Met near Oak Grove, Missouri,

May 8, 1999

The meeting convened with Joseph F. Smith, Dwight Deitrick, Peter Gould, Wayne Bartrow, Gary Wheeler, Jack Evans, and Leroy (Buddy) Ormsbee all in attendance – George Rawlins and Bill Whenham were unable to attend.

Hymn #67 "Did you think to pray" was sung, and the meeting was called to order with prayer by Brother Joseph Smith.

Brother Joseph opened with comments concerning the need to enhance the priesthood retreat in May and the reunion in June. There is a need to enliven others to the desire of this work. Brother Joseph then called for a season of prayer with all present participating therein.

Joseph then noted that Doug Hatten had prepared a rough draft of the printing for the Association, and that a draft would be provided for us before the priesthood retreat in Geneseo. He also informed us of his being asked to speak in a RLDS church (Philadelphia, PA).

Some noted that support for this effort seems to be dwindling. Gary mentioned that there might be a possible problem of disunity among us. Jack suggested that we lack a sense of direction and belonging and we may need a "vehicle" to provide this. He also noted frustration at the feeling that we cannot proceed in our divided condition. Wayne suggested that this is because there are already many "vehicles" but few are willing to move into "the bus" because of a desire to "drive". Assorted discussion along these lines followed with a reoccurring feeling that complacency is the main problem.

Some mention was made of increased use of localized meetings. The Labor-day retreat in NY and the Thanksgiving retreat in TX were noted in this regard.

Brother Joseph asked what would be objections to having a single common organization among those participating in these unity efforts. Assorted discussion followed with the following questions/concerns being mentioned/discussed:

• It would be viewed as organizing a "church".
• There is not provision in the scriptures for such a loose structure.
• Some membership criteria and rights would have to be resolved – i.e. What would it mean to be a "member" of this organization?
• How else can we proceed?

Jack suggested that we might need more retreats open to the general membership. Wayne noted that we need to be directed in our effort rather than to try to move forward without direction.

Gary mentioned the tapes from the March 14^th presentation as Waldo, in Independence.

Wayne presented the financial report.

Gary was asked whether the Zion’s Hill group is still fully supporting this effort. He spoke on this some, mentioning some difficulties they had had.

We adjourned to the afternoon meeting. Wayne closed this meeting with prayer.

(AFTERNOON)

We reconvened, opening with prayer by Dwight. Joseph read the new newsletter for comments. We set the agenda for the May 29/30 retreat as follows:

Saturday Schedule:

Breakfast – 7:30 – 8:30

Prayer Service – 9:00 – 10:30 (Jack IC) changed to: 9:00 – 12:00 (revised below – see **)

Lunch - 12:00 – 1:30

Business - 1:30 – 5:00

Supper - 5:30 – 6:30

Business - 7:30 – 10:00

Sunday Schedule:

Breakfast - 7:30 – 8:30

Prayer Service - 9:00 – 10:45 (S. Wages IC – tentative)

Preaching - 11:00 – 12:00 (Wayne, M Deitrick IC)

Lunch/Cleanup - 12:00 -….

We discussed the reunion. Joseph and Wayne took this task as coordinators. The proposed agenda was passed out and reviewed.

Closing comments/discussion:

• Discussed the possibility of discussing/resolving points of differences.
• ** Wayne suggested that we reorganize our meetings to extend all morning in prayer (9:00 – 12:00). Agreed by all.
• Question asked: - "If a manifestation is given in one of these meetings, how shall we handle it?" – Discussed – It was suggested that we should handle it according to the scripture that the Elders are to conduct the meeting as led by the Spirit.

The meeting was dismissed with prayer.

Peter Gould, Secretary - Committee for Unity.