March 7, 2006
Board Members present:
Ric Sears,
Chair
Wendy Burns
Jim Potter
Hal Holtzclaw
Doug MacCleery
Jane Nelson
Katie Tyson
Jane Nelson
Board Member absent:
Joanne
Masterson, Vice Chair
Raleigh Romine
Nance Cedar
Others present:
Rev. Louis Schwebius
Al Erickson, Treasurer
Donna
Bledsoe, Business Administrator
Ron Brandt
Gary Fitzpatrick
Al Robbert
The minutes of the February 7th BOT and February 26th Special Congressional meetings were approved.
Gary Fitzpatrick proposed that MVUC host a benefit concert for UCM on April 23rd featuring Brittni Paiva, the Hawaiian guitarist. After discussion it was agreed to. An appropriate rental payment for MVUC will be involved.
Lisa Napier reported that the search for the new Director of Religious Education is going very well. There have been 10 applicants with two very well qualified ones. One will be visiting the D.C. area this weekend. The BOT ant RE Council will meet with her Sunday, March 12.
Ron Brandt discussed his appointment as N. Virginia Coordinator of the Virginia Interfaith Center, a multi-denominational group engaged in addressing endemic social issues. He said that Accotink Unitarian Church has joined and several other area UU churches are considering doing so. He urged that MVUC provide financial and personal support for the strength in numbers that this organization could bring to bear on pressing local and state-level social issues. Ric Sears suggested that $300 be tentatively put in the budget to joint the organization and that Ron meet with the Social Action Committee on the group’s activities.
Ric Sears provided the Board with a draft charter prepared by Laura Walker for the new MVUC Safety Committee. The BOT agreed with the general content of the charter and its focus on the physical safety of MVUC buildings and grounds. Ric would get back with Laura with suggestions from the Board prior to her preparing a draft for Board approval.
Wendy Burns reviewed the draft charter for the new the MVUC/Fort Hunt Preschool Relations Committee and asked that any suggestions for improvement be sent to her.
Al Robbert reported on the status of the 2006 annual stewardship pledge drive whose funding goal is $410K. About 110 pledges have been received, for a total of about $215K.
Ric reported on the tentative names received from the Nominating Committee to replace outgoing BOT members. Rev. Lou suggested that it was very important that the Nominating Committee be required to discuss tentative candidates with the minister – not for approval, but for insight and discussion. The BOT agreed with this and also felt that members of the Board be those who are contributing meaningfully to the church. Wendy Burns said that she would work with Ron Brant to suggest ways to incorporate these elements into church policies.
The Board heard and discussed reports from the Minister, Business Administrator, Interim DRE Director, and Treasurer. Rev. Lou discussed the pending March 18-19 visit to MVUC of UUA President Rev. Bill Sinkford, including the Saturday evening potluck dinner. He also noted the pending visit (3/10-30) of the minister of our Romanian partner church, his wife, and board president. Our Romanian visiting minister will share the service with Rev. Sinkford and co-lead the 3/26 service.
Douglas MacCleery
Secretary