Present: Bob Waterman, Lois Aldrich, Marc MacQueen, Jim Bonnar, Nicole Sykes, Rev. Peter Connolly
Guests: Bet Giddings, Gil Cote
Meeting called to order by Jim Bonnar at 6:36 p.m.
Minutes from 1/18/23 meeting approved by the PC.
Minister’s Report from Rev. Peter Connolly received and approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Summary for January 2023 was forwarded by Bob Waterman, reviewed, and approved. Pledges were down a little, but church is still running a surplus of $25,000.
Religious Exploration Report was emailed to PC by Kelly Lownds and summarizes RE’s many activities during the month of February.
Music Committee Report received and approved.
Bet Giddings shared the Music Committee’s proposal to have a “Song Circle” to be held once per month on a Friday evening. This will be an opportunity for music lovers to get together to share songs, musical instruments, and snacks. Bet, along with Andrea and Ed Priest, will coordinate the event. The event would be open to the congregation and to the community at large. This is not intended to be a church fundraiser, but a basket will be available for voluntary donations to help fund the events. Church would provide coffee, tea, and paper goods. A flyer with information about the event has been developed and will be distributed. The first “Song Circle” is proposed to be held on Friday, March 24, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., pending approval from the PC. All PC members approved moving forward with this event. Bob Waterman suggested there be a standard time for the “Song Circle” – for example, the 4th Friday of the month. Bet will work with Val to schedule future events on Church calendar.
Social Justice Team – Team recommends the New Life Furniture Bank in Walpole for the March Cash in the Plate. This is a volunteer-led, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides gently used household furnishings to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. Although located in Walpole, the organization serves anyone in the state of Massachusetts who is in need. The PC agreed to the team’s recommendation. https://newlifefb.org/
Fundraising – Bob Waterman shared with the PC that Tony Soares and Stephen Larrett have proposed a Mother’s Day Brunch as a possible fundraising event. More info to come. Other possible spring events include a Spring Auction and a yard sale.
Budget – Bob presented a draft budget for 23-24 church year based on input from staff, proposed staff salary increases, and available expenditure/revenue information. The proposed budget, if accepted, would require $179,807 in pledges for the new fiscal year to balance the budget. The PC approved the draft budget as written. Next step would be to educate congregation regarding the budget, including fair compensation for staff. Congregation will then make the decision on the final budget.
The PC acknowledges the need to attract more individuals and families to our church. Discussion around ways to use social media to expand growth and “market” what we have to offer individuals and families. Suggestion to hire someone who is young and can connect with youth through social media. Marc MacQueen offered to contact Mark Belanger who had been on the church’s PR group in the past. The PC will consider adding this to the budget once we obtain more information.
Audio upgrades are being considered but not currently in the budget. Recommended that funding for this be through special ask or a one-time expense out of the Investment Fund.
Pledge Drive – March 5 is the official kick-off date for the 23-24 Pledge Drive.
Gil Cote reported that 8 people have committed to being stewards for the drive. Gil Cote and Marc MacQueen will work together to assign pledge units for stewards to contact. Jim Bonnar is in the process of writing the President’s letter to be included with pledge packages.
Discussion around how impactful the pledge brochure is. Marc MacQueen commented that what seems to be most impactful are the conversations stewards have with people. The PC decided a brochure is not necessary but recommends that packages include the President’s letter with a “Q&A” on the back of the letter that can address the most common questions about the pledge process.
Gil Cote said he would like to set up a “pledge station” after Sunday services in the Parish Hall where he can have written materials and be available to respond to congregants’ questions/concerns. Gil, Marc, Jim Bonnar and Rev. Peter will meet to work out the details of the kick-off presentation at service.
Four people have volunteered to offer testimonials at church service during the month of March.
Building and Grounds – Marc reported that there are five windows in the basement that need replacement. Cost would be $2000 per window. Money will come out of the Mary Fuller Fund, which currently has a balance of $26,000.
Windows in sanctuary also need to be addressed. Jim Bonnar will speak with Susan Sherman to obtain more information.
Rev. Peter Connolly suggests the PC consider the need to clean up the stairway area from sanctuary to downstairs, which is a high traffic area. This would be a costly project as it may involve widening the door to the Parlor as well as other structural modifications. Jim said there have been discussions around this.
Parlor Renovation – Jim Bonnar reported that a Parlor Task Group has been formed and he has volunteered to chair. Task group has discussed eliminating the altar in the parlor as part of renovation. PC agrees with this modification. Jim has consulted with Barry Simon and Brian Kowalski regarding potential structural modifications.
Sanctuary Pictures – Jim noted that some individuals have commented that the pictures currently hanging in the sanctuary are out of date. Bob recommended that the Parlor Task Group expand its scope to include the Sanctuary. Jim agreed.
A church member commented that she would like to see the Elsie Gaudette Award plaque hanging in the church where it can be visible to congregants. The Task Group will take this into consideration as well.
Meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Next PC Meeting: March 15, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Submitted by Lois Aldrich, Parish Clerk
