ALL FAITHS UNITARIAN CONGREGATION
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday,
December 16, 2008
Call
to order - The meeting was called to order by president Joyce Ramay,
at 4 p.m. Present in addition to Joyce were: Evelyn Evans, vice
chairperson, Midge Magstadt, secretary, Doug Cartwright, treasurer,
governors: Robert Nuding, Robert Bennett, David Morgan, Carol Elrod, Lou
Pizzini, past chairperson, Wayne Robinson, minister, Pat Nuding,
membership chairman, Carol Siferd, Social Circles Committee, and Diane
Cartwright for the Nominating Committee.
Secretary’s report –Joyce noted a necessary correction from last
month’s minutes of a figure change from $8,067 to $14,914 regarding the
difference between October 2007 and 2008 income. The minutes were
approved as corrected.
Financial reports – (See handouts)
Treasurer’s report – Doug Cartwright reported, that out of the last
11 months, only 3 have been profitable. The income for November was
$13,729 and the total expenses were $15,063 for a net loss this past
month of $1,334. For the year to date we have a loss of $9,401. December
seems to be looking a little better as there have been a considerable
number of checks received of late, and attendance the last several
Sundays has been up.
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Checking – Florida
Gulf Bank: $8,242.32
-
Florida Gulf Money
Market: $2,591.75
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PayPal
$100.00
-
Raymond James Legacy
Fund: $3,758.05
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Raymond James
Operating Reserve: $20,769.00
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Total Bank
Accounts: $35,461.12
Finance Committee – Joyce reported on behalf of the Finance
Committee. Status of Giving letters were sent to 119 donors of record
who have given upwards of $100 in the past year with 93 of those having
given more than $250. In January, Summary of Giving letters will be
available for members to pick up after services. Those not picked up
will then be mailed. If we continue to fail to cover operating
expenses, it is felt Wayne may need to make a personal appeal to the
congregation. The Committee recommended that there be no bonuses given
this year. Wayne suggested that due to Sarah our office manager’s hard
work above and beyond the call of duty, and genuine care and concern for
the congregation; it would be appropriate to give her a bonus of $250.
Bob Nuding made a motion to that effect, Robert Bennett seconded the
motion, and it was approved unanimously. The Finance Committee has kept
the budget for 2009 at “bare bones”. There will be no salary
increases. Summer programs will have only 1 RE teacher, no hired
singers and no paid speakers. Members will be encouraged to receive
their newsletter via e-mail, and it was recommended bulk mail be used
for all newsletters. Wayne said he is looking into options for paper
and ink in the newsletter format to enable it to be sent to out-of-town
members at the one-ounce rate for first class mail. The Annual Budget
meeting will be January 25, 2009 following the morning service. Annual
Elections Meeting will be held March 29, 2009 at noon. The Finance
Committee has also recommended we seriously begin laying the groundwork
for reconciliation with UUCFM in the year ahead. There are many options
that could be looked into, and for now the concept is purposefully
vague. All that is suggested is to begin thinking, and exploring if
those options are even viable at this point in time. The proposed 2009
budget is for $174,103. Doug made a motion to approve the Budget
recommendations of the Finance Committee and return it to them for
further consideration. David Morgan made the second. It was approved.
Minister’s Report – Wayne expressed his appreciation for the service
of the Board in the past year and was also grateful for the December
music underwritten by Lina Fisher and Dr. Omar Rieche. The First Person
Witnessing for December centers on “What hope means to me” and has been
extremely effective thus far. The last Sunday of this month will focus
on “assessing the past and planning for the future”. January’s theme
will be a variation of “Beginning Again” with First Person Witnessing
elaborating on that theme. We are still in need of someone to
coordinate Lunch Bunch. Wayne shared the sad news of David Taylor’s
death while swimming in Puerto Rico. Upon Mary Ellen’s return to Ponca
City we will want to surround her with love and encouragement. Wayne
will be here for all services in December, but will be away Sunday,
January 25, to be present at his grandson’s baptism in Texas. Joyce, on
behalf of the Board, shared appreciation for the excellent job Wayne
continues to do with his messages and ministry to our congregation.
Committee Reports
SSC
– Doug reported that the recent
Holiday Dinner lost money for the first time in his memory. Doug and
Diane furnished the wine and poinsettias out of pocket, but we were
short about $50. Still it was a festive occasion for all present with
102 meals being served. The December configuration of using long tables
during service will continue for the rest of the month with the
exception of Christmas Eve. Having “kisses” on the table and serving
mulled cider are nod to this festive time of year. Hank will play at
the Christmas Eve service as Dan has a previous engagement, and Debbie
Marino will be the soloist. The Collection that evening will go to the
Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
Social Circles – Carol reported that the upcoming play ”Duet For
One”, will be using their profits to provide funds for Lee Mental
Health. January 9th,the play’s opening night, would cost $40
rather than $22, but with the proceeds going to such a worthy cause,
Carol felt congregants might choose to participate. Carol will have an
Inauguration Day Brunch at her house from 10:30 – 2:00. That is the
same day as our next Board Meeting and Board Members who wish to attend,
would still plan to return to our regular meeting spot at the Edwards
Building by 4:00 for that meeting. Carol is creatively thinking of
“free activities” like a movie night in someone’s home to save people
the cost of a regular movie, while still providing a social outing.
Other upcoming events are plays at the Florida Repertory Company and the
Gala in March, which is still in the planning stages.
Social Outreach –(See Handout) Robert provided summaries from each
committee updating their activities. While too numerous to mention by
detail in the minutes, it is an impressive body of work and a tribute to
the hard effort, service and sacrifice of the All Faiths Congregation to
show their “faith in action.” The Committee is still debating as to
whether meetings should be held monthly or quarterly. Attendance seems
to be improving by having the meetings after services at the University
Deli & Café. Robert is in the process of compiling a brochure with
descriptions of the service of each project All Faith’s supports. This
will provide information to new members, or those wanting to get
involved, to see what is already in place. A couple of highlights from
recent events include the successful ongoing food drive for McGregor
Clinic’s pantry and the $50 Target gift card Evelyn Evans was able to
give each of the 9 teenagers now at Hope House. Robert also let us know
that the program of feeding veterans and homeless persons through All
Souls Episcopal Church will continue to be a personal ministry of Steve
and Chris Fisher, but at this time the church does not need other
volunteers. Thus, the Social Outreach Committee will no longer include
it as part of their report. Coordinating so many projects and people’s
schedules is a tremendously difficult task, and everyone on the Board is
appreciative of the labor of love Robert does in heading this group.
Membership– Pat Nuding reported that we now have 230 members and 7
Dual members. Dual members are those who have another church as their
“home” during the summer. Wayne suggested these be combined and we just
leave it at 237 members, and that was agreeable to all. We have 90
Friends with several on the list to become members after the holidays.
Members who have moved away, but have not requested to be removed will
be kept as part of our membership at this point. Pat remarked that
given members are often couples, we might think of it as 162 Member
units, and 66 Friend units. It was thought this was a helpful way of
looking at our membership. Pat also mentioned she is often approached
by those wondering about people they haven’t seen at service in some
time. The Board feels this is a personal matter rather than the duty of
a committee, and any individual feeling that type of concern should make
it their personal responsibility to act accordingly. The Board
expressed appreciation for the great job Pat is doing.
Old
Business – There was no old business
New
Business - There was no new business.
Next
Meeting - Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, January 20, at 4:00
p.m. in the Edwards Building. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Midge
Magstadt, Secretary |
2008 Board
Minutes
November 18
October 21
September 16
August 21
July 15
June 17
May 20
April 15
March 18
February 19
January 15
 |
