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NEC Minutes
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Feb 7, 2007, 09:48

NEC Meeting – Sept. 27-30, 2007   Vail’s Gate

Present: Gary Commins, Linda Gaither, Rex McKee, Bill Exner, Dick Kerner, Constance Trowbridge, Joyce Hardy, Allison Liles, Bobbie Armstrong, Will Wauters, Robert Two Bulls, Jackie Lynn, Tim Yeager, and Amy Coultas.  Guests: Sr. Sophia Woods,  Sue Claydon ( Vice-chair of APF) and Josh Frank (our new communications specialist) along with wife Jillian and Baby Jude.  Bob Davidson, chair of the Membership Task Force joined us on Friday evening. Unable to attend: Connie Dee Belmore, Brad Lamonte, Edward Lee, Ranjit Mathews, Steve Shanks, Madeleine Trichel.

Thursday:

We began with introductions and housekeeping for those who are new to Vail’s Gate.  For the evening session Gary introduced our focus/theme for the next several months-- “Embodying Our Vision.”  He  touched on the “Partners for Peace” campaign,  and some of the issues we need to spend time on over the next few days--i.e. (1)divestment and  a process for engaging controversial issues, (2)  Lambeth 2008,  (3) the membership task force plans, and (4) options on how often and how long we meet every year.  In order to participate in two discussions, we decided that Groups 1 and 2 would meet 7-8 PM Friday, and topics 3 and 4 will meet from 8-9.

Rex introduced some budget issues, including how finances break down for different meeting options, as well as a first look at the proposed 2008 budget. Jackie reported that the letter has been signed by the Presiding Bishop to begin the Partners for Peace Campaign and the letters will begin to go out to different categories.

Focus # 1

Began Friday morning with a meditation on “resiliency thinking” and some poetry by Denise Levertov, offered by Will Wauters.

          Jackie led the first focus session on the Peace Partners…..both organizational and individual leaders.  She handed out the letters signed by the PB that will go to both groups.  The Development Committee will report later in this meeting and try to answer common questions.  Will suggested that we think about having a report at the end of the campaign to show what we have done.  (The Peace Partners letter to go out tells what we are planning to do.)

Friday afternoon and evening was spent in various committee meetings and break-out groups.

Focus #2  Saturday morning - Change in the Church: 

Tim began with a report on the Consultation meeting last week.  There is much anxiety around the restructure of national church staff.  All must re-apply for jobs and jobs may be very different. Hopefully, we will hear from Brian when he returns to the country and see what his take is on the reorganization.  (As an example, Peace and Justice will not exist as a job title.  It will be part of what will be under the title “Advocacy.”)  All the jobs and job descriptions are posted on the website.  The Consultation members were able to follow what was going on at the House of Bishops meeting with help from Susan Russell of Integrity, who was present, along with a conservative blogger who wrote of daily goings on.  They sent a letter to the House of Bishops while they were meeting, which Tim sent to NEC members.  The Consultation also passed a resolution supporting HR676 – John Conyers bill on universal health care.  There is a new curriculum from the Episcopal Network for Economic Justice (ENEJ) on Money and the Church.

Jackie reported on the meeting with the Presiding Bishop that was attened by Winnie, Ranjit, Gary and her -- on June 4^th.  They shared EPF’s strategic planning goals and the PB enthusiastically agreed to sign the letter for the Peace Partners campaign.

 Joyce talked about her experience on the Executive Council, who meet next at the end of October in Dearborn, Michigan. .  (Executive Council meets 3 times each year and their goal is to spread meetings around so they can meet in each province.)  National and International Concerns committee is working to clear up resolutions that never got through the process at General Convention.  Currently they are looking at immigration issues and have a legal tool kit available for the sanctuary movement.  They also are working on issues around Middle East conflict, and the crisis of refugees. We agreed  to send a letter encouraging protesting the recent reversal of Israel policy that now  requires Palestinian clergy to apply for a visa to return…resulting in an inability to travel.

                   COMMITTEE REPORTS

Change in the Church is a new committee looking for connections to work within organizations inside the church.  Hopefully, we will get some members of this committee from outside the NEC.  Amy had a power point presentation to share pictures of her March trip to South Africa with TEAM (Toward Effective Anglican Mission).  She went as our EPF representative.  There was representation from 33 provinces of the communion (more than 400 folks in attendance.)  The focus was on the MDGs. One of the pictures showed a huge banner that read  “Anglicans United in Hope.”  You can look on the website-- www.Team2007.org – and see all the papers/addresses that were presented.  Amy reported that there was an overwhelming American presence which made it difficult to avoid looking dominant.  They did make a real effort to be quiet and listen.  Good discussion and questions followed Amy’s description  of this life-changing trip.

Membership:  Bob Davidson reported on the work of the task force, which included Allison and Will from NEC and several from outside the NEC.   He asked us to keep in mind that we have a high rate of drop-off.  We need a retention plan.  The first ideas:

*Instill healthy competition between e.g. chapters, dioceses, provinces, campus organizations, seminaries, etc.( e.g. recognition with awards at General Convention)

*Changing the face of EPF – becoming younger, more colorful, more geographically balanced.

*mentoring – starting in universities and seminaries and following them.    

Initial plans include:

Revise membership application and start-up material.  Target material to young people with appropriate pictures and testimonials.

Trial run at Province IV conference for college students.  Goal to have chapter in every seminary by end of 2008.  Have to reach into 5 more.  Jackie will be going to Yale-Berkley  and speaking to the newly formed chapter there on Sunday.   They’ll target some other constituencies, looking for other networks.  They will then evaluate this first effort.  The downside is that young adults don’t spend much money on membership, so this cannot be looked at as a fundraising effort.  This is the future for EPF.  Discussion followed. We want to incorporate these ideas into our strategic plan.  We also suggested that the task force take another look at a possible difference between being a “supporter” and being a “member”.  Sr. Sophia asked what she should say to Latino congregations about joining.  Suggestions were made to involve new folks in activities and programs and then offer membership later.  Gary offered to find someone to translate our material into Spanish.  .

Development:

(1)Work on Paul Jones Legacy Society will be put off until January.

(2)Foundations:  A few will focus on Native American projects and we will concentrate there for now.

(3) Peace Partners  (See summary sheet)

Budget:  Rex presented the budget we received Thursday evening and explained details.  We’ve been on a track for the past 3 years of trying to prepare a more realistic budget.  Income Projection will be reduced next year in line with that.  For instance, it is hoped that the next full time hire might be a full time young adult intern, but it would only be possible to consider if the campaign is successful or if we were able to get a grant for that work.  The NEC affirms the budget for 2008 – giving the Executive Committee authority to modify (not to exceed projected total of $196,700) after results of the Peace Partners Campaign are known.  It passed unanimously.  Also passed  unanimously a resolution complying with IRS regulations that   % of Jackie’s salary be designated for housing. Rex will sign and send to Jackie for files.

Nominations:  Committee reported that Tim Yeager will run again for another 3 year term.  Robert Two Bulls, and Will Wauters have agreed to run for full 3 year terms (after serving one year terms). New nominees are: Will Scott,  priest at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco for a 3 year term   Sydney Leathers, an 18 yr. old from Indiana for the 1 year position, to fill in the one year unexpired term of Nancy Appleby.  We are hoping that Joy Shigaki will be the third nominee. We want to remember to put out a call for nominations each Spring issue of EPW.  They will be e-mailed for brief information and picture for the Fall issue.

Non-Violence:

Tool kits: a 45 minute, 2 hour, 4 hour, and a one day nonviolence module will soon be available.  Process for development of tool kits will be under the Non-Violence Committee and then move to Communications for distribution. The first project is a tool kit for youth summer camps.  There will also be one for youth groups.  Then comes a tool kit for a day long vestry retreat.  Brainstorming is beginning on one for local chapters.  The goal is to have the first 4 tool kits by December 1^st.

Constable Fund:  Apply through 815 (for EPF --via Brian Grieves).  Maximum grant is $25,000 (although there might be multiple year grants).  It is administered out of the department on Mission (Jim Lemmler). The committee did some brainstorming around a possible project for developing interfaith peace teams to work with young adults/youth. Discussion followed about combining this idea with a young adult intern.  The Fund requirements will be explored.  An idea was offered to partner  with APF (Sue Claydon) on a book for children—“Anglican Peacemakers.”

Communications:

The communications Coordinator job description will be divided and an additional job will be created called, Publicity Coordinator.  The Web Site is changing and we will be converting to the web tools of the Episcopal Media Center in Atlanta which will be more user-friendly.  Josh will be working on re-design to match the EMC specs after he completes the fall EPW. Fall 2007 EPW will focus on Iraq War.  (Also need article on launch of Partners for Peace which Linda will write.)  Future topic ideas: Spring  2008 EPW – Environmental Cost of War; Fall 2009 EPW  - Increase of inter-personal violence

Public Witness:

*Action Groups – Some are more active than others. There has been significant improvement in both the Iraq, Death Penalty and Israel/Palestine Groups.

*Regional events:  Will identify 3-5 regions to have events in March 2008.  Planning groups need to be named to begin work.  NEC asked to suggest areas. Suggestions were Minneapolis, maybe San Antonio or Austin, Arkansas, San Francisco.  They will be in touch with the Iraq Action Group.

Advocacy:

Mission of the committee is still evolving.  They want to network with non-Episcopal groups.  One idea discussed would be an exchange of web links.  Committee would also look at groups where we have traditionally had representation and maintain communication with them. We will look at the strategic plan material to try and further clarify some of what we brainstormed about at our Spring 2007 meeting.  Perhaps we could consider EPPN (Episcopal Public Policy Network) under the Advocacy Committee, rather than Changing the Church.  Since they are limited to what has already been passed by the church, we could help get resolutions to Executive Council.  We also need to be in touch with the Standing Commission on Anglican International Peace and Justice Concerns (SCAIPJC).

                   Saturday Evening reports on the 4 discussion groups.

*Strategic Planning – almost finished.  Barbara Raye will be with us one day at our Spring meeting to make sure we are on track.  What is unfinished is getting the word out and looking at the specific data that we got from the survey.  There are some suggestions for contacting specific people.  This can be cleared up soon.  Jackie suggested having a graphic for strategic planning that could be on the website and in EPW to simply remind folks of the Strategic Plan, that has worked well in the Chicago Diocese .   There will be an article in the Fall issue summarizing the Strategic Plan and inviting all to become part of the Peace Partner Campaign.  Gary will write it.

*Divestment  et al—We agreed to a process for handling requests for EPF sign-ons from various organizations….especially ones that are difficult/controversial. In the future the executive committee will send out requests on positions to the NEC and members will write back-- using  the consensus system Madeleine spoke of at the Spring meeting.

 1 = agree,  2 = agree with reservations,  3 = disagree, but will not block  or

 4 = disagree.

We did all agree to send a letter to Sabeel and a proposal to Executive Council on the limitation on travel for clergy in Israel/Palestine.

Lambeth:  Plans are still vague due to a frustrating lack of information coming from Lambeth planners.  APF has blocked rooms at The Friars @ Aylesford and we are invited to join them for their annual conference there – from Thursday July 21 to Sunday the 24^th.  Aylesford is approximately 24 miles from Canterbury and they hope for a walk into Canterbury (from 5 miles out?) and a liturgy at the Cathedral.  They are registered for the Marketplace and invite us to join their exhibit.  We will stay in touch as plans (both Lambeth’s and ours develop.)

Alternate meeting plans.  Committee proposes meeting in Chicago for 3 days (2 nights).  That means planning for arrival in Chicago by 3 PM Thurs and leave after 3 on Sat.  We will try this two times and evaluate. Suggestion for a contest: find an inexpensive location that is easy to fly into and the winner will receive a scholarship award for their meeting expense!  For the Fall meeting after General Convention—maybe just the Executive Committee would meet.  Expenses would be capped and could mean a flat rate (say $300 or less) that would include the $125 airfare and the room and board. Jackie and Tim will investigate Chicago meeting space/hotels. Jackie will send out detailed instructions for using the train from airports.

Sunday Morning:

We met to wrap up loose ends:

1.   We all should make a list of institutions/organizations etc. --especially within our provinces--for Peace Partners campaign and send them to Jackie.
2. Agenda for next NEC meeting: (the first of our 3 day meetings):  Decided to have Barbara  Raye come for Friday morning session.
3. Committee structure for next NEC meeting: Some committees may not need to meet at each NEC gathering. Divided committees into 3 categories: (1) crucial  (Membership, Change in the Church, Non-Violence.  (2) handle in rump sessions: Communications,  Nominations , Development, Public Witness  and (3)  do written report  only -- for Advocacy, Finance and HR.      

Executive Committee Meeting:  Evaluation:  What could we do better?  Preparation will be smoother when we meet in Chicago, as well as access to copying, etc.  This meeting we could have been more productive Thursday night.  We ought to have a theme for the next NEC: perhaps “partnerships” and “collaborations”.  Thursday  - we could have orientation of newcomers at 3:30 and then a short, simple wine/snack for ½ an hour and a very early supper. 

We need to make sure that everyone knows how much time Jackie will be spending on the campaign over the next couple of months.  The Exec. Committee divided the NEC list and will encourage them to follow-up with calls to their Peace Partner Leaders.   Bobbie will follow-up with on Dick, Constance, and Connie Dee.  Rex:  Tim, Robert, Edward, and Amy.  Gary: Will, Ranjit, and Steve.  Linda: Madeleine,  Allison and Joyce.  Jackie: Executive committee and Brad

2008 NEC schedule:

Spring Meeting – April 17-19  Chicago 

Fall Meeting   - October 16 - 18 Chicago

Communications: Tuesday May 22 5PM EDT (4^th Tues)

Development  May 23^rd 11:00 EASTERN (4^th Wednesday)

Advocacy        Wed. 16, June 20, July 18 at 10 AM EDT (3^rd Weds)

Exec. Comm.  Wed. May 23 at 5 PM EDT

NEC Minutes – Vail’s Gate – October 19-22, 2006

Present:  Janet Chisholm, Chair, Gary Commins, Vice-Chair, Bobbie Armstrong, Secretary,  Nick Rex McKee, Treas.,  Nancy Appleby, Amy Coultas, Bill Exner, Linda Gaither,  Ranjit Mathews David Mycoff, Constance Trowbridge, Tim Yeager, Jackie Lynn, Executive Director, Chavasse, Program Coordinator Sharon Meyers, consultant.  Chapter visitors: Susan Bonsteel and Lynne Dennison (Mid-Hudson EPF Chapter- Kingston.

Thursday Evening:  We brainstormed around “Feeding the Roots.”  Janet laid out the theme of Grassrooots Organizing, citing the problem many peace organizations have when their activism is centralized where staff is.  After some silence, we began to share questions and ideas.  We agreed that we need to get the word out at as many Episcopal gatherings as possible.  We do more than we used to, but many suggestions came regarding more efforts at engaging people when they join. (e.g. phone calls to new members).  How about articles that can be put in publications rather than ads?  Movable magnetic bumper stickers, camera-ready bulletin inserts for parishes, banners for churches to use, prayers from G.C., a slide-show on the website, recommended reading lists for parishes, companion chapters (phone calls), putting unaffiliated members in a “territory” so they would feel more connected, and non-threatening resources for parishes in packets….were some of the ideas generated. 

After reports from Jackie Lynn, Nick Chavasse, and Bill Exner (Consultation) we closed with Compline, led by Linda Gaither that included a meditation from Donna Hicks (CPT in Hebron).

Friday Morning:  Gary Commins led with a meditation on three personal experiences followed by reflections on (1) the degrees of evil, (2) the nature of the peace movement and (3) introspection (anger and hatred –as acts of violence).  We continued with 30 minutes of small group brainstorming: follow-up on grass roots and structure --to feed the Membership Committee, how to strengthen our public presence –to feed the Events Committee, and “strategic planning – planning!  We need specific, measurable goals.  We know we are over-reaching at present, but eventually we want to reach even further.  We must have a strategic plan.  Committee meetings followed. 

Friday Evening - Committee Reports:   (The minutes reflect highlights.  Details of discussion in all committees are found in the separate Committee Report sheets.)

Communications:   Three primary areas were reported.  Electronic distribution, Episcopal Peace Witness and Quarterly bulletins.

1)        Electronic – means a weekly e-mail with links to other material (like ENS, SOJO Mail).  This can include seasonal prayers, resources, etc.  Rex will coordinate.  Amy and Ranjit will help do it.

2)        Quarterly bulletins – We will produce everything for the web, and then hard-copy for those not on-line.  This is the opposite of what we have been doing. This assumes an electronic bias and asks people to subscribe.  For print – we can fold 4  11/17  pages giving 16 pages. (like a magazine).  It would have the calendar in it and be driven toward action items and more timely than current EPW.

3)       EPW – we recommend it be a journal produced 2x a year.  There will be regular features, i.e. “wisdom of the elders” to be coordinated by Janet, “wisdom of young adults” to be coordinated by Amy, “monastic reports” coordinated by the Convent of St. Helena, “theological reflections” coordinated by Ranjit, chapter reports, events and activities (Jackie), CCP (Nick) and Poetry, Book, Film, Theatre reviews coordinated by REX., Within the issue there would be a reflective piece with a call for submission, an honorarium offered to those chosen, and  a judging panel.  Robin will be asked to transfer the format into a new journal and asked if she is interested in editing it..

Membership: 

“Give a Gift of Peace” – We will print 10,000 (not date sensitive) and mail to entire mailing list of 2500.  We looked at present membership goals and decided to track over a 5 yr. period to compare.

 Lots of ideas for increasing membership were discussed.  There are a lot of peace groups looking for money and it would be helpful to draft talking points…. “Why join EPF”… for folks doing phone calls.  (David will do draft).  It could be on a small card that could be mailed out. 

Jackie will recommend 3 pilot areas and identify contact people in those areas.  They could phone members and offer a list of parish resources for them to choose what would be helpful to them.  (e.g. Prayers of the People, children’s reading list, cheap banners, Litany for Social Justice,  bulletin inserts, “Teach Me About Peace” sticker for baby seats, etc. ).  All resources should be listed on web also.

 The committee suggested that we establish a “Peace Sunday” at either the parish or diocesan level.  The date for this was not firmly established.  “Action Groups” (formerly known as “interest groups” and will be called “action/interest groups” as we transition through already printed material) will now be considered under the Events committee and asked to commit to an action each year. 

We need to get on the new PB’s calendar.  We could invite her to a meeting, ask her if she were willing to lend her name to a “I renewed my membership—how about you” campaign.  In addition, it would be good to connect with Bishops for a Just Society. Also we should send membership appeal letters with the names of members in our dioceses.                           * * * * * * * * * *

Retirement festivities followed for our outgoing chair, Janet Chisholm,  with special guests David Selzer, daughter Hannah, and Ethan Fladd and several of the sisters from St. Helena’s. 

                                                     * * * * * * * * * *

Saturday morning:  

Rex began with a meditation on the Millennium Development Goals. In 24 hours, 25,000 people die of hunger and disease.  We cannot achieve the MDG’s without creating a culture of non-violence.  What causes most war but an attempt to hold on to resources?

Guests Sue Bonsteel and Lynn Dennison from the Mid-Hudson EPF chapter were introduced and welcomed.  Reports followed.

Finance 

Rex presented the budget , which you have as a separate attachment.  Every line has an account number and budget and it was very understandable.  Much praise!  There are major considerations, however.  We cannot continue to use money from the reserve  or we will have used it all up in 21/2 years.  A new campaign will be the subject of our Spring planning meeting.

Four questions we need to ask ourselves:  1)HR policy – justice/parity/market? 2) what is our Endowment policy?  3)Return on investment goals for consultants? And (4) How do we manage/evaluate success from the CCP investment?  Are we getting any new members from it?

We discussed the health insurance issue and decided to explore alternatives to the diocesan insurance.  There is a possibility that we could do something with the Lutherans.  There is still nothing for retirement.

CONSENSUS – add $5000 expense to travel line for young adult/low income scholarship.

CONSENSUS    - accept the budget ($235,203) including approval of housing allowance* of $13,000 for the Executive Director.  (* Rex will use a document from the Diocese of Minnesota and sign and keep on file re: housing allowance for Jackie.)

Focus #2 – General Convention evaluation and action.

Four of our resolutions (Iran, 2 on Israel/Palestine, and Cuba) did not reach the floor of convention although they had been approved by the committee.  We agreed to send them to Executive Council which meets in early November in Chicago.

Gary and Janet will write two letters: one congratulating Katherine Jefferts-Schori, expressing our delight at her election, and inviting her to a meeting.  The other will be written by Gary with help from Bill and will go to Bonnie Anderson…. expressing our dismay and hoping for better….(or words to that effect).

Events 

  The committee needs a new chair for the Spring 2007 meeting.  We transferred Interest/Action groups into our committee. We wish to cultivate an EPF presence at many events.  We began generating a list of them and who could coordinate.

Jonathan Daniels pilgrimage                                Steve Shanks                                                    SOA     November action                                 Steve Shanks

NDE                                                                 ?

Urban Caucus    (EUC)                                       NEC members

Consultation                                                      “    “

Integrity Conference                                           NEC members (went to Atlanta)

FOR Mid-East delegations                                  encourage but not sponsor

The Declaration of Peace has several events.  The NEC endorses the ecumenical Christian response to the war, hopefully on March 16^th.  United for Peace and Justice also planning for this time. (Editor’s note:  the time may be Sunday evening, March 11 instead).   There will be information in our weekly e-mail to promote.

In December (27-30) Celebrate (college age conference) will take place in New Orleans.

We could pay expenses for a young adult to go and “evangelize” for EPF. Ranjit will contact  Joseph Shippen and Jackie will talk with Tom Chu  about opportunities for EPF presence.  Tim, Jackie and Nick will call Bishop Persell re: Executive Council and Standing Commissions meeting in Chicago in November.  Jackie will talk with Brian Grieves about the best way to proceed on the resolutions.  We would want all 4 presented, but if we have to prioritize then Iran is #1, Israel-Palestine #2 and Cuba #3.

Spring 2007 meeting:  Jackie will invite Provincial Rep. Vickie Garvey to update us.

Development

            Proposals:  3 are out and several more going pre-Christmas.  Letters of inquiry going out next week.

            Paul Jones Legacy Society: So far we only have 11 who have let us know EPF is in their wills.  A sub-committee will be formed to work on this. (David Selzer has agreed to chair and suggested Janet for co-chair.)  Other names to ask are  Phil Jacobs, Llewellyn Bell, Sandy Hampton).  Also need to develop a list of potential contacts.  The entire NEC can help with this.

            On-line shopping: we will experiment with 3 possible vendors.  The items are crafts from the developing world.  We could get a 1/3, but want to make sure the artisans are paid well, so will proceed carefully.

            Passion for Peace:  We have received over $100.000 and are still owed $56,000 but there is 1 and 1/2 years left.  Want to do Passion for Peace  II.  We are looking for parishes (endowed) who could give $ for peace.

 An invitation has come from Brian Grieves to send EPF to S. Africa:  Ranjit is checking to see if this is possible for him.  We have $1500 from a recent bequest and we could see if the YA office at 815 or Brian’s office could match.  Others could apply if Ranjit cannot go.

Consultant evaluation:  Contract goes through March.  Budget has $1000 per month until the end of 2007.

Human Resources

            Nominations:  Brad LaMonte, Joyce Hardy, Allison Liles, Steve Shanks, Madeleine Trichel and Bishop Ed Lee will serve 3 year terms.  This will means next year we have 6 in this class and 16 on the NEC plus 4 officers and the executive director next year.  This will be for this time only.  Our intent is to normally have 15 plus officers and ED.  When Bp. Lee’s term is up, the bishop nominee will be one of the 5 for that class.  Robert Two Bulls and Will Waters will be asked to serve one-year unexpired terms.  Officers voted on are:  Gary Commins - Chair, Linda Gaither - Vice-Chair, Bobbie Armstrong-Secretary and Rex McKee-Treasurer.  The HR committee will draft a proposed nominations process that will include passing the names by the entire NEC before folks are nominated. 

            COLA adjustment is to be calculated each June (using May data) and implemented on July 1 of each year for full and part-time employees.  It will be based on

the increase in the “CPIW index current series” for the applicable metropolitan area.  The website to get info is:   www.bis.gov

            Staff evaluations are almost complete; and the process for salary/benefits review is established as follows:  At the fall meeting, the HR chair will clarify issues with the Treasurer.  HR will request $ to be set aside if feasible.  HR chair will make proposal to HR committee.  Based on evaluations and financial situation, committee will make decision.

Non-Violence

            Pilot Trainings:  Will look at dioceses where bishops supported young adults at General Convention, Native Americans in Minnesota, and tie-ins with grassroots membership.  Each pilot would seed others, but we would ask pledges of another event in the year following training. Details on plans and costs are in the separate report.

There is a need to train organizers for all these events.  Many inquiries come about possible trainings, but  they lack someone who is willing/able to organize the event.

            General Convention: We will want to go back in 2009 and ask for $ again, being sure to show what we did with the $21,000 from 2006.  Janet will talk with Sally Johnson about the process for mandating “safe church”, and Jayne Oasin on anti-racism training as required for ordination.

Mutual Ministry Evaluations

            Thanks to Tim, we were able to fill these out and score them.  Jackie will send everyone a blank form.  Keep it so you can refer to it in the future. We will look at these when doing our strategic planning in the Spring.  The largest gaps exist in questions 12, 7, 8 and 4.  There are little or no gaps in questions 14, 3, 2, 13, 10 and 15.  This will only make sense if you have the form in front of you. 

Strategic planning

We need to clarify objectives and how we measure success.  There has been a lot of change, but it is difficult to measure our progress.  A consultant will be hired to help us. Any one who wants to be part of the Strategic Planning Task Force –volunteer to Jackie. We will begin our Spring meeting with some community building.  We’ll have 7 new NEC members and would also like to set aside about 1 and 1/2 hours for a discussion on a contemporary issue. 

Greetings

(A letter will go to all bishops who contributed to the young adult presence at GC)

Dick Kerner                   David

Connie Dee Belmore   Bobbie

Winnie Varghese           Gary

Peggy                           Jackie

Jane Macarthy               David

Brian Grieves                 Jackie

David Selzer                  Rex

And finally, Linda will revise the flow chart for Communications so we can all see it graphically.  Let the nagging begin!

NEXT MEETING -  APRIL 19-22 in Chicago

Fall 2007 Meeting dates are September 27-30  at Vails Gate

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