The Deacon's Report

Febrary 19, 2008

Dear Mayflower Church:

Since you last heard from your dedicated deacons, we gathered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 16th, at Mayflower for our annual retreat. This retreat was not of the ordinary, relaxing variety, but rather, a roll-up-your-sleeves working retreat to organize and strategize for the coming year.

As a result of this comprehensive brain-storming session the deacons discovered many revolutionary and novel approaches to address ongoing issues, and, moreover, to take Mayflower in some very exciting, new directions. Reverend Meyers was in attendance at the meeting in an Ex Officio capacity, to act as a guide and springboard for ideas. Our fearless leader, Chair of the Board, Glenda Stansbury was at the helm to help keep us focused on the grueling agenda, and, occasionally "crack the whip" to keep the momentum of the meeting moving forward.

Finally, by the end of the day, the board had a challenging, progressive set of new goals, along a very specific plan of action to carry out those goals.

Some main topics discussed were:

• A plan to give Milligan Hall a makeover to make it a warmer more inviting gathering place, with specific attention being focused on the various information tables lining the area, was discussed and outlined. It was also agreed that as the centerpiece of Mayflower social life, Milligan Hall also needs some extensive aesthetic rejuvenation.
  
  
• Chris Moore's UCC Norman was recognized as a crucial area of concern for Mayflower. The board heard a status report from Chris Moore and had a lively discussion on what we can do as a board and as a church to ensure that UCC Norman is successful. The board arrived at a consensus that UCC Norman should be viewed as an extension of the Mayflower family, thus supported and nurtured accordingly.
  
  
• The board discussed ways to more effectively embrace both visitors to Mayflower, as well, new members. The board outlined a new, highly-structured process for new members in the hopes of ensuring that new members find their place and form a lasting bond within and connection to our loving congregation. Key topics of concern were: new member follow-up and the implementation of new procedures making it easier for visitors to Mayflower to become integrated into the Mayflower social network.
  
  
• A revamped and re-energized Justice and Witness Ministry subcommittee was heard from. Sean Emerson, heading the subcommittee, shared his vision of a Mayflower social justice ministry "with teeth," so to speak, carrying out very real action for the many causes in our local community and beyond. On this topic, Greg Seals shared his idea to empower members to action through the Mayflower website. Ideas were discussed to create tangible outlets for action, especially, just after the congregation has heard one of Reverend Meyers' inspiring sermons. The key to Greg's idea is to harness fresh interest and excitement about a specific issue by leveraging the Internet. Ideally, parishioners, as well as visitors to Mayflower, would be able to log on to the website, immediately following the message, and get plugged-in to various forms of action, organized and facilitated by the Justice and Witness Ministry subcommittee - online.
  
  
• The board also discussed concerns, many of these concerns being expressed by the congregation, that the general understanding of the role of Worship Leader may have been lost, or, perhaps forgotten, to some degree, over the past few years. The board agreed that going forward, Worship Leaders must adhere to the time requirement for Worship Leaders, as a matter of policy, and keep their talk to three minutes or less in order to provide adequate time for the full order of worship. There was also a consensus among the board of a need to remind Worship Leaders of the devotional nature of the role.
  
  
• A Sexual Exploitation, Ministerial Conduct and Youth Protection Policy committee was formed. Although Mayflower's record on this issue has been impeccable to date, it was thought a policy should be in place in order to be prepared in the unlikely event such a matter should ever occur.
  
  
• Pam Cross, coordinating the Church Picnic this year, shared several new and interesting ideas about different things we can do to make the Church picnic even more enjoyable for all than it has been ever before.

Numerous ideas, including a lot more photos of Mayflower's people, were discussed to make our website warmer and more inviting, while also equipping members and those interested in Mayflower, with all the necessary information.

As always, thanks for your prayers and continued support. God bless!

Sincerely

Mayflower Board of Deacons

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