Board Update: Building a Welcoming Future
The Board met on October 19 (delayed one week due to illness) and November 9, with our next meeting scheduled for Saturday, December 14 at 11:30 a.m.
There is so much happening in our little community!
Caring for Our Church Home
In October, the Board discussed several important facility needs to ensure the safety and longevity of our building. After thoughtful conversation, we prioritized addressing a serious water intrusion issue impacting Fellowship Hall at the southwest corner, where it connects with the original part of the church near the kitchen.
This problem was first identified years ago, and a bid was sought more than a year ago. Thanks to Annie Johnson, our diligent Facilities Chair, the Board has stayed well informed about this ongoing concern.
We voted to approve spending up to $7,000 for the repair—pending a new bid and confirmation that work can be completed before the end of the year. With winter approaching, timing is tight. If frozen ground delays the project, we’ll revisit available funds in the spring. Either way, this remains a top priority for the months ahead.
Investing Responsibly for the Future
Melaney Sargent has been researching the possibility of moving our church’s investments to the UUA Endowment Fund. Our current broker has indicated that they can no longer manage our accounts, primarily due to the additional administrative needs of nonprofit organizations.
The UUA Endowment Fund offers a promising alternative—allowing us to align our investments with socially responsible principles while reducing administrative complexity. Melaney is gathering final details and will bring recommendations to the Board’s December meeting.
She also shared good financial news:
- Revenue is 183% of budget year-to-date
- Expenditures are 6% ($972) below budget
- Investment income remains strong, buoyed by positive market performance
While some of the revenue increase reflects early pledge payments, we are in a strong position overall. We’ve also begun tracking Gifts in Kind separately, giving us a more accurate picture of true expenses and a better way to recognize donors. A Gift Acceptance Policy will be reviewed at the December meeting.
Membership & Outreach: Energy and Welcome
One of the most uplifting reports came from the Membership & Outreach Committee, presented by Sarah Ratekin and Sue Pittman (Board liaison to the committee). Led by Jeff Haverly, this dedicated group has been meeting regularly (third Sundays – join us!) and working via email to strengthen the ways we welcome and connect with newcomers and members alike.
Their work includes:
- Clarifying the committee’s mission and purpose
- Updating the Greeter Policy and Training
- Enhancing the church’s visual welcome, including updates to the corner Wayside Pulpit sign
- Refreshing interior and exterior spaces to create an inviting first impression
The committee is also helping launch new community events, including Laughter Yoga (Dec. 1) and a recurring Poetry Night (December 4). Their enthusiasm and creativity are truly contagious—exactly the kind of energy that helps our congregation flourish!
Transparency and Teamwork
To strengthen communication, several committees—Facilities & Tech, Membership & Outreach, Religious Exploration, Worship, and Administration (Amy’s report)—are now submitting monthly written reports ahead of each meeting.
These reports, along with Board agendas and approved minutes, are available on the Governance page of our website. This transparency ensures everyone can stay connected to the work happening behind the scenes.
Walking Our Talk
A theme runs through all these updates: we are intentionally building a community that lives our UU principles out loud.
From maintaining safe, beautiful spaces to managing our finances ethically and creating programs that welcome others in, we are showing what it means to put love into action.
Thank you to everyone who brings your time, care, and creativity to this shared work. You make UUCCHC the vibrant, welcoming place it is.