Minutes, March 31, 2007
Attendees: Bonnie Bates, Convenor; David Southard, Recorder; Clarence Price, Lawrence Gilley; Dorothy Gist; Ginger Comstock; Richard Cowles; Scott Brown; Robert Welcher; Nathan Wright and Marjorie Price.
Bonnie opened our Meeting at 11 AM. We all welcomed Dorothy Gist back to the fold whom we hadn't seen in awhile and three (3) new members, Nathan Wright, Marjorie Price and Robert Welcher. Bonnie asked us to think about, how many people arm themselves with the Bible to attack as she asked God, in prayer, to help us to NOT attack, but to be open-minded when dealing with others.
Minutes from the January Meeting were reviewed (Dave provided copies to those needing them); the one change from the original meeting had already been made so the minutes were accepted, by consensus, with the change.
Web Site responsibility transfer was next discussed. Bonnie has not, yet, heard from Adrienne, so Clarence volunteered to take charge of this (to update the site until someone from UCC Conf. Office updates). Lawrence, also, agreed to handle this and will work with Clare. Lawrence will call Carol to get our website back. (Ginger said that NYHELP is a link to our NYConf website).
Following the Agenda, we did a debriefing of the Missionary visits to our Conf. Bob, Scott and Dave reported on the UCC in Bayberry/Phoenix visit, Clare reported on their visit to Greene UCC and Bonnie reported on the Madrid UCC visit. All seemed to agree that the visit(s) were worthwhile and enjoyed by those who attended.
Bob Welcher, our new Missionary Relations Coordinator, asked about Adora Iris Lee and how she'll be involved. According to Scott, Adora has a wonderful knowledge of the HIV/AIDS situation. He believes Adora already has a presentation prepared. We discussed, at length, logistics and other matters related to Missionary visits. We as a Commission, wish to thank the following for their help with Missionary Relations: Bonnie Bates, P. V. George, Kathy Kline, Alice Hopkins, Lawrence Gilley and Rick Cowles. Those present at our meeting, today, voted unanimously to approve payment to Kathy Kline for providing transportation. Dave was asked to write letters from the Commission thanking the aforementioned individuals, but reminded everyone that he was NOT the corresponding secretary, only the meeting recorder. Lawrence agreed to write the letters.
Bob asked for an official list of Association contact people for Missionary Relations. Bonnie responded that all Assoc. don't have such contact persons, at this time.
Under the subject of NEW Missionary Relationships, Dawn and Jon Barnes were one of the hosts for Rick's Africa group last summer and wondered whether they could have a relationship with our Conference. They are from the Christian Church/Disciples of Christ. Scott recommends the Barnes. Bob will find out with which Missionaries the UCC has a relationship. Scott Cooper and Phyllis Byrd were mentioned. Bob will be in contact with Hq Global Ministries. Rick explained, to us, what it means to be in relationship with a missionary. Lawrence said he believes that 10 days' visit within an Association is an ideal length of stay. Dorothy spoke of a Missionary who wanted some of her return time for visiting her family. She wonders if we shouldn't ASK the visiting Missionaries just what involvement they want or are prepared to carry out during their visit. Someone suggested that we consider the Hansons in Honduras for a Missionary relationship.
Next on our agenda was The Disaster Response Team (DiRT) discussion. Bonnie has been unable to engage Eileen Dearborn in conversation---they seem to be playing 'telephone tag'. Eileen informed Rick she would NOT be able to attend today's meeting. Due to our extreme lack of a disaster response structure in the NY Conf., Bonnie believes we should 'fix' this situation IMMEDIATELY. Clare made a motion that we ask Eileen to withdraw her appointment as DiRT Coordinator for the NYConf. and to serve, instead, as a technical Coordinator. 2nded by Bob, the motion was passed unanimously. Bonnie will correspond with Eileen. Clare volunteered to get the Disaster Response effort going for us. Geoffrey has mentioned to Clare that he's greatly concerned that there is NO network for Disaster Response in the NY Conf. Bob made the motion that Clare be appointed as Disaster Response Director (Coordinator) for the NY Conf. 2nded by Lawrence, the motion was passed, unanimously. Dave volunteered to serve on Clare's team. Clare will follow up with the Florida Relief team members.
Ginger brought us up-to-date on NYHelp issues. Ten (10) travelers visited Honduras on February/March trip, this year. There will be a new school half way down the mountain. That and the project to replace thatched roofs with corrugated tin is progressing. She spoke, highly, of the benefits of continuing a Soccer Tournament, which she called, 'a wonderful meeting venue'. Funds available will buy medicines for schools. Three (3) people will travel there on August 13. She spoke of getting airline tickets at an incredibly reasonable cost. The Warsaw UCC will have a power-point presentation by NYHelp.
Geoffrey has informed Rick that we won't be able to get space for a display at Synod this June. Bonnie is suggesting we have 'speak outs' prepared. Bob and Nathan volunteered for this. A handout will be prepared by Clare who will send to us to 'massage' . Rick offered grace after bringing our lunch.
During a working lunch, we heard from Clare and Marj Price about a (new) covenant with the Mision Cristiana Church, of Nicaragua. Clare provided us with information about the history. Marjy e-mailed Pastor Castro during several correspondences. Any transportation costs will have to be limited due to NYConf. Budget limitations. Marj proposed a conference call. Rick believes we need a face-to-face meeting with the Mision Cristiana delegation. Clare will contact Ray Morris about recommending a delegation from the US. Proposal to change the wording of the proposed covenant, to 'Relationship', rather than 'Covenant'. Marjory, Nathan and Ray will form a Committee to set up the relationship/covenant. They will report back at our next Commission meeting. We'll provide the Committee with authorization to use budgeted funds. Check whether other Denominations or Conferences already have a covenant with Mision Cristiana.
Rick and Clare will investigate additional Disaster Response locations for Work Camps.
Location for our 'Mission/Possible II' Retreat will be Christ the King Retreat House (Syracuse) on the weekend of November 2-3, 2007. A discussion ensued as to what the program should include.
Contact each Assoc. to ask them to send a person/delegation
Invite Jan Aerie for her ideas and presentation
Invite a Mision Cristiana delegate. Other cross cultural info
Bonnie will contact us for ideas.
Clare will get word out to each Assoc. President that we would like to identify a Global Church representative from every Association!!!!
Meeting adjourned before 3 PM, closed in prayer by Clare Price.
Our next scheduled NYConf Commission on the Global Church Meeting will be: Saturday, July 21, 2007, at the NY Conference Office.
Minutes respectfully submitted:
David G. Southard