Central Association Annual Meeting Conference, United of Christ May 5, 2019

Worcester Area Mission Society & United 6 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609 With Gratitude and Congratulations the Central Association recognizes the following ministers on their Anniversaries

60 years The Reverend Mr. Warren Hanson

55 years The Reverend Mr. Gordon Merten

50 years The Reverend Mr. Paul Sanderson 45 years The Reverend Dr. Jeri Babinsky The Reverend Mr. Harold Lloyd

40 years The Reverend Mr. Keith Jenkins Man The Reverend Ms. Dadgie Scott 35 years The Reverend Ms. Ellen Bailey The Reverend Mr. J. Clifford Davis The Reverend Ms. Karen Dorshimer-Chaplin The Reverend Dr. Linnea Prefontaine The Reverend Dr. Gregory Schmidt The Reverend Mr. Steven Small 30 years The Reverend Ms. Celsa Ayala-Coloma The Reverend Dr. Frances Bogle The Reverend Ms. Marvin Caldwell The Reverend Dr. Deborah Clark The Reverend Mr. John Hudson The Reverend Ms. Barbara Keast The Reverend Dr. Wanda Martinez 25 years The Reverend Ms. Barbara Aiello The Reverend Ms. Lynne Dolan The Reverend Ms. Gail Kendrick The Reverend Ms. Sarah Maker Deyst The Reverend Ms. Gail Miller

Anniversaries are listed for celebrants of 25+ years. Please let us know if we missed your anniversary. Table of Contents

Report Name: Page Number: 2019 Annual Meeting Missive 2 Minutes from 2018 Annual Meeting 3 2019 Moderator’s Report 5 2018-2019 Committee on Authorized Ministry Report 7 2018 Worcester Area Mission Society Report 10 2018 Statement of Financial Position 11 2018 Profit & Loss Budget Performance 12 2018 Income by Church 13 2019 Budget and 2018 Audit Report 15 2019 Nominating Report 16 Order of Worship 18 Hymn – #284 20 Hymn - #586 22

1 The Heart of the City, The Heart of Christ “Behold, I make all things new”- Revelations 21:5

The Annual Business Meeting of the Central Association Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ

Sunday, May 5, 2019

Worcester Area Mission Society & United Congregational Church 6 Institute Road Worcester, MA 01609

The Program:

3:30 – 4:00 Registration

4:00 – 4:30 Calling the Roll of Churches and Business Meeting: Welcome and Opening Prayer ~ The Rev. Sally Norris, WAMS Central Association Annual Business Meeting Association Reports and Budget Installation of Central Association Officers and Committee Member

4:30 – 5:30 Ecclesiastical Council for New Hope United Church of Christ, new church start! Something new at our annual meeting! Come and join us as we hear about this new church start, its prayerful process and new beginnings. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the Spirits promptings among us. Come be part of this historic vote!

5:30 – 6:15 Worship: The Rev. Sally Norris and The Rev. Nancy Elder-Wilfrid with representatives from United Congregational Church and WAMS: Come and learn more about the unfolding ministry collaboration between WAMS and United Congregational Church as they share the story of the “gifting” of United’s building and endowment to WAMS. Consider the ministry possibilities for your church! There will be two collections taken during the offering. The first will benefit the Association Scholarship Fund and the second will benefit the Worcester Area Mission Society.

6:30 Dinner: The meal will be catered by Elsa’s Bushel and Peck and consist of the following choices: Smothered Chicken, Baked Haddock, Rice Pilaf, Vegetarian Pasta Primavera (side of Garbanzo Beans), Steamed Green Beans, Garden Salad, and desserts. $12.00 per person Please indicate food allergies when registering for dinner.

Please contact Deb Holmes at 508-963-8106 or [email protected] with any questions.

2 Central Association Annual Meeting May 6, 2018 Minutes of the Business Portion

The meeting was opened by the Moderator, Rev. Elaine Gaetani who called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call of churches. The Registrar announced that 38 churches, 1 clergy serving WAMS, 1 ACM, and 1 clergy serving The Massachusetts Conference were present. 90 people represented the following churches:

Athol Congregational Church, UCC Memorial Congregational Church, UCC, Baldwinville First Parish Church of Berlin The First Parish of Bolton First Congregational Church, Brimfield Brookfield Congregational Church First Congregational Church of Dudley Faith United Parish, Fitchburg The Franklin Federated Church, Franklin First Congregational Church, UCC, Gardner Union Congregational Church, UCC, Groton The Congregational Church of Harvard, UCC First Congregational Church, Leicester Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC, Leominster Congregational Church of Littleton First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) First Congregational Church of Milford The Eliot Church of South Natick Church Northborough First Congregational Church UCC, Oxford First Congregational Church UCC, Paxton First Congregational Church of Princeton, UCC First Congregational Church of Rutland First Congregational Church, UCC, Shrewsbury Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC, Southborough Elm Street Congregational Church, Southbridge First Congregational Church UCC, Spencer The First Church in Sterling Federated New Hope Church, Sturbridge First Congregational Church, Sutton First Congregational Church of West Boylston First Congregational Church of West Brookfield Congregational Church of Westborough First Congregational Church of Westminster Hadwen Park Congregational Church, Worcester Lake View Congregational Church UCC, Worcester The First Congregational Church in Worcester United Congregational Church, Worcester

3

The requirement being met for a quorum, the meeting continued.

The moderator, Rev. Elaine Gaetani, then invited The Rev. Steven A. Small, Pastor of the First Congregational Church of West Boylston, the host church, to offer an invocation and comments. Rev. Small announced that he was retiring after 35 years of ordained ministry.

The moderator then offered The Moderator’s Report, thanking all present for being there and offering thanks for the opportunity to serve the Central Association. Rev. Gaetani thanked Rev. Kelly Gallagher, Area Conference Minister, and Deb Holmes for their hard work and support. In addition, Rev. Gaetani acknowledged and thanked the Central Association Board and Committee on Ministry for their hard work and support.

The Rev. Dr. Keith Alderman presented the report of the Committee on Authorized Ministry. He highlighted some of the important work of the committee that was covered in his written report, and he asked for a round of applause for the faithful service of Rev. Steven A. Small. Rev. Alderman also thanked Rev. Gallagher, Deb Holmes, the Committee on Ministry, and the Board.

The Rev. Bob Bachelder gave the WAMS report. He highlighted new initiatives being started in Worcester and emphasized that the only hope for economic progress is the local community. He mentioned Bruce Katz on the Metropolitan Revolution.

The remaining reports were acknowledged by the Moderator with no comments from the floor. A motion was made and seconded to approve all reports. Approved unanimously. The Moderator then asked the newly elected Board and Committee on Ministry to stand and be installed into their new positions.

A presentation was made by Rev. Lynne Dolan of the Massachusetts Conference on the Resolution regarding the creation of a New Conference, Together As One.

A presentation was made by Rev. Dawn Adams, Pastor of the First Congregational Church, Brimfield, on the Immigration and Refugee Task Team.

Worship service followed the business portion. A heart-felt and inspiring message was delivered by Rev. Bob Bachelder, Minister & President of WAMS. Also participating in the service were Rev. Elaine Gaetani, Central Association Moderator & Associate Minister of the Congregational Church of Westborough, and Kristjon Imperious, Minister of Music, Congregational Church of West Boylston. After worship, Rev. Gallagher and Rev. Gaetani presented a gift to Rev. Bachelder commemorating his long and faithful service to WAMS and acknowledging his retirement from ordained ministry.

Respectfully submitted,

David King, Registrar

4 MODERATOR REPORT, May 5, 2019 Grace and Peace to you my Siblings In Christ, Eastertide Blessings! What a productive and good year we have had as your Board of Directors! We are truly blessed with the most gifted, committed and faithful members on our board! It is such a joy to work/minister alongside each and every one of them as we seek to serve the churches in the Central Association of MACUCC. Working closely with our Area Conference Minister, Rev. Kelly Gallagher has been like a post-doctoral program in “how to lovingly and faithfully serve The Church!” Her profound commitment, dedication, diligent work and masterful gifts of bringing churches together is a study on leadership & discipleship! What a blessing we have in this area minister! Our Administrative Assistant, Deb Holmes is our record keeper, calendar master extraordinaire and planning coordinator that helps to make it all happen. I couldn’t do my job without her and our board runs far more smoothly because of her. We owe her much gratitude! Thank you Deb! We have been blessed to welcome the new Minister and President of WAMS Rev. Sally Norris. She brings with her many gifts and passion for ministry and mission. She is a true visionary with a profound love for God’s people and The Church. We are so grateful to have her as one of our board members. Her contribution to the board has already been felt significantly! Please make an effort to familiarize your church with the many extraordinary programs offered through WAMS, which is the mission arm of the Central Association. Welcome Dear Sally! Our close relationship and workings with the Committee on Authorized Ministry has served greatly to strengthen the Central Area. It is with heartfelt gratitude for the skillful leadership and ministry of Rev. Dr. Keith C. Alderman that we say goodbye as he retires from ministry. His insight, passion for the church, many gifts and dedication to the CoM will be sorely missed. “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant!” Thank you Keith! We approved the following for an Ecclesiastical Council: William Ladd. We also had the pleasure of Ordaining the following people: Ms. Debra Cottis at United Congregational Church, Worcester and Ms. Sarah Sund-Lussier, Hadwen Park Congregational Church, Worcester.

We approved and attended the following Installations: Rev. Amy Lunde-Whitler, South Acton Congregational Church, Acton Rev. Lee Atherton, The United Church of Clinton Rev. Dawn Adams, First Congregational Church UCC, Brimfield Rev. Ethan Drutchas, Village Congregational Church UCC, Whitinsville Rev. Dr. Barbara Terese, Congregational Church of Grafton, UCC, Grafton Rev. Sarah Sund-Lussier, Hadwen Park Congregational Church, Worcester

5 We held the Retired Clergy Luncheon on April 12, 2018 in Paxton. We offered Eight Cluster meetings with three different topics including: Today’s Stewardship Best Practices with Rev. Dr. Jonathan New, Safe Church Policies with Rev. Ellie Richardson, and today’s Faith Formation with Debbie Gline Allen. Each offering was met with great success and good attendance. This year the CoM and BoD gathered for a day of Racial Justice Training which we found to be extremely significant, insightful, meaningful, educational and poignant. The Board of Directors highly recommend that we continue to offer this superb and necessary program each and every year. We worked closely with the leadership of an enthusiastic new church start, New Hope, which we will be holding an Ecclesiastical Counsel for during today’s meeting. Their pastor and church leadership have met with the BoD. The BoD was also called upon to work closely with two area congregations for situational support meetings. The time, effort, many prayerful meetings with these congregations and ministry of the situational support team, led by Rev. Gallagher was truly the work of The Holy Spirit. We all need one another! We would like to sincerely thank and recognize those who have served on the BoD and CoM particularly those whose terms are ending this year! We thank you for your ministry and offerings of time and talent. We gratefully welcome those who will be joining with us in this vital ministry, remembering that together We Are The Church. Last but far from least, we gather to thank God and God’s goodness and Grace through the power of The Holy Spirit that grants us this calling to be Christ’s Body here on earth. May The Holy Spirit continue to guide us, bless us, and lead us in discernment and growth In the Spirit.

Faithfully serving and ministering with all of you In Jesus’ Name, Rev. Elaine S. Gaetani, Moderator Central Association, MACUCC

6 The Committee on Authorized Ministry Report, 2018 - 2019

It is important to know that in the polity and practice of the United Church of Christ, The Committee on Authorized Ministry is the only location of authority, beyond that held in the local church. This past year, we met monthly except for July, August, December, and April; and we address issues concerning discernment, ministerial standing, and policy. Nearly every month we meet with at least one of the students and candidates in the discernment process. Some of our meetings are intake meetings, and others are renewal meetings during which we must decide if a ministerial candidate is on track and will be allowed to continue in discernment for another year, or in some cases to stop the process at that time. In our process, the final discernment meeting is the ordination interview, at which time we vote to recommend, or not, a candidate to the Central Association for an Ecclesiastical Council, and ultimately Ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament.

This past year we accepted the following people into the Process of Discernment for Ordained Ministry: Dr. Bradley Bauer and Dawn Sorenson.

This past year we accepted the following people into the Process of Discernment for Commissioned Ministry: No new candidates were accepted.

We renewed the following candidates for another year in the Discernment Process: Bert Cote, Russ Goliger, Gary Gumuchian, Daniel Woodman.

We approved the following for an Ecclesiastical Council: William Ladd.

There are clergy who come to us from other denominations seeking standing in the United Church of Christ. We granted Privilege of Call to the following: No new requests.

We also met with and granted Dual Standing: (which grants ordained ministerial standing in the UCC while recognizes ordained standing with another denomination): No new requests.

Licensure for Ministry was granted to: Kenneth Johnson for the Ashby Congregational Church and Carissa Rodriquez for Trinity Congregational Fitchburg

We accepted the Transfer of Standing of: Rev. Diane Anderson from MBA; Rev. Emily Castner from Genesee Valley, New York; Rev. Ethan Drutchas from Detroit Metropolitan, Michigan; Rev. Dr. Barbara Therese from Genesee Valley, New York.

We also Transferred Standing out of our Association to: Rev. Susan Tarantino to Hampden Association; Rev. Susan Allen to Essex Association, New York; and Rev. Ruth Martin to Sunrise Association, .

We have also approved the following changes to standing: Ms. Donelle Wright requested to be dropped from the discernment process for Commissioned Ministry, request granted without prejudice; Rev. Alice Lesak standing was dropped without prejudice at her request.

7 The association also had the pleasure of ordaining the following people: Ms. Debra Cottis at United Congregational Church, Worcester Ms. Sarah Sund-Lussier, Hadwen Park Congregational Church, Worcester

The Committee also approved the Commissioning of: There were no commissioning services.

With the approval of the Board of Director’s the following installations were held: Rev. Amy Lunde-Whitler, South Acton Congregational Church, Acton Rev. Lee Atherton, The United Church of Clinton, Clinton Rev. Dawn Adams, First Congregational Church UCC, Brimfield Rev. Ethan Drutchas, Village Congregational Church UCC, Whitinsville Rev. Dr. Barbara Therese, Congregational Church of Grafton, UCC, Grafton

The Committee on Authorized Ministry met with the Rev. Dr. Edward Bernald and granted him Ecclesiastical Endorsement as a Board-Certified Chaplain.

We continue to be in the process of developing and refining policies related to the new Manual on Ministry, Continuing Education Units, Boundary Awareness Training, and our requirement of two years of field education for Candidates in the discernment process, and the completion of a ministerial profile. We also administer the Central Association Scholarship Fund. This past year we awarded the following scholarships: Beth Anne Doan, $2,000.00; Russ Goliger, $1,500.00; and Carissa Rodriquez, $185.00. At this writing, we continue to work on these and other matters pertaining to issues regarding the professional ministry within and on behalf of the United Church of Christ.

I have served on this Committee on Authorized Ministry for a decade, and this is an exceptional committee. From my experience, the quality of work done on this committee equals or surpasses the work done on any committee within the structure of the United Church of Christ. The number of churches within the Central Association is very large. We are larger than some Conferences within the United Church of Christ. Everyone on this committee donates and volunteers his or her time to this important work of gate keeping and upholding the practices, customs, traditions, and policies of the United Church of Christ. We work very hard and we spend many hours striving to be faithful to our charge as we engage in our work our work on behalf of this Association and the wider United Church of Christ. We take our work very seriously, but we also enjoy one another and laugh often, and maintain a good working relationship with one another. We listen to one another and share our knowledge and experience. We thank all who work on this committee and especially those whose terms are ending this year. We look forward to welcoming our new members. Our ultimate goal is to be guided by our Almighty and Loving God and the Holy Spirit in all that we do so that the Church will be strengthened and made strong for service in the world.

I again wholeheartedly thank Deb Holmes, our administrative assistant for the Central Association. She has been a great gift to this committee and to me. Without her cheerful and dedicated work, our task on this committee would be nearly impossible. She is always hard working, kind, considerate, and gracious. She always knows what needs to be accomplished and does so with a friendly and generous spirit. Thank you, Deb. God has blessed us richly with your grace, dedication, and concern for all of us.

God is always great, and no matter what is happening, God blesses us. We are very grateful for the continued wisdom and caring leadership of The Reverend Kelly Gallagher as our Associate Conference

8 Minister. We always rejoice that Kelly is with us, and we all benefit from her sincere and steadfast leadership. She carries within her the joy of Christ. She brings to us her wise judgment, her love of the local and greater church, and her faithful witness among us is deeply appreciated as she serves as a resource for this committee. May the goodness and strength of God abide with Kelly as she undertakes her important work with us. Kelly is a great gift to us, and we are thankful for her faithful and abiding presence among us.

Finally, this is my last report to you. I am retiring at the end of July. It has been my great privilege to serve God, you, and the Central Association. No matter what the future may bring, I shall always treasure you in my heart, and hold you close in prayer. May God bless you all, and may the grace, peace, and strength of Christ abide with you always.

Respectfully and faithfully submitted,

Keith C. Alderman

The Reverend Dr. Keith C. Alderman Committee on Authorized Ministry, Chair Central Association, MACUCC

9 Annual Report from Worcester Area Mission Society

Following the immensely successful 34-year tenure of the Rev. Bob Bachelder, I assumed the position of WAMS’ Minister & President in September 2018. Since that time, we have focused on discerning a renewed purpose and mission for WAMS through engaging in a strategic process led by Dan Willis, a strategic planner who worked with June Cooper to re-start City Mission years ago. We are hopeful that these strategic conversations will yield a fortified and honed WAMS with a mission that reflects contemporary needs and emphases. We are creating an Advisory Circle which will enable more voices to contribute to the creation of this new vision.

Additionally, it has been a great joy to work on strengthening WAMS role as the “mission arm of the Central Association.” In this spirit, I have networked or preached at various Central Association churches including United Congregational Church, First Church Auburn, Pilgrim Church Leominster, Federated Church of Franklin, First Church Shrewsbury, Acton Congregational Church, and the Congregational Church, Westborough. First Church Rutland is on the calendar for this spring. Further examples of this collaboration include WAMS and United co-hosting the Central Association Annual Meeting at 6 Institute Road, Worcester; and WAMS and United creating a new combined mission group. This group is working to create a MLK Day of Service 2020.

Through the stellar efforts of Mary Robbins, Vice President for Program, WAMS continues to run the highly successful Summer CUBS program, organize mission trips in Worcester for youth groups, connect with Worcester ACTs (“Worcester addresses childhood trauma), and support Matthew 25 which renovates housing for rental units. In addition, Mary and I have networked with Habitat Cape Cod to acquire resources and ideas for starting a “faith relations committee” at Habitat MetroWest/Greater Worcester. WAMS will be hosting a luncheon on September 18 to which all churches will be invited. We hope this will inspire those with a passion for Habitat’s work to join this newly-created faith relations committee.

None of this would be possible without the fine people who devote time, talent, and energy to this important mission work. And so, I give abundant gratitude for: The WAMS Staff: Mary Robbins and Meg Smith The WAMS Board: The Rev. Linda Michel, chair; Bob Hallock, Sandra Johnson, Sam Stewart, and the Rev. George Vogel The Central Association staff: The Rev. Kelly Gallagher and Deb Holmes The Central Association clergy and laypeople.

Respectfully submitted, The Rev. Sally Norris

10 Central Association Statement of Financial Position As of December 31, 2018

Dec 31, 18

ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings Central Association - Operating 5,606.18 Association Savings Account 3,116.49 Scholarship Account 9,563.40 Total Checking/Savings 18,286.07 Other Current Assets Accrued UCM Income* 3,466.98 Fixed Equity-United Church Fund 9,856.54 Equity Funds-United Church Fund 5,053.32 Total Other Current Assets 18,376.84 Total Current Assets 36,662.91 TOTAL ASSETS 36,662.91 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Equity Unrealized Gains/Losses -713.90 Opening Balance Equity 11,246.39 Unrestricted Net Assets 23,233.50 Net Income 1,787.15 Total Equity 35,553.14 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 35,553.14

Accrued UCM Income* - cash was received in January 2019, income recorded in 2018

11 Central Association Profit & Loss Budget Performance January through December 2018 $ Over/Under 2019 Actual 2019 Budget Budget

Ordinary Income/Expense Income Total Association Dues Received United Church Mission Income 7,760.49 Association Dues (Non UCM) 11,564.89 20,000.00 Total Total Association Dues Received 19,325.38 20,000.00 (674.62) Interest-Savings, Short-term CD 2.13 Other Types of Income Miscellaneous Revenue 7.00 Total Other Types of Income 7.00 Total Income 19,334.51 20,000.00 (665.49) Gross Profit 19,334.51 20,000.00 (665.49) Expense Accounting/Bookkeeping Fees 3,000.00 3,000.00 0.00 Administrative Services 5,794.26 6,000.00 (205.74) Board of Directors Retired Clergy - Luncheon 346.14 450.00 (103.86) Stoles 133.00 200.00 (67.00) Spring Meeting Income from Spring Meeting (793.64) Spring Meeting - Other 821.64 400.00 421.64 Total Spring Meeting 28.00 400.00 (372.00) Synod 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 Board of Directors - Other 104.43 300.00 (195.57) Total Board of Directors 2,111.57 2,850.00 (738.43) Committee on Ministry Psychological Exams 1,117.00 2,500.00 (1,383.00) Committee on Ministry - Other 93.50 Total Committee on Ministry 1,210.50 2,500.00 (1,289.50) Operations Certificates 75.00 150.00 (75.00) Postage, Mailing Service 100.00 150.00 (50.00) Rent 100.00 100.00 0.00 Supplies 156.03 250.00 (93.97) Total Operations 431.03 650.00 (218.97) WAMS 5,000.00 5,000.00 0.00 Total Expense 17,547.36 20,000.00 (2,452.64) Net Ordinary Income 1,787.15 0.00 1,787.15

Other Income/Expenses Conference Dues Sent (136,561.01) Conference Dues Received 136,561.01 Net Conference Dues Received/Sent 0.00

Scholarship Donations 5,248.78 Scholarship Payments (4,139.00) Net Scholarship Income/Expenses 1,109.78 12 Central Association Dues paid January through December 2018

Conference Association Church by Town Dues Paid Dues Paid Acton, Congregational 9,750.00 825.00 Acton, South Acton UCM 115.88 Ashburnham 1,326.00 112.20 Ashby 1,443.00 122.10 Ashland, Federated 702.00 59.40 Athol (2018) UCM 243.00 Athol (2017) 2,392.25 207.75 Auburn, First 3,392.90 287.10 Auburn, Pakachoag 234.00 19.80 Ayer, Federated 0.00 0.00 Baldwinville, Memorial 1,228.50 103.95 Barre, Congregational 1,089.79 92.21 Berlin, First Parish 0.00 0.00 Bolton, First Parish 418.35 35.40 Boxborough 3,763.50 325.50 Brimfield, First UCM 51.34 Brookfield, Congregational 1,228.50 103.95 Charlton, Federated 2,691.00 227.70 Clinton, United Church 2,164.50 183.15 Dudley, First UCM 311.19 Fitchburg, Faith United (closed 2018) 292.50 24.75 Fitchburg, Rollstone 1,111.50 94.05 Fitchburg, Trinity 273.00 23.10 Framingham, Edwards UCM 585.00 Framingham, Plymouth Church UCM 664.06 Franklin, Federated 2,226.60 188.40 Gardner, First 1,657.50 140.25 Grafton 1,203.10 101.80 Groton, Christian Union 0 0 Groton, Union UCM 364.50 Harvard UCM 117.00 Holden, Chaffin 1,072.50 90.75 Holden, First 5,401.50 457.05 Holliston, First 4,875.00 412.50 Hopedale, Union 1,033.50 87.45 Hudson, First Federated 897.00 75.90 Leicester, First 1,540.50 130.35 Leominster, Congregational 1,170.00 99.00 Leominster, Pilgrim 6,201.00 524.70 Littleton 4,465.50 377.85 Lunenburg, United Parish 1,536.63 130.02 Marlborough, First UCM 378.00 Milford, First UCM 176.90 Millbury, Federated UCM 291.65 Millbury, First 460.99 39.01 13 Central Association Dues paid January through December 2018

Conference Association Church by Town Dues Paid Dues Paid Natick, Eliot 1,189.50 100.65 Natick, First UCM 642.60 New Braintree, Tri Parish Community 0.00 0.00 Norfolk, Federated 0.00 0.00 Northborough, Trinity UCM 232.88 Northbridge, Rockdale 994.50 84.15 Oxford, First 1,221.64 103.36 Paxton, First 7,000.50 592.35 Pepperell, Community Church of Pepperell 460.99 39.01 Phillipston 1,365.00 115.50 Princeton, First 2,184.00 184.80 Rutland, First 6,786.00 574.20 Sherborn, Pilgrim 7,839.00 663.30 Shrewsbury, First UCM 1,395.00 Southborough, Pilgrim 8,482.50 717.75 Southbridge, Elm Street 822.41 69.59 Spencer, First 2,652.00 224.40 Sterling, First Church UCM 270.00 Sturbridge, Federated 682.50 57.75 Sturbridge, New Hope UCC 487.50 41.25 Sutton, First 0.00 0.00 Templeton, First 1,382.98 117.02 Townsend 2,223.00 188.10 Upton, United Parish 5,128.50 437.52 Uxbridge, First Evangelical 236.03 19.97 Ware, United 0.00 0.00 Webster, Federated 877.50 74.25 West Boylston, First UCM 548.99 West Brookfield, First 1,774.50 150.15 Westborough UCM 900.00 Westford, First Parish 1,757.50 142.50 Westminster, First 1,949.08 164.92 Whitinsville, Village Congregational 1,382.98 117.02 Winchendon, United Parish 1,579.50 133.65 Worcester, Armenian 0.00 0.00 Worcester, Fellowship 0.00 0.00 Worcester, First 702.07 59.41 Worcester, Hadwen Park 5,284.50 447.15 Worcester, Iglesia Hispana 0.00 0.00 Worcester, Lakeview 526.50 44.55 Worcester, Park 239.72 20.28 Worcester, United 2,106.00 178.20 Wrentham, Original UCM 472.50 136,561.01 19,325.38 14

Central Association MACUCC – 2019 Budget: ANTICIPATED INCOME FROM DUES $19,800 United Church Mission $ 8,100 Church Dues – Non UCM $11,700

EXPENSES

Accounting/Bookkeeping Services $ 3,000 Administrative Services $ 6,000

Board of Directors Retired Clergy luncheon $ 350 Stoles $ 200 Spring Meeting $ 400 Synod Delegates $ 1,900 Board of Directors – other $ 300 Total – Board of Directors $ 3,150

Committee on Ministry Psychological Exams $ 2,500

Operations Office Rent $ 100 Certificates $ 150 Postage $ 150 Supplies & equipment $ 250 Total – Operations $ 650

Support of Worcester Area Mission Society $ 4,500

EXPENSES –TOTAL $19,800

Annual Audit of Central Association MACUCC For CY 2018

On February 14, 2019 the Central Association of MACUCC financial records were audited by Stephen R. Hemman, member of the Board of Directors. The records were in order and financial reports were provided to the auditor.

The Audit report was presented to the Board of Director at the April 2019 meeting.

While the audit was limited to testing transactions and balances, it would not necessarily disclose all errors and found no evidence of significant errors or omissions. In the auditor’s opinion, the financial reports provided to the auditor are fairly stated. 15 Central Association Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ

Nominating Report, 2019

The Central Association operates with three elected bodies: The Officers (4), The Board of Directors (6), and the Committee on Ministry (21). With term completions, some eligible members of both the Board of Directors and Committee on Ministry have agreed to serve additional terms, with several resignations, one member’s passing and several persons who have transferred to other associations, there were twelve (12) positions to be filled on the Committee on Ministry and four (4) positions to be filled on the Board of Directors. We have found competent and willing candidates for each slot on the Board and for all slots except five (5) openings on the Committee on Ministry. In accordance with our by-laws, your Board continues seeking greater lay representation, and that priority will continue in 2019 and beyond. We encourage pastors to identify and encourage members of their church to consider serving in the association.

For all who have agreed to serve this year, whether for the first time or for a second term, we thank you. May your service bless and inspire all as we walk together on this shared journey. We extend particular thanks to the following that have completed their service on the Board of Directors and on the Committee on Ministry: Keith Alderman, Sarah Hubbell, Kathie Huhtala, Larry Iannetti, Cynthia Montalvo, Shane Montoya, Paul Sangree, George Vogel, Margie Whittemore, and Joanne Williamson. May God Bless you as you continue making a difference.

On the list that follows, those names with an asterisk are to be elected at our Annual Meeting today, May 5, 2019.

Submitted on behalf of your Board, In Peace and in Faith,

15 persons nominated 5 positions to be filled

Officers: 0 vacancies Moderator *Rev. Elaine Gaetani 2019-20 3rd term of 3 term limit Vice Moderator *Mr. David King 2019-20 1st term of 3 term limit Registrar *Rev. David Fish 2019-20 1st term of 3 term limit Treasurer *Rev. Doreen Oughton 2019-20 No term limit

Board of Directors: (includes all offices above) 0 vacancies

Core Sector *Rev. Larry Iannetti 2019-21 1st term of 2 term limit East Sector *Rev. Amy Lunde-Whitler 2019-21 1st term of 2 term limit Core Sector *Rev. Sarah Hubbell 2019-21 1st term of 2 term limit

16 East Sector Mr. Richard Hilliard 2018-20 1st term of 2 term limit North Sector Mr. Stephen Hemman 2018-20 2nd term of 2 term limit East Sector Rev. Fran Bogle 2018-20 1st term of 2 term limit

Committee on Ministry: 5 vacancies East Sector Mr. Robert Pederson 2018-21 2nd term of 2 term limit East Sector *Rev. Dr. Liz Magill 2018-21 1st term of 2 term limit North Sector Rev. William Ault 2018-21 1st term of 2 term limit Core Sector Rev. Brian Grover 2018-21 1st term of 2 term limit North Sector Rev. Ray Medeiros 2018-21 1st term of 2 term limit

East Sector *Rev. Dr. Kaz Bem 2018-21 1st term of 2 term limit (Filling partial term) East Sector *Rev. Dr. Adam Tierney-Eliot 2018-21 1st term of 2 term limit North Sector Ms. Wendy Parker 2019-22 2nd term of 2 term limit Core Sector *Rev. Dawn Adams 2019-22 1st term of 2 term limit Core Sector OPEN 2019-22 1st term of 2 term limit Core Sector OPEN 2019-22 1st term of 2 term limit North Sector OPEN 2019-22 1st term of 2 term limit North Sector OPEN 2019-22 1st term of 2 term limit North Sector OPEN 2019-22 1st term of 2 term limit

Core Sector *Rev. Doreen Oughton 2017-20 1st term of 2 term limit (Filling partial term) Core Sector Rev. Noelle Dattilo 2017-20 1st term of 2 term limit North Sector Ms. Susan Colwell 2017-20 2nd term of 2 term limit

East Sector *Mr Joshua Lunde-Whitler 2017-20 1st term of 2 term limit (Filling partial term) Core Sector Rev. Dianne Dugan 2017-20 1st term of 2 term limit

East Sector *Rev. Diane Anderson 2017-20 1st term of 2 term limit (Filling partial term)

East Sector *Rev. Charles Eastman 2017-20 1st term of 2 term limit (Filling partial term)

17 Central Association Annual Business Meeting Worship The Heart of the City, the Heart of Christ

Prelude

Words of Gathering/Call to Worship (based on Psalm 85):

One: Sisters and brothers, let us hear what God will speak! All: For God will speak peace to us and to all who turn their hearts to the Holy One. One: Surely God’s salvation is at hand, that God’s glory may dwell among us. All: Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. One: Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, All: And righteousness will look down from the sky. One: Declare God’s goodness! Listen for God’s voice! All: Praise be forever to our still-speaking God!

Hymn: #284 ~ “Gather Us In” (see insert)

Confession One: God knows all that is in our hearts and listens for our confession with compassion and understanding. Let us turn to God....

All: Loving, guiding, and restoring God: we adore you. In your presence, our hearts soften, and our souls open to the gentle illumination of your light. You call us to be the salt of the earth. And yet, when the burdens of our lives become heavy-laden, we find it difficult to be the seasoning of love and grace you desire. You call us to be the light of the world. And yet, in our everyday encounters with the darkness of the news and the world, we often become too weary to shine brightly so that all may see your glory. You call us to be the heart of Christ in the heart of the city and in the heart of our local communities. And yet, we often are reluctant to embody the healing, resurrection power and transformation of our faith. Heal us, O God, and renew us. Remind us today and every day that we are an Easter people. Amen.

Assurance: Dear brothers and sisters in faith: we are indeed an Easter people! God is here to strengthen us and make us whole once again. Let us rejoice in God and in Christ Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit! And let us all say – Amen!

* OFFERING THE PEACE OF CHRIST TO ONE ANOTHER We sing the words, “Peace be with you,” to the tune of the eight-fold Alleluia.

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Readings from Scripture

Philippians 4:4-9 Matthew 5:13-16

“A Story of Salt and Light”: Reflections on a Gift Carolyn Dzaugis, United Congregational Church Sandra Johnson, Worcester Area Mission Society (WAMS)

Invitation to the Offering: Offertory: The first collection taken will benefit the Central Association Scholarship Fund. The second collection taken will benefit Worcester Area Mission Society.

Reception of the Offering and Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Offertory Prayer:

May these gifts, given from out grateful hearts, be a blessing to friends and strangers, to those like us and those not, to those who are deserving and those who we think are not, for in this way the love of God reaches all of God’s beloved people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

Hymn: #586 ~ “We Shall Go Out” (see insert)

Benediction

Worship leaders: The Rev. Nancy Elder-Wilfrid, United Congregational Church The Rev. Elaine Gaetani, Moderator, Central Association The Rev. Sally Norris, Worcester Area Mission Society The Rev. Dr. Janet Leighninger, New Hope United Church of Christ

19 20 21 22 23 The Central Association Board of Director’s extends their heartfelt thanks to the following who have helped make this annual meeting a success:

United Congregational Church and Worcester Area Mission Society for co-hosting the 2019 Association Annual Meeting.

Ms. Mae Stroshane, Minister of Music and Mr. Ed Bourgault, Sexton As well as all of the volunteers from United Congregational and WAMS who have helped with the preparations.

To Elsa’s Bushel N Peck for catering today’s dinner.

We welcome comments about this meeting and suggestions for next year’s meeting. Please email the association office with comments and/ or suggestions: [email protected]

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