Splinters From The Board Archive
The board met on September 12 with all board members, our DRE, and 11 guests in attendance. A delicious vegetarian, Indian-themed dinner was provided by Beth Brownlie. Board member Jerry Gates lit the chalice and gave tribute to the Rev. Charles Joy as the inspiration for the chalice as the UU symbol, originally meant to represent sacrifice and love.
The Right Relations Committee has been invited to attend board meetings to provide process observation at the end of the board meeting.
The consent agenda was approved with a requested update on the status of fundraising for the RE Assistant. With Sunday’s bake sale, $6,500 of the $7,500 November goal has been raised. The full text of consent agenda reports is available on uusm.org in the members-only section.
An all-day board retreat will be held on Saturday, September 30 at the home of John Sussman. Patricia Wright will provide breakfast and Kim Miller will provide lunch. The agenda for the retreat is in the planning phase and will be forthcoming.
Beth Brownlie and Norm Richey are spearheading the revival of the Membership Team. Following a first meeting, their goal is threefold: 1) attract new members, 2) engage visitors, and 3) nurture and energize existing members.
This year’s Ernie Pipes featured lecturer will be Minister Emerita Judith Meyer. A motion from the Pipes Fund requesting board funds for a reception to accompany the lecture did not pass. The Pipes Lecture Fund is self-sustaining.
The board approved two motions related to the Forbes Hall waste line repair/ regrade. The first, to approve the contract with “The Sewer Spy” in the amount of $11,380, to execute the repair; and the second, in the amount of up to $5,000, for the permit required by the City of Santa Monica and the refinishing following the repair. Both amounts will come from the Capital/Building Reserve Fund. Details of the motions and the proposed work can be found in the meeting minutes on the UUSM website members-only section. The essence of the work includes replacing parts of the sewer lines and lining the pipes that run under Forbes Hall.
Various policies that have been proposed or pending were addressed: 1) Animal Policy, 2) Letters-to-the-Board Communications Policy, 3) Musical Instrument Policy, and 4) Financial Privacy Policy. The Animal Policy is in effect as an interim policy. The Letters to the Board Communications Policy was approved. The Financial Privacy Policy is pending review with Rev. Greg. The Musical Instrument Policy is also pending. Once policies are approved, they will be added to the UUCCSM Policy Document. It was pointed out and acknowledged by the board that any actions regarding policies should include the text of the policy.
Rev. Greg, unable to attend the board meeting due to his Ministerial Fellowship Committee commitment in Boston, requested board support for the Stewardship Team, whose schedule is imminent. The board acknowledged and approved the possible themes for this year’s pledge drive: Healing and Growing Together, and Moving Forward Together. The board, as the visionary lead for Stewardship, endorsed the following possible “vision points” that Stewardship can go forward with as talking points: 1) unifying the congregation and learning the benefits of covenant, 2) exploring our history and healing our past, and 3) increasing the efficiency and transparency of our organizational design.
The board approved a target for the 2018 stewardship campaign to raise 15% more than “what we raised last year.” This was an expression of board support; details to be forthcoming.
At the request of the board, James Witker gave a brief update on resources to combat potential white supremacy action. Going forward, a working group/task force will be created to share resources and create a plan.
The board approved a motion to enter into executive session. The board approved a motion to come out of executive session. No actions resulted.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9 pm following check-out by board members.
— Patricia Wright
July 11 Board Meeting Report
Motivated by a very short open agenda, the board met electronically via Zoom with eight board members participating. Kim Miller participated from Forbes Hall to accommodate any guests.
The chalice lighting was dedicated to board member Kikanza Nuri-Robins, who is recuperating from surgery.
The consent agenda consisted of:
1. Minutes of the June 13 board meeting (approved)
2. Generous contribution report
3. DRE report
4. Administrator’s report
5. Financial reports: June 2017 and End of Year 2016/2017
6. Membership report (No new members and no members resigned)
7. Attendance Report
8. Communications Team report was accepted.
The board approved a motion to enter into executive session. The board approved a motion to come out of executive session.
The board authorized $4,000 from the Contingency Fund to retain the services of UUSM’s employment lawyer regarding personnel.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8 pm.
— Patricia Wright
August 8 Board Meeting Report
The consent agenda was approved.
Facilities report: We are awaiting a third contractor bid for plumbing repairs.
Pledge report: Steve White reported that pledges are trending downward in the last seven years.
Right Relations Task Force report was made by Vilma Ortiz, Sue Stoyanoff and Nancy Edmundson by Zoom. Many positives about the Right Relations work and effort within the Church community, but it is recognized that more needs to be done regarding conflict management and resolution.
Discussion of letter to Board regarding reserving and calendaring use of church space was tabled for next Board meeting.
Board entered into Executive Session.
Brief discussion of intergenerational issues. To be attended to through an educational approach.
Next Board meeting Sept 12.
—Norm Richey
The newly-installed Board of Directors reads their covenant at the annual meeting on May 21. Left to right: Jerry Gates, Kikanza Nuri-Robins, Jacki Weber, Norm Richey, Kim Miller, Patricia Wright, Beth Brownlie, Ron Crane. Not pictured: Emily Hero. Photo: Charles Haskell
The Board That Would Not Quit!
The Board of Directors began its June 13 meeting with four members in attendance, one short of a quorum; but, knowing that a member would be arriving later, we continued. Also in attendance were DRE Kathleen Hogue, Church Administrator Nurit Gordon, Right Relations committee members Beth Rendiero and Vilma Ortiz, and three guests.
Given the lack of a quorum, the president navigated the agenda starting with items that needed only discussion but no vote. Kathleen lit the Chalice.
A new member was recorded, Farideh M. Arianpour, bringing our total membership to 340 congregants. We warmly welcome her!
Kit Shaw, Co-Chair of the Stewardship Committee, described the committee’s effort to help RE raise money to hire a part-time assistant for Kathleen. A Spirit Grant of $15,000 has been awarded the Church for this position contingent on the RE committee raising a matching amount in the next six months, by Nov 1, 2017. This must be “new” money, and not money the Church already has in accounts. The $15,000 must also be in cash and not in pledges. The total of $30,000 would fund this part-time position for the next three years.
Kit outlined plans to raise money to meet the $15,000 matching grant, which include direct solicitation of congregation members via letter, three Friday movie night fundraising events, and Sarah Robson’s generous offer to provide SAT tutoring in math, with fees going to the match. The Stewardship and RE Committees will continue to explore other fund-raising events.
There was discussion of the Communications Team, which is working on updating its plan to enhance information-sharing within the congregation, including electronic communications, and will be asked to present a report at the July board meeting.
A quorum was achieved at 7:23 with the arrival of Board member Jerry Gates at which time the Consent agenda was passed.
President Ron Crane, with organizing help from Kim Miller, is pulling together a group of experienced members to be a Pastoral Care Group during the summer months. Linda van Ligten is also organizing a group of members to provide Care Net services such as rides, bringing food, etc.
There was extensive discussion regarding Second Sunday Supper (SSS), with unanimous support that SSS not cease during July and August. Norm Richey volunteered (thank you Beth Rendeiro) to ask the Heart to Heart Group to take this on for July, and Ron will find a sponsor for August. The suppers for September and October are already scheduled. The goal for the next few months is to re-establish the SSS committee to plan and arrange the schedule.
Norm reported that Rev. Rebecca wrote a White Paper on the history and progression of the Heart to Heart program from the time of her arrival, when the program had become inactive, to the present. Norm will make this paper available to board members and encourages all to read it. It will also be available in the office for those who wish to have a copy. Heart to Heart is a very active and important program offered to congregants. About 60 to 70 people participate each year with participants self-reporting changes in how they are able to listen with more depth and awareness, and thus feel more connected and accepting of other congregants.
Before this meeting, the board approved via email two urgent requests from the Facilities Committee. The board unanimously approved the use of up to $2,000 from the Facility Reserve Fund to repair a leak in the plumbing system, and to remove asphalt/concrete at the alley. On an 8 to 1 vote, the board approved the use of $550 from the Facility Reserve Fund to upgrade the sun shade in the children’s area.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
— Norm Richey
Board Selects Developmental Minister, Accepts Nominating Committee Slate of Candidates
In addition to the regularly scheduled board meeting on April 11, the board met on March 28 in lieu of the executive committee meeting.
On March 28, the board met with 11 guests in attendance. Joe Engleman lit the chalice with quotes from A. A. Milne and Christopher Morley that called for creative thinking and originality.
The board approved the nomination of Kim Andres to the Finance Committee.
There was a lengthy discussion of a new DRE assistant position of 10 hours a week in support of the vitality of the RE program, which was recommended by the personnel committee and amounts to $10,000 per year. A position paper in support of the request was provided in the board materials. The possibility of a grant request to the Spirit Level Foundation was discussed as a source of funding. UUSM has received Spirit Level grants in the past for the roof replacement, Garden of Eternity, and Dazzle website project. A grant would require the congregation to match $15,000 over a three-year period. The board authorizes fundraising but that does not preclude obtaining a grant. The outcome of the discussion underscored a need to look at the big picture of RE long term, including the development of a plan before steps are taken.
The investment committee has recommended that not all the money allocated to our Endowment Fund be invested all at once in the UUCEF (UU Common Endowment Fund) investment vehicle. The committee recommends investing gradually over a four-year period, beginning with half the money to be taken back in cash. This is known as dollar-cost averaging. The board supports the expertise of the investment committee.
Sunday, June 4 is the end of the church year celebration following Rev. Rebecca’s last service at 10 am. Help from the board to organize and execute this event was requested.
The board went into executive session to discuss and vote on the Developmental Ministry Task Force’s (DMTF) recommendation of a candidate. Following the executive session, the board unanimously voted to approve the recommendation of the DMTF’s candidate, and appointed a negotiation team made up of Garland Allen, Ron Crane, Kim Miller, and John Sussman.
The regularly scheduled board meeting took place on April 11 with nine guests in attendance. Kikanza Nuri-Robins lit the chalice with a poem by Amiri Baraka that is a poignant reminder of who we are, neither all bad nor all good. Sanna Legan was read in as a new member. The total membership is 334, down from 351. Lapsed members are removed from the membership roll each spring.
Kim Miller announced that an agreement has been reached with the Developmental Minister, who will be announced following approval of the contract between UUSM and the DM in executive session.
The board approved the nomination of Rebecca Crawford to the Personnel Committee.
The Nominating Committee presented its slate of candidates:
Officers:
President: Ron Crane – For the second of three potential 1-year terms
Vice-President: Jacki Weber – For the second of three potential 1-year terms
Secretary: Beth Brownlie – For the second of three potential 1-year terms
Treasurer: Kim Miller – For the third of three of potential 1-year terms
Past President: Patricia Wright will likely continue to serve in that position
Members-at-Large:
Emily Hero – For the second of two potential 2-year terms (having previously served by appointment)
Norm Richey – For the first of two potential 2-year terms
Jerry Gates and Kikanza Nuri-Robbins will continue their current terms
Nominating Committee:
Nalani Santiago-Kalmanson – For a 3-year term
Linda Van Ligten – For a 3-year term
Liza Cranis – For a 2-year term (to finish out the term of a seat that was vacated)
Bob Dietz, Barbara Gibbs, and James Witker will continue their current terms.
Candidates who wish to be added to the ballot may do so by petition of 10 or more voting members, validated by the secretary and submitted to the church office at least 20 days before the Annual Meeting, which is May 21.
The budget deficit is projected to be higher than the previously reported $33,403. It is anticipated that the compensation package for the new Developmental Minister based on the UUA grid for compensation will be higher. The budget also includes an additional $5,000 for Right Relations consultant Nancy Edmundson. Where the coverage for the deficit will come from will be determined by the congregation at the Annual Meeting. The board approved the FY 17/18 budget. The ultimate vote comes from the congregation at the Annual Meeting.
The board passed a motion to adopt the core values statement prepared by Right Relations based on the congregation’s stories of affirmation. The core values statement will appear on the agenda for approval at the Annual Meeting. It is emphasized in the statement of core values that it is a living document that will be reviewed periodically in the life of the congregation.
Beth Brownlie gave an update from the Facilities Development Committee on the state of our plumbing, which is not good. More investigation and more quotes are needed.
The board went into executive session to address two motions: 1) To approve resolution and agreement to buy out Rev. Rebecca’s vacation accrual, and 2) To approve the contract between UUCCSM and the DM. Following executive session, both motions were passed unanimously.
A plan for introducing the Developmental Minister to the congregation is in progress.
— Patricia Wright
Developmental Minister, Budget, RE Assistant, Plumbing, and More
The board met March 14 in Forbes Hall. In addition to board members minus one, there were 17 guests, many of whom had come to represent RE. The Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, our district representative, participated via the internet in the discussion of the Developmental Ministry (DM). I lit the chalice with a reading from the book Turning to One Another, by Margaret Wheatley.
We welcomed new members Arin Smith and Jacob Brunell.
The Personnel Committee update to the Personnel Manual was postponed from the consent agenda to the next board meeting. The remainder of the consent agenda was approved.
The first item on the discussion agenda was an update and discussion of the Developmental Ministry application process. At the March 5 business meeting with 106 in attendance, 16 proxies, and 3 absentee ballots, the congregation authorized the board to proceed with the ongoing process of hiring a developmental minister. (See page 1.) The work of the Developmental Ministry Task Force (DMTF), a subgroup of the board, in March and April will include reviewing the materials on candidates provided to the DMTF by the UUA support team, scheduling interviews to evaluate the candidates, and selecting one candidate for approval by the board. The UUA team of Rev. Kwong, the Rev. Keith Kron, and the Rev. Sarah Schor reduced an initial pool of seven candidates to three, based on their estimation of the best match to our goals. The packets have been received by the DMTF. Any congregant who wishes to provide input into the interview questions or simply to look at them may get copies from DMTF co-chairs Jacki Weber or Kim Miller.
A board meeting March 28 (instead of the regularly scheduled Executive Committee meeting) will discuss and vote on the DMTF’s selection of the DM candidate. If the candidate is approved by the board, the DM will preach at both services Sunday, May 7. Between mid-April and May 7, information about the DM will be shared with the congregation and there be may be an opportunity to ask questions of the DM.
The second item on the discussion agenda was the proposed budget, including a request brought forth by the RE committee to hire a part-time RE assistant. As part of the budget process that is defined in our Bylaws, the finance committee presents a proposed budget to the board at the March meeting for discussion. A vote on the budget by the board takes place at the April meeting. The congregation, as the final authority, votes on the budget at the Annual Meeting, which this year takes place Sunday, May 21. There will be a Town Hall meeting on the budget Sunday, April 2.
The proposed FY 2017/2018 budget shows a deficit of $33,403. There are no salary increases and costs have been contained to the extent possible. Pledge receipts are estimated at $370,000, a reduction of $10,000 over the previous fiscal year. The proposed budget packet including historical graphs can be found on the members only website.
The personnel committee has approved the request for a 10-hour/week DRE assistant. The cost is estimated at $9,000 a year. No motion for the board to approve the request was made, but the guests at the meeting were given the opportunity to speak in support of the request. Further discussion of the request and possible ways to support it will take place.
The third item on the agenda was the sad state our plumbing. Repairing the existing waste line and installing a new line are under consideration. Three bids will be obtained, as required by our policies. We are likely looking at a cost of about $10,000, which would come from the Building Reserve Fund.
The board approved an amount of $1,450 to begin the engineering investigation of the Arizona/Forbes Hall entry because the building is sinking. A soils test will be first.
Item four addressed summer ministry planning. Volunteers have come forward but would be happy to have co-chairs: Linda van Ligten for pastoral care from June 4 through the start date of the next minister, Vilma Ortiz for Sunday worship/Pulpit group from June 11 through the start date of the next minister, Beth Brownlie to take on an initial exploration of membership. Thank you!
Item five on the agenda, a report from the Investment Committee, was postponed until the next board meeting.
Item six was Rev. Rebecca’s celebration. Planning for her celebration is underway with support coming from dedicated donated funds and use of remaining church-event funds. Over $1,000 of the $1,900 requested has been raised. The board approved a motion to raise funds for the event.
The meeting, though long, was declared “very productive.” We adjourned at about 10 pm.
Application for Developmental Minister Submitted to UUA
The board met Tuesday, February 7 in Forbes Hall, a week earlier than originally scheduled, to allow for celebration of Valentine’s Day. All board members were present except Rev. Rebecca, who has a commitment to meet with Heart to Heart facilitators on the first Tuesday of the month. Also present were Church Administrator Nurit Gordon and six guests. The Rev. Sarah Schurr, UUA Western Region Congregational Life Lead, who specializes in ministerial transition, participated via internet in the developmental ministry discussion. The meeting was conducted by Ron Crane, who shared that he was very happy to be back, and we were very happy to welcome him back.
We welcomed new church members since the last board meeting: Cheryl Sims, Mark Berlin, and Chela Metzger, for a total UUSM membership of 322.
The Treasurer/Finance report was taken off the consent agenda and added to the regular agenda. The remainder of the consent agenda was approved.
The first item on the discussion agenda was an update and discussion of the developmental ministry application process. The application has been submitted, communication with the congregation, led by Jacki Weber and Kim Miller, continues, and there will be a church business meeting March 5 to ask the congregation to endorse by majority vote the board’s process for hiring a developmental minister.
The application for a developmental minister was submitted to the UUA January 23. It was accepted with high compliments on the excellence of the overall content and especially the articulation of our goals. The UUA team of Rev. Schurr, the Rev. Jonipher Kwong, and the Rev. Keith Kron are leading the search. They expect that it will take about eight weeks to identify an initial pool of candidates, which will then be evaluated by the team and a subcommittee of the board. The cost to our congregation will be approximately $1,500, mostly for transportation.
The application has been posted on the web page for developmental ministers, and Keith has made phone calls to encourage ministers to apply. The team will narrow the search to a short list of three candidates based on the goals defined in our application. While a regular called minister must be hired by a vote of the congregation, the board is responsible for hiring a developmental minister.
Qualifications for a developmental minister who would support our congregation include a non-anxious presence, experience in achieving a cultural shift, understanding of and comfort with our church’s culture, and ability to work with the regional staff and our right relations consultant.
The second item on the agenda was an inquiry into how to best use the board’s time between now and May. Proposals included a community-wide workshop on leadership enrichment and articulation of roles and responsibilities (Patricia Wright), continuing work on the smart goal of assessment (Joe Engleman), and continuing work on the smart goal of a Sexually Safe Congregation (Emily Hero). A motion to hold a leadership and roles/responsibilities workshop to be led by Gregory Rouillard of the Living the Seven Principles Ministry failed by a 2/7 vote, based on the desire to wait for a developmental minister to work with right relations. Assessment was put on hold. Emily Hero and Kim Miller will continue to work on the goal of a Sexually Safe Congregation.
The third item on the agenda included a discussion of the budget process and a proposal for how the board can handle responses to written letters, complaints, and concerns that come to the board’s attention. Feedback on the proposal was positive but no immediate action was taken.
The treasurer and chair of the finance committee, Kim Miller, updated the board on the budget process and status, following the budget development procedure defined under our finance policies. The Personnel Committee’s recommendations regarding salaries have been submitted to the Finance Committee and budget requests have been received. The Finance Committee will meet in closed session and prepare a draft budget to be submitted to the board at its March meeting. The final budget will be voted on by the congregation at the Annual Meeting in May.
As of the submission of the statement of income and expenses for January 2017, UUCCSM is “in the black” by $2,855. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 pm following check out by individual board members.
— Patricia Wright
Congregational Business Meeting Called for March 5 to Discuss and Vote on Hiring a Developmental Minister
The board met January 10 with seven board members, our DRE, our minister, and 11 guests in attendance. Consultant Nancy Edmundson participated via the Internet. VP Jacki Weber presided. Jacki lit the chalice with a loving kindness meditation and kind thoughts to President Ron Crane in his time of mourning. Rev. Rebecca is working with Ron on planning the January 28 memorial for John Fels.
Nancy introduced her intent to conduct observation of the board’s process partly for RRTF (Right Relations Task Force) guests to observe. Past board meetings have included process observation led by Beth Brownlie. Process observation marks how we are doing together by looking at aspects of the meeting. Is there shared participation? How is the energy level? Are different ideas acknowledged and ideas built upon? Is there consensus? Is the time well spent? Is there shared leadership? Do people feel included and valued? Are we getting the best out of our group?
The consent agenda was approved.
The first item on the agenda was a review of Rev. Rebecca’s draft transition plan for 13 projects that will be ongoing during her remaining time, 8 projects to finish (some of which are completed by now), 11 projects to hand off, and 5 projects to set aside. The details can be found in her report on ministry on the members-only website. Each item was addressed at the board meeting. Of note is the “gray zone” of leadership regarding membership. Rick Rhoads is stepping down from leading the membership committee due to health reasons.
Jacki is the lead person for the board’s goal of compassionate leavetaking. Any consideration of a gap between Rebecca’s planned departure and the next step in ministry will be addressed at the February or March board meetings.
The second (and last item on the agenda due to time constraints) was a discussion of the developmental ministry process, particularly in consideration of our bylaws for hiring ministers. Developmental ministry is a UUA program that matches congregations with ministers to solve specific institutional problems. At the November 29 board meeting, the board voted to hire a developmental minister per the UUA guidelines and that doing so was the responsibility of the board. The next step in the process was to fill out an extensive application centering on the specific goals of our congregation. Jacki has spearheaded workshops to communicate developmental ministry to the congregation. However our bylaws are detailed and specific regarding hiring a minister and nonspecific as to whether the minister is a settled minister or an interim minister. Typically interim ministers have been selected by the board but the potential 5- to 7-year commitment of a developmental minister required further thought about the role of the bylaws. After lengthy discussion including input from board guests as a representation of the congregation, the following consensus was achieved: It is important that the congregation take ownership of our path forward. The board will hold a business meeting March 5 to discuss and vote on a motion to hire a developmental minister and support the board with moving forward with the process. In the meantime there will be many informational opportunities to answer questions about developmental ministry and how it might benefit our congregation.
Remaining items on the agenda were tabled until the February board meeting. Nancy reported on her process observation. By and large it was a good process and a good space for members and their comments. Some board members are quieter than others but in general Jacki was supported in her leadership role. Information was clearly presented, and the board looked for solutions together and by consensus. In particular, Rebecca’s draft transition plan was well laid out.
The meeting adjourned at 9 pm following Nancy’s report on process and check-out by individual board members.
— Patricia Wright
Board Will Hire a Developmental Minister for 5 to 7 Years
In addition to the regularly scheduled board meeting on December 13, the board met November 29.
President Ron Crane led the November 29 meeting, which focused on how to support our minister and the congregation following Rev. Rebecca’s letter of resignation. Consultant Nancy Edmundson attended the meeting, as did nine guests. Nancy emphasized the need for a leadership response and a compassionate leave taking. The board asked Rebecca to identify which programs she would be able to support in her remaining time. Her reply is in her report to the board for December 13 and will be discussed further at the January board meeting.
The board voted to hire a developmental minister. We must determine what we are looking for in a developmental minister to help us through the hard times ahead. It was proposed that we create a chronology of what happened and why. The board authorized $5,500 to pay Nancy Edmundson for additional right relations consulting from November 19, 2016 through June 2017.
The board expressed gratitude for the directed donations that will facilitate the January 22 Welcoming and Celebration Ceremony for our new DRE, Kathleen Hogue.
DECEMBER 13 BOARD MEETING
Seven guests and a quorum of the board met December 13 with VP Jacki Weber presiding in the absence of Ron Crane.
Rev. Jonipher Kwong, our PSWD representative, and Rev. Sarah Schurr of PSWD joined via internet to discuss the process of hiring a developmental minister. Our application should articulate clear goals that our congregation wishes to achieve; the region will work with us to identify and state our goals.
Unlike an interim or settled minister search that is conducted by a search committee, a developmental minister is hired by the board, and will serve from five to seven years, in order to shift the culture of a congregation. A subcommittee of the board, which will include Jonipher and Sarah from the PSWD, will be presented with a confidential list of possible candidates. A UUCCSM FAQ and the board-approved Communications Team will facilitate communication with the congregation.
Vilma Ortiz reported on Right Relations. The RR “Notes” are working well, as are the listening circles, which have had 80 to 100 participants. The RR report is posted in the For Members section of the UUSM website.
Jacki led the board in reviewing the board’s goals. Active goals (compassionate leave taking, developmental ministry, assessments, clarifying roles and responsibilities, sexually safe congregation) were assigned to individual board members, who will present action plans for achieving the goal by the January 2017 board meeting.
The board voted to take over coordination of Second Sunday Suppers from now until June 2017. We no longer have a Hospitality Committee.
JoAnn Peters has replaced Melinda Ewen on the Nominating Committee. The board approved the nomination of Alice Koga to the Finance Committee. We welcomed new members Kim and Barbara Andres, Ian-Patrick Tapé, Catie Grasso, Mike Quist, and reinstated members Charles and Christine Haskell and Jenny Jay. Our membership stands at 351.
— Patricia Wright
Board Business Includes Membership, Grant Funding, Leadership Development Discussions at May 9 Meeting
The board met with nine guests in attendance for a celebratory meeting as it was Rev. Rebecca’s and Joe Engleman’s last board meeting. A delicious dinner from Baja Fresh was provided by Kim Miller. Cards and gifts were exchanged. Rev. Rebecca lit the chalice.
Five members were reinstated: Manuel Trujillo, Manuel Fonseca, Jeffrey Ellis, Joan Verdon, and Robert Schalenkamp. UU Santa Monica’s total membership is 339.
The consent agenda was adopted.
The board approved the Nominating Committee’s recommendation of Phil Bonacich to the Personnel Committee. Phil brings a wealth of experience from his involvement in UCLA’s sociology department.
The May 5 to 7 introductory meeting with the Rev. Greg Ward went very well both from his perspective and the perspective of the congregation and the staff. He was particularly impressed with the involvement of RE at both services. Between now and when he joins us in September, he welcomes communications from the congregation. His first Sunday in the pulpit will be September 10, which is ingathering Sunday when we return to two services. September 24 will be the start of the “liturgical” year, which is the fully planned year with all programs activated. Between September10 and September 24 there is the Camp de Benneville Pines All-Church Weekend, which is a “fallow” weekend in terms of the church calendar. Note the introduction of new terminology.
The board approved a transfer of up to $1,200 from contingency reserves for reimbursement of costs related to Rev. Greg’s visit to UUCCSM.
Rev. Greg has recommended summer reading for the board: A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix by Edwin H. Friedman.
The theme of Rev. Greg’s arrival in September will be “onboarding,” namely meetings with leaders, staff, and board to help him acclimate to our congregation. The Annual Report on Programs will be a resource for onboarding. There will be a board retreat in September followed by a “deeper dive” retreat later in the spring.
UUSM received a Spirit Level Foundation grant for a Lifespan RE Administrative Assistant. Three years of funding will cost $30,000. The grant provides $15,000 and it is the task of our church to match $15,000. The board approved fundraising activities to meet the matching grant.
There was a discussion about using a RACI chart to articulate the roles and responsibilities of the potential new position. RACI (an acronym for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed) is a matrix that clearly lays out roles and responsibilities for any activity or group of activities. DRE Kathleen Hogue will meet with adult and children’s RE to begin the process of creating a RACI chart for the new position.
Pastoral care, a revived Care Net, and worship during the gap between Rev. Rebecca’s departure and Rev. Greg’s arrival are in place thanks to experienced members on call and organized by Ron Crane, Linda van Ligten, and Vilma Ortiz.
Our church has a responsibility and commitment to its volunteers. The subject of acknowledging volunteers in various forms was discussed. Membership will undertake this important task starting in the fall. Beth Brownlie has stepped forward to lead membership development issues and would like a co-chair.
The board will celebrate the end of the church year and Rev. Rebecca’s last Sunday at UUSM with a board-sponsored bagel brunch.
Recognizing that it is beneficial for all of us to re-orient ourselves and to welcome our new board member into the fold outside of a board meeting environment, the executive committee talked about holding a board orientation on May 30 on the heels of the May 21 election. Five of the nine board members will already be onsite, and new board member Norm Richey would be available. The board was not able to affirm this date at because the entire board was not aware of the discussion in the executive committee. The executive committee will revisit the topic at its next meeting, and make a clear recommendation to the board.
Board members will again support the monthly first Sunday orientation for newcomers with one board member in attendance at each meeting. A schedule through October 2017 was established.
The meeting adjourned at an early 8:30 pm.
– Patricia Wright
Board to Consider Hiring a Consultant for Conflict Management
The Rev. Jonipher Kwong, of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Pacific Southwest District (PSWD), was our guest at the October 11 board meeting. Rev. Kwong spoke about the resources that he and the PSWD can provide to us. His focus is in leadership development and intercultural competencies; others in the PSWD and UUA have other different areas of competency and knowledge that we can call on.
Rev. Kwong looks forward to partnering with our congregation as we work to resolve our conflicts. He said that conflicts occur at all churches and other non-profits, and that UU congregations and religions of all types are changing. He advises our board to focus on creating the vision for what we want to be.
The Right Relations Task Force (RRTF) provided a summary of their current and ongoing work. They are holding another listening circle November 5, from 9 am to 12 noon. For more on the work of RRTF and our right-relations process, please read their report above.
The Committee on Ministry (COM) presented a white paper stating that, since all four COM members are on the
RRTF, they will suspend meeting as a separate committee for now. Their full report will be uploaded to our website.
The board is reviewing options for using an additional consultant to work with us on shorter-term conflict management, as part of the overall long-term right-relations process. Our findings regarding potential consultants will be discussed at the next board meeting.
The board continues to work on honing its SMART goals for this year (although the board is already working
on these goals themselves) and hopes to present them at a town hall meeting November 13.
Because the November board meeting is scheduled for Election Day, Tuesday, November 8, it will start and end earlier than usual: 6 pm to 7:30 pm. As always, all members are welcome to observe the meeting, which takes place in Forbes Hall.
— Kim Miller, subbing for Patricia Wright,who was out of town