[Although it is not expected that these minutes will change significantly, the Board was unable to finalize them before the Anchor's publication deadline, due in part to our secretary's marriage May 22nd!]
A total of 33 members attended. UNMC Moderator Greg Wigle called the meeting to order. Richard Hurst led the congregation with an opening prayer.
The Moderator welcomed the congregation and thanked the Board, Jennifer Sandberg, and Esther Fogwell for their contributions to lunch.
The congregation moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to authorize the Board to approve the minutes of this annual meeting.
Vicki Pepper gave an Interim Search Committee report to the congregation. The Board chartered the committee, appointed Vicki Pepper chair, and applied to the UUA for an interim minister for the church on March 27. After solicitations of interest in the congregation and discussions with interested members, the chair recommended and the Board approved committee membership of Tom Curteman, Georgia McKenna, David Skidmore, and Mary Templeton on April 12. On May 2, the committee held its first formal meeting (after informal discussions, email, phone calls, etc., between members of the committee), which was open to the congregation. Vicki described the committee’s methodology, which includes a congregational survey and candidate interviews. The UUA Settlement Office has provided ministerial record information on a total of 6 candidates, three of whom remain under consideration. The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) was contacted (with which UNMC has honorary membership), and it has listed UNMC’s interim opening on its website, supplied its list of over 40 interim candidates, and is assisting the committee in screening NACCC candidates for consideration. The JPD District Executive also has been helpful in this process. Paul Hannah extended a “thank you” of appreciation to Vicki and the committee for their report and ongoing work. The written report is attached to the record copy of these minutes.
Bylaw changes
Bylaw changes were published in the May Anchor, similar to last year’s proposal. One change proposed at the meeting was a clarifying refinement of the amendment under which the congregation sets maximum size of the Board each year that clearly would allow the congregation to change the size of the Board at any legal meeting of the church. Jeff Jacobs asked whether changing the quorum for congregational meetings had been considered. The discussion of the bylaws is postponed briefly to allow the registrar to give her report.
Registrar Sue Mosher stated that UNMC has a membership on record of 110. She reported membership to the UUA as 79 as of February 2004. We have 34 “core active” members and 10-15 people who come occasionally. The registrar’s report is attached to the record copy.
Paul Hannah moved approval of the amended bylaw change and that the quorum be changed from 25 to 20. It was seconded. Discussion revolved around the legality of changing the quorum. Sue Mosher determined that quorum changes at this meeting would violate current bylaws. Vicki Pepper discussed changes regarding the Board’s role in committee membership and chairship, which had been changed slightly since the amendments had been presented at the last annual meeting. Motion to amend the bylaws passed unanimously (quorum remains at 25).
Congregational vote on the size of the Board of Trustees
Discussion ensued. Sue Mosher moved that the Board comprise 9 members (which includes UNMC officers). It was seconded. Some ask if there should be flexibility in the number of Board members, perhaps allowing for a range of members, but the original motion remained. Motion passed.
Nominations from the floor for members of the Board of Trustees
Sue Mosher nominated Richard Hurst, for a third term, and Vicki Pepper for a second term. Seconded. Rob Bertram, Kathryn Desmond, and Sue Mosher also were identified as trustees in the middle of two-year terms who would remain on the Board. This motion passed unanimously. Greg Wigle as moderator, Richard Zierdt as secretary, Clint McCully as assistant treasurer, Brian Pepper as treasurer, and Sue Mosher as registrar were then nominated as church officers and re-elected for one year.
Committee on Ministry
Re-election of CoM members Vicki Pepper, Jennifer Sandberg, and Dave Skidmore. Some asked how persons become members of the CoM. Some wondered if the CoM member count should be increased. Currently, the limit is five. Members suggested they would serve to assist the Board and interim minister until such time as the CoM could be reconstituted. Jeff Jacobs moved re-election of the three. It was seconded and passed unanimously.
Congregational vote for delegate to the UUA General Assembly. Sue Mosher moved that Richard Hurst be chosen as UNMC’s representative. It was seconded. It is noted that UNMC is entitled to two representatives. The motion was passed unanimously.
Committee Reports
Diaconate. Jennifer Sandberg. Jennifer read the diaconate report. Some suggested that the Pastoral Discretionary Fund moneys are very important. Sue Mosher described her role when she led a communion service.
Building and Grounds
Greg Wigle stated due to generous donations, UNMC now has a portable wheelchair lift.
Worship Coordinator
Richard Hurst, UU ministers, ministers from other denominations, lay preaching, and speakers from disciplines other than religion have filled our pulpit recently. Liturgists include Richard Hurst, Sue Mosher, David Skidmore, and Jennifer Sandberg. A fuller explanation of the Declaration of Faith was written. Summer services will start at 10:30 a.m. Sue Mosher noted that the four liturgists would welcome additional liturgists. Sue appreciated the work that Richard Hurst and Rob Bertram have performed, which the congregation echoed. The written report is attached to the record copy.
Welcome and Membership
Sue Mosher shared that the committee meets monthly, and has written its charter, which has been approved by the Board. Including many other tasks, committee members greet guests to church, and follow up with newcomers. The committee conducted a hospitality audit that found poor signage, peeling plaster, and lack of information about UNMC in the vestibule remain problems. The committee handles publicity, including advertising in the media. Sue thanked greeters and those who had contributed to the after-service hospitality.
Audit
Jeff Jacobs reported that he and David Burton reviewed UNMC finances of the last two years, including computerized records, annual and semi-annual reports, bank and brokerage statements, and other records. They found no irregularities. The committee made a couple of recommendations to the treasurers to assist in future audits. The written Audit Committee report is attached to the record copy of these minutes.
Treasurer’s Report
Clint McCully distributed a UNMC finances and liability report. There was a $38,000 operating budget shortfall in 2003-04, there were 28 pledge units last calendar year, 26 this year, constituting $26,000 in pledges last calendar year. There has been $51,000 in pledges collected this year (a drop of two pledges, but a significant increase in the amount of pledges).
There was a congregational vote to approve the 2004-2005 budget. Richard Zierdt moved to approve the 2004-05 budget. It was seconded by Jeff Jacobs and passed unanimously.
Seymour Fogwell moved to adjourn and it was unanimously agreed.
Posted by Kimberly Durham Bates at June 3, 2004 05:31 AM