ALL FAITHS UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Call to order - The meeting was called to order by president Joyce Ramay, at 4:00 p.m. Present in addition to Joyce were: Evelyn Evans, Vice-Chair, Midge Magstadt, secretary, Doug Cartwright, treasurer, governors: Robert Bennett, Carol Elrod, Robert Nuding, past- president, Lou Pizzini, Committee Chairs, Pat Nuding and Carol Siferd, minister, Wayne Robinson, and Nominee for Secretary, Susan Stocker

Secretary’s report –The minutes were approved.

Financial reports – (See handouts)

Treasurer’s report –Finances during the month of February were encouraging. Doug reported that we finished the month with a profit of $4,711.51. Donations at the beginning of March are also remaining strong, and it is hoped this trend can continue. While the Operating Reserve is only 1/3 of what we wish, the Board all agreed that we are fortunate to have an Operating Reserve and are still paying all our bills. The leadership of the Finance Committee, and the dedication of the membership are strengths that are sustaining All Faiths during these difficult financial times.

Florida Gulf Bank Checking: $12,259.05
Florida Gulf Money Market: $2,594.60
PayPal $70.00
Raymond James Legacy Fund: $3,478.78
Raymond James Operating Reserve: $17,524.52
Total Bank Accounts: $35,926.95

Finance Committee – The Finance Committee has recommended that $160.03 from the Sound System Fund be moved to the General Fund. There is no need for use of this money for the sound system at this time, and should a need arise money can be withdrawn from the General Fund to meet that purpose. Carol Elrod made a motion we accept this recommendation, Evelyn Evans seconded it and the motion carried. Spring Fundraising has begun and was addressed in the Minister’s Report. Lyle Olsen has completed the audit and will present his report at the Annual Meeting. Income for 2008 was $151,403.18 – Expenses were $172,085.36 for a loss of $20,682.18 for the year. Lyle noted that systems at All Faiths are good, our Office Manager is doing an outstanding job, and the transfer to the Church Pro software is a noted improvement. At the present we have no outstanding debts. Doug and Joyce met with all staff affected by the upcoming budget changes prior to the announcement that was made to the congregation. Hippy volunteered to take 10 weeks off rather than 5, which enables us to keep Hospitality Services through the end of May. Lloyd is investigating creating a team of volunteers that would be responsible for Hospitality Services during the summer months. Wayne voiced his concern that this vital part of our service not be neglected, as it is an essential part of Unitarian gatherings. After the Spring Fund Drive, we will be in a better position to know whether or not we will have the finances to continue paying for Hospitality Services, even during the summer months.

Minister’s Report – (see handout) Wayne expressed gratitude to outgoing Board members for their service and commitment. He shared that the Spring Fundraising package had gone to the printer, and should be mailed within the next few days. Wayne commented on the successful Founder’s Day Service and the start of meetings for Summer Services. Doug and Diane plan to provide a one-act play for services once a month in the summer. Charlotte Blitt has tentatively scheduled a production related to Black History for late April. Joe Batal has consented to helping with “futuring” regarding ministerial succession. Memorial Services were held recently for David Taylor and Louise Stewart. Wayne is scheduled for another angioplasty in May and the doctors believe that will put him on the road to full recuperation.

Committee Reports –

SSC – Doug reported that Diana, Hippy’s neice and David’s girlfriend, who is working on her Business Management degree, has volunteered to provide childcare and help with hospitality as part of her community service hours needed for her degree. Pat Nuding has agreed to coordinate volunteers for our RE program during the time we will not have a paid worker and she is already getting some positive response. The count for the Founders Day Dinner was 135, which exceeded the expected 110, but the food was stretched to meet the need, with a profit from the dinner of $180.

Social Circles – Carol reported that the Gala was a great success with 71-72 people in attendance. There was a profit of $86 as well as $389 from the Raffle, which will go to the church. Carol complimented the musicians and said it definitely seemed everyone there was having a marvelous time. Upcoming social events include theater parties, a picnic, and a serious study group to explore health care from a global perspective. The Board was unanimous in their appreciation of Carol and the tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm she injects into everything she does.

Social Outreach – Evelyn reported that the packages for the soldiers are continuing to be put together. She received information that some of the items are things the soldiers may already be receiving. She will pass this information on to the congregation, but it was still felt that it is a worthy project to let the soldiers know that someone cares. The packages are being distributed through Chaplain Norris Burke. Robert also mentioned that EPEC will be holding a memorial Thursday, March 19 at Centennial Park to commemorate the invasion of Iraq. Wayne is scheduled to be one of the speakers and it is hoped there will be a good turnout.

Membership– Pat Nuding reported that Membership stands at 223.

Facilities Task Force - Carol and Robert had not looked at any new properties fro the Facilities Task Force, but still plan to do so in the upcoming months.

Old Business –

Annual Meeting - Joyce explained that it has been suggested we start part of the Business Meeting during the actual service, much as we did earlier for the special financial report meeting. The service would be condensed to the essentials, then after Joys and Concerns, Joyce would call for the election of new Board Officers and the vote on the proposed change to the By-Laws. This would ensure a larger number of congregants would participate in the vote. There would be a short break where those who needed to leave could do so, and then the meeting would re-convene to cover the remainder of the agenda. The Board agreed to this recommendation.

New Business – Robert suggested we look into re-activating the Congregational Care Groups. Joyce agreed that it would be something we should look into as there are always needs within the congregation, and communicating those needs allows others to send cards, visit or call to lend support and encouragement. Joyce also expressed appreciation for the outgoing Board Members, and the work Carol and her committee did in finding new Board Members. She reminded us all that the people who make up All Faith’s Congregation truly are our greatest resource.

Next Meeting – There will be a special meeting April 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. as an Orientation Meeting for the new and remaining Board members. The regular monthly meeting will be Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 4 p.m. in the Edwards Building.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Midge Magstadt, Secretary

2009 Board Minutes

February 17

January 31

January 20

2008 Board Minutes

December 16

November 18

October 21

September 16