UU BUSINESS MEETING

FEBRUARY 15, 2015

PRESENTER:  Kathleen McKinney, Board Chair

 

 

Attendance count taken.  27 members were in attendance.  It was determined we had a quorum.

 

One Year Experiment to Hire a !/4 Time Non Permanent Minister

 

The Minister Feasibility Report determined that the expense for this minister would be in the area of $22K if approved which includes certain benefits.  We already have $19K in savings, and $11K needs to be raised by a pledge drive to cover half of the minister expense.  The other half will be taken from the $19K, and there will still be money left in savings for any unforeseen expenses.

The minister will be required to perform 8 or 9 sermons per year, and other duties as specified.  The goal is have a minister in place sometime this summer.

 

Research

 

Kathleen spent many hours communicating with  the Rev. Jeanelyse Doran

Adams, Director of Congregational Development, Western Region,  and Rick Davis of the Salem UU Fellowship and learned the research shows that without a minister (shared leadership) the following usually is true:-

Fellowships did not grow

The group becomes insular

It becomes difficult for new people to find ways to offer their gifts and talents.

Burnout occurs.

 

The purpose of hiring  a minister is to support growth

 

Kathleen  discussed  a culture change.  Points she covered were:-

Put structures in place to allow voices to be heard.

Put fears behind us.

 

Kathleen  noted that ÒgrowthÕ  was identified as a positive goal  in the 2013, 2014  Strategic Plan, as well as the 2014 Board Retreat.

 

Questions, comments and  answers

 

Kathleen invited questions and comments, which were submitted as follows:-

Q.         Will minister decide RE Curriculum?

A.         What we want, we will decide.

C.        The speed of the process seems very rushed!

A.         Reverent Jeanelyse  does the leg work, and she thinks time frame is feasible.           especially since we would be hiring a contract minister (part time), and not         calling a minister (full time permanent).

C.         We will be looking at a minister to do many things, not just speaking.

C.         A positive is that we could get to know the minister and determine if he/she would            be somebody we would want to continue a relationship with.

C.         Regarding money.  We could have an auction.

Q.         Is there a group in place for a pledge drive?

A.        Not yet.

Q.        Timeline for raising money?

A.         Pledge drive will be done while process is happening.

Q         When will this person be on board?

A.         Sometime this summer.   The feedback received indicates that we are attractive to           many people, however, we need to find a good match.

C.         We would hope the person chosen will work collaboratively with other          ministers.

A.         We will give candidates a package so they will know who we are and our      expectations.

Q.         Are certain names on the list?

A.         There isnÕt a list at this time.

Q.         Do we want to do this at this time?  Is there something lacking with us?

A.         Growth is our goal.

C.         We need a percentage of the pledge in the bank before hiring takes place.

Q.         Will hiring a minister take finances  away from the RE program, where needs are not currently being met, or will a minister enhance the program?

A.       New families look for RE  programs.  (New families mean growth.)  Sometimes a            minister can influence growth and consequently larger budgets.

C.        We need new young families for growth.

C.        Rick Davis commented  that  he devoted so much time to us, because he thought it          would be in our best interests. However,  we need to stop relying on him so much        and find our own solutions.

 

After much discussion on the method of voting, and wording of the motion, it was decided to make a motion as follows:-

 

To hire a ¼ time minister for a one year experiment, with an amendment that 70% of the additional $11K be raised prior to the hiring.

The motion was made by Nakota Ashstarte, and seconded.  The motion carried.

A vote was taken.  There were 34 votes which included 7 proxy votes.  32 were ÒyesÓ votes, and 2 were abstaining votes.  

           

THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED  AT 1:30 pm.