Greenfield Group Minutes
Since 1927
A Unitarian Universalist Ministers Study Group
Greenfield Group
April 25, 2007
LaSalette Center, Attleboro, Massachusetts
The meeting was called to order at 10:15 by Bill Gardiner, Moderator. Bill explained the working process for selecting new topics and the expectation that when leaders take on a topic, they will begin work right away and not wait until lunch at the convocation before the topic to start the process of discerning the elements and readings of the program.
FALL PROGRAM SELECTION
We entered a time of program selection with the following results:
Spring 2008: Food and Spirituality [Program Group: Wendy, Naneene, Brian, Bob, Mary]
Fall 2008: Truth and Reconciliation [Program Group: Naneene, Susan, Paul, Tracy, Greg]
MINUTES
Approval of minutes of the November 2006 gathering at LaSalette Center, Attleboro.
Scribe’s Report
ABSENCES: Rosemary Brae Mcnaught (un-excused), Tom Wintle (un-excused) Greg Chute (un-excused), Joel. Miller (excused - father ill), Nina Grey (excused - graduation)
RESIGNATIONS: There are no resignations from membership at this time.
INVITEES: New Members: Wendy Bell and Carol Rosine were asked if they would like to join after attending a session. Invitee Steve Landale was unable to attend. An invitation is not carried over to the next meeting.
Wendy and Carol accepted the invitation to join and were welcomed with the traditional Greenfield chant.
NOMINATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP: There are no nominations for membership at this time.
REPORT OF THE MEMBERSHIP WORKING GROUP
We have 23 members and could have 27 (a number set be some retreat house’s capacity some years ago). Officially we have space for 4 nominees. There is a need for diversity and youth in the group. Over a third of the group is nearing retirement or is retired.
The study group was comprised of Bill Gardiner, Rosemarie, Anita, and Brian. The group looked at the size of the group, demographics, what think of when we invite new people. The current membership is 24 including new members. One third of membership is over 60. There are II women and 13 men. The age imbalance is noted.
Recommendations: size of group fro discussion is functional size. Sabbaticalx have led to lower numbrs. Idea size is aboout 25, larger enough for small groups and diversity and small enough to mediate frustration in line up to speak. Hould be about 28 members. We have 24 - 4 peopl to be added. Concern expressed about too large of an influx and acculturization is harder. Two per year added seems to be a good number and recommends apolicy o adding up to two a year for next two meetings. If people resign there would be more to add after that.
Moved we have 28 members: Passed.
Moved: bring in two new people a year: Passed
Moved: suspend disciplining setting time frame for nominees for new people - for this convocation. PASS
The following are to be invited to the Fall 2000 gathering: Amy Freedman and Barbara Fast. They will be contacted and given orientation by the moderator.
DISCIPLINE REVIEW PROCESS: In consultation with Bill Gardiner, Moderator, the Scribe will start a discipline renewal process. Before Summer starts, everyone will receive a copy of the disciplines, as they now are, and a copy with suggested changes. Review by members should be completed by mid-October and a set of desciplines based on the feedback will be sent out to everyone by mid-November for discussion at the fall business meeting. Feedback will be taken into account, changes made, and a draft will be sent out to everyone for a vote at the spring 208 meeting.
WEB SITE: Reminder that everyone should check address, telephone number, and email address. Playing off of Anita’s Monday night chapel, there is some thought about having a photo of every one of our meeting places, contacting al present and past members for half page memory vignettes, and posting a whole new section about the lore of the group. A reminder to send papers to the Scribe to be included on the web site, anchor reports too. Add a book room to which we can add material on line.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer, Bob Thayer, reported a balance of $1140 when began retreat. Sandra is name of new administratior. V
MOVED: confirm 2007 and sp 2008 dates and fall 2008 dates here - needed for LaSaletted planning.
Nov. 26-28, 2007
Apr. 28 - 30, 2008
Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2008
KEEPER OF THE SPIRITS/FOOD
We are not keeping track to the penny any longer. Do not be lax in paying for what you use. Free open bottles available. Take them.
PROGRAM FOR FALL
Passed out readings. There iwiwll be an update with full assignments See the web site.
Wendy wants to do a chapel and a response paper. Cost of readings about $10.00. Will be added to fall expenses.
MEETING DATES
November 26 - 28, 2007 Globalization [Program Committee: Group: Jim Sherbloom (chair), Brian Kopke, Martha Niebank, Rosemarie Smurzynski, and Bill Gardiner]
April 28 - 30, 2008
November 30 - December 2, 2008
OTHER BUSINESS
Mary thanked the group for the gift of an afgan that was started at the fall 2006 change of pace.
MEETING ADJOURNED
The meeting was adjourned in time for chapel before lunch.
Respectfuloy submitted,
Brian Kopke, Scribe
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