First Universalist Church of Yarmouth, Maine

Meeting of the Board of Trustees

March 24, 2008      6:30 – 8:45 PM 

Board Members Attending: Eric Uhl, Anne Turner, Will Truesdale, Barbara Trentacosta, Marge Titcomb, Jeff O’Brien , Sue Myers, Jane Makela, Diana Levin, Rev. Jennifer Emrich, Roger Comstock, Jane Cleaves, Jenn McAdoo.     

Reports:

• Minister’s Report: To go along with the detailed report of her activities in the last 2 months, Rev. Jennifer spoke about the Guatemala mission trip – what a multidimensional experience it was to be there, working for Safe Passage; the emotional ups and downs; the ministerial experience as well as the parental one. With Jenn there, they were able to serve both the adults and the youth throughout the mission.
• DRE Report:  Jenn’s March report described two of the professional development trainings she has participated in and how invaluable these opportunities are in her growth as a religious educator.
• Treasurer’s Report: The monthly report shows that we have a $19,000 surplus at present. He reported that the Finance Committee met and voted unanimously to get the new software we authorized last month. He notes that this means we have thereby committed some of next year’s budget for this upgrade. The Finance Committee identified the need for an informational technology committee to oversee systems, do backups, etc. Board members discussed whether this falls under a larger umbrella—‘communications’—and could be advisory, rather than a committee. Roger will take this item back to Finance for further discussion and clarification.
• President’s Report: Marge initiated discussion on whether the Board would authorize $250 from the Leadership Development budget for Phil Jackson to attend the District Conference workshop on church finance coming up in late April. The Board approved of designating $250 for this conference, although it was not determined exactly where these funds would be drawn from.

The Board also approved paying the GA’s $165 youth registration fee for Kayla Thompson to attend. Board members agreed that the senior youth can do a soup lunch at the annual meeting as a fundraising event which would benefit possible mission work in Transylvania next summer.

Members were alerted to changes occurring with the Clam Festival this year – fixed fees for booths, resulting in about $900 additional cost to us.

It was noted that someone removed the homophobia posters from the Sanctuary restroom—it is unknown whether the person was a member or community friend.

Roger agreed to examine and finalize the wording of the By-Law changes.

The date for the Board retreat is presently set at  June 7th; Marge and Barbara will be unable to attend, as they will still be in Transylvania. Roger agreed to try to set a firm date as soon as possible.

• Building & Grounds Committee: The Board has approved Rev. Jennifer’s plans to refinish two rooms in the parsonage. The Board also approved of spending $450 to have the parsonage’s shed roof re-shingled.
• Faith In Action Committee: Anne reported that the two March evening discussions on Moral Imperative were well-attended (16-18 each evening), providing lively forums to discuss building our church’s ministry of social justice.
• Steeple Committee: To try to raise the final $25,000 for the steeple, Bluezberry Jam will perform on March 29, a spring yard sale will be on May 3, Kate Connelly will do a reading on May 30 and May 31 is a benefit plant sale. In addition, there are a couple grant proposals pending.

Visioning and Planning: Church Size, Part 2.

            Rev. Jennifer led a continuation of last month’s discussion of church size and growth. Talk focused on what size means to us right now, as this congregation evolves and in terms of our fiscal year objectives. Questions  brought up included: Do we want to grow? What does that mean in terms of governance policy? Can we be intentional and navigate the structure even if we become a program-sized congregation? It was pointed out that growth is usually limited by available space; what does that mean if our congregation grows? It’s generally felt that as church programming strengthens, support by members will increase. Rev. Jennifer reminds us that a clear mission statement will inform the congregation of where we’re headed. We seem to be retaining a shared ministry-type format and will need to clearly define this structure. This discussion will be continued, either at the next meeting or during the Board retreat.

Action Items:

• Our congregation will have 6 delegates at the upcoming NH/VT/ME District Meeting, April 11/12.

The Board approved Marge T., Isabel D., Barbara T., Ann Swardlick, David Swardlick and Faith C. as delegates; Roger will submit the necessary forms.

• Progress in the Canvass thus far: 81 pledges (including 7 new people) have been made, totaling $120,000. Letters have been sent to 148 people: 31 of these people pledged more than $1,000 last year and 57 pledged less than $1,000; 41 did not pledge last year; 19 of the 148 would be new members. At the end of March, the Canvass committee will begin making phone calls to complete the campaign.

The Board meeting ended at 8:45pm.

The next Board Meeting will be Tuesday April 29 at 6:30pm.

Looking ahead:     

Joint Personnel/Committee on Shared Ministry Meeting, 6:30pm, April 15.

Agenda Planning for the May Board Meeting 6:30 pm, May 20.

The Board Meeting in May will be on Tuesday, 6:30 pm, May 27.

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, June 1.

2008-09 Board Orientation is scheduled for  Saturday, June 7

Steeple Celebration Sunday and Ice Cream Social is June 15.

The Board Meeting in July will be on Tuesday, 6:30 pm,  July 1.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Trentacosta,

Clerk