First Universalist Church of Yarmouth

Congregational Meeting

October 24, 2010

A Quorum was called (25) and the Clerk verified its presence.

Church Board Membership

Members of the Board were introduced to the Congregation. Each shared their stories of joining the church community.

Church Staff:

Suzanne Warful has taken over as both office manager and bookkeeper.

Board Vacancy

Jane Cleaves, President, stated that there is a vacancy on the Board and urged anyone interested to contact her.

UUA Dues and Budget Revision

The Board proposes to include this year’s UUA Dues in the current budget. Budget was revised to reflect this as well as newly identified savings of approximately $10,000. Live Auction was increased from $5000 to $14,000. Gift Card program is increased from $1,500 to $4,000. New Fundraisers are anticipated to bring in $6,000 from a previously projected $3,500. The Board will review this in January. The budget is has been revised from $231,200 to $241,200.

Stewardship

Marge Titcomb discussed the new structure and purpose of the Stewardship Committee. It is anticipated that Finance, Fundraising, Membership and Strategic Planning will come under its umbrella.

A team of Chuck Murray, Jane Makela , Sarah Whitey, Laural Amebielle, are developing the proposal for its charter, role, and responsibilities. This will include but not be necessarily limited to:

Assessing and Discerning

Recruiting

Planning and Execution

Current Findings:

Community is what everyone has been asking for. Members have asked to provide multiple venues for church activities that bring the Congregation together.

Communications will be improved to enhance the ability to get together in moving the Church Community forward. The team of 5-6 individuals will be assembled to help improve understanding the needs and desires of the Church Community.

It will also champion the new Mission statement as a guide in all of the Church Activities.

It will review the Church Budget annually from the aspect of examining where its sources of income come from and what/ how the Church is spending those resources to further the Mission and Vision of the Church. Review of the pledging shows that income dropped from $153,000 to $144,000 and there was a decrease in units pledging. This decrease was less that is typically be experienced by similar churches in the community. Though there are fewer pledges, each unit is increasing the level of their pledge.

The Planning team is now recruiting candidates for the Committee.

Fundraising;

Chuck Murray reviewed the new fundraising activities to support the budget.

Intent today is to get out of the crisis cycle of fundraising that has historically been the method of operation. The Church Board in its retreat set down plan on putting together a more permanent method of fund raising that will be a year round initiative and be more inclusive of the members.

Year round fund raising will include Green Spirit, Gift Cards, Pie making for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Dates for the latter is scheduled to be 11/14/10 and 11/20/10.

The Holiday Fair is budgeted to bring in $12,000. Soups to Go will provide soups for take out over several Sundays during the Church Year.

Community dinners will be held both for the church community and for others outside the Church.

Live Auction and Wine Tasting will be held again this year (2/12/2010). As stated, it is anticipated to realize $14,000.

Clam Festival is also anticipated to bring in $6,000.

Leaders are being recruited to handle these programs. Participants and contributions are welcome.

Budget revision adoption:

The Budget increase to $241,200 was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

There being no other business was adjourned.

John Vogt

Clerk