revoke the authorization and permission of Rod Mundy, on behalf of Local
Church Ministries (a Covenanted Ministry of the United Church of Christ), to open and
maintain trading account(s) with McDonald Investments Inc. and to operate such trading
account(s) on margin otherwise.
To resolve that along with Kathy Houston, Treasurer of the Corporation, Jan Gomoll,
Secretary of the Corporation (replacing Rod Mundy), Local Church Ministries, is hereby
authorized and permitted to, on behalf of Local Church Ministries (a Covenanted
Ministry of the United Church of Christ), open and maintain trading account(s) with
McDonald Investments Inc.
It is further resolved, the above named person(s) may, on behalf of Local Church
Ministries, (1) execute and deliver the said customer’s agreement, (2) give orders in the
said account or accounts for the purchase and sale of stocks, bonds and any other
securities, (3) deliver to and receive from McDonald Investments Inc. for the said account
of accounts monies, stocks, and/or securities as collateral or otherwise, (4) to purchase or
redeem such shares of any money market fund as described in its prospectus, including
but not limited to, written and telephonic redemption of shares, check redemption of
shares, and expedited redemption of shares, and (5) sign acknowledgements of the
correctness of all statements of this account. Authorization to said person(s) shall remain
in full force and effect until written notice from the Secretary or Treasurer of the
revocation thereof shall have been filed with McDonald Investments Inc.
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MOVED: Debra Joseph, for the Executive Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Executive Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Schedule of Future LCM Board Meetings
LCM-BOD-10/08-13
VOTED: To schedule Local Church Ministries Board of Directors Meetings on the
following dates: April 15-18, 2010, October 21-24, 2010, and April 7-10, 2011 in
Cleveland, Ohio.
MOVED: Debra Joseph, for the Executive Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Executive Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Note: LCM Board meetings are already scheduled for March 18-20 or 19-20, 2009 and
October 21-24 or 21-25, 2009. Exact dates will be announced as soon as possible.
Other Committee Reports and Business
Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review Committee Report and Business
LCM-BOD-10/08-14
VOTED: To distribute the 2009 funds available from the Daniel Hand Educational Fund
for Colored People to the following current recipients, and that said funds be distributed
twice a year (January and July) to the six institutions: Dillard University, Fisk University,
Huston-Tillotson University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Talladega College and Tougaloo
College.
MOVED: Debra Joseph, for the Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review
Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-15
SUGGESTED VOTE: To adopt the following definition of education:
“Education is for the empowerment of students of all ages of African descent residing in
the former slave states of the United States of America. Education, by necessity and
intentional design, includes many and varied forms of teaching and learning, most
especially academic, contextual and spiritual forms. Effective education results in the
ability of individuals and communities to reflect critically, to act at the peak of their
potential to transform society and to enable People of Color to gain full and equal
participation in all aspects of the social, political, economic and governmental life of the
country.”
MOVED: Debra Joseph, for the Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review
Committee.
AMENDMENT
LCM-BOD-10/08-15a
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VOTED TO AMEND: To change the words “people of color” to “students of African
descent.”
MOVED: Renae Kohler
SECONDED: Trinaka Jamison-Finger
MOTION FAILED
AMENDMENT
LCM-BOD-10/08-15b
VOTED TO AMEND AS PRINTED IN BOLD: To adopt the following definition of
education:
“Education is for the empowerment of Colored People of African Descent students of
all ages of African descent residing in the former slave states of the United States of
America. Education, by necessity and intentional design, includes many and varied forms
of teaching and learning, most especially academic, contextual and spiritual forms.
Effective education results in the ability of individuals and communities to reflect
critically, to act at the peak of their potential to transform society and to enable them
People of Color to gain full and equal participation in all aspects of the social, political,
economic and governmental life of the country.”
MOVED: Bob Ullman
SECONDED: David Spollett
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-15
VOTED: To adopt the following definition of education:
“Education is for the empowerment of Colored People of African Descent of all ages
residing in the former slave states of the United States of America. Education, by
necessity and intentional design, includes many and varied forms of teaching and
learning-most especially academic, contextual and spiritual forms. Effective education
results in the ability of individuals and communities to reflect critically, to act at the peak
of their potential to transform society and to enable them to gain full and equal
participation in all aspects of the social, political, economic and governmental life of the
country.”
MOTION CARRIED AS AMENDED
LCM-BOD-10/08-16
VOTED: To vote an equal amount of the distribution of 2009 funds available from the
Daniel Hand Educational Fund to the Amistad Research Center and that said funds be
distributed twice a year (January and July).
MOVED: Debra Joseph, for the Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review
Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-17
VOTED: The LCM Board of Directors hereby resolves:
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Where as the UCBHM and its successor body, Local Church Ministries has made a good
faith effort to address the concerns raised over past investment practices of the Daniel
Hand funds and,
Whereas Local Church Ministries has responded favorably in the past to requests from
the AMA Colleges for extra ordinary funding and,
Whereas UCBHM and Local Church Ministries has provided additional funding from its
unrestricted funds to meet other financial needs of the AMA Colleges and,
Whereas the staff and Board of Local Church Ministries has cooperated fully with the
Audit and Discernment Task Group and,
Whereas Local Church Ministries Board of Directors in October 2003 voted to restore
$4.6 million to the Daniel Hand Fund and,
Whereas the Daniel Hand Annual Review Committee is now in place to give oversight to
the future distribution of the Fund and,
Whereas the Daniel Hand Annual Review Committee believes it has been faithful
stewards of the inherited funds,
Be It Resolved: The Local Church Ministries Board of Directors has determined that
adequate restitution has been made to the Daniel Hand Fund. .
MOVED: Debra Joseph, for the Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review
Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Development Committee Report and Business
LCM-BOD-10/08-18
VOTED: To adopt the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Donor Bill of
Rights as the standard for donor relations with those persons who support the national
ministries of the United Church of Christ. Further, to direct LCM staff to implement this
standard in its fundraising and stewardship programs and report back to the Board of
Directors on that implementation. In addition, to commend the Donor Bill of Rights for
consideration and adoption by the other Covenanted Ministries and the Executive
Council.
MOVED: Ronald Ruggles, Sr., for the Development Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Development Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-19
VOTED: To endorse the inclusion of The Rev. Dr. Héctor E. López Scholarships for
Latina and Latino UCC Seminarians as part of the Local Church Ministries case for
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support and thereby extend a warm invitation to the whole of the United Church of Christ
to contribute to this fund.
MOVED: Ronald Ruggles, Sr., for the Development Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Development Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-20
SUGGESTED VOTE: To endorse a year end fundraising appeal as part of the Local
Church Ministries Annual Giving Program. This appeal invites and encourages both
current and prospective donors to support the four elements of the Local Church
Ministries Case for Support (i.e. The Daniel Hand Fund, The Rev. Dr. Héctor E. López
Scholarships for Latina and Latino UCC Seminarians, The New and Renewing Church
Fund and the Women’s Ministry Fund), as well as unrestricted gifts in support of the
general programs and ministries of Local Church Ministries.
MOVED: Ronald Ruggles, Sr., for the Development Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Development Committee.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT
A Friendly Amendment was accepted to delete the four last words, “of Local Church
Ministries.”
LCM-BOD-10/08-20
VOTED: To endorse a year end fundraising appeal as part of the Local Church
Ministries Annual Giving Program. This appeal invites and encourages both current and
prospective donors to support the four elements of the Local Church Ministries Case for
Support (i.e. The Daniel Hand Fund, The Rev. Dr. Héctor E. López Scholarships for
Latina and Latino UCC Seminarians, The New and Renewing Church Fund and the
Women’s Ministry Fund), as well as unrestricted gifts in support of the general programs
and ministries.
MOVED: Ronald Ruggles, Sr., for the Development Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Development Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Standing Committee Reports and Business
The chairperson or a representative of each of the standing and other committees
presented a report on the respective meeting of the committee. The reports of the standing
and other committees are filed with the master copy of the Minutes of this meeting, in the
office of the secretary of the corporation. Information from the reports will also be
reflected in the Minutes of each respective committee. Only actions, if any, of each
committee are recorded below.
Personnel Committee Report and Business
LCM-BOD-10/08-21
VOTED: To approve the recommendation to the Personnel Committee that section 3.2.8
of the Common Personnel Policies be revised to include Covenanted Ministries of the
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UCC (CMUCC) Interns and health insurance for interns. The section will read as
follows:
3.2.8.1 CMUCC Interns
Persons assigned for a period of learning and development for a specific temporary period
of time. Internships provide an individual with an opportunity to work closely with a
ministry program of the United Church of Christ. The intern will be afforded a learning
opportunity to hone his/her skills through ministry, and interface with staff and leaders
within and beyond the UCC.
Interns who are expected to serve in a ministry for over 20 hours per week and for a
period of one year or more will be eligible for employer paid health benefits.
MOVED: Constance King, for the Personnel Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Personnel Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-22
VOTED: To approve the recommendation to the Personnel Committee that section 5.3.5
of the Common Personnel Policies be revised to include severance for Officers of the
Church. The added language to the section will read as follows:
Section 5.3.5 Severance Package
b. An Officer of the Church (member of the Collegium) will be eligible for severance
pay, if he/she has completed at least one full term; and is not seeking re-election; and is
not retiring at the end of his/her term. An employee is considered to be retiring if he/she
is drawing from the UCC pension account within three months of the tenure.
MOVED: Constance King, for the Personnel Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Personnel Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-23
VOTED: To approve the recommendation to the Personnel Committee that a 3% pool for
salary increases for the calendar year 2009 for Local Church Ministries employees, other
than the Acting Executive Minister, be allocated in a manner agreed upon by the Acting
Executive Minister in consultation with the Collegium and Human Resources.
Allocation is informational only: 2% of the allotted pool will be distributed across the
board so that each staff person receives, at minimum, a 2% increase added to base pay.
1% of the pooled dollars will be distributed among regular staff at the ministry
executive’s discretion for the purpose of making salary adjustments necessary to move
toward parity in our compensation structure.
MOVED: Constance King, for the Personnel Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Personnel Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
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LCM-BOD-10/08-24
SUGGESTED VOTE: To approve a salary increase for the Acting Executive Minister
for the calendar year 2009 in an amount equal to 3% of the current base salary. It is
recommended that all members of the Collegium receive the same 3% salary increase.
MOVED: Constance King, for the Personnel Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Personnel Committee.
AMENDMENT
LCM-BOD-10/08-24a
VOTED TO AMEND AS PRINTED IN BOLD: To approve a salary increase for the
Acting Executive Minister for the calendar year 2009 in an amount equal to 3% of the
current base salary. It is recommended that all members of the Collegium receive
the same 3% salary increase. , 2% to be distributed so that each Collegium member
receives, at minimum, a 2% increase added to base pay. 1% of the pooled dollars
will be distributed among regular staff at the ministry executive’s discretion for the
purpose of making salary adjustments necessary to move toward parity in our
compensation structure.
MOVED: Renae Kohler
SECONDED: Carol Stanley
MOTION CARRIED
AMENDMENT
LCM-BOD-10/08-24b
VOTED TO AMEND AS PRINTED IN BOLD: To approve a salary increase for the
Acting Executive Minister for the calendar year 2009. It is recommended that a
consistent distribution take place across Collegium members as follows: 2% to be
distributed so that each Collegium member receives, at minimum, a 2% increase added to
base pay. 1% of the pooled dollars will be distributed among regular staff at the ministry
executive’s discretion for the purpose of making salary adjustments necessary to move
toward parity in our compensation structure.
MOVED: Holly MillerShank
SECONDED: Phyllis Dent
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-24
VOTED: To approve a salary increase for the Acting Executive Minister for the calendar
year 2009. It is recommended that a consistent distribution take place across Collegium
members as follows: 2% to be distributed so that each Collegium member receives, at
minimum, a 2% increase added to base pay. 1% of the pooled dollars will be distributed
among regular staff at the ministry executive’s discretion for the purpose of making salary
adjustments necessary to move toward parity in our compensation structure.
MOTION CARRIED AS AMENDED
LCM-BOD-10/08-25
VOTED: To stay in session, rather than to take a break from the meeting, as indicated on
14
the meeting agenda.
MOVED: Carolyn Martinson
SECONDED: Ron Ruggles
MOTION CARRIED
Governance Committee Report and Business
LCM-BOD-10/08-26
VOTED: To elect Anthony Peebles as a member of the Church Building and Loan Fund
Board of Directors, class of 2011, filling the term of Alan Kendrix.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-27
VOTED: To elect Karen Curtis-Weakly representing the Local Church Ministries Board
of Directors, as a member of the UCC Hotel Venture Limited Liability Corporation Board
of Directors, class of 2011, filling the term of Alan Kendrix.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-28
VOTED: To elect Countess Clarke Cooper, Barbara Hamm and Bryan J. Lohr as
members of the UCC Musicians National Network Board of Directors, all with terms
beginning October 11, 2008 and ending on October 11, 2011.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-29
VOTED: To set the UCC Musicians National Network Board of Directors terms of
Anissa Bacon, Jerry H. Cundiff, Branden Grimmett and Barbara Steinhaus all to end
April 11, 2011, having been elected April 11, 2008.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-30
VOTED: To elect Ron Baard as a member of the Daniel Hand Fund Annual Review
Committee, class of 2010.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
15
LCM-BOD-10/08-31
VOTED: To set the Development Committee term of Thomas Dipko as 2010.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-32
VOTED: To elect Paul Lance as a member of the Development Committee.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-33
VOTED: To elect Jan Gomoll, LCM staff, as a member of the UCC Hotel Venture,
Limited Liability Corporation Board of Directors class of 2010 (replacing Rod Mundy).
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-34
VOTED: To elect Jan Gomoll to the office of Secretary of Local Church Ministries,
(replacing Rod Mundy) to serve in said capacity until the conclusion of the next annual
meeting of this Board of Directors, or until a successor shall have been duly elected.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-35
VOTED: To elect Pérsida Rivera-Méndez to the office of Assistant Secretary of Local
Church Ministries, to serve in said capacity until the conclusion of the next annual
meeting of this Board of Directors, or until a successor shall have been duly elected. The
assistant secretary shall have such duties as may from time to time be delegated to
him/her by the secretary or assigned to her by the executive minister, and shall be
authorized to act on behalf of the secretary during any period of absence or unavailability
of the secretary.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-36
VOTED: To authorize the following positions to serve as the voting delegates to the 27th
General Synod from the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors:
Chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of standing and ministry team committees,
and the chairpersons of Other Committees;
Board members with terms ending 2009;
16
Representatives of Historically Under Represented Groups alphabetically by
name.
Diane Bennekamper Constance King Jane Quandt
Jo Ann Chance Nancy Lawrence Niloufer Rajaratnam
Diana Coberly Caroline Martinson Ronald Ruggles, Sr.
Katherine Davidheiser Ted Michalsen Richard Schuster
Dawn Garrett-Larsen Holly MillerShank Carol Stanley
Jack (John) Gilman Marilyn Pagán-Banks Archie Thornton
Jean Golden Shannon Michael Pater Bob Ullman
Edward Hall Herbert Perkins Kenneth Ulmer
Courtney Clayton Jenkins Kevin Peterson Carol Williams
Richard Kamanu Sharyl Peterson R. Joaquin Willis
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
NOTE: Trinaka Jamison-Finger was originally placed on the list but was replaced as an LCM
Board voting delegate at GS XXVII by Courtney Clayton Jenkins because Trinaka indicated that
she will be attending GS XXVII as a delegate from her Conference.
LCM-BOD-10/08-37
VOTED: Recognizing the historic contributions of these ministry teams, and with anticipation
that those contributions will be enhanced through new forms of collaboration, that the
Evangelism, Stewardship and Church Finances, and Worship and Education Ministry Teams
come together to create the Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Ministry Team.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-38
VOTED: To eliminate the currently vacant ministry team leader position for the Stewardship
and Church Finances Ministry Team.
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-39
VOTED: To elect Paul Lance to the Development Committee (2009).
MOVED: Diane Bennekamper, for the Governance Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
17
Audit Committee Report and Business
LCM-BOD-10/08-40
VOTED: To receive the United Church of Christ Combined Financial Report for December 31,
2007 and the accompanying Report to the Audit Coordinating Committee dated August 5, 2008.
MOVED: Ronald Ruggles, Sr., for the Audit Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Audit Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Budget and Finance Committee Report and Business
LCM-BOD-10/08-41
VOTED: To approve that the Clergy Housing Allowance under Section 107 of the Internal Revenue
Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder (“Section 107") during calendar year 2009 for each
ordained minister in good standing with his or her respective denomination and any other “Minister of
the gospel” within the meaning of Section 107, who is in the employ of Local Church Ministries (a
Covenanted Ministry of the United Church of Christ), shall be a sum equal to such employee’s good
faith estimate of the amount which will be excludible under Section 107 with respect to the providing
of a home by such employee for such year; however, unless and until such employee shall provide in
writing the estimate described above, the amount of said Clergy Housing Allowance for such
employee shall be a sum equal to one third of such employee’s gross salary compensation.
[Each eligible employee will be instructed to submit not later than December 16, 2008 a signed
statement of his or her designated Housing Allowance for calendar year 2009, which shall conform to
the requirements of the above resolution.]
MOVED: Caroline Martinson, for the Budget Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-42
VOTED: To receive the 2008 Year to Date Financial Report, the Unrestricted Reserve Report
and the Report on Bequests and Endowments Received for the period January 1, 2008 through
August 31, 2008.
MOVED: Caroline Martinson, for the Budget Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-43
VOTED: To approve the 2009 programmatic budget of $10,933,357 and the 2009 United
Church of Christ Resources budget of $1,067,501.
MOVED: Caroline Martinson, for the Budget Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-44
VOTED: To approve a $3,000,000 loan to Tougaloo College subject to the following:
Loan Amount $3,000,000
Interest Rate 8.000%
Term 3 Years
Loan Type Interest Only Balloon
18
Security First Mortgage on land held for development and a lien on any and all land
and properties currently owned by the property. Further, that the College
engage with the Board and others to strategize on improving the financial
position of the college, including but not limited to a capital campaign.
Monthly Payment $20,000 (Per Diem $657.53)
Disbursements All funds to be disbursed at closing
Hold Back: Three years worth of mortgage loan payments is to be withheld from the loan
proceeds. The held back proceeds are to be invested with the Cornerstone
Fund in a mortgage payment reserve account. These accounts will have
staggered maturities as follows:
Demand Note $140,000
6 Mo. Term Note $120,000*
12 Mo Term Note $120,000*
18 Mo Term Note $120,000*
18 Mo Term Note $120,000**
30 Mo Term Note $100,000*
* At maturity the funds are to be rolled into the Demand Note
** At maturity the funds are to be rolled into a 6 Month Term Note and then rolled into the Demand
Note
Upon the sale of any of the property held as security, all proceeds from the sale are to be used to
reduce the outstanding loan balance.
All interest earned on the investment accounts is to be mailed monthly to Tougaloo College on a
monthly basis.
MOVED: Caroline Martinson, for the Budget Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-45
VOTED: To approve the reimbursement of $6,111,000 to the Local Church Ministries Church
Building & Loan Fund over a five (5) year period to end no later that June 30, 2014, with the
exact amount subject to final determination by the 2008 Audit;
Further, that a monthly transfer of $100,000 be made from Local Church Ministries investment
account housed at United Church Foundation (52920100) to the Fund’s account (52920102) for
60 months with the final payment adjusted to completely liquidate the inter-ministry balance
between the two organizations, and that the units owned by those funds within the LCM total
return pool of funds be adjusted accordingly upon completion of each transfer.
MOVED: Caroline Martinson, for the Budget Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Governance Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
UCC Governance Proposal
The Board welcomed Sylvia Ferrell-Jones, Governance Follow-Up Team Representative of the
United Church Foundation Board of Directors. She provided an overview of the role of a board
19
member in general. She stressed that all boards have fiduciary, strategic planning, resource
development and acquisition responsibilities. She emphasized that a well governed organization
is an organization that can fulfill its mission.
LCM Board representatives to the GFT, Jean Golden and Carol Williams, CYYAM GFT
representative, Kevin Peterson and Sylvia Ferrell-Jones, presented a PowerPoint summary of the
GFT process so far, review of various reports and meetings, responses to concerns that have been
raised, timeline for moving forward, the vision guiding the GFT proposal and the proposal
presented for action.
Discussion ensued including the following comments, concerns and clarifications:
Certain areas of expertise may be filled by at-large representatives to the proposed United
Church Board.
The GFT proposal no longer includes two United Church Board representatives from
each Conference.
Savings resulting from the creation of a single board will contribute to additional
opportunities to increase the participation of persons from across the church in ministry
and mission of the national settings of the church in meaningful ways other than serving
on a governance body.
The capacity of the denomination to respond in a coordinated holistic way to an urgent
situation is currently limited. There is not currently one place that holds the whole church
accountable. General Synod holds Executive Council accountable.
There must be many places within the church for conversations. There are many tables
for people to have voices.
Strategic direction would be set by General Synod.
Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries include fifteen major language groups.
The seats provided for the Historically Underrepresented Groups (HUGS) could not
include all of these.
In response to the previous comment, there can be multiple tables for conversations.
Conferences will be naming representatives to the Board. At least half of them will be
people of color. So the HUGS seats are not the only ones available to HUGS members.
The Hispanic community also includes many language groups. The GFT very carefully
considered this and feels there are many ways to accomplish representation.
We must move beyond distrust. We have to have faith that the voices on the United
Church Board will speak for all.
Our desired vision can not be accomplished by structure alone. Structure can not
guarantee that ministry and mission will happen.
The healing process should include conversation on race and racism, and conversation
about what it means to be in mission, to be multiracial, multicultural, open and affirming
and accessible to all.
The GFT proposal can not guarantee that work of the ministries will be coordinated and
unified.
Personalities do influence how governance is implemented but governance can not be
structured around personalities.
We are lacking in vision.
We must take responsibility for the progress and success of this proposal if we pass it.
We express gratitude to the GFT representatives of the LCM Board.
20
LCM-BOD-10/08-46
SUGGESTED VOTE: The Local Church Ministries Board of Directors
1) Affirms the Proposal of the Governance Follow-Up Team as a sufficient basis for the
restructure of the national setting;
2) Reports the following recommendations, if any, supported by a majority vote, for possible
modification of the Proposal; and
3) Authorizes its chair and vice-chair to meet with their counterparts to reconcile, if
possible, any differences in the actions of all four Boards and the Executive Council as a
basis for the preparation of proposed Constitution and Bylaw amendments for
consideration at the 2009 spring meetings.
MOVED: Kevin Peterson
SECONDED: Jean Golden
LCM-BOD-10/08-47
VOTED: To table the GFT Proposal vote until recommendations to the proposal are made and
discussed.
MOVED: Caroline Martinson
SECONDED: None needed
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-48
VOTED: To add to line 894 of the GFT Proposal the words “or disabilities, GLBT or
youth/young adult,” so that lines 893 and 894 would read “Reflecting the church’s value for
diversity, at least one of these two positions for each of the groups will be a person of color or
disabilities, GLBT or youth/young adult.”
MOVED: Holly MillerShank
SECONDED: David Spollett
MOTION FAILED
LCM-BOD-10/08-49
VOTED: In lines 772 and 773 of the GFT Proposal, change the words “eligible for reelection”
to “for renewal up to six (6) consecutive years,” so that lines 772 and 773 would read “Nine (9)
at-large youth and/or young adult members (2-year term; for renewal up to six (6) consecutive
years.”)
MOVED: Holly MillerShank
SECONDED: Steve Sterner
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-50
VOTED: To take the original motion off the table and add the recommended changes in lines
772 and 773 of the GFT Proposal.
MOVED: David Spollett
SECONDED: Ron Ruggles, Sr.
MOTION CARRIED
21
LCM-BOD-10/08-46 (previously tabled)
VOTED: The Local Church Ministries Board of Directors
1) Affirms the Proposal of the Governance Follow-Up Team as a sufficient basis for the
restructure of the national setting;
2) Reports the following recommendations, if any, supported by a majority vote, for
possible modification of the Proposal; and
3) Authorizes its chair and vice-chair to meet with their counterparts to reconcile, if
possible, any differences in the actions of all four Boards and the Executive Council as a
basis for the preparation of proposed Constitution and Bylaw amendments for
consideration at the 2009 spring meetings.
With the following recommendation:
In lines 772 and 773 of the GFT Proposal, replace the word reelection with the phrase “for
renewal up to six (6) consecutive years.”)
MOVED: Kevin Peterson
SECONDED: Jean Golden
MOTION CARRIED
FIFTH PLENARY SESSION
The Fifth Plenary Session of the Local Church Ministries (LCM) Board of Directors Meeting
was convened on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. with Marilyn Pagán-Banks,
Chairperson of the Board of Directors, presiding.
Ministry Team Committee Brief Reports and Business
The chairperson or a representative of each of the ministry team committees presented a report
on the respective meeting of the committee. The reports of the ministry team committees are
filed with the master copy of the Minutes of this meeting, in the office of the secretary of the
corporation. Information from the reports will also be reflected in the Minutes of each respective
committee. Only actions, if any, of each committee are recorded below.
Parish Life and Leadership Ministry Team
LCM-BOD-10/08-51
VOTED: To support sending proposed UCC Constitution and Bylaw amendments to the
Executive Council for action at General Synod XXVII in 2009. To attach the proposed
amendments to the Minutes of this meeting and to the master copy of the Minutes of this
meeting, filed in the office of the secretary of the corporation. The proposed amendments are
based on the work of the Ministry Issues Implementation Team.
MOVED: Holly MillerShank, for the Parish Life and Leadership Ministry Team Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Parish Life and Leadership Ministry Team
Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Evangelism Ministry Team
LCM-BOD-10/08-52
VOTED: To revise the following paragraph of LCM-BOD-04/08-33 to read as printed in bold
22
below:
“To enter into covenant with the Kansas Oklahoma Conference to support the renewal of a rural
European American Church, Carrier Congregational United Church of Christ, Carrier, OK, in the
amount of $34,000 over 2 years (subject to the availability of funds).”
“To enter into covenant with the Kansas Oklahoma Conference to support the renewal of a
rural European American Church, Carrier Congregational United Church of Christ,
Carrier, OK, in the amount of $15,000 over 1 year (subject to the availability of funds).”
MOVED: Kevin Peterson, for the Evangelism Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Evangelism Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
LCM-BOD-10/08-53
VOTED:
To enter into covenant with the Massachusetts Conference the renewal of a European-American
ONA Church, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Somerville MA, in the amount of
$30,000 over 2 years (subject to the availability of funds).
To enter into covenant with the Ohio Conference to support the establishment of a new
European-American ONA Church, New Vision United Church of Christ, North Canton OH, in
amount of $30,000 over 2 years (subject to the availability of funds).
To enter into covenant with the Central Atlantic Conference to support establishment of a new
European-American ONA Church, Grace United Church of Christ, Flemington NJ, in the amount
of $30,000 over 2 years (subject to the availability of funds).
To enter into covenant with the Southwest Conference to support establishment of a new
PIAA/Marshallese Church, Tucson Marshallese Ministry United Church of Christ, Tucson AZ,
in the amount of $7,500 over 6 months (subject to the availability of funds).
To enter into covenant with the Southwest Conference to support the establishment of a new
Hispanic Church, T.O.X. Ministries United Church of Christ, Phoenix AZ, in the amount of
$30,000 over 2 years (subject to the availability of funds).
To enter into covenant with the California Nevada Northern Conference to support the renewal
of a Multiracial Multicultural ONA Church, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Santa
Rosa CA, in the amount of $30,000 over 2 years (subject to the availability of funds).
To enter into covenant with the Kansas Oklahoma Conference to support the establishment of a
new European American Church, Owasso United Church of Christ, Owasso OK, in the amount
of $30,000 over 2 years (subject to the availability of funds).
To enter into covenant with the South Central Conference to support the renewal of a African
American Church, Beecher Memorial United Church of Christ, New Orleans LA, in the amount
of $20,000 over 1 year (subject to the availability of funds).
23
To enter into covenant with the Hawaii Conference to support the renewal of a new
PIAA/Filipino Church, Moanalua Community United Church of Christ, Honolulu HI, in the
amount of $30,000 over 2 years (subject to the availability of funds).
To enter into covenant with the South Central Conference to support the establishment of a new
Multiracial Multicultural ONA Church, Journey United Church of Christ, Baton Rouge LA in the
amount of $22,500 over 1.5 years (subject to the availability of funds).
To enter into covenant with the Indiana Kentucky Conference to support the renewal of a
Multiracial Multicultural Church, St. Peter’s Evangelical United Church of Christ, Louisville
KY, in the amount of $30,000 over 2 years (subject to the availability of funds).
MOVED: Kevin Peterson, for the Evangelism Committee.
SECONDED: None needed; motion was made by the Evangelism Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
Closing
Shannon Michael Pater offered the closing prayer.
Gratitude was expressed for the leadership of Marilyn Pagán-Banks and Debra Joseph.
LCM-BOD-10/08-54
VOTED: To adjourn this meeting of the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors.
MOVED: Carolyn Martinson
SECONDED: Trinaka Jamison-Finger
MOTION CARRIED
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. A closing worship service was held Sunday, October 12
from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. in the Amistad Chapel.
Note: All reports, votes, statements (when provided) and resolutions to which these Minutes
refer are on file in the office of the Secretary of the Corporation. These Minutes reflect only
actions or brief discussion summaries. Verbatim discussions are not recorded.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jan Gomoll
Executive for Administrative Planning and Coordination
Assistant Secretary of the Corporation
Revised March 6, 2009
24
ADDENDUM TO THE MINUTES
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRIES
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
October 9-12, 2008
Proposed Amendments to the UCC Constitution and Bylaws
Based on the Work of the Ministry Issues Implementation Team
Sixth Draft of proposed Amendments re Ministry Issues October 7, 2008
Items to be changed are underlined with new language following in italics.
Excerpts from the Constitution of the United Church of Christ
ARTICLE VI. THE MINISTRY
20 The United Church of Christ recognizes that God calls the whole Church and every member to
participate in and extend the ministry of Jesus Christ by witnessing to the Gospel in church and society.
The United Church of Christ seeks to undergird the ministry of its members by nurturing faith, calling forth
gifts, and equipping members for Christian service.
21 The United Church of Christ recognizes that God calls certain of its members to various forms of
ministry in and on behalf of the church for which ecclesiastical authorization is required. Recognizing
God’s call, the ecclesiastical authorization is granted by an Association through the rite of ordination,
through commissioning, licensing, granting either ordained ministerial standing or ordained ministerial
partner standing and other acts of authorization.
22 Ordination is the rite whereby the United Church of Christ through an Association, in cooperation with
the person and a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, recognizes and authorizes that member
whom God has called to ordained ministry, and sets that person apart by prayer and the laying on of
hands. By this rite ordained ministerial standing and status as an Ordained Ministerial Partner is conferred
and authorization given to perform the duties and exercise the prerogatives of ordained ministry in the
United Church of Christ.
23 An Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ is one of its members who has been called by God
and ordained to preach and teach the gospel, to administer the sacraments and rites of the Church, and to
exercise pastoral care and leadership.
24 Ordained ministerial standing is ongoing recognition as an Ordained Minister of the United Church of
Christ and provides ongoing ecclesiastical authorization to perform the duties and exercise the
prerogatives of ordained ministry. Ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ is granted
by and held in an Association and confers voting membership in the Association.
Proposed reading to be substituted for current Paragraph 24:
Ordained ministerial standing is an ongoing covenant of mutual accountability, as described in
Paragraph 25, which recognizes and continues the authorization of that person to perform the
duties and exercise the prerogatives of ordained ministry. Ordained ministerial standing in the
25
United Church of Christ is granted by and held in an Association at the request of a local church
and confers voting membership in the Association.
25 The Call of an Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner to a Local Church establishes a
covenantal relationship among the Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner, the Local Church,
and the United Church of Christ as represented by an Association or a Conference. The Call of an
Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner to other forms of ministry recognized by an Association
or Conference of the United Church of Christ establishes a covenantal relationship among the Ordained
Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner, the calling body, the United Church of Christ as represented by
an Association or Conference and the Local Church where the Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial
Partner is a member.
Proposed change for Paragraph 25:
Remove “or Conference” in each sentence since ministerial standing is the function of the
Association in the United Church of Christ (see also paragraph 52 below)
26 A Student in Care of Association is a member of the United Church of Christ who has been
called by God and who, under the care of the member’s Association, is preparing for the ordained
Christian ministry.
(Current Paragraph 26 is to be removed; current Paragraphs 27, 28, 29 and 30 are to be
renumbered as 26 – 29, with other corrections as indicated. A rewrite of the substance of the
current paragraph will become the new # 30.)
27 26 Commissioning is the act whereby the United Church of Christ through an Association, in
cooperation with a person and a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, recognizes and authorizes
that member whom God has called to a specific church-related ministry which is recognized by that
Association, but not requiring ordination or licensing. By this act the status of Commissioned Minister is
conferred and authorization granted to perform duties necessary to and for the specific ministry, and
voting membership in that Association is granted.
28 27 A Commissioned Minister in the United Church of Christ is one of its lay members who has been
called by God and commissioned for a specific church-related ministry.
Proposed:
Delete “lay” to read: “one of its members . . .”
29 28 Licensing is the act whereby the United Church of Christ through an Association, in cooperation
with a person and a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, recognizes and authorizes that member
whom God has called to perform specified duties in a designated Local Church or within that Association,
mainly preaching and conducting services of worship, for a designated time under the supervision and
guidance of that Association. The license may be renewed. Voting membership in that Association may be
granted.
Proposed
. . . within a covenant of mutual accountability that includes appropriate supervision and guidance
of that Association. The license may be renewed. Voting membership in that Association is
granted.
30 29 A Licensed Minister of the United Church of Christ is one of its lay members whom God has
called and who has been recognized and authorized by an Association to perform specified duties in a
designated Local Church or within that Association, mainly preaching and conducting services of worship,
for a designated time under the supervision and guidance of that Association. The license may be
renewed.
Proposed
26
Delete “lay” to read: “one of its members. . . “
. . . within a covenant of mutual accountability that includes appropriate supervision and guidance
of that Association.
(New Paragraph 30:)
30 A Member in Discernment is a member of the United Church of Christ who has been called by
God and who is, in covenant with that member’s Local Church and Association, engaging in a
time of discernment of that call and preparation for ministry in response to that call.
Bylaws
ARTICLE I. THE MINISTRY Students for the Ministry
Change title: “Students for the Ministry” to “Members in Discernment”
101 A person desiring to prepare for the ordained ministry applies to be received as a Student in Care of
an Association. Application is made to the Association through the student’s pastor and the Local Church
of which the student is a member.
Proposed:
A member of a United Church of Christ wishing to explore God’s call to ministry, and the potential
of that call leading to authorized ministry (ordained, commissioned or licensed), requests, along
with the member’s local church, to enter a Covenant of Discernment with the Association.
102 The Committees on the Ministry of the student’s Conference and Association cooperate in examining
the applicant with respect to fitness, aptitudes, Christian experience, and commitment. If found to be
qualified, the applicant is received into the care of his or her Association. A student is expected to be in
care for at least one year prior to ordination.
The Committee on the Ministry of the member’s Association interviews the member to decide
whether to join with the member and the local church in a covenant of discernment. The goal of
discernment is to determine whether the member is called to authorized ministry, what the specific
character of that ministry might be, and, if authorization is appropriate, what steps are to be taken
toward authorization. Normally a covenant of discernment leading to authorization is expected to
be for not less than two years.
103 The Association extends fellowship, counsel, and assistance to the student during the time of the
student’s academic preparation for the ministry. The student is responsible to the Association.
The Association and the local church are in a mutual covenant with the Member in Discernment to
offer support, counsel, and direction during this time of decision making and preparation.
104 A student preparing for the ordained ministry is expected to pursue a course of study leading to a
bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, and a Master of Divinity degree, or its equivalent, from a theological
seminary approved by Local Church Ministries.
A Member in Discernment who is called to authorized ministry will follow a plan of preparation for
that ministry which has been prepared with the Association Committee on the Ministry.
Ordained Ministry
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105 Not more than six months prior to the completion of theological training, a student preparing for the
ordained ministry applies through his or her Local Church to its Association for approval as a candidate for
ordination. If the service of ordination is to be performed within an Association other than that of the
student, the procedure, including that described in the following paragraph, is initiated by that Association
and its Conference after consultation with the Association which holds the student in care.
Not more than six months prior to the completion of preparation for authorization, a Member in
Discernment preparing for the ordained ministry applies with his or her Local Church to its
Association for approval as a candidate for ordination. If the service of ordination is to be
performed within an Association other than that of the Member, the procedure, including that
described in the following paragraph, is initiated by that Association after consultation with the
Association which is in covenant with the Member in Discernment.
106 The Committees on the Ministry of the Conference and Association cooperate in examining the
candidate to determine ability; reasons for seeking the office of the ordained Christian ministry;
educational and theological attainments; knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the United
Church of Christ; and growth in Christian faith and experience; and make their recommendation of fitness
to the Association. If upon acceptance of the recommendation or upon further examination and decision
by the Association itself, the candidate is found to be qualified, ordination thereby is authorized, subject to
a call recognized by the Association.
The Committee on the Ministry of the Association examines the Member in Discernment to
determine ability; reasons for seeking the office of the ordained Christian ministry; preparation to
meet the responsibilities of the office; knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the United
Church of Christ; and growth in Christian faith and experience; and makes their recommendation
of fitness to the Association. If upon acceptance of the recommendation or upon further
examination and decision by the Association itself, the Member in Discernment is found to be
qualified, ordination thereby is authorized, subject to a call recognized by the Association.
107 Ordination by an Association of the United Church of Christ, in cooperation with the Local Church,
confers ordained ministerial standing as an Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ and status as
an Ordained Ministerial Partner of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
108 After the ordination or in anticipation of it, a certificate is issued bearing the signatures of the proper
officers of the Association and the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.
Ordained Ministerial Standing
109 An Ordained Minister moving from the bounds of one Association to another applies for a transfer of
ordained ministerial standing to the new Association.
110 An Ordained Minister engaged in parish ministry has standing in the Association in which the Local
Church served has standing. An Ordained Minister engaged in other than the parish ministry has standing
in the Association where his or her Local Church membership is held.
Proposed:
Change “parish ministry” to “local church ministry”
111 An Ordained Minister engaged in a ministry requiring prolonged absence from the United States, or
one that does not permit a fixed residence, is entitled to have ordained ministerial standing in the
Association of his or her choice.
112 An Ordained Minister who withdraws from active service in the ordained ministry prior to retirement
applies to his or her Association for leave of absence. The Association may grant such leave of absence
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for one year at a time. Except in special cases such leave of absence is not granted for more than five
years in succession.
113 An Ordained Minister retiring from active service by reason of age or disability retains ordained
ministerial standing in the Association of his or her choice.
114 An Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ serving a Local Church not affiliated with the
United Church of Christ or the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or serving a local church of the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) without ordained ministerial partner standing retains ordained
ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ so long as his or her Association approves.
115 A pastor’s church membership is in the Local Church which he or she serves, but such membership
shall not affect his or her standing in the United Church of Christ or disqualify that pastor from serving as a
delegate to the General Synod or holding elective office in that body.
Calling, Installing and Terminating a Pastor
This entire section, current Bylaws 116 – 125 to be moved to follow Licensed Ministry Bylaws.
Renumber all Bylaws accordingly.
116 145 It is the responsibility of a committee of the Local Church to seek a candidate for a vacancy in
the office of pastor.
117 146 In filling a vacancy or in securing pastoral services during the period of a vacancy, the
committee of the Local Church, through its Conference Minister, seeks the counsel of the placement
committee. This placement committee consists of the Conference Minister and other officers elected or
appointed by the Conference.
Proposed:
To read: seeks the counsel of the Conference Minister.
118 147 The committee of a Local Church requests the Conference Minister to secure relevant
information about any Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner whom it wishes to consider for the
vacancy.
Proposed
Ordained Minister, Ordained Ministerial Partner, or Licensed Minister whom it wishes to consider
or who requests to be considered for the vacancy.
119 Any Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner may confer with the Conference Minister
concerning a pastoral vacancy. At the Ordained Minister’s request or at the request of the Ordained
Ministerial Partner, his or her name shall be submitted by the Conference Minister for consideration by the
committee of any Local Church where there is a pastoral vacancy.
Proposed:
148 Any Ordained Minister, Ordained Ministerial Partner, or Licensed Minister
120 149 All vacancies within the Conference shall be reported promptly to the Office of General
Ministries by the Conference Minister.
121 150 The Committee of the Local Church presents to the church the name of a candidate it
recommend to fill the vacancy. The Local Church determines whether or not it wishes to call the person
recommended.
122 151 In the call the terms of the pastoral relationship are stated, including the agreement of the Local
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Church to participate in the pension fund on the pastor’s behalf. The pastor, the Local Church, and the
Conference Minister should each receive a copy of the call. The Conference Minister shall inform the
Office of General Ministries when the call has been accepted.
Proposed
Local Church, Association Committee on Ministry, and the Conference Minister
123 When an Ordained Minister accepts a call to a Local Church, the Ordained Minister and the church
join in requesting the Association to arrange for a service of installation or recognition.
152 When an Ordained Minister or Licensed Minister accepts a call to a Local Church, the
Minister and the church join in requesting the Association to arrange for a service of installation or
recognition.
124 153 Report of the service of installation or recognition is signed by the proper officer of the
Association and by the Conference Minister, and is forwarded to the Office of General Ministries.
125 154 When a pastor or a Local Church decides to terminate the pastoral relationship, notice of the
decision is sent to the Conference Minister and the Association. The Association takes action appropriate
to the dissolution of the pastoral relationship. The Conference Minister promptly informs the Office of
General Ministries of these actions.
Ordained Ministers from Other Denominations
126 116 A person has ordained ministerial partner standing in the United Church of Christ only when
serving a United Church of Christ calling body.
127 117 Upon demonstrating knowledge of, and appreciation for, the history, polity, and practices of the
United Church of Christ to the Association in which the person resides, an Ordained Ministerial Partner
may seek a call in the United Church of Christ.
128 118 An Ordained Ministerial Partner who accepts a call in the United Church of Christ applies for
ordained ministerial partner standing to the Association in which Local Church membership is held.
129 119 When an Ordained Ministerial Partner accepts a call to a Local Church, the Partner and the
Local Church join in requesting the Association to arrange for a service of installation.
130 120 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in an Association shall hold
membership in a Local Church of the United Church of Christ.
131 121 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in an Association shall maintain
ordained ministerial standing within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Region in which the United
Church of Christ calling body is located.
132 122 A person who has ordained ministerial partner standing in the United Church of Christ, and who
accepts a call in another Association, shall apply for a transfer of ordained ministerial partner standing to
the new Association.
133 123 When a disciplinary review is instituted in relation to a person holding ordained ministerial
partner standing in the United Church of Christ, the Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in
which the person’s ordained ministerial standing is maintained shall be informed and invited to participate
in the procedures.
134 124 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) shall maintain ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ. Ordained ministerial
standing shall be held in the Association in which local church membership is held.
135 125 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) shall hold local church membership in a local church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) .
136 126 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) shall relate to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for his or her primary support and
accountability in ordained ministry.
137 127 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) is subject to periodic review by the Association in which ordained ministerial standing is
maintained.
138 128 When a disciplinary procedure is instituted by a Region in relation to a person holding ordained
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ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the United Church of Christ
Association in which standing is held shall be informed and invited to participate. The Association may
accept the procedures and outcome of the Region or utilize its own procedures to determine the person’s
ongoing standing in the United Church of Christ.
139 129 When a person no longer has ordained ministerial standing in either the United Church of
Christ or Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), that person is no longer an Ordained Ministerial Partner
and ordained ministerial partner standing is nullified.
140 130 An ordained minister of another denomination who desires to enter the ordained ministry of the
United Church of Christ applies for Privilege of Call to the Association within whose bounds he or she
resides.
141 The Committees on the Ministry of the Conference and Association cooperate in examining the
applicant as to his or her abilities, reasons for desiring to enter the ordained ministry of the United Church
of Christ, educational and theological attainments, knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the
United Church of Christ, and Christian faith and experience. If the applicant is found to be qualified, the
Association grants Privilege of Call, thereby commending said applicant for placement in the United
Church of Christ. Privilege of Call shall be granted for a period of one year and may be renewed. After
accepting a call, the Ordained Minister applies for ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of
Christ to the Association of which the Local Church extending the call is a part.
131 The Committee on the Ministry of the Association examines the. . .
142 132 A certificate granting Privilege of Call is issued bearing the signatures of the proper officer of
the Association and the General Minister and President.
143 133 An ordained minister of another denomination other than the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) who wishes to retain ordained ministerial standing in that denomination and who has become
pastor of a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, or serves in a Covenanted, Affiliated or
Associated Ministry of the United Church of Christ, or has become pastor of a yoked charge or a
federated church one part of which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, or has been called to an
ecumenical ministry one constituent of which is the United Church of Christ, may apply to the Association
for dual ordained ministerial standing which is limited to duration of that pastorate or that responsibility,
and during that period may have all the rights and privileges of such membership.
Commissioned Ministers
144 A person seeking initial recognition and authorization as a Commissioned Minister applies through his
or her Local Church to the Association of which that church is a member.
134 A Member in Discernment seeking initial recognition and authorization as a Commissioned
Minister applies with his or her Local Church to the Association of which that church is a member.
145 The Committees on the Ministry of the Conference and Association cooperate in examining the
applicant with respect to Christian faith, character, ability to do the work expected, and as to education and
training to meet the responsibilities of the office to be filled, and make their recommendation of fitness to
the Association. If upon acceptance of the recommendation or upon further examination and decision by
the Association itself, the applicant is found to be qualified, commissioning thereby is authorized.
135 The Committee on the Ministry of the Association examines the Member in Discernment with
respect to Christian faith, character, ability to do the work expected and preparation to meet the
responsibilities of the office to be filled, . . . .
146 136 A certificate designating the applicant as Commissioned Minister is issued bearing the
signatures of proper officers of the Association and the General Minister and President.
147 137 A Commissioned Minister is listed separately from Ordained Ministers and from Licensed
Ministers on the rolls of the Association which has commissioned him or her. A Commissioned Minister is
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eligible for service only in the category of laymen or laywomen for all positions referred to in the Bylaws.
service only in lay categories
148 138 A Commissioned Minister moving from the bounds of one Association to another and who
continues in the specific church-related ministry, applies for a transfer of the commission to the new
Association.
149 139 A Commissioned Minister seeking to be commissioned for a new or different church-related
ministry applies to the Association for commissioning for the new ministry.
150 140 A Commissioned Minister who ceases to function in the specific church-related ministry to
which he or she was commissioned resigns the commission or applies to the Association for leave of
absence. Leave of absence is granted for one year at a time, but not more than three consecutive years.
Licensed Ministers
151 A person seeking recognition and authorization as a Licensed Minister applies through his or her
Local Church to the Association in which that church is a member.
141 A Member in Discernment seeking recognition and authorization as a Licensed Minister
applies with his or her Local Church to the Association of which that church is a member.
152 The Committee on the Ministry of the Association examines the applicant with respect to Christian
faith, character, ability to do the work expected, and knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the
United Church of Christ. If the applicant is found to be qualified, a license is granted by the Association for
not more than one year at a time to serve in a designated Local Church or within that Association.
Following a review by the Committee on the Ministry, the license may be renewed.
142 The Committee on the Ministry of the Association examines the Member in Discernment with
respect to Christian faith, character, ability to do the work expected, preparation to meet the
responsibilities of the office, educational and theological attainments, and knowledge of the
history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ. If the applicant is found to be qualified,
a license is granted by the Association for not more than one year to serve in a designated Local
Church or within that Association. Following a review by the Committee on the Ministry, the
license may be renewed annually for two more years after which the Association may grant the
license for a time determined to be appropriate.
153 In special cases and at the request of the Local Church which the person serves, the Association may
grant the Licensed Minister the right to administer the sacraments and rites of the Church for this Local
Church.
143 At the request of the Local Church which the person serves, the Association may grant the
Licensed Minister the right to administer the sacraments and rites of the Church for this Local
Church.
154 144 A Licensed Minister is listed separately from Ordained Ministers and from Commissioned
Ministers on the rolls of the Association which has licensed him or her. A Licensed Minister is eligible for
service only in the category of laymen or laywomen for all positions referred to in the Bylaws.
service only in lay categories
(Section on Calling, Installing, and Terminating a Pastor to be inserted here and become
paragraphs 145 - 154. All current Bylaws from 116 – 154 to be renumbered accordingly.)
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Discipline of Ministers
(Change title to Ministerial Accountability and add new Bylaw 155)
Ministerial Accountability
155 All authorized ministers of the United Church of Christ are active partners in a covenant of
mutual accountability with their Association of standing, their Local Church, and, in the case of
those serving in settings other than a local church, with their calling body. Such a covenant
includes, but is not limited to, mutual support and care, continued discernment of call, and lifelong
learning.
155 157 The discipline of Ordained Ministers, persons with ordained ministerial partner standing,
Commissioned Ministers, and Licensed Ministers is the responsibility of the Association in which their
current ecclesiastical authorization is held.
156 All authorizations for ordained ministerial standing, for ordained ministerial partner standing, and for
commissioned and licensed ministry granted by an Association are subject to periodic review by that
Association.
156 All authorizations for ordained ministerial standing, for ordained ministerial partner standing,
and for commissioned and licensed ministry granted by an Association are subject to oversight by
that Association, including periodic consultation and review.
(157 (see above) to be inserted here)
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