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The Committee on Ministry acts on behalf of
the whole United Church of Christ to authorize persons and
congregations for ministry. In fulfilling this mandate we
attempt to honor the covenantal nature of our common life. One
way for us to do that is to gather information from each of our
authorized ministers on an annual basis. This is formally called
an “Information Review”.
The Information Review is a chance to look back on 2009 and to
share needs and perspectives on your ministry as you move
forward in 2010. It is a tool to keep us connected, sharing your
gifts, needs, expectations, and ministries as we grow together
in word and deed. The information will be shared with the
Committee on Ministry.
The Information Review is a requirement of the United Church of
Christ Manual on Ministry… “All authorized ministers are
expected to participate in regularly scheduled Information
Reviews in order to maintain their authorization” (Manual on
Ministry, Section 8, page 9). So we are asking all of the
authorized ministers in the Western Association to participate
by completing the document to the best of your ability. We have
tried to make the form applicable to as many active and retired
authorized ministers as possible, but if you need to re-word a
question to better suit your current situation, please do so.
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Below you will also find a copy of the
authorized minister’s code from the United Church of Christ
Manual on Ministry. The purpose of the code is to facilitate
building up the Body of Christ through mutual understanding,
agreement, and reconciliation through common practices and
expectations. These are the standards to which the Committee on
Ministry on behalf of the whole United Church of Christ holds
authorized ministers accountable. Please read and reflect on the
code, signing and dating that you have done so and return with
your completed Information Review.
We look forward to your response. We, who regularly meet as the
Committee on Ministry try to communicate with the church as a
body of many parts, pray that God will bless our efforts and
bring us into wholeness as God's People.
Form for Active Ministers
Form for Retired Ministers
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Spring Association Meeting
April 18, 2009
Approximately 100 delegates, clergy and
visitors met April 18th at Bethel United Church of Christ,
Concordia, Missouri, for the Annual Meeting of Western
Association. The theme, “Treasure in Earthen Vessels: Embracing
Hope in Change and Challenge,” was explored in a variety of
ways—in worship, fellowship and witness.
Some of the highlights of the gathering:
• A keynote presentation and sermon by Rev. Dr. David Greenhaw,
President of Eden Theological Seminary. David lifted up some of
the challenges and realities for churches in our time, as well
as the hope that comes through the Good News.
• Recognition of guests from a church in West Plaines, Missouri,
exploring affiliation with the Western Association. The church,
Grace Community Church, was represented by four persons—Bernice
Crown, Dana Fleming, Dale Rickert and Jan Rickert. (See
photo below)
• Extravagant welcome, wonderful meals and hospitality by the
host church, Bethel UCC. Special thanks to members of the Bethel
UCC Inner Life Committee—Becky Becker, Virginia Droege, Anne
Langhraeher, and Lisa Paul. Very special recognition and
gratitude go to Rev. Dr. Alan Gatewood, Bethel UCC pastor, for
all his efforts.
• A time of farewell with Jerry Cundiff who served for five
years as President of the Association, as well as the election
of officers for the coming year. Linda Stenger, President;
Patricia Glover, Vice-President; Bob Atkinson, Secretary; and
Joyce Meyer, Treasurer.
• The adoption of by-law revisions, including the start of an
Association treasury. The worship offering totaled $595 to be
placed in the new fund.
• Conference sharing by Rev. Jeff Whitman, Conference Minister,
with focus on the global partnerships, Habakkuk Project, “Ready,
Set, Grow!”, Camp Mo-Val and Shannondale, Biennial Meeting
plans, and Persons in Ministry Retreat.
• Introduction of new clergy in the Association:
Tim Biesemeyer, St. John UCC, Emma with Service of Recognition
June 7th
Judy Fiocco, Evangelical UCC, Boonville; Ordination &
Installation, May 31st
John Sellers, St. Peter’s UCC, Billings (interim);
Janet Weiblen, Ivanhoe UCC, Raytown (interim)
• Leadership by Ellen Martin who will be ordained and installed
at First Congregational UCC, Lebanon, June 14th. (She has been
“In-Care” and will graduate Eden Seminary in May.)
The Association meeting provided an opportunity to conduct
important business in the midst of change and challenge, as well
as embracing hope and possibility.
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels (clay jars) so that it
may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God
and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but
not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair. . . .” II
Cor. 4: 7-8
Left to right: Dale Rickert, Dana Flemming, and Bernice Crown of
Grace Community Church, West Plaines, Missouri.
APPROVED 2009 ANNUAL MINUTES (PDF)
APPROVED 2009 ANNUAL MINUTES (WORD)
CORRECTED & APPROVED 2008 MINUTES (PDF)
CORRECTED & APPROVED 2008 MINUTES (WORD)
JERRY
CUNDIFF'S CHAIRPERSON REPORT (PDF)
JERRY
CUNDIFF'S CHAIRPERSON REPORT (WORD)
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT (PDF)
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY REPORT (WORD)
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT (PDF)
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT (WORD)
JERRY
CUNDIFF'S CHAIR 'THANK YOU' (PDF)
JERRY
CUNDIFF'S CHAIR 'THANK YOU' (WORD) |
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Left to right representing Silver
Covenant Keeper churches are Martha Hawthorn, Zion UCC,
Mayview; Jeff Whitman, Conference Minister; and Joyce Meyer, St.
John UCC, Emma
Red Covenant Keeper Churches, front
row: Betty Windmeyer, St Luke UCC, Grand Pass; Jeffrey Hammond,
UCC of California; Ruth Hotle, St Peters UCC, Kansas City; Conne
Burnham, UCC of Columbia; Jan Parks, Country Club Congregational
UCC, Kansas City; Jordan Rivers, Bethel UCC, Kansas City. Back
row: Leland Strucktemeyer, Trinity UCC, Lexington; Charles
Dunham, St. John's Chapel UCC, Springfield; Brady Abel, Immanuel
UCC, Sedalia; Wayne Godt, Southwood UCC, Raytown; and Isaiah
Muita, Salem UCC, Higginsville.
Five for Five Churches: front left Marquita Pace, Bethel
UCC, Kansas City; Brady Abel, Immanuel UCC, Sedalia; Judith
Bartell, St. John's Chapel UCC, Springfield; Martha Hawthorne,
Zion UCC, Mayview; Steven Redman, Ebenezer UCC, Levasy. Back
row: Ruth Hotle, St. Peters UCC, Kansas City; Leland
Structemeyer, Trinity UCC, Lexington; Jeffrey Hammonds, UCC of
California, Conne Burnham, UCC of Columbia; Jan Parks, Country
Club Congregational UCC, Kansas City; Fred Droege, Bethel UCC,
Concordia; and Joyce Meyer, St. John UCC, Emma.
Faita Leota and Ruth Hotle
Newly Approved By-Laws:
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