Unitarian Univeralists of Clearwater

         Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

   Wednesday, June 18, 2008

 

Attending: Sue Boone, Catherine Conover, Dotti Doyle, Susan Hegner, Carol Heichel, Carl Krave, Rev. Abhi Janamanchi,  Joann Shrewsbury, Bill Snell, Linda Stoller, Nancy Warner, Roberta Watson

 

Absent: Joe Myers, Rev. Millie Rochester, Dick Rolfes, Al Weaver

 

Call to Order:             Susan Hegner, Chair,  called meeting to order at 7:03 PM

 

Opening Words:            Abhi Janamanchi

 

Review of Agenda:            The agenda was reviewed and amended.

 

Review of Minutes:            Minutes for May 21, 2008 were amended and approved.

 

Treasurer’s Report:             Linda Stoller expressed concern about the drops in pledges and suggested

 the finance committee analyze the reasons. Abhi suggested sending

 “reminder” letter out to those who have not completed last year’s pledge. Suggestions to raise funds included a  special “Two check” Sunday, or special drive for our Fair Share.

                                    Moved to accept by Carol Heichel, seconded by Joann Shrewsbury

                                    Approved unanimously.

 

ACTION ITEMS:

 

Motion to lease to Waldorf School through September, 2008 with possible month-to-month lease beyond that time.

Moved by Sue Boone, seconded by Dotti Doyle. Approved unanimously.

 

Motion to appoint an Ad Hoc Committee to present best possible future use of manse space.

Carl Krave and Dotti Doyle volunteered to be on committee. Will also invite John Chase to join

the committee and representative from Ways and Means Committee.

Moved by Catherine Conover, seconded by Bill Snell. Approved unanimously.

 

Motion to change Sunday service format to one service (10:30 a.m.) until January, 2009 allowing

time for further review.

Moved by Roberta Watson and seconded by Catherine Conover. Approved unanimously.

                       

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

 

Abhi led a discussion of where UUC is today. Board broke into triads to brain storm two questions:

 

 

1.      What is it that brings you to Church?

      Like minded people

      Beliefs are shared

      Inner Peace

      Learning: Theology, Spirituality, Social-Personal

      Community

      Time to focus on spirituality

      Children connected with new ideas

      Challenged to establish values

      Inspiration

      Celebration

      Volunteering leads to belonging

      Attracted by community at large as much as by leadership

      Sense of caring for each other

      Groups like PSI helped develop theology

 

2.      What is your personal vision for our congregation?

            UUC expand and grow

                  Integrating families more with the congregation

            Adult Sunday School

                 Develop an infrastructure so as not to be minister dependent congregation

                  Reaching out to minority groups and engaging them in interactive activities

            Market educational forums locally as outreach

            Explore ways to connect our outreach efforts to our educational goals.

 

Summary: Develop an integrated approach to help us to be more relevant presence in the community.     

 

 INFORMATION ITEMS:

 

Dates set for 2009 Stewardship Pledge Drive events:

 

Stewardship Events:

Leadership Event: Saturday, Feb. 21

Congregation Event: Saturday, March 7

Stewardship Sunday: Sunday, March 8

Annual Meeting: Sunday, May 17

 

Minister’s Report:

 

Written report submitted with additional comments:

Annual update regarding Minister’s discretionary fund included.

Sabbatical expenses: Abhi’s return from India to deal with tragedy cost approximately $1000.00.

Possible donation from church members.

Yvonne requested possibility of 4-day week for her position to reduce cost of commuting.

Board needs to be alert that they may need to assist in event of hurricane.

Abhi is on vacation July and on study leave August. Millie is on leave July and part of

August. Millie and Abhi will both be on vacation July 3-10.

To date, thirty-two members are registered to go to General Assembly.

 

Board Retreat information and sign up:

 

Information and sign-up sheet distributed.

 

Change flood insurance carrier:

 

Insurance summary from John Chase distributed for study and information.

 

UUC participation with the Amendment to the Florida Constitution regarding Marriage

and Board membership in the Fairness to Families organization:

At the UUC service on June 29th, Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida, will speak about the "Marriage Amendment" to the Florida State Constitution on the November 4 ballot.

Close:

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 PM

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Catherine Conover

Secretary, Board of Trustees