| Members Present | Also Present |
| Ron Brandt, Chair | Anne Bredeck |
| Daria Bergen-Hill | Alvin Macomber |
| Al Erickson | Hope (Stallings) Andonovska |
| Jack Hinman | |
| Linda Jemison | |
| Doug MacCleary | |
| Jim McGovern | |
| Betsy Stephens | |
| Russ Stumpe | |
| Shawn Whiteman |
Alvin Macomber, Chair of the Grounds Committee, explained the rationale for the creation of the New Trees Subcommittee of the Grounds Committee. Its purpose is to facilitate the planting of trees and shrubs dedicated to the memory of a named person or other entity. Donation levels to memorialize or dedicate a tree or shrub begin at $300 and rise in increments of $100 to the level necessary to cover the cost of the plant, planting, and initial maintenance. Actual trees or shrubs will not be accepted as donations. A donor seeking a memorial tree or shrub would submit a written request to the Subcommittee. A member of the Subcommittee will contact the potential donor to explain the tree or shrub choices available, according to the master landscaping map.
The Board approved the Charter of the New Trees Subcommittee unanimously.
A proposed calendar for the Annual Canvass was presented and discussed. The Finance Committee has been asked to propose for the January Board meeting a goal for the Canvass. Al Erickson noted that the Canvass also needs a theme.
Hope (Stallings) Andonovska presented proposed new religious education and nursery policies. A lively discussion ensued. Many of the proposed policies are in accordance with UUA Safe Congregation recommendations. Jack Hinman and Linda Jemison both made the point that such policies are becoming the norm in many volunteer organizations. Ron Brandt stressed the importance of wording the policies carefully in order to avoid making MVUC vulnerable to criticism for not following its stated policies. Al Erickson observed that the dollar cost of criminal background checks could become a heavy burden on our already-stretched budget. Jim McGovern wondered if many of these measures are necessary, if parents of our RE children are not demanding them.
Linda Jemison asked about policies regarding our behavioral expectations of children in RE classes. Hope said that these policies will be forthcoming.
The Board asked Hope to continue her dialogue with the RE Council and the DRE Relations Committee. Hope will present the Board with a comprehensive policy document in the near future.
The Board moved to reactivate the Bylaws Committee (June Stumpe, Chair, Jim Southerland, and Ron Brandt) to suggest possible revisions for action by the congregation at the Annual Meeting.
The Board endorsed a recommendation from Jim McGovern to discontinue our recent ads in the Religion Services Directory of the Saturday Washington Post. Nine ads had been run between September 7, 2002 and November 23, 2002. No one who filled out a Guest Information Card during this time period cited the Post ads as the way they discovered MVUC.
Betsy Stephens reported on recent meetings of the Facilities for the Future Task Force.
Future planning:
(No Executive Committee meeting this month)
January 7, 2003, 7:30 p.m. Board meeting (All interested persons are welcome to attend.)
February 8, 2003. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Capital Campaign Workshop (Larry Wheeler) (Interested members are welcome to attend, but they should inform Ron Brandt of their intention to do so.)
Jim McGovern, Secretary