| Senior Pastor, Ken Peterkin, with about 55 in attendance, called the 154th Annual Meeting of the First Congregational Church in Essex to order at 7:30 PM on May 24, 2006. Pastor Ken opened the meeting with a prayer. There was a time of remembrance for those who passed away in the past year. Motion was made to accept the minutes of the 153rd Annual Meeting held on May 26, 2005. Motion was seconded and approved. Presentation of the Annual Report for 2006 Ken recognized each committee chair and the written committee report, asking for questions from the congregation at that time. Treasurer, Paula Merrick, presented her report, answered questions, and then led a discussion regarding the Scholarship Fund. She asked if the scholarship is a priority for this church or not? She said the committee needs to know, and this general meeting group needs to make policy. She asked if we should campaign to have more money? There was discussion. A motion was made, seconded, and members voted $1,000 from Outreach / Carpenters Fund to the Scholarship Fund. A motion was made, seconded, and members voted $1,000 from Local Benevolence to the Scholarship Fund. A motion was made, seconded, and members voted to restrict the scholarship to only members of our church. A motion was made and seconded to take the entire amount from the Collins Bequest and the Tingue Bequest to the Scholarship Fund (total about $10,000). This motion was denied. A motion was made, seconded, and members voted to send a letter to the congregation requesting donations to the Scholarship Fund. Motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion was seconded and approved. Nominating Committee Report and Election of Officers Those present reviewed with Pastor Ken the Nominating Committee Report and Election of Officers. It was noted that the Pastoral Relations and Personnel Committee needed to be included. Sherry Clark, Marian Messek, and Cheryl Harger are continuing for another term. There are four vacancies on Music Committee that the Nominating Committee did not fill. A motion was made, seconded, and the congregation voted to accept the slate of Officers and Committee members as listed in the Report of the Nominating Committee, as amended. What happened to your concerns voiced in 2005 Those present reviewed the list. It was determined that quite a few goals had been accomplished. Marjorie W. Sands Scholarship Pastor Ken said that there are four scholarships being awarded this year for $1,000 each. At this meeting Steven Mosley was presented his scholarship. On Sunday, Sarah Jones and Sarah Minor will receive their awards, and in the near future, Chris Stewart will be given his award. Looking Ahead There was interest expressed for a Membership Committee. It was decided that this could be an ad hoc committee for now and determined through Church Council. In the fall, Pastor Ken wants to bring back the Long Range Planning Committee and then have Long Range Planning work with groups and individual committees. Dreaming our Future / Joys and Concerns to share … Those in attendance at the Annual Meeting turned in suggestions for future planning. - elevator - van or bus - summer service at Pettipaug - new or recover pew cushions - solar paneling - instant hot water heater - identify visitors with ribbon or ? - digital camera - screen for digital presentations - proceeds of rummage sale to Outreach - communion/confirmation relationship - tidy up stage / rehang curtain to lower it - investigate alternative to curtain that hides organ pipes - Open and Affirming - continue discussions on topics similar to the Borg Book Discussion Groups - Bibles in pews be same as the Bible from which the scripture is read Pastor Ken suggested, that at potlucks, people bring their own plates, forks, knives, and spoons, to cut down on clean up. Anne DK was recognized for her new role as vice moderator of the Middlesex Association. Mellicent Hawke recognized and thanked Soup Kitchen workers. She requested contributions of vegetable plants. Marion Marston asked for program ideas for Women Together and said the months it will meet in 2006/2007. Search Committee for Associate Pastor: Sherry Clark, chair, presented the Church Profile, which had been rewritten to reflect the current status of the church. There are now 14 candidates. Packets are ready. Phone interviews will now take place. She requested that we have patience. Pastor Ken suggested that it might be a good idea to alter the current committee system and make it possible for younger people to play a more active role in the life of the church. Pastor Ken gave the benediction. Respectfully submitted, Ginny Bliss, Church Clerk | 
