Board of Trustees Meeting

Mount Vernon Unitarian Church

December 7, 2004

Board Members present:

             Karen Tyson, Chair

             Jane Nelson

             Doug MacCleery

             Jack Hinman

Hal Holtzclaw

             Nance Cedar

             Eben Kuhns

Board Member absent:

Joanne Masterson, Vice-Chair

             Ric Sears

Others present:

             Rev. Lou Schwebius

             Donna Bledsoe

             Joan Wamsley

             Barbara Stoddard

             Tony Barkume

             Linda Walton

The minutes of the November 2, 2004, MVUC Board meeting were reviewed and approved with some minor edits.

Tony Barkume, Chairman for the 2005-2006 annual pledge campaign, provided a detailed report and prospective timeline on the proposed strategy and timeline for the campaign (see attachment).

Karen Tyson, in the absence of Joanne Masterson due to illness, reported that the amount of the Capital Campaign as of December was $1,258,916. A full report will be provided at the Board meeting in January. Karen reported that one member of the church has offered to donate a used car to the Capital Campaign. Due to questions related to how the church would carry out a resale and deal with insurance, liability and other issues, Karen stated that she would talk to the individual to determine whether she might be willing to sell the auto and donate the proceeds to the Capital Campaign.

Linda Walton provided a report on the RE fall retreat. A written report (attached) contained several recommendations, including that the Board: 1) extend the current contract for the Interim DRE through June 30, 2006, and 2) seriously consider hiring a part-time youth advisor (based on projected enrollments and spiritual counseling felt to be needed by the expanded youth group in the future).

Nance Cedar described a visit by members of the Green Sanctuary Committee to view an innovative “green roof” near Fairfax. Such roofs can reduce energy costs and runoff and may be a viable option for the prospective addition to the Meeting House. Grants may be available.

At the request of Rev. Lou Schwebius, the Board recommended re-nomination of Rev. Bill Sinkford as UUA President.

The Board received and discussed reports from the Minister, Director of Religious Education, Business Administrator, and Treasurer (see attached reports).

Rev. Lou Schwebius noted in particular that the Thanksgiving Eve vespers service went very well. He also mentioned that Steve Phinney, a member of MVUC, received a Preliminary Fellowship in the UU Ministry in December. Steve is interested in having his ordination ceremony at MVUC next year.

Doug MacCleery

Secretary

(Note: attachments to these minutes are available in the MVUC Office)