a word from robin . nov 2006

an annual meeting to decide

One of the truisms at Mayflower is that if there is nothing really controversial going on in the church, attendance at the annual meeting goes down! For several years running now, things have been relatively calm. The church has been growing steadily, and there has been lots of good news to report. The squabbles of years past are thankfully gone, but attendance has also gone down to around 100 at this early November rite of self-governance. That’s not enough in a church with 650 members.

While I have no interest in stirring up trouble to pump up the crowd, let me give you a few reasons to consider adding two hours to your busy schedule on Wednesday evening, Nov. 1. First, you will be fed by 363 at 6:30 p.m. and get a sense of how fortunate Oklahoma City’s homeless population is when this remarkable group of people cooks for them and brings them essential items as a gift in the name of Jesus.

Second, we have the 2007 budget to propose which we increased by only about one percent. It is a modest budget compared to most churches our size, and yet the trustees are growing increasingly concerning about proposing “deficit” budgets – where income does not meet expenses year after year. We have modest reserves, but they should not be used to operate the church, and there is so much more we could do if we had a decent pledge from every active member of the church. About one in three “active” church members do not pledge, although some do give. Did you know that we would make our budget if every member pledged $50 a month! 

But the truth is, we have a core group of faithful, responsible givers, and a very high number of members who give something when they come to church, but make no pledge, no commitment to contribute a minimum amount during the year. Hence the trustees have to guess each year what the income will be, and that makes their job very difficult.
 
Perhaps at this annual meeting we can make a pledge that ALL active members of the church will return their pledge card! That way, Mayflower won’t get what is “left over” but what you have added to your family budget. When the pledge card comes to your house, sit down and discuss what weekly sum represents a meaningful pledge based on what this church means to you. If you are listed as an “active member,” fill out the card and return it. Membership does not just have its privileges. It also has its responsibilities.

Third, a major new initiative is underway at Mayflower which will return the idea of burial on the church grounds to our little slice of heaven. In a tradition that harkens to the days of the church graveyard in New England, Mayflower has a committee which is working hard to develop plans for a columbarium (a quiet, beautiful place for the internment of ashes) in the space between the west wall of the sanctuary and the east wall of the new Christian education wing. Many of us who love this church want our ashes located there (myself included). 

At this year’s annual meeting, you will get your first glimpse of those plans, presented by my notoriously shy wife Shawn, and will be asked to allow the project to go forward by your vote. It will be paid for entirely by people who purchase spaces in the columbarium or those who contribute to the cause. No church funds will be used.

Fourth, you will elect the newest members to serve on boards and committees in a church that thrives on its lay leadership. If you have been nominated to serve, please make a special effort to attend, so that you may be recognized and thanked for your willingness to serve Mayflower church.

Fifth, you will hear exciting plans to start a new UCC church in Norman under the leadership of our own Chris Moore, second-year seminary student and the latest bearer of the torch of liberal Protestantism in Oklahoma. Starting a church is an amazing act of faith, and we need the whole church on board, working, giving, and praying for the success of this exciting venture. This is how churches change the world.        

Finally, you will hear news of our amazing Christian Ed program, our growing and magnificent music program, see where our benevolence money goes, learn what the Guild does, get a report of our medical mission in Nicaragua, and hear my “State of the Church” report. I believe we have come to an important fork in the road at Mayflower, and must decide where to go from here. There is only so much we can do by following our old ways. But there is nothing we can’t do if we rededicate ourselves to faithful participation in a covenant community. This will be an annual meeting to decide. We need you there.

Grace and peace

Robin Meyers 

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