Minutes of Special Parish Meeting March 12, 2006

It was determined that a quorum was present, with approximately 68 members in attendance.

Walter read Article 1: To consider the recommendations of the Parish Committee relative to a transfer of funds. Peter Cullinan moved that the membership fund the hiring of a field education minister with funds transferred from the furnace reserve. Anne Madden seconded the motion.

Anne Madden, representing the Committee on Ministry, spoke on the effect that the growth of our congregation has had on ministerial time and energy and the increasing burden that has been placed on our minister. The committee's recommendation is, ultimately, to work toward a half-time assistant or associate minister. However, we are not in a good place financially to undertake such a commitment at this time. So, the committee is proposing two interim steps:

1. The more distant possibility is for a ministerial intern to join us in the fall of 2007. The intern would be an aspiring minister who has mostly finished his/her program of studies. Under ministerial supervision, this person would work for us either full-time for a year or half-time for two years. The cost would be approximately $20,000/year for full time.

2. The closer step is to hire a field ed student-a person who is somewhat earlier in his/her divinity training than the intern. Frank Clarkson, who came to our church a couple years ago and was much loved, was a field ed student. This type of arrangement is almost always a win-win-win situation: good for the student who is working with Harold; good for the minister who can use the help with all the unseen work of the ministry; and good for members of the congregation, who get to experience a different voice.

Pat Skibbee asked for clarification on where the money for the field ed student would come from. Peter responded that it comes from a surplus from the previous fiscal year that had been put aside for furnace repairs and subsequently was not needed.

A vote was taken and the motion passed.

Walter read Article 2: To consider the recommendations of the Parish Committee relative to appointments of committee heads.

Nancy Crochiere moved that the congregation approve the three committee heads recommended by the Parish Committee. Linda Tulley seconded.

Peter Cullinan explained that the Social Action Committee did not have a chairperson appointed last spring, but that Rob Burnham has volunteered to assume that role.

The chairperson of the Music Committee had resigned, and Cori Thurlow has been acting as chair. In addition, Maura Perkins was appointed to fill an open spot on the Trustees.

A vote was taken and the motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Crochiere
Parish Clerk