UUFM BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Wednesday March 8th 2017


Present: John Braun, Stephen Bjorlin, Marilyn MacGregor, Sandy Coates, Kathleen McKinney, Denise Patton, Joanne Douglas, Susie Godsey and the Rev. Tracy Springberry.

  1. 1. Opening Discussion – Going Deeper – replaced by a presentation by Susan Marrant and two members of the Shared Ministry Committee, Beth Dell and Anna Barsotti. 
    1. a. Susan Marrant presented a letter signed by her and Ted de Chatelet outlining concerns about the board alone deciding on certain matters and some members of the congregation not feeling their voices were being heard. A copy of this letter is on file. 
    2. b. Beth Dell and Anna Barsotti from the Shared Ministry Committee gave a presentation on what they are currently working on. 
      1. i. Mission Statement – they would like the fellowship to return to these issues.
      2. ii. They noted there was some confusion concerning issues discussed at the last business meeting: moving to a half-time minister, renting or buying our own building, etc.
      3. iii. They suggested creating a large visual on how the different committees are structured, what their responsibilities are and how they work together. Tracy suggested we read a book on this topic called Holy Conversations. 
      4. iv. And finally, how can we better communicate with Tracy? What kind of relationship between minister and congregation do we want?
    3. c. It was decided to hold a special business meeting after the regular service on March 19th. 

2. Opening of Meeting @ 5:10

A. Chalice lighting, covenant reading 

B. Quorum determination - quorum met.

C. Agenda approved with minor changes.

D. Minutes of previous meeting approved – motion by Susie, 2nd Denise – all in favor. 

E. Date and place of next meeting – Wednesday, April 19th 7 PM@ Denise’s  

3. Continuing Business Updates

A. Treasurer's Report – $4000 added to proposed budget to cover an Administrative Assistant.

B. Committee Reports:

Worship Committee – Canceled due to illness.

RE Committee – A new hire to replace Mary as teacher. Angela Guzzo is expected to take of teaching the Littles. 

Membership Committee – Talked about developing larger signs to attract more visitors. 

4. Taking a Stand on Immigration Issues – Tracy met with area ministers. They all seem to be interested in taking a stand in some way. The National Chamber of Commerce has an informative report on its website: Myths and Facts of Immigration. 

5. UUFM 10th Birthday Party. Options about where to hold a party were discussed: Senior Center, Community Center, Cooperative Ministries.

6. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM by John Braun. 


Submitted by Stephen Bjorlin 3/8/17