Report on the 44^th Annual Meeting of the Indiana-Kentucky UCC Conference Annual Meeting

June 8-9, 2007 - University of Indianapolis.

Theme:  Reflecting the Light of Life – I am the light of the world. John 8:12

            Carolyn Hayes, Shawn Seals, and Pastor John Krueger who were voting delegates represented St. John’s.  Bob Kleeman served, as an adult advisor to the youth pages and John Heckman was present and recognized as a seminary student.  There were 112 of the 157 churches in the conference represented. 

            During the two-days we had the opportunity to meet with other members of the UCC family, share in praising our God through worship, learn new songs, attend workshops, and learn about the many UCC mission efforts.  We prayed together for those who are no longer with us and celebrated with those who retired from and those who were called to the ministry.  One mission effort that caught my eye and was convinced to participate was the School Kits for the Church World Service.  In fact, I brought home a bag filled with material to make 15 more bags.  I encourage anyone who sews to help in this project.  We have till April 2008 to finish them but I suspect that we will finish way before that.  So see me if you are interested in making a couple of school bags!!!  Patterns are provided for this project.

            During the first plenary session the delegates elected new members to the Board of Directors and Committees.  Bob Kleeman was elected as Vice-Moderator for 2008 and Rev. John Krueger was elected to the New Church Start Committee.  As we congratulate Bob and Rev. John to these positions we provide our prayers to them as they continue their work for the IKC.

            Several churches were recognized for their mission work in their communities with the Barnabas Awards.  Forty-nine congregations were recognized for supporting the 5 for 5 funds.  These included Neighbors in Need, Christmas Fund, One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church and OCWM.  It should be noted that St. John’s was recognized at the previous conference meeting for supported these funds but we did not support all of these funds this year.

            A Seeking a Faithful Response task force that was formed as a result of a motion from the 43^rd meeting presented their report with four recommendations to be considered by the IKC.  This report with the recommendations has been posted on the bulletin board for all to see.

            Rev. Steven Gray in his State of the Conference address shared news about the new church starts in Gary, Fishers, and Owensboro, KY.  He also spoke about the implementation of evangelism coaches and mediation teams as well as the Indiana-Kentucky Young Ambassadors who will fly to Germany for three weeks this summer.  He informed us that six churches have withdrawn from the IKC and that there has been a decline in giving to OCWM.  He noted that this past year 20 congregations gave nothing to OCWM while other congregations directed their contributions only be used by the conference.  Currently 80% of OCWM revenues are kept within the conference and 20% is sent to the National Church.  Rev. Gray noted that the UCC staff is continually trying to respond to reactions to the General Synod 25.  He announced that work has begun on a new initiative through the formation of the Blue Ribbon Visioning committee.  Their work will focus on how the changes in the American religious landscape impact how we do our work.

            In a plenary session we heard more about the Blue Ribbon Visioning committee’s purpose from Dick Hamm of the Columbia Partnership.  He presented a history of The Mainline Churches and how changes in our culture are affecting the stability and growth within the churches.  His information included descriptions about the generations within a church and how their roles have changed.   One example that represents many churches today involves the Builder generation who are stuck in the “consulting” mode and the pastor-centered church.  His comments provided us with suggestions that would help us to think about the church’s future.   If we are to seek vision in the light of who we are, where you are and when it is, we need to find new ways to do things by using consensus models, building relationships and community, networking people and resources, and using staff as facilitators rather than “experts.”  This committee will meet this summer and report to the IKC Board in September.  Their proposal will help us to know how the IKC does its work!  As we here at St. John’s prepare for a new pastor this proposal will help us to focus and understand how we do our work in the community and the world.

            The presentation of the 2008 budget included four motions that were adopted by the delegates.  They include:

            - The OCWM Basic Support Budget Goal is $920,000

            - 20% or $194,000 of OCWM Basic Support is to be forwarded to the National Church and 80% or $776,000 will be retained.

            - Any amount of OCWM Basic Support over $920,000 will be divided with 80% to the National Church and 20% to the conference

            - The 2008 budget showed a total income of $1,314,600 with expenses totally $1,404,600.  Either reducing staff, drawing funds from the Church Development Fund or by increased giving of local churches to OCWM, would make up the deficit.  All delegates were encouraged to take this message of increasing their giving to OCWM to make up the deficit back to their congregations.  We at St. John’s should take to heart this plea and remember our Faith-Promise with God.  Our stewardship envelopes on the communion table should remind us about the mission of the church and that our support is of the utmost importance.

            Several items from the meeting have been posted on the bulletin board across from the Knack Room. 

Report Submitted by Carolyn Hayes