Item

Discussion

Motion/Action

President’s Report

On 10/16, BJ, MG, Heather and Bill will get together over BJ’s evaluation. Bill indicated that Charles will be getting the nominating and leadership committee established and running.  The Board must identify four members of the nominating committee and Bill advised us that between now and next time we meet we will need to do that.  Council Chairs meeting is on 10/23 which is the second of this series.  We have a group of folks going to the Leadership Event in Worcester on 10/27.  The list of meetings which Bill distributed via email includes the extra meeting on 11/3 for the Mini-Retreat - a Saturday.  Bill shared thank you’s to our various staff members for going to the church windows training.  Thank you was also expressed to Gail for including RE numbers in her report.  Another special thank you was expressed to Margaret for doing the finance subcouncil start up work, getting it going and keeping it going.  Bill noted that ownership of denominational issues and processes has not happened within our governance structure; we need to discuss this.  Some discussion ensued that denominational concerns was determined to be a Board responsibility when the issue came up years ago.  Nevertheless, how this gets played out has never been settled. Bill and Margaret are to work on specific options.  Charles Huntington will be finishing up the Public Policy Task Force report.                             

Minister’s report

Written report was submitted.  Some concern expressed about numbers of visitors recently – certain measures have shown lower numbers.  Martha Page is the only member of the membership committee but she is working to recruit others.  Welcoming Committee still has good numbers.  Although C-Cubed was successful last year, BJ feels there is a need for her to be down in Fellowship Hall, visible and available to members and their concerns.  BJ reported being excited about developing the lay pastoral listeners program while we affirm the work and contributions of the Caring Network. 

DRE report

Laurie Kelliher is our new RE subcouncil rep on the Intergenerational Subcommittee of the Worship Arts Subcouncil.  Gail also reported an idea voiced at the RE subcouncil meeting  issue in which parents would have to contribute “sweat equity”  and thus like stewardship, a parent would have a responsibility to contribute X amount of time to the RE program, as either a teacher, subcouncil member, etc.  Gail is attending the Lareda conference from this Friday morning to Monday evening.

Business Manager

Business report submitted.  Rave reviews for Brian’s work on the Photo Directory. 

Treasurer’s Report

Report self-explanatory, and Margaret again wants us to encourage councils to look online for available UU grants.  Regarding, small capital projects the constitution calls for B&G to submit to the Board a five year plan for small capital projects to maintain our property. They have submitted such a plan to the Endowment committee, which has agreed to release those funds, which was then approved by the finance subcouncil.  The finance subcouncil now submits to the Board this request to authorize the funds.

Motion for the Board to approve $12,000 expenditure, submitted by B&G and approved by Endowment Committee and Finance subcouncil per our constitution.  Seconded by MG and approved by the Board.  Motion passed.

Status of Council on Community Within Chair

Bill reported on his work with Karla and Heather re: Council for Community Within.  He also submitted requests from subcouncil chairs for their feedback as well. 

Building the World we Dream About

This was a Board project. Bill had sent us each two envelopes of materials to begin our review of the project. Bill asked Mark Hicks what was the most important thing from leadership as we start this project.  Mark noted what we shouldn’t do; not to sit and spend leadership time as to how to structure sessions.  Leadership understanding, buy-in, commitment and some time to share where we are at as individuals and together is important.  Bill then solicited from us our responses to the following questions and discussion ensued.

Why are we doing this? Is it important at USH?

What are your concerns? Worries? Doubts?

What are your hopes?  What can you imagine us discussing in 2009 concerning BTWWDA?

Heather, Karla, Gail and Bill agreed to work on the specific plans for forming the groups and identifying the participants.

Process check-in

Reading from Soul Work offered in lieu of check in.