NCNC UCC COUNCIL MINUTES

Transcription

1 In Attendance: Council Members: Jeannie Hobson, Patsy Finster, Richard Brabham, Eunice Aaron, Kelly Wilson, Mike Hill, Phil Konz, Fed Ranches, George Conklin, Liz Armstrong Rachel Kau-Taylor, Vic Robinson NCNC Staff: Diane Weible, Tom Clark Guests: Allen O Brien, Doris Laughner 10:00am Tour of Elk Grove facility and prayer by Elk Grove Minister Allen O Brien Meeting called to order by President Eunice Aaron Check in - Council members shared their hopes, dreams, concerns, and joys. There is overall concern regarding the state of the recent election. Special note is the Council s collective recognition of Rev. John Deckenback and the wonderful service in his honor as well as expressions of love for Steve Mevert s partner Pete Espinoza. Treasurer s Report: See attached report The current deficit is approximately $42, Expenses are down but income also down. Letters will be going out with signatures of Roy Mosely, Eunice Aaron, and Diane Weible to: 1. Non-giving churches to encourage them to give to OCWM and will have follow up after letters are received 2. Other churches that give but contributions have gone down inviting them to increase their contributions MOTION: Approve the treasurer s report as presented Phil Konz, 2 nd Fed Ranches motion passed unanimously Annual Gathering: Kelly Wilson reports update from Roy Mosley, Moderator. Business Committee is on hold until January. Standing Rules have been approved. The Moderator s project to raise a goal of $ to help offset costs of groups performing at annual gathering on hold until January has already raised $ Roy currently using energy to Raise The Roof fundraiser for Berkeley Church. Goal is $ have raised $ Concerts are: November 19, First Congregational Church, San Francisco (6:00 pm) and Lake Park Methodist Church December 18, 2016 (6:00pm). Tickets available for those that cannot afford to buy them contact Roy Mosley. Annual Gathering Planning Team feels they are ahead of schedule at this time. Next meeting will be November 17, conference office meetings are open to anyone wishing to come. Theme for Annual Gathering 2017 is: Coming Home to Peace, Going Forth to Disrupt. Scripture Jeremiah 29: One speaker NCNC UCC Council Minutes

2 confirmed Kauzu Haga from East Point Peace Academy, waiting for confirmation from 2 nd speaker Kristian Gill-Stoneking from usa.org. Issues for Sonoma State from last Council meeting are being addressed. Conference Minister s Evaluation: Richard noted that there was no history found for format of evaluations of past Conference Ministers therefore the committee had to start from scratch to develop a process. The evaluation was compiled from responses from peers, lay, staff. Committee met with Diane Weible on November 11, The overall response was very positive. Five priorities were defined as follows: The Personnel Committee endorses the following priorities for the work of conference staff. 1. Support the search and call process with faithfulness, diligence and creativity, 2. Support the processes of pastoral formation particularly through support of the Committee on Ministry function, 3. Support existing clergy through a variety of interventions including (but not limited to): 4. Creation of structures of accountability (e.g. CPE and CPE-like groups), 5. Coaching and mentoring, 6. Support of lifelong learning as a bedrock assumption of our common life. 7. Cultivate the growth of a culture of call in all setting of the conference, particularly through work with youth and young adults and those who minister with youth and young adults. 8. Be open to cooperative ministry with others both in and outside the United Church of Christ with whom we share faith and values. The evaluation document will be posted on-line Personnel Committee: Patsy Finster, Roy Mosely, Rachel Kau-Taylor, Richard Brabham MOTION: NCNC UCC Council accepts the evaluation report as presented. Moved Jeannie Hobson, 2 nd Kelly Wilson passed unanimously Nominating Committee: NCNC UCC Council Minutes

3 As Vice President it is the responsibility to form a nominating committee to recommend persons to fill vacancies on NCNC committees and Council. Will need: 4 persons from current NCNC Council those that volunteered Vic Robinson, Rachael Kau-Taylor, Fed Ranches, Phil Konz. In addition will need 4-6 persons from different associations. Please get names from Associations to Richard deadline January 1, 2017 Lunch: Thank you to Elk Grove Congregational Church for a wonderful, delicious lunch! Investment Proposal(s) Tom reports the sale of the Faith Community property was $517, is currently sitting in the NCNC checking account and that we need to decide how to invest this money. Suggestion #1 put $100, into Cornerstone and $300, into UCF with the remaining $117, left in the checking account to help bolster this account due the revenue being low. Diane s dream proposal. Create an endowment fund using 5% per year for the vitality of NCNC churches. After much discussion the following motion was presented. MOTION: Create an Endowment Fund of $450, for Vitality of the NCNC churches. The remaining funds from of $67, to remain in the NCNC checking account. Jeannie Hobson, 2 nd Richard Brabham motion passed unanimously It should be noted that Council agrees to let Tom Clark, Treasurer and Diane Weible, Conference Minister the ability determine the best investment protocol Conference Minister s Report See written report attached See ACM Daniel Ross-Jones report attached Misc. Items feed back 1. Camp Caz/Camp Tam ND UCCR relationship UCCR notified by NCNC that we cannot sign the new by-law change due to internal structure. UCCR notified NCNC that all others have signed and agreed to the new by-law changes therefore they will NCNC UCC Council Minutes

4 take place. NCNC will get a new contract reflecting changes that will need to be signed. Diane reports that communication between UCCR & YOMC are better. Susan Ketchner from UCCR will be attending the January 2017 NCNC Council meeting 2. Faith Church Sacramento. Stained glass window has been removed as new owner has no need for this. Pastor Julian had promised this to home church in Marshall Islands but Conference Minister, Diane Weible informed him that it needed to stay in the NCNC conference as a legacy of the Faith Community church. Currently it is not packed correctly and at risk. Diane will deal with finding someone to correctly package the stained glass window for storage. In addition there will be a piece in the NCNC newsletter regarding the window and asking if any church in the NCNC can use it. 3. YOMC has requested that Council approve new guidelines for High School Seniors that have currently graduated attending Sr. High Camp. MOTION: High School Seniors having immediately graduated from High School will be allowed to attend Sr. High Camp at both Camp Cazadero and Camp Tamarack. If the camper is over 18 years of age they must pass back ground check as per NCNC policy. Richard Bradham, 2 nd Eunice Aaron passed unanimously 4. Need immediate new people to serve on Committee B (4-5) folks should have good listening skills as well as be able to hear the minister s stories and not have the story affect interviewer. Please send names to Richard Brabham as soon as possible. 5. HOUSING ALLOWANCES FOR CONFERENCE MINISTERIAL STAFF The following housing allowances are requested: Rev. David Ross-Jones $18, Rev. Davena Jones $25, Rev. Diane Weible $48, MOTION: NCNC UCC Council approves the housing allowances as presented: Jeannie Hobson, 2 nd Mike Hill passed unanimously 6. Week of Abundance well received but not well attended. Planning for next year s is already in place. Planning to do webinar leading up to the Week of Abundance NCNC UCC Council Minutes

5 7. Livermore Church: Waiting for decision for DOC. Currently is rented for Sunday for $ a month. Is available for NCNC use. 8. Diane has been nominated to be on the United Church Board, she can offer other names for this as well if anyone has a name send to Diane 9. Working on Property issues regarding Homeland Loans of the 60 s. Suggests that churches do research as to whether their churches have such a loan. Central Atlantic Conferences/GS Resolution: Discussion it is the general consensus of the NCNC UCC Council that this resolution should not indorsed just by Council that the body of NCNC UCC should be involved in the approval of this. There is not enough time between AG and Synod to be able to do this. MOTION: NCNC Council cannot endorse the Central Atlantic Conference Resolution due to timing between our Annual Gathering and Synod. Richard Brabham, 2 nd Vic Robinson passes unanimously 1:55 pm Meeting adjourned in Prayer Respectfully Submitted Jeannie Hobson Conference Minister Report to Conference Council I. Vision for NCNC UCC Council Minutes

6 a. Support local congregations and ministers in their work so they can be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in their communities and around the world. b. Be a prophetic voice and witness in the communities of this Conference that supports the work of the local churches and also reminds all of us that when we work together in the areas of justice and witness we can do so much more than we can do alone. II. III. IV. Support Structure Needed to Live into this Vision a. Justice and Witness Missional Team i. Immigrant welcoming process ii. Missional Team structure b. Philanthropy and Stewardship Committee c. Facilities Committee d. Assistance in cleaning up files/records Misc. Items to report/request feedback on a. Camp Caz/Camp Tam and UCCR relationship b. Com B Nominees (Need 4 or 5) c. Medical Aid in Dying Resolution d. Stewardship: Thank you notes e. Housing Allowance f. Week of Abundance g. Stewardship Requests-Thank You h. PRC for Daniel i. Guerneville Church j. Livermore Church k. Sacramento Marshallese Church l. Property Issues: Church Resolutions Visits since Last Conference Council Meeting a. October 9: PSR Founder s Day b. October 9-11: Authorized Ministers Retreat c. October 15: Sacramento Valley Association Meeting d. October 15-21: Week of Abundance e. October 16: United Christian Church Eureka f. October 17: Faith Community Church Clean-out g. October 23: Pioneer Congregational Church h. October 25: HR Boot Camp i. November 6: FCC Fresno OCWM Report to the Conference Council NCNC UCC Council Minutes

7 NCNC UCC Council Minutes NCNC UCC COUNCIL MINUTES Prepared by: Rev. Daniel Ross-Jones, Associate Conference Minister For review by: Rev. Diane Weible, Conference Minister; Council For implementation by: Staff, Council, Associations Initial Date: November 3, 2016 Revision Date(s): Summary of OCWM Giving through 3Q 2016 Total Our Church s Wider Mission receipts through September 30, 2016 equal $494, Gifts were made from 77 of the 119 Local Churches and Churches In Care, reflecting 2/3 participation through the Conference membership. The average OCWM contribution is $6,427.06, in a range from $72 to $55, Analysis of OCWM Giving Analysis was conducted on OCWM receipts against measures reported in the 2016 Yearbook & Directory. For reference: the median membership of an NCNC-UCC Local Church is 86 members, in a range from 20 to 717. The median worship attendance of an NCNC-UCC Local Church is 51 individuals, in a range from 10 to 315. The average Current Local Expense budget of an NCNC-UCC Local Church is $215,878.04, and the median is $157,921.00, which reflects the broad range of $12,300 to $1.14 million. (I report both average and median here because I believe they both tell the story of the numbers.) Some observations and recognition from the data: Surprise Valley Community United Church of Christ in Cedarville has contributed to OCWM at the rate of 9.25% against reported Current Local Expense budget. This is the highest in the NCNC-UCC. At the rate of 5% and greater, in addition to Surprise Valley, the following Local Churches are recognized in descending order: o Hayward, United Church of Christ (8.01%) o Los Gatos, Skyland Community United Church of Christ (7.11%) o Alameda, First Congregational United Church of Christ (6.37%) o Modesto, College Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ (5.97%) o San Carlos, Kalavaria CCCSA/UCC (5.56%) o Sonoma, First Congregational United Church of Christ (5.51%) o Berkeley, First Congregational United Church of Christ (5.27%) o Marina, Penina Ole Ola United Church of Christ (5.00%) The average contribution rate is 1.87% against Current Local Expenses, the median is

8 1.31%. In the Sequoia Association, 100% of Local Churches have contributed to OCWM. The Sacramento Valley Association is second at 74%. Mountain Valley Association has the least participation, at 33%. Santa Clara Association has the highest OCWM contributions per capita, and the Bay Association collectively contributes the highest amount to OCWM. o At their Fall Gathering, the Sacramento Valley Association challenged itself to reach 100% OCWM participation among its churches, as well as other Associations to do the same. The top 15 total contributors to OCWM are: OCWM to 9/30/16 BERKELEY First Congregational UCC $55, PALO ALTO First Congregational UCC $28, SAN JOSE First Congregational UCC $23, DANVILLE Congregational UCC $21, SAN MATEO Congregational UCC $18, SUNNYVALE Cong Comm UCC $18, LOS ALTOS Foothills Cong'l UCC $17, PORTOLA VALLEY Ladera Communuity UCC $15, SANTA CRUZ Peace UCC $14, SACRAMENTO Parkside Comm UCC $13, LOS GATOS Skyland Community UCC $12, SONOMA First Congregational UCC $11, BELMONT Congregational UCC $11, REDWOOD CITY First Cong'l UCC $10, HAYWARD Eden UCC $10, On a per capita basis by membership, the top 15 OCWM contributors are: Membership Total Expense OCWM Per Member SUNNYVALE Cong Comm UCC 61 $400, $ REDWOOD CITY First Cong'l UCC 60 $227, $ HAYWARD United Church of Christ 35 $104, $ EL CERRITO Mira Vista UCC 43 $184, $ BERKELEY First Congregational UCC 496 $1,051, $ CAMPBELL Congregational UCC 71 $294, $ PORTOLA VALLEY Ladera Communuity 110 $432, $ LOS GATOS Skyland Community UCC 136 $171, $89.47 NCNC UCC Council Minutes

9 BELMONT Congregational UCC 89 $233, $ SACRAMENTO Parkside Comm UCC 147 $285, $91.84 DANVILLE Congregational UCC 310 $982, $70.40 SONOMA First Congregational UCC 104 $212, $ SAN FRANCISCO St. John's UCC 46 $262, $86.96 NORTH FORK Grace Community UCC 53 $72, $67.92 LOS ALTOS Foothills Cong'l UCC 281 $459, $63.70 On a per capita basis by worship attendance, the top 15 OCWM contributors are: Attendance Total Expense OCWM Per Attendee SUNNYVALE Cong Comm UCC 26 $400, $ REDWOOD CITY First Cong'l UCC 23 $227, $ HAYWARD United Church of Christ 24 $104, $ EL CERRITO Mira Vista UCC 27 $184, $ BERKELEY First Congregational UCC 238 $1,051, $ CAMPBELL Congregational UCC 40 $294, $ PORTOLA VALLEY Ladera Communuity UCC 69 $432, $ LOS GATOS Skyland Community UCC 56 $171, $ BELMONT Congregational UCC 60 $233, $ SACRAMENTO Parkside Comm UCC 73 $285, $ DANVILLE Congregational UCC 119 $982, $ SONOMA First Congregational UCC 65 $212, $ SAN FRANCISCO St. John's UCC 23 $262, $ NORTH FORK Grace Community UCC 22 $72, $ LOS ALTOS Foothills Cong'l UCC 112 $459, $ The following churches, in total, have not contributed to OCWM so far in 2016: Membership ALTURAS Federated 50 ANGELS CAMP Union Congregational UCC 42 AUBURN New Faith UCC 41 BERKELEY Grace North 31 BERKELEY South Community UCC 60 CARMEL Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula 84 CLARKSBURG Community 159 NCNC UCC Council Minutes

10 DALY CITY Beautiful Christian DALY CITY First CCAS 120 DALY CITY La'au O Le Ola 80 DALY CITY Samoan Cong/Jesus Christ FOSTER CITY Island Utd UCC UMC UPC 33 FREMONT Filipino-American Evang'l UC 65 FREMONT Filipino-American UCC 120 FREMONT Vine Moni 70 GUERNEVILLE Community UCC 32 HAYWARD Satauro O Le Fa'aolataga LODI United Congregational Christian UCC DOC 120 MARTINEZ First Cong'l UCC 110 OAKLAND Bayview Samoan CCAS UCC 145 OAKLAND City of Refuge UCC 594 OAKLAND Faith Community UCC 80 OAKLAND First Congregational UCC 35 OAKLAND Latino Ministry OAKLAND Sanctuary for the Arts PESCADERO Community UCC 29 RIPON First Congregational SACRAMENTO Christian Cathedral SAN CARLOS Community UCC 59 SAN FRANCISCO 1st Samoan Cong'l UCC 140 SAN FRANCISCO Pilgrim Community UCC 53 SAN JOSE Epensa Fou SAN JOSE New Community of Faith ABC UCC 20 SAN JOSE Silicon Valley PFC SAN JOSE Tafatolu Congregational UCC 31 SANTA ROSA First Congregational UCC 143 SEASIDE Cong Christian Mont Pen Malamalama Fou 61 SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO Faafouina CCCAS STOCKTON First Congregational UCC 160 SUNNYVALE Filipino-American UCC 153 SUNOL Little Brown Ch of Sunol UCC 44 WEAVERVILLE Trinity Cong'l Ucc 79 NCNC UCC Council Minutes

11 Proposed Recognition and Invitation Conference staff will send a letter of gratitude to each contributing OCWM Local Church before Thanksgiving. Conference staff will explore a plan for connections with non-contributing Local Churches, along with most appropriate plans for personal invitations to their pastors and leaders. This personal invitation plan may call on members of Conference Council and Association leaders. Conference staff has already provided each Association Moderator and Vice Moderator with a report detailing OCWM contributions and basic statistics of their Association, with the suggestion to reach out to non-contributing Local Churches to strengthen connection. Conference Council members are requested to divide up the churches on the three lists above (top giving, top giving by membership, top giving by worship) to write handwritten notes of gratitude. These will be sent out from the office before Thanksgiving. Northern California Nevada Conference, UCC Conference Minister Diane Weible Annual Review 2016 EVALUATION 2016 The purposes of staff review in the Northern California Nevada Conference include (but are not limited to): Identification of and acknowledgement of professional strengths, Identification of potential areas for growth and professional development, Identification of issues calling for possible adjustment of assigned responsibilities, Assessment of the degree to which the Conference Minister s leadership skills advance the conference s mission, priorities and goals. 1] In what context(s) have you observed the Conference Minister? Replies form a good cross section: lay people, ministers, staff, and a wide variety of situations 2] How would you characterize the Conference Minister s professional strengths and assets? great ability to balance the macro and micro aspects of leadership. help lead conversations around the big picture goals + vision for the conference while understanding the realities of the current situation thoughtful, open to new ideas + thoughts, organized, engaged. thoughtful about what she does not yet know NCNC UCC Council Minutes

12 While her position often calls for her to deal with administrative + bottom line aspects of the work of the conference, she manages to always keep her eye on the human and relational part of the work -> hears all sides, does not rush in with solution or opinions [3 comments] ->helps people discover their own strengths in a group setting. -> excellent listener wonderful pastoral presence and heart [3 comments] wonderful support -> combines vision with practical application. follows up and follows through -> encourages + empowers all who work with her, whether as staff or volunteers -> helps but does not micromanage; has high but not unreasonable expectations; appreciates good work + lifts it up. collaborative leadership style, compassionate but also firm in boundaries, flexibility, boldness, ability to say no or draw a limit to how much she can do, delegation, humor, -> firm commitment to work around white privilege and racism, lgbtqia+, environmental etc. that role models for other ministers in the Conference -> most demonstrated in the areas of visioning, administration (particularly process/procedure), and pastoral care 3] Are there areas of professional weakness for which you recommend opportunities for professional growth? Please name any such areas. worry... how stretched Diane may be with her schedule. [4 comments] Felt not enough time was allotted for meetings. She doesn't model Sabbath very well. Answers on Mondays! -> Her greatest weakness is being a Cardinals fan. -- recommend more Giants games. we must keep maintaining, and asking those who work around her to support her in her self-care with the work load of a Conference Minister. -> I have observed Diane s professional weakness to be most able to be addressed not by personal growth, but in her recognition of those same areas and building a professional staff around her that complements her skills but also addresses the experiential and professional gaps. This is a healthy, discerning strength in her NCNC UCC Council Minutes

13 NCNC UCC Council Minutes NCNC UCC COUNCIL MINUTES ministry which serves as a model for other Authorized Ministers and congregation leaders in the NCNC-UCC and beyond. -> There are times when her self-effacing style has led her to be let down. I think of the mis-scheduling by Tracy Blackmon last year. I know that Diane was disappointed and felt like she was overlooked by the Cleveland office. The Personnel Committee endorses the following priorities for the work of conference staff. Support the search and call process with faithfulness, diligence and creativity, Support the processes of pastoral formation particularly through support of the Committee on Ministry function, Support existing clergy through a variety of interventions including (but not limited to): Creation of structures of accountability (e.g. CPE and CPE-like groups), Coaching and mentoring, Support of lifelong learning as a bedrock assumption of our common life. Cultivate the growth of a culture of call in all setting of the conference, particularly through work with youth and young adults and those who minister with youth and young adults. Be open to cooperative ministry with others both in and outside the United Church of Christ with whom we share faith and values. 4] To what extent does the Conference Minister focus her work on those priorities and how effective is she in their accomplishment? ->continually impressed with dedication to the Youth and Outdoor Ministries Program + desire to cultivate Young Adult Ministry opportunities. Attended camps, hosted retreats, worked on National Youth Event. generated interest in more conference interaction among the youth + young adults, has given the youth ministers + lay leaders a sense of support supportive helpful resource for those exploring their own call. [ 4 comments] gets back quickly with a solution for personal ministry + the ministry of our association. excellent job of focusing on these priorities. -- pulling together the Association leadership to help them work together with COM in a way that supports ministers, MIDs, + each other. She has good ideas for helping COM to be more efficient, + for addressing issues that have been ignored in the past. Existing clergy also find that Diane is there for them, individually + as a group. -- has continued programs such as Life Long Learning/Boundary Training, Church Day, AG workshops, Clergy Retreat, while adding new programs such as Clergy Communities of Practice, Boundary Training for specific groups, such as retired clergy or chaplains, New Beginnings, Church Leaders Event.

14 Diane, along with Davena, has been working closely with the Outdoor Ministries committee and has assigned Daniel to work with young adults. Diane attended the Young Adult retreat + has gone to both camps each summer, as well as National Youth Event. -> Speaking as a staff person and Authorized Minister in this Conference, I reflect on two things regarding these priorities: first, I was unaware that formal prioritization existed, but that second, without that awareness I would have described Diane s priorities in her leadership almost identically. I hope that observation speaks to Diane s work foci and effectiveness. -> tremendous on Committee on Ministry. emboldened us on the committee to say no to clergy and set limits where before we were wishwashy or wimps.--very direct + clear in ethics and situational support situations she is gentle +forceful great on process figured out the need for a new ethics process +got it implemented fast. Quick +thorough follow up + incredible memory. grateful to Diane and the Council for setting priorities and supporting the means to accomplish them. -> excited for our Conference! --see an upswell in new ideas, + life, + interest in the Conference. > is getting the Justice and Witness group reformed this is an important witness of our conference 5] Do the responsibilities assigned to the Conference Minister use her expertise and gifts to the greatest advantage of the Northern California Nevada Conference? Are there changes in responsibility and assignment you would recommend? one of Diane s greatest gifts is her ability to really hear people [noted 6 times] there has been a sense of disconnect among many people within the conference, but Diane has stepped up to help them reengage. great people person and that has translated to her being a wonderful connection to both congregations and congregation members. -> Diane shows up! very helpful resource 6] Are there other issues you would like to name in the context of the Conference Minister s review and/or are other persons with whom you would recommend we speak about her professional performance? If yes, please name those issues or persons. NCNC UCC Council Minutes

15 affirm the incredible ministry and leadership being provided for our Conference, and again encourage our churches and members to pray for her wellbeing and protection from God, and to be of best support institutionally for self-care as she continues this ministry. great match for our Conference, is doing a fantastic job. She inherited some big issues from a long difficult interim time and just some challenges facing all religious executives (struggling churches, $ etc) and she is addressing them with grace and grit. NUMBERS IN CHART ARE TOTAL RESPONSES some did not check all Please rate the following characteristics from 1(lowest) to 5(highest): Leads by example 9 Conducts Effective Meetings 2 7 Problem Solves 2 8 Gives Feedback Listens to both sides of an issue 1 8 Dialogues with others effectively 9 Resolves Conflict 2 8 Overall effectiveness as Conference Minister 2 8 RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE, Richard Brabham, Chair MEMO TO THE NCNC-UCC, November12, 2016 From the Personnel Committee NCNC UCC Council Minutes

16 GOING FORWARD, SUGGESTIONS GLEANED FROM THEDIANE'S EVALUATION REVIEW RESPONDENTS THAT DIANE AND THE CONFERENCE COUNCIL CAN USE ->don't know job description and isn't clear how duties are divided among Davena, Daniel and Diane.- ->She needs more staff support. -->want to know more about what s going on with the staff, hear more from her + the two ACMS about their work + impressions of the conference, hear, eg in the newsletter, about the life of churches + specialized ministry more communication and information. -->just a reminder that what we have is a newsletter, and we used to have a newspaper - there is an important difference. We need a somewhat clearer overall vision. -> The silence of our Conference, as a united body, re the most important issue of the day, racism, is disheartening. The conference has been told this for decades, and little has been done. Now, we have a Conference Minister who is willing to address is, has written about it, shows up for protests and other actions when she is in town, but she cannot do this alone. She needs the support of the clergy, lay leadership to give life and purpose to the people in the pews about this lingering issue which has accelerated to a point of near explosive proportions. ->We have come a long way away from the social justice history of our past. The people need to be stirred by sermons, by activities of the clergy, and be lead out of the churches and onto the streets if necessary. The silence of the Church contributes to the killing of people. -> It is too soon to critique her choice and handling of staff (this has been a concern of mine in past administrations, but I think this is a critical issue lest we overwork aor better over-expect our conference staff to provide all our needs. 4] To what extent does the Conference Minister focus her work on those priorities and how effective is she in their accomplishment? encourage her to challenge conventional wisdom + practices of NCNC on Who plans things, What we teach, How we grow, What development means, etc. 5] Considering those same Council priorities, how do you feel about the total ministry of the Northern California Nevada Conference UCC? Are there other areas upon which the Conference might adjust our focus? continue to put energy, resources into college, young adult, and youth ministry concerned about the lack of solid progressive Christian communities for young adults + feel that, more often than not, our YA opportunities are only geared toward those already involved or those with established families. -> currently the conference staff is working as quickly as humanly possible to repair 20 years of neglected and broken systems within the larger church. I don t think they could be doing more at this time. more education on how WE as a conference + associations need each other, how we can use each other as a resource. --individual churches need education on the congregations level about the history of the wider UCC so we can feel more connected. --at time churches feel isolated. I would like to be more connected. Even if it s a logo, or a singular justice cause that we all NCNC UCC Council Minutes

17 contribute, such as a writing campaign or gun violence more of a one voice approach. ->I still believe there is a culture of cliques in the conference, but there has been some shifts for the better. It would be nice for the struggles of small churches to be considered on the same level as the big steeple churches. -> love that we are cultivating living into full relationship of all the diversity of our Conference. -- especially thrilled to see the Conference moving around issues of race, ethnicity, white privilege,+ racism, hope we continue the ministries of racial justice + reconciliation in our Conference. ->I would be more inclusive of our Local Churches and ministry settings in equipping lay leadership not just Authorized Ministers in their support and training. I would place a greater emphasis on our mission as a United & Uniting Church in reaching out ecumenically and engaging with existing networks of support, unity, and nurture to strengthen our own program and bring structural witness to the unity of Christian people. -> I do feel that the shift away from Church Day has not been altogether successful. I know Diane has a different idea of how this should work, but the Church Day model led for a lot of grassroots learning of lay and clergy, was well attended and brought together a level of fellowship that is often missing from our Conference life. NCNC UCC Council Minutes