All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

Board of Governors Meeting

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The regular May meeting of the All Faiths Board of Governors was called to order by President Joyce Ramay at 5:01 P.M., May 19, 2009, in the Board Room of the Edwards Building. In attendance were Joyce Ramay, Evelyn Evans, Frankie Jennings, Robert Nuding, Doug Cartwright, Lou Pizzini, and Carol Elrod (by long distance conference link).  Absent were Wayne Robinson, Susan Stocker, and David Morgan. Guests included Carol Siferd, Pat Nuding, and Robert Bennett. Doug Cartwright served as acting secretary for the meeting.

The minutes of the April meeting were approved on a motion made by Doug Cartwright and seconded by Robert Nuding. Motion passed.

Robert Nuding presented the treasurer's report for the month of April. April income was $18,210 and expenses were $12,267 resulting in a net gain for April of $5,943. The 4 month figures reflect income of $68,450 against expenses of $58,151 for a 4 month gain of $10,298; however it was noted that this represents an expected period of good months, and the next four months will be quite lean.

The accounts as of May 14, 2009 stood at the following:

Checking: $16,092.94

Money Market:  $2,594.60

Pay Pal:  $70.00

Legacy Fund:  $3,559.09

Operating Reserve: $19,712.45

This amounts to a total cash asset balance of $42,029.08 

Joyce Ramay reported on the Finance Committee's recommendations that budget reductions continue to be implemented, including the freeze on hiring additional paid outsiders such as singers or musicians during the summer instead relying on volunteer work and a skeleton staff for hospitality and sexton work. She also requested that those who volunteered to underwrite or subsidize the reinstated sexton and hospitality service write their checks and indicate on the memo line, "Summer Services."

Joyce read the minister's report in Wayne's absence. The 24th of May, All Faiths will sponsor a food and clothing drive for McGregor Clinic, and Wayne will also conduct a short memorial for Lorrie Vezineau. The 31st is transition Sunday, and will be the last sermon by Wayne before turning the services over to the Summer Services Task Force which, he noted, has done an excellent job of planning and has invited participants throughout the summer to visit on the 31st and get acquainted with the venue as well as the congregation. Also this is Memorial Day weekend, traditionally a Flower Communion Sunday in which congregants bring flowers and the congregation is asked to select a flower from the display. These events will be addressed in a congregational e-mail next week. In his report he also noted that his recent health issue, including his most recent toe surgery, seemed to have gone well, and he is looking forward to a summer of rest, work-related travel, and a recharging of the batteries.

Frankie Jennings reported on the New Fundraising and Planning Task Force which she and David Morgan are spearheading. Their group also includes Peggy JSingh, Kay Riegler, and Audrey Olson. Frankie serves as chairperson. A mission statement was developed which reads: The mission of the Fundraising and Planning Task Force is to enhance the impact of All Faiths Unitarian Congregation by increasing our visibility, funding , and membership. To that end the group spoke of raising an initial amount of "seed" money - $5,000 to $10,000 ideally - and using the funds to generate fundraising events which went beyond the scope of the usual bake sales, auctions, etc. The fund would be self-perpetuating, profits coming back into the fund for future events. Mentioned as possible initial events for the first year were 1) an evening of jazz music and a boat ride on the Caloosahatchee to welcome snowbirds in the fall, 2) sponsoring during Women's History Month (March) an event with a nationally known woman as guest speaker in a symposium honoring five outstanding women in Southwest Florida, and 3) a diversity workshop in the fall of 2010.  The events would be open to the public and well-publicized to give All Faiths greater exposure in the community. By the June board meeting, Frankie and her task force will meet and put forth a budget, a plan for raising initial funds, and an initial blueprint for the first year. The proposal generated a lot of discussion, interest, and excitement. The suggestion was made to rely on matching funds for the initial seed money. The task force could identify a group of 10-20 people and ask them to contribute "matching" pledges of between $250 and $1000. Then when the congregation contributes money, it would essentially be doubled. Joyce emphasized that the congregation needs to be made to understand what the money is to go for and what it is not; and All Faiths does not want to make the mistake of being too general or vague about the fund.

Carol Siferd reported on a meeting with Wayne and Reverend John Adler of Iona-Hope Episcopal Church. Following the Voices of Sanibel play last month, Tom Prather suggested that the Iona-Hope church building is underused and initiated a conversation with his minister (Adler) about the possibility of sharing the facility with All Faiths. The church is located near Gladiolus and Summerlin near Bass Road. It's a good fit for us because Iona-Hope is a very liberal congregation. A few problems would have to be worked out with service times, but Carol said that the facility is very nearly perfect, having among other things a simple moveable altar, TV projection screens, a music pit, and seating for 225-250. There is also a separate gathering room. Lou was impressed that they made the initial contact instead of our seeking them out. Robert Bennett also said that they indicated they would be open to work with us on programs, events, etc. Our present cost of $1000 per month might be enough to rent the facility or we could also pare sexton and hospitality and maybe even office expenses to augment that amount. Robert Nuding moved to continue exploring the possibilities and Frankie seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The Summer Services Task Force has completed the summer plans and has invited participants to the May 31 service as noted previously. There was a request to provide for three special donation Sundays for Quality Life Center, Hope House, and Colors. The donations will not be announced until after Joys and Concerns. Evelyn so moved and Frankie seconded. Motion passed. Moderators for the summer will be Elizabeth Kramer for June and July and Midge Magstadt for August.

The Service Support Council meets for the final time before its summer hiatus on Thursday, and Doug reported that they will be planning the carry in/snack Sunday for the 31st at that time. As announced earlier, we will be having curtailed hospitality and sexton work but someone will be available all summer. The SSC will help out with the Summer Services Task Force as needed and as members are available. Pat Nuding reported that Diana has a job and will not be able to childsit; however Pat thinks that it will not be a problem covering for childcare as there are not likely to be many (or any) children this summer. She will work it out with the remaining original volunteers.

Evelyn reported that Social Outreach had nothing to report. Pat reported that the membership numbers are unchanged.

Joyce announced the next meeting to be June 23 at 4:00 in the conference room.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Doug Cartwright, acting Secretary

2009 Board Minutes

May 31
(special meeting)

April 21

April 4

March 17

February 17

January 31

January 20

2008 Board Minutes

December 16

November 18

October 21

September 16

August 21

July 15

June 17

May 20

April 15

March 18

February 19

January 15