The meeting was called to order by Richard at 7:30 p.m.

Stephen began by telling us that Joyce Haworth after a valiant eight-year battle with cancer, took a turn for the worst last Sunday evening and died peacefully that afternoon.

He then led the deacons in a prayer for Joyce and the meeting.

All reviewed the Minutes for 5/1/2007, which were then approved

Assignment of Duties:

Jennifer confirmed she will be bringing flowers for the Teachers appreciation Sunday on 6/10. Richard led the deacons in thanking Jennifer for this and the flowers she got for the previous Choir appreciation Sunday.

Stephen mentioned he plans to take a study week this next week (the week of 6/11-6/15). He will be available for emergencies, but will not have normal office hours during the week. During this time he will be planning a series of sermons he hopes will constitute another book.

July 1st is the traditional July 4th picnic, which has an informal circle for communion, so no servers or liturgist is needed. The UCC birthday celebration at 5pm in the First Congregational church, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz later that afternoon was also mentioned, and it was confirmed that someone (previously T’Shala) was already announcing the celebration at Sunday services. Marcia agreed to make sure this continued along with requests and/or a sign-up sheet to bring food.

Sunday (Pulpit)Liturgist Assignments:

6/3: (Stephen) Carolyn 6/10: (Patricia) Stephen

6/17: (Stephen) Mike 6/24: (Kristen) Ruth

7/1: 4th July Service (Julie brings Bread and Juice)

7/8: (Stephen) Julie 7/15: (Stephen) Larry

7/22: (Stephen) Richard

Member/Community Issues/Concerns

Richard suggested we use the phone tree to notify everyone about Joyce’s death and memorial service after Stephen and Richard first get the deacons the information, which was still being worked out. Stephen arranged with Mike to get something into the news letter and Richard agreed to follow up with e-mail notification to the deacons and the whole church.

At the time we had thought the memorial service might be on Friday, but it was finally arranged for Sunday 6/10 at 2pm.

New Member Sunday

Stephen outlined the New Member orientation for Sunday July 15th. He said we had, in the past, given new members some or our history, a description of our organization, and a feeling for our church community. He also suggested we share our stories about the church, while listening to the new member’s stories, concerns and expectations.

Stephen still thought 8 individuals might become New Members, but was not sure of the exact count. We then assigned new member orientation as follows:

Stories and Discussion Lead – Richard

Church History – Ruth

Church Organization – Larry

Church Community – Julie

Richard also agreed to perform the Deacon’s portion of the New Member service.

Larry suggested, since we would all be there, to follow the orientation with a regular meeting, which Richard suggested would be for both July and August.

Other Business: (items for the next meeting)

Stephen mentioned that a number of churches are now conducting Friday evening vigils, against the continuation of the Iraq war by tolling their church bell at 6pm. He asked if we would be interested in joining in. It was pointed out that the bell has been used as an emergency fire warning and this demonstration may conflict with that. It was also suggested that using the choir bells in another more central location like the old school gazebo may engender more community participation. It was also mentioned that we may want to expand what we are marking to include other wars and atrocities such as Darfur.

We agreed to table the discussion until the next meeting.

Stephen said he plans on taking two Sundays off in August, but is not planning a vacation until October. Stephen agreed to check on the availability of outside ministers, but didn’t know the specific Sundays yet. It was also suggested that we check with our existing ministers, and ministers in training as well. We agreed to define the specific Sundays and pulpit substitutes at the next meeting.

Due to Don’s interest and the late hour we agreed to table further discussion on Stephen’s proposed membership policy until the next meeting.

Following a prayer led by Stephen, the meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.

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