Service and Business Meeting of Unitarian Universalist   Fellowship of McMinnville

September 16, 2007

Welcome by Bernie McGinnis

Reminded us that this was a business meeting and spiritual service.

Opening Reading by Michelle Cotner           

Passed around directory for corrections.  Copies for those who want one available.

Introduction  of  new people (3)– and a few minutes for people to introduce themselves to their neighbors

Spirit of Life and lighting of Chalice – John Casey

Discussion of First Principle by PatriciaFaye Marshall           

Reading by Bernie and two minute meditation

Business Meeting:

Reports from small groups:

Chalice Circles:  Leah Bloom  reported that they have decided to have three groups which will meet during the first week of the month in October, November and December. Asked us to sign up for one of the groups to discuss the following: Religious experience/background and why this group at this time in October. Share a quote, poem,  or picture that spoke to you in November. Create or share feelings about holiday season in December. Each group will have a host and guide and needs  a volunteer to hold the meeting at their home.

Community Involvement : Beth Dell described  meeting with Trisha Harrup at YCAP and  filled us in on how they distribute food to 26 organizations in Yamhill County that help to feed the needy. We are going to donate groceries to YCAP at each of our services and assist them in sorting donations when they need volunteers. Beth will contact Trisha to coordinate our volunteering.

Children’s RE: Kara DeMarco  said that their committee has met once and hopes to have more material from UU websites to help set up a program for children. She says there are approximately 15 children ranging in age from 18 months to 15 years old. Also they hope to establish Kids Days that can meet three or four times a month at a larger space to accommodate all of them . They will meet again on October 14th at 3PM at Giraldi’s Restaurant.

Announcements: Rick Davis, Minister of the Salem UU Congregation will speak at our next meeting on October 21st. Nancy Nelson will  discuss the UU Second Principle at that service.

Bernie asked for volunteers to plan and set-up holiday party,.

Passed around clipboards for greeters to sign and info on local community events.

Peace Group meets at 2nd and Adams the first Friday from 5:30 to 6:30 PM and first Sunday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM of each month. As the days shorten the Friday meet will be cancelled.

Pot luck at Bernie’s on Saturday, September 29th at 4 PM.

PatriciaFaye Marshall invited us all to come to her ordination on September 23 at 2 PM at Deer Creek Park.

Naming our  congregation:

A very lively discussion by all. Bernie presented and explained the differences between, congregation, fellowship, society and community.  He suggested Unitarian Universalist  Fellowship of MicMinnville and asked for alternative suggestions and whether we should make a decision and vote today.   After much discussion and by majority vote it was decided to vote today;  use the term Fellowship and name McMinnville.  Some differing opinions as to the use of “of”, “in” or  some punctuation.  A vote of 9 to 14 decided to use “of”. There was one vote for McMinnville UU Fellowship  and by majority vote it was decided that we will be called the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of McMinnville. An historic occasion.

Megan Smith led us in wishing Elliot Carter Happy Birthday.

A basket was passed for donations to New Thought Congregation for use of their space. $58. was collected.

Closing words and extinguishing of chalice by Ronnie LeCroute

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela Bergen