Scarsdale Congregational Church

Tinka Marsh, Glen Nygreen, Lois Seulowitz and Phil Washburn represented our church at the November 1, 2000 election of Michael W. Caine as Regional Conference Minister, Southeastern Region, New York Conference, UCC. Here Tinka reports on this inspirational evening.

It was twenty years ago when the Southeastern Region elected John Blackwell its Regional Conference Minister. Wednesday, November 1, was the special moment for the election of Michael W. Caine. And yes, he was elected unimously by enthusiastic delegates.

Of the more than 100 attending, most had come first to a dinner, enjoying an hour of "re-connecting". (It was a convivial group through which to meander, and I urge you to go, learn and enjoy as I have done. You will not regret it.)

The election was held at the Congregational Church in Huntington (Long Island). Its sanctuary, built in 1965, startles (and pleases) the first-time visitor. A large cross is suspended from a domed ceiling. Wood planks and metal give a strong sense of the vertical and horizontal of the cross.

Rev. Bigelow, pastor of the Huntington church, cited its credo "all people equal under God" and noted that seating for Sunday worship exemplifies this. The clergy and congregation sit together, not opposite one another.

Beginning the worship and election, Rev. Jane Ann Groom, who served as Interim Regional Conference Minister, sang Love Lifted Me and recounted a personal experience of a chance encounter which turned into a rich dialogue.

Wes Bourdette, Chair of the New York Conference Executive Council, and Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, Conference Minister, descibed the process which led to the nomination of Rev. Caine.

Michael Caine, a graduate of Union Theological Seminary, has a passion for youth ministry. He has been pastor of the Church of the Living Hope in Harlem, Dean of the Brooklyn-Staten Island District of the Metropolitan Association, and senior minister in Brooklyn-Flatbush.

Michael sees himself as continuing to pioneer the UCC's Open and Affirming Movement. He believes in "a Creator God, a loving God...We are an inclusive church..all are welcome in all areas of the church." He cited former UCC President Paul Sherry's letter regarding The Rights of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Persons in Society and their Membership and Ministry in the Church as reflecting his own concerns. (This letter is available on the web site of the UCC at http://www.ucc.org/news/record/pastoral.shtml.)

Clearly a popular choice for the position, Michael fielded questions with ease and obviously enjoyed the exchanges. He could and would easily have stayed beyond the 10:15 PM hour, but noted that his son, present at the meeting with his wife, still had homework to do!

With applause for Michael and a song and prayer, the meeting concluded.