UUFM Board Meeting—August 28, 2008

Present: Leah Bloom, Beth Dell, Kris Gabrielsen, Bev Halverson, Susan Marrant

Kris Gabrielsen called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

• Leah Bloom expressed concern that the “Keep in Touch” forms for new visitors were not being used consistently as hoped.  She passed them out to all board members. Kris will bring this to the Worship Team to work on.
• All announcements during the worship service should be cleared with the facilitator prior to the service.  It was agreed that the last presentation by Craig Moro was the most appreciated of his three summer presentations to our group.
• Bev Halverson said that our pledge drive is officially over September 1.  There are perhaps 2 or 3 more pledges realistically to be received.  If nothing else comes in, and if we keep to our budget, we should have from $800-$900 left at the end of the fiscal year.
• Bernie McGinnis wrote a gracious letter to Elsa Struble, the treasurer at UUCS, thanking her for her assistance with our financial matters during the past year.  All board members present signed it.
• There followed a discussion about making ourselves more visible in the community.  It was noted that at both First Church in Portland and UUCS, the cash in the offertory is donated to non-profits.  Susan Marrant moved and seconded that the cash received in our offertory be donated to a local non-profit community service organization. Beth Dell amended the motion so that the monies collected monthly will be donated.  It was unanimously agreed to do so with new local organizations being selected monthly.  Susan Marrant will ask Ronni Lacroute if she is willing to select these groups.
• Bev Halverson presented the Budget to Actual report for the month.  A discussion followed about the possibility of another format of the budget that is more easily understood by board members.
• Tandi Koerger from the district office will be visiting our fellowship at our next service September 7, 2008.  Leah Bloom will be on vacation and Susan Marrant offered to help with greeting and offering.  A dinner will be held at Beth Dell’s beginning at 3pm.  Plans for potluck were made.  It was agreed to invite Nancy Nelson, Elaine Taylor, Barb Roush, Madeline Bishop, Greg and Barbara Valentine and Ronni Lacroute, in addition to the UUFM board members.  Beth Dell collected agenda items for the meeting with Tandi.
• Kris Gabrielsen presented that idea that we could be trying to include Linfield students in our community.  We discussed an ad in the student paper or information at their upcoming community fair and at the chaplain’s office.  Susan Marrant will call the Chaplin to discuss the possibilities.  Kris also proposed the idea of an ad in the Gallery Theatre programs. She has provided this idea to Bernie with the Membership Committee.
• A discussion of times for the Sunday services and the possibility of moving to a morning service followed.  Beth Dell said that the room we use now for our Children’s RE is currently rented from 9am-noon every Sunday by another church group.  Bev Halverson moved that the Board decide the time of service after further discussion with Tandi Koerger.
• A discussion regarding hymnal purchases ensued.  We will check with Tandi Koerger on her visit to see if there is another emerging congregation that we could piggyback our order with to possibly receive a discount price.  We will also check with the UUA bookstore to get the basic details.  It was moved and seconded that a hymnal drive committee be formed. This was passed by unanimous decision.  Susan Marrant will chair the committee.  She will ask Madeline Bishop and Pam Bergen to join her to complete this by November 2008.  While we have budgeted for these, the committee is charged with exploring the notion of individuals purchasing hymnals and dedicate them in memory, honor or celebration of an individual or event.
• Kris Gabrielsen proposed that our goals for the year be two: successful application to UUA and have 50 members by June 30, 2009.  It was so moved, seconded and unanimously approved by the board.
• In order to coordinate and monitor the progress of tasks to be done as committed to by our members at the annual retreat, the board agreed to contact the following individuals to discuss their projects and report back next month at our board meeting.
  • Kris – Barb Roush: RE
  • Beth – Vicky Wilbanks: hiking & activities
  • Susan – Susan Marrant: UFO date and sign-ups
  • Susan – Ronni Lacroute: beyond food bank collection
  • Leah – Greg Valentine: chalice circles
  • Bev – Tricia Crawford: Lifelines Ministry
  • Kris – Eric Gabrielsen:  Minister
• Bev Halverson moved that we spend $200 for a permanent UU banner.  It was so moved, seconded and approved.  This banner will be used at community events to better identify our group.
• The next Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 24 at Bev Halverson’s home from 6:30-8:30 pm.
• The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Marrant