MVUC Board Meeting
June 5, 2007
[Note: Board meeting attachments are available at the bottom of this page.]
Board Members Present
Reid Adler
Bill Clontz
Lisa Guide
Ilene Gillespie
Birgit Robbert
Jim Potter
Raleigh Romine
Lauck Walton
Wendy Burns
Mike Walker
Others Present
Donna Bledsoe
Meagan Henry
The BOT meeting began at 7:30 pm.
Ilene Gillespie gave opening words.
Bill Clontz gave the construction report. He met with the neighborhood association and reported his belief that there will be no neighborhood problems with the planned construction. He reported his conclusion that MVUC can afford to begin the building construction, but can’t afford debt service this year because of pledge falloff. The BOT had a discussion, where concerns were expressed about starting the construction under current financial circumstances. It was agreed that the BOT executive committee and the construction committee would continue to examine the situation before proceeding with major commitments.
Lisa Guide gave an update on the ministerial search committee. She reported the committee is intending to proceed on a one year schedule. Ilene Gillespie asked if a youth committee member is still desired. Jim Potter said the committee looked at it but decided against it.
Lauck Walton presented the five year plan prepared by the Nexus Group. There was a discussion about the merits of the plan. Potter endorsed the plan, calling it a revenue increasing plan, not a cost cutting plan. Walton spoke about implementing the plan, saying we needed to get the congregation excited about it. He said a missing piece was a stewardship committee, that will track the major pieces of the plan and make sure it is implemented. There was a discussion about the communications plan that is needed to get buy-in from the congregation.
Jim Potter said we will have a discussion on a new alcohol use policy at the next meeting.
Bill Clontz gave a report on the Program Council. He outlined ideas for bringing committees more into the fabric of church life, making them more relevant and visible. Donna Bledsoe noted that she needed assistance writing checks for money received during special collections. Since we have had no minister, she needs more direction on where to send checks. Bill Clontz reminded BOT members not to make ad-hoc decisions while attending committee meetings – to allow the Program Council to do their jobs.
Jim Potter discussed the proper role of the BOT representatives on the program committees.
Jim Potter announced the BOT retreat would be August 24-25 at the Tinkers' retreat house. He said we would try to establish the priorities of the Board for the next year. He wants to discuss a “vision” for the church for the next year.
Wendy Burns wanted the BOT to approve a transfer of the investment in the Memorial Walks Funds. It currently has about $47,000 in a Vanguard account, earning 2-3% per year, which Burns has managed. She spoke with the Endowment Committee, and she informed the board that she would be transferring the money to the Endowment Committee to invest as it sees fit.
The BOT voted to approve the action.
Jim Potter asked Bill Clontz to discuss the “Master Member” distinction. Clontz said we should institute a new program that makes this distinction. He asked the BOT to think about it over the summer. Guide said we should change the name because it could be construed as sexist.
Bill Clontz discussed establishing a Leadership Academy. He said that he, Walton, Georgeta Pourchot are doing core work to establish a “curricula” for the academy through June and July. They will use the Program Council as the first “student body” in the fall.
Wendy Burns said all the ideas discussed tonight should be noted in a newsletter, even if it is just a mention.
Meagan Henry gave the DRE report. She updated the BOT on the RE Open House, the new on-line registration capability, adult enrichment programming, natural playground planning, the music program and other items. She said that there has been some difficulty recruiting teachers in the recent future, and that she would likely have to have some kind of recruitment process.
Donna Bledsoe gave her Business Manager’s report. There was a discussion about the number of pledge units decreasing, while the average pledge has increased for five years. There was a discussion about how RE children numbers have went down for four years, but it went up this year. Potter said there is a direct correlation between the number of RE children and the financial health of the church.
Birgit Robbert said the Accotink church had a policy of a “pledge of record,” a minimal amount that would cover the costs of maintaining a membership. There was a discussion about changing the policy that keeps track of members, determines the minimal amount of activity or contribution a person would need to make to continue to be considered a member. Walton read the current bylaw governing current membership.
Robbert said she is speaking with Lincoln Cobb, chair of the Membership Development Committee, about changes that would keep better track of the membership, including caring circles.
There was a discussion about different numbers being used by the Pledge Chair, the Nexus Group and the Business Manager regarding the total pledge unit numbers. Potter asked Al Erickson to rectify the different numbers.
Jim Potter said he would like to have a BOT meeting by teleconference at 6 pm. on July 10.
Jim Potter said he had received a letter and had met with member Peg Bartel regarding the Jim Healy situation. Potter said he would take it up in the executive committee. There was a discussion about the new disruptive behavior policy.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 pm.
List of Attachments: