Members Present: Becky Dickey,
Kevin Meredith, Mary
McGriff, Bill Meller, Regina Moody, Sloan Christian, A.G., Sandy
Chubon,
Dwight Pregler, Andrea Derrick
Members Absent: Joe Long
Ex-Officio:
Patrick Price, Mary Heriot
Guests: Audrey
Muck, Sej Harman
Call to Order:
Kevin Meredith called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM.
Opening Words:
Mary M. read the opening words.
- Last Months Minutes: The minutes of
the previous meeting were read. It was noted: in item #7 that Sloan
distributed the memo for Mary H; in item 10, third paragraph, second
sentence, change 'do' to 'so'; and in item 12, second paragraph, fourth
sentence, change 'sanctuary' to 'all other areas'. The February minutes
will be updated as such. Amy made a motion to accept the minutes,
conditionally pending update, the motion was seconded and passed
unanimously.
- Staff Reports -- The staff reports
were read. Patrick gave the Board an update on Sandra Carnesale's death
and the arrangements being made. Sloan proposed we, the UUFC, assume
responsibility for the party Sandra had intended to have for Paul's
upcoming graduation. Amy suggested we plant a tree in memoriam.
Susan Corbett's report was not available. In
Isabel's report Regina questioned if the issues with the SPIRAL concert
were
resolved, and Patrick stated that they were. Mary M. made a motion to
accept
the reports, pending the receipt of Susan's report at the next Board
meeting,
the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
3.
Treasurers Report: It was noted that we are
currently in the
'red' and will cash in our CD if we need to. It was discussed that our
cash
flow varies with what is due to be paid so we may not need to cash the
CD just
yet. Sandy noted that the Endowment Fund balance had decreased from
last month
and that we should not have distributed any funds. It is likely that
the UUFC
mutual fund had itself decreased in value and Kevin will contact Joe
for
details. Sandy questioned, that based on our current numbers, it looks
like we
can only pay salaries for six more weeks. Patrick stated that funds are
being
held pending tax time.
4.
Furnace Repairs: Kevin stated that the
contributor of the
furnace funds has approved our holding the contribution in an interest
bearing
account until next fall and applying the donated funds to repair the
furnace
then, when we really need it.
5.
Canvas Update: Becky reviewed the content of the
follow up
letter sent to those who could not make the kick off meeting. The
letter
offered a one-to-one meeting to those who would like one and that a
donation
box will be available at the UUFC. Becky read Dave Dickey's report on
the kick
off meeting. The report indicated that pledges of $14,000.00 have been
received
already, which is a good sign. There is planned a pulpit editorial
about the
canvas program for each of the next three Sunday's.
6.
Audit Status: We are still waiting for Joe's
report.
7.
Survey on Ministry: Audrey stated that some
recommendations
are being gathered and consolidated and will be available by the June
Board
transitional meeting. The results should give us a snap shot of the
fellowship's feelings and position. Regina noted we should be very
clear with
the congregation if we are changing the nature of our intent. Concerns
may be
premature until we get the survey results.
Audrey stated that it was difficult to get past the
definition of Minister and of Ministering To Each Other. Becky stated
she felt
we could be more clear in our language regarding what the issues are.
She
suggested we state what the Minister's job is and how we interact as a
fellowship. Regina requested a copy of the survey be distributed for
review.
Sandy expressed concern that we are doing this survey at the same time
we are
doing the canvas survey, particularly at a time when the UUFC is
generally
concerned about surveys that never get any follow up.
Regina stated that she has studied the way the
Augusta, Georgia ministry is structured and that we are outdated as a
ministry.
She suggested we review our structure and goals. Amy reminded the Board
it was
planned to do that last summer with our retreat. Patrick stated there
is an
educational aspect to how we minister to each other. There was a
general
discussion on what the UUA calls the Ministerial Relations Committee.
Patrick
stated there are currently two district models and each are being
applied at
fellowships. Kevin suggested we defer the discussion. Regina suggested
that
smaller groups could discuss the issue before the next Board meeting as
the
issue needs more definition. There was a general discussion of some of
our
options and it was generally agreed that the objective was not clear.
Patrick
stated the objective may be to establish a baseline of important staff
and
administrative issues. There was a general discussion of the lack of
cohesion
of one survey's results with another.
Sej asked the Board if they want to continue with
this survey. Kevin asked for a general opinion and the consensus being
that we
need more time to review the survey. Sej will provide Kevin with a
current copy
of the survey for distribution to the Board. Sej requested the Board be
in a
position to decide at the April Board meeting if the survey should go
forward.
The Board agreed to act on the survey via email, within two weeks.
8.
How To Kill a Religion or Help It Grow: Becky
distributed this
article on what can kill or save a fellowship. Becky stated that we all
have
the power to act and we can all be canvas leaders. Sandy stated that
some
members have an issue with the 'large dollar contributors' being
invited to the
canvas leaders dinner based only on the amounts of their contributions.
There
was a general discussion of the types of contributions (alternate to
money)
that can be made and the value
of each to our fellowship. It was generally agreed that we should make
an
effort to recognize each type of contribution as openly as we do the
large
dollar contributions.
9.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM. Next time,
Sloan will
bring the food and Amy will provide the reading.
Humbly Submitted by:
Bill Meller
Secretary, UUFC Board of Trustees