First Universalist Church

Annual Report 2005–2006

Report from the Office Manager

This job touches in some way, much of what happens in the church. In addition to the routine office work- collections, bills, statements, calendar, announcements, order of service, mail, phone, and newsletter production, I work with committees and fundraising groups to supply data, help facilitate communication, and coordinate volunteer efforts. I sit on the Executive Committee and next year will sit on the Nominating Committee as part of our effort to revitalize church committees. The following are a few highlights from the year:

Collections: The Treasurer’s report contains all the consolidated financial data. I keep track of some of the details of our finances. One of the many generous things we did at the church this year was to give away half of our plate collection each week to an outreach organization. As of May 21, the church contributed $9,321 to the following outreach programs:

In addition to the plate donations listed above, Lois Howlett led a Yoga class twice a week for a small fee that also contributed to outreach. Half of the fee went to our operating budget and half went to an outreach organization of the class’s choice. In total, the class gave $1,122.50; half to the church and half to the following organizations:

Rentals/Facility Use: The building is in constant use all year, whether for a regular class, a church meeting, a benefit concert, a Bean supper, choir practice, a movie or other“goings-on.” The following is a list of regular facility users, other than committees: (Details of the classes and groups that use the church on a regular basis can be found on the website at www.uuyarmouth.org).

New: Concert Series: Tom Levin has organized The Maine Jazz Festival Series, a series of professional jazz concerts that have or will happen in the sanctuary and benefit the church financially- and the wider community culturally!

Heating and Electric: With the church in constant use, we have been sensitive to the rising cost of oil and electric prices. Thanks to a warm winter, our heating bills through May were actually $686 less than for the same period last year. Our electric bill was only slightly higher. The cost of these items and the diligence we exercise in conservation will be important in the coming year.

Communication: Thanks to e-mail and a responsive team, communication among the church “Communicators” has worked really well this year. With Sarah Marshall at the helm of the UU BUUGLE and the newsletter and Lisa Perkins on the website, we have transferred a lot of important information to the church community in a timely, organized and creative way. And thanks to a dedicated (and fun) group of newsletter production volunteers, we have moved the newsletter out the door in under 2 hours every month. Thank you to regulars Peggy Goggin, Roger and Faith Comstock, Annette Tibbetts, Marge Titcomb, Chalmers Hardenburgh, Gail Daigle, Cornelia McNamara, Jane Makela, and Janice Tooker for your consistent help.

Debbie Woodbury