Present: Bob Waterman, Lois Aldrich, Marc MacQueen, Jim Bonnar, Nicole Sykes, Rev. Peter Connolly
Guests: Kelly Lownds, Susie Sherman, Dan Hotchkiss
Meeting called to order by Jim Bonnar at 6:34 p.m.
Minutes from the 2/15/23 meeting approved by the PC.
Treasurer’s Report: Bob Waterman reported that there is currently a $21,000 budget surplus, and we have not withdrawn from our investments this year. We still need to make our contribution to the UUA. We are a little behind on pledge collections and may not meet the pledge goal as budgeted for this year.
With respect to investments, there is $28,000 in the Mary Fuller fund, and $136,000 in restricted investments. In addition, $100,000 from the Clay family has been invested in a restricted account, to be accessed in accordance with the agreement with family.
Minister’s Report: A report from Rev. Peter Connolly was received by the PC and approved.
RE Report: Kelly Lownds submitted the RE report. The first LGBTQIA and Allies meeting, Parents and Youth, will be held at the church on Friday, March 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Work continues on RE’s library project to organize bookshelves into a searchable catalog of books. Kelly reported that seven youth and children currently participate in RE, with the possible addition of one more child.
Social Justice: Cash in the Plate for April will either be for The Trevor Project (https://www.thetrevorproject.org) or the South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center (https://www.ssrac.org). SSRAC is a local non-profit that provides assistance to victims of domestic violence. The Social Justice Team received a request from a community member to sponsor a vigil for domestic abuse, which the SJT will discuss at their meeting tomorrow. The PC will support whichever organization the SJT recommends. Nicole Sykes suggested further research be done to ensure that SSRAC is an organization we can support. Marc MacQueen commented that his preference is that the Cash in the Plate go to support local organizations rather than national. Lois will report back to the PC on the SJT’s recommendation after the SJT meeting this week.
Building and Grounds: Susie Sherman reported that, due to the generosity of two members of our congregation, 5 windows in the basement are in the process of being replaced at a cost of $2,000 per window. There are 5 more windows in the basement that also need to be replaced, and funding options will need to be explored. Jim Bonnar asked that the Building and Grounds team provide a list of priority building/grounds projects to the PC. Susie has drafted a list and will work with Marc to finalize the list and email it to the PC for review and discussion at the next PC meeting.
There may be grant money available through the federal government’s infrastructure bill toward making nonprofits and religious institutions more energy efficient. More information TBD.
Fundraising: Bob reported on several upcoming fundraisers, such as the spring Yard Sale (April 29), a possible Mother’s Day brunch in May, and the church’s annual Spring Auction, date TBD; most likely it would be online.
Pledge Drive: Marc MacQueen and Gil Cote have been working with stewards on the 2023-2024 Pledge Drive. Marc informed the PC that there are currently 55 potential pledge units. Some people have increased their pledge, some have decreased their pledge, and some remain the same. Marc projects a collection in the range of $165,000 for 2023-2024, which is under the proposed budgeted amount of $180,000.
Marc complimented Rev. Peter for his sermon and his presentation on the meaning and importance of contributing financially to our church.
Next Steps in Interim Ministry: Rev. Peter’s role as interim minister comes with certain requirements from the UUA. Information on the status of Rev. Peter’s interim ministry must be entered in the UUA portal. Deadline for submission of this data to UUA is June 30. Bob will check to see what the UUA requires currently.
Rev. Peter would like the church to work on developing a Mission Statement (current one is 20 years old and has not undergone any revisions). Rev. Peter recommends the Mission Statement be short (1 or 2 sentences) and describe who we are. The Vision Statement should describe who we wish to be. Rev. Peter also suggests modifications to the signage on the church’s lawn that promotes Sunday services and attracts people from the outside.
Discussion around other ways we can move into the future. Who do we want to be? How to package what we have and attract more people? Build on what is already working. Suggestion to engage the Membership Committee on this.
Audio Equipment: Dan Hotchkiss discussed the email he sent to the PC regarding a proposal to upgrade the audio system. Current equipment is obsolete and does not meet our needs. The audio team created the proposal, which includes goals of better assisting people with hearing loss, clearer sound for all, and less visible cabling. Estimate cost of a new audio system is $5,000, which would include mixer, speakers, and hearing assistance. Best time to install the system would be in the summer when the church is not used as often. The PC agreed we need to move forward on this project, and we should plan on completing it this summer. Discussion around funding options. Proposal made to fund through a “special ask” after Pledge Drive ends (by middle of May).
COVID Policy: Nicole asked to revisit the church’s policy on wearing masks. Current policy requires masking in accordance with CDC risk levels. Standards in public are changing to not require masks. Appears to be confusion as to when masks are required or recommended. Reminder that masking protects others as well as the individual wearing the mask. Decided PC members will talk to others informally first (music committee, congregants, RE) before making a decision.
Next meeting: 4/19/23 at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned 8:28 p.m.
Minutes by Lois Aldrich, Parish Clerk
