Board of Trustees

Due to myriad circumstances, a continuation budget was passed at the last congregational meeting. These include:

It was decided that when the new minster arrived we would develop a Budget for 2021-22 and present it to the congregation. Click Here for the for the proposed Budget.

Additionally, the Board convened a task force to revise the Church Bylaws. The taskforce consisted of Board President, Sarang Joshi, Former President Ed Derringer, Former President Erin Johnson, Peter Grundfossen and Rick Langer. The Bylaws needed to be updated because:

Prior to the Congregational Meeting, we will be hosting 3 Budget Question and Answer Sessions with Margaret on zoom. Click Here for the Zoom Link

Agenda for the Congregational Meeting

-Submitted by Sue Geary, Board of Trustees

In the Spring of 2015, your Board of Trustees approved the search for a Consulting Minister of Congregational Life, which was to be as a two-year tenure with an option for a third year. The Board, Minister Goldsmith, and other church leaders recognized that our church was experiencing the growing pains of transition from a pastoral-sized church (wherein congregants relate directly with the minister) to a program-sized church (wherein congregants connect within various groups within the church). There were several areas needing greater attention than could be provided by volunteers alone including, welcoming and integration of newcomers, membership development and retention, redesigning and expanding our Religious Education Program, and assistance with overall ministerial duties. Although we did not have the extra funding for a second position, everything that we read and heard about the transition to a program church advised that we must staff a bit ahead of the next growth point. A generous member of our congregation provided the financial underwriting for this temporary position.

We were indeed fortunate that Reverend Matthew Cockrum was available and willing to bring his broad experience, unique expertise, and many talents to this consultant assignment. (No, I’m sorry, we can’t keep him.) During a gathering on Saturday, February 25, Rev. Cockrum provided a report of his work and his recommendations for areas that need further attention. Not only has he attended well to his assigned areas of emphasis, he has also demonstrated for the congregation just what a second minister, working in concert with the senior minister, can add to the effective operation of our church and to our spiritual experience.

During our February meeting, the Board considered the costs of giving up the programs, services, and supports that we gained during Rev. Cockrum’s tenure against the modest financial leap of faith required to establish a second minister position. The Board voted unanimously to begin the search for a second minister, who will begin her or his duties with the 2017-18 church year.

This position must ultimately be fully sustained through our pledge revenues, but we do have supplemental income for the next two years. In a report to the Board in January, the Church Endowment Committee recommended that a portion of the investment growth of our endowment funds be transferred each year for the ministry of the church. We will also direct the proceeds of our next two church auctions (2017 and 2018) to this position. Your generous pledge this year and in future years will secure this critical position for our growing church.

Are We Out of the ICU? A Mid-Year Report

By Becky Heal, Member of the Board

We started the church year with the budget in critical condition. At mid-year it’s been upgraded to serious but stable.

This wonderful news is because of the remarkable energy and commitment of our congregation.

Because of you, pledges have increased, members have pledged for the first time, people have been uncommonly generous at Christmastime and the choir has thrown its considerable person-power and energy into selling everything from solar lights to wax candles. (David Owens has yet to unveil his part, so keep visiting the choir table in Eliot Hall -- there’s more to come.)

All of this has helped immensely and the Board is deeply grateful.

1. And, we’re not out of the woods. So far, we’re in the black but that could change with one bad month; and the historic bad months are yet to come.
   Here’s what you can do:
2. If you haven’t already, read Tom’s letter. It’s a love letter to the congregation and an appraisal of our financial situation. It’s important. If you haven’t pledged -- do it. If you haven’t paid your pledge -- do it.
3. Keep supporting fund raising efforts. They might tip the monthly ledger from red to black.
4. Start a serious conversation with yourself, your family, your accountant, whoever needs to help you decide your 2017-2018 pledge. Next year’s pledge drive begins in March and the only way to avoid another year in the ICU is sufficient, generous pledging.

If you have questions about our financial situation, financial stewardship or just want to talk visit the Board table in Eliot Hall. Board members will be available to answer questions and gather feedback. Financial information such as the budget and the monthly report will be available.

You have inspired the Board with your energy, generosity and willingness to roll up your sleeves. We’re half way through this difficult year. Let’s finish strong and healthy.