| I.Opening and Prayer Chairman Dud Bickford called the meeting to order with a prayer at 4PM . Dud announced that he had only twenty minutes before his next appointment. He announced that he is resigning as chairman and resigning from the committee for personal reasons. He will continue to serve on the Stewardship Committee. II. Minutes Mitzi mentioned that she is not responsible for "Teching Up" ( a phrase coined by Dud) . Section III .C3 "Teching Up", should be a separate Section III.D Melicent moved that minutes be approved as corrected. The motion was seconded by Don and unanimously approved. III. Reports and Reviews A. Advertising and Marketing 1. Advertising/ Marketing Opportunities a. The mailing list has been given to Celia Frances to be compared to the list of new visitors. No correlation has been found to date. b. It was agreed to do a January mailing. Mitzi would prefer a much less traditional approach and a less New England church look. She would prefer to emphasize that we are new and innovative. It was suggested that the photo of the church was used to help new comers recognize which church sent the invitation.. 2. News Notes a. Photo requests. Dud reported that there have been no recent requests to use the camera. Don suggested that we involve the youth group members as photographers. b. It was agreed to continue the Essex Events ads. The same text will be used next time. Mitzi suggested that at least the type should be changed. c. Radio Opportunities on station WLIS will be investigated. 3. Ways to be Visible in Town Events a. Trees in the Rigging Don mentioned that he was on one of the yachts. The whole of Main Street was lit. Our church loomed at the top of the street and was dark. As a long range project, he suggested that the church be effectively lit. The possibility of re-establishing the parade tradition of stopping at our church for a blessing was touched on with no real recommendation. b. Eagle Festival Members of the church have previously sold chili at the Petipaug Yacht Club. The club is not heated and not intended for winter use. The practice has been abandoned. We discussed opening the church as a warm site for lectures , mulled cider, and clean bathrooms. 4. Directory Call List Mitzi reported that she has more than enough to do with the lists and information that she is currently working with. The review of the "Active" list is on hold. 5. Unified Message for Mailings and Contacts Mitzi explained that we need a catch phrase. "God is still speaking" works well for the national UCC. We need one of our own. Don suggested that we involve the congregation and solicit suggestions. 6. Focus on specific Target Groups Mitzi reported that this project has been referred to Outreach. Jean ( Karr or Davies? ) is establishing a connection with the Tri-Town Youth . A mentoring project is being considered. 7."Tech-ing up" a. Web site The Web Site is being updated by Ken and Jeff b. Non-tech people Melicent mentioned that although the instant communication of a well maintained web site is fine it does not accommodate not-tech people. Hard copy information will be provided for non-tech people. c. Computer classes The possibility of forming a class for computer challenged members was discussed. Mitzi was asked to arrange for a class to be taught at the ESCI. 8. Survey of Members a. Review of CE survey. Members reviewed several surveys. Jane offered to collate them. b. Membership survey A copy of the survey that the Membership committee had proposed was reviewed. It was agreed that since we had been preempted by the other survey, it would be confusing and unproductive to proceed as we had previously planned. B. Other 1. Program to explain UCC Mitzi explained that with the Synod being held in Hartford on the 50th anniversary of the formation of the UCC the congregation needs to be educated on its history and status. Don enthusiastically announced the forthcoming Amistad event. 2. New Chairperson The selection of a new chairperson was postponed. IV. Prioritizing of challenges Prioritizing was combined with Items to be accomplished/reported on Jane will collate the surveys. The letter will remain as it is. Mary Ann will do the press releases and check on the arrangements for the Eagle Festival. Don will involve young people with taking photos and will work on the creation of a slogan. Mitzi will prepare the agenda. Wini will do the minutes. The next meeting will be January 16,2007 at 4 PM. Mitzi offered the closing prayer. Respectfully submitted, Wini Olson | 
