First Universalist Church of Yarmouth, Maine
Minutes of the Mid-Year Congregational Meeting
January 27, 2008 12:10 – 1:15 PM
Eric Uhl, Vice-President of the Board of Trustees, moderated; 66 church members attended.
President Marge Titcomb gave a brief overview of church activities to date. She acknowledged everyone who has been involved in church activities this year—virtually everyone in the room! She summarized our church’s current goal as “cultivating our collective spirit of generosity”, citing the stewardship of our buildings, our green environment work, welcoming congregation efforts, development of social justice mission, stronger relationships within the UU denomination and increased opportunities for adult religious exploration (e.g. courses) in our church. In this spirit of generosity, members were encouraged to participate in a comprehensive cleaning of the church on Feb. 16 and Feb. 23 – see Will Truesdale or Pete Titcomb for details.
Brent West presented the state of our finances. We are in good shape—right on track in our current $227,000 budget: 6 months into our fiscal year, expenses are at 50% as projected and income is slightly higher (currently there is a $27,000 surplus and we can hope to finish the year in June with a slight surplus. Revenues have been very good: $8,400 Clam Festival, $14,000 Holiday Fair, pledges have come in ahead of schedule and the endowment revenue is up. The 2008/09 Budget is in the planning stages; the Finance Committee will be working closely with upcoming Canvass.
Jane Makela reported the progress on the restoration of our steeple. We have raised approximately $332,000, which brings us within $26,000 of the total Save the Steeple project. The belfry has been completed, work on the spire continues and Arron Sturgis has suggested that the re-installation of the spire atop the church could occur as early as late April. Jane noted that we have 78% participation from church members and encouraged the remaining 22% to give at any level, any amount: “it’s never too late or too little to give!” Jane also noted the extraordinary support we have gotten from the larger community – approximately $57,000 from individuals outside our church (not counting the grants we’ve received).
Marge Titcomb introduced the upcoming Annual Canvass. The theme this year—Let It Grow—refers to the forward steps our congregation has taken, the “seeds we have planted”, that we can now nurture to grow. The “seeds” include the stewardship of our buildings, and efforts with faith-in-action and social justice. All members are invited to the Canvass Dinner on March 1 and can look forward to Celebration Sunday on March 16.
Dick Woodbury reported from the Committee on Shared Ministry. This group serves as sounding board and support system for our minister, as well as facilitators of the evolution of the ministry shared by minister and church members. Dick identified the challenges of the transition facing us, as we seem to be growing from a pastoral-sized congregation to one which is program-sized. He also encouraged all members to make an effort to get to know Jennifer as we head into the second half of her first year.
Debe Overhaug reported from the Faith In Action Committee. Debe quoted Rev. Jennifer’s words: “We are sponsoring a cultural change in this congregation.” The committee has been engaged in the process of identifying a framework (‘an overarching umbrella’) for our church’s outreach efforts and invites others to join this committee. Jennifer will address faith in action in upcoming sermons; Wednesday movies are scheduled which highlight social justice and outreach; all are encouraged to continue supporting our youth in their mission trip to Guatemala; small ministry groups could discuss outreach and social justice; members are encouraged to participate in upcoming adult RE offerings.
Eva Thompson reported from the Welcoming Congregation Committee. There have been 3 workshops so far this year; a couple movies shown; Rev. Jennifer’s Feb. 10 sermon will highlight “Project Speak Out”; and other activities are planned. Eva noted that only 20% of the membership has participated and invited discussion related to ensuring that more of our congregation is “on board” this important work. Various reasons for the low involvement were offered, including that some feel we already are welcoming of diversity and others feel the designation is “a done deal”. It was suggested that a workshop be scheduled to discuss this lack of participation in the Committee’s events.
Lastly, two youth members—Leah Bevins and Anders Overhaug—joined Jenn McAdoo in thanking the congregation for its support as they head for Safe Passage in Guatemala in two weeks.
The Mid-Year Meeting ended at 1:15pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Trentacosta, Clerk