Splinters From The Board Archive
Jun 2013
Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur lit the chalice and initiated the check-in inviting us to share where we would want to travel if we could go anywhere we wanted. Here is what came to light: Cuba, Galapagos, France, Spain, Berlin, Krakow, Montreal, Peru, South Korea and a multi-week trip to Tahiti by freighter. President Cynthia Cottam announced that she will indeed be going to the Galapagos from June 1 until 16, a trip that has been in the works for a very long time!
As of this month’s meeting on May 13 the church has 370 members. The Generous Congregation Contribution
in April was $708, with $218 going to the UUA and $490 to Tree People.
A motion was unanimously approved regarding Charles Haskell’s offer to provide photographic services to
renters with the understanding that his fee for services would be donated to one of three charities, one being our church. This was followed by a unanimous approval of the revised Newsletter Policy outlining the tasks and responsibilities of the Newsletter Committee, the Board of Directors' responsibility in this regard, and content prioritization. The Board accepted the Newsletter Committee's choice of Charles for another two-year term as editor-in-chief.
Rev. Rebecca is working with Karl Lisovsky and Kris Langabeer to focus on CareNet. She also went to the Pacific Western UU Regional Conference in San Jose and had some new ideas to share. UU coffee/bookshop? Website virtual candle lighting? She also spoke about our special opening of the sanctuary for a time of ministry, care, reflection, and compassion following the Boston Marathon bombings.
Our DRE, Catherine Farmer Loya, provided a written report to the board but did not attend as she had delivered
Baby Evan the day before. She reported that everything has come through regarding Acting DRE Emmalinda McLean's time with us during Catherine’s family leave time. Coming of Age launched a new UU Holiday that was celebrated at the Second Sunday Supper on May 12.
Director of Music DeReau Farrar reported on the great success of “The Old Maid and the Thief” event on May
4. Now they are getting ready for the “American Singing: Patriotism vs. Pride” Dining for Dollars event. DeReau and Rev. Bijur will be starting hymn-sings on Thursday nights during the summer.
Church Administrator Nurit Gordon announced that the Annual Report on Programs is completed two weeks before the Annual Congregational Meeting. It has been some years since the reports have been ready in time for our annual meeting.
Bryan Oakes attended the meeting to lead a discussion about the possibility of asking the congregation for additional money to finish the exterior wall already designed by Ralph Mechur. This is in response to additional money that has been given to the church from Drew Still’s estate. The wall would be part of the enclosure of the Memorial Garden. The board approved the motion to present to the congregation the authorization to spend up to $70,000 from unrestricted funds to complete this project.
The next board meeting will be on June 11. It will include a dinner to which all past presidents are invited.
— Bronwen Jones
May 2013
As of this month’s meeting the church had 370 members. The Generous Congregation Contribution in March was $932 to Homeboy Industries and $150 to the UU Legislative Ministry.
Rev. Rebecca reported that the participants of Small Group Ministry are focusing on deep listening without advice-giving or fixing. Melinda Ewen is planning to re-start the Fourth Friday Lunch, working with our CareNet. The 11 a.m. Intergenerational Easter service was standing room only. Rev. Rebecca is gathering ideas from us all to keep developing a spirit-filled, inspirational approach to Easter.
DRE Catherine Farmer Loya brought to the board a letter of agreement to employ Emmalinda McLean to be our Acting DRE while Catherine is on her family leave. The board voted unanimously to accept the contract. Emmalinda is DRE at the Canoga Park UU church and is available for the summer. The board expressed appreciation for the smooth transition. Catherine also reported that the T-shirts to raise money for the Youth Service trip to New Orleans are “selling like hotcakes.”
Director of Music DeReau Farrar has started rehearsals for the two Dining for Dollars events coming up. Two! That is a first.
Church Administrator Nurit Gordon said that about 80% of the money from our Dining for Dollars event has been received. We have also received a generous donation from the San Diego Foundation (Dianne Fletcher-
Hoppe and Carl Hoppe) toward the church’s general operations.
Jerry Gates, chair of the Nominating Committee, revealed the slate for our next board. It shall remain unchanged from our current board unless there is a petition to present another candidate. The board also unanimously supports the bylaw change to make the second vice president the secretary.
The board unanimously passed the budget proposed by the Finance Committee to be presented to the congregation at our Annual Congregational Meeting on May 19.
Bryan Oakes presented a proposal from the Facilities Development Committee for church renovations, which would draw on the resources of the Drew Still Building Fund. The board endorsed the committee’s plan and it will be presented at the Annual Congregational Meeting. There will be a meeting in the Cottage on May 5 for the congregation to ask questions and provide feedback before the formal vote on May 19.
The next board meeting will be on May 14, right before the Annual Congregational Meeting on May 19.
— Bronwen Jones
Apr 2013
Rev. Rebecca lit the chalice and initiated the check-in inviting us to include a response to the question “Tell me
your story about when you have been in a disaster?” There were a few earthquake stories, one 911 story, and an “almost drowned” story. As they had all lived to tell the tale, it was a good feeling overall.
As of this month’s meeting the church has 366 members. The Generous Congregation contribution in February
was $747 to Turning Point.
Rev. Rebecca reported that the Small Group Ministry program began in February with 10 groups and almost
100 registrants.
DRE Catherine highlighted that the Coming of Age group will host a Seven Principles Supper on May 12. The YRUU service trip will be to New Orleans, with nine youths planning to attend.
Director of Music DeReau reported that another section of the church’s organ has been tuned and restored
and that the roof project seems to have had minimal impact on the instrument. The choir’s repertoire is
shifting from the history of African American music to the Easter and Spring season.
Nurit’s report shared that 4 new skylights have been installed — two in the Minister’s office and two in the
front office. She also reported that squirrels had chewed their way through our phone lines and that Verizon
replaced them at no charge to the church.
Garland Allen has agreed to be on the Personnel Committee. The Board of Directors unanimously ratified
the appointment.
Dining For Dollars went well again this year, thanks to the particular efforts of Melissa Weaver and Sue
Moore, raising about $32,000.
The Disaster Preparedness Committee is up and running.
The board went through a first read of the new 2013/2014 budget proposal in preparation for board approval at the April meeting. A summary for the congregation will be prepared and also approved at the April meeting, in order for the congregation to discuss and vote on the budget at the Annual Meeting in May.
Cynthia presented her proposal to the board to be presented to the congregation that we eliminate the Second Vice President position and replace it with a Secretary position. No action made at this time.
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. and the next board meeting will be on April 9.
— Bronwen Jones
Mar 2013
Through Generous Congregation Contributions UUCCSM has donated $686 to the UU Service Committee. Every year at this time the church checks with members of record who have not paid a pledge to see if they would like to renew their pledge. It is customary for the church to lose about a dozen or so members at this time. The church now has 361 members.
The Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur reported that the Small Group Ministry program has been launched. The program has 97 participants including 10 facilitators and four members of the Board of Directors. In addition, in order to create a Worship Associates group who would take a more active role in supporting meaningful, excellent worship at our church, Rev. Rebecca led a retreat, “Awe and Wonder,” in conjunction with her colleagues from the UU Ministers’ L.A. Metro Cluster. She invited church members Vilma Ortiz, Jessica Clay, and Amelia Monteiro to participate.
Catherine Farmer Loya reported that the UCLA Campus Ministry has been launched and as of this writing has six members. Elementary RE worked with Faith in Action to put together 55 lunches and delivered them to the Turning Point housing shelter.
Director of Music DeReau Farrar reported that the MLK Choir Festival of Greater Los Angeles Area UU church choirs was a great success. He also announced two Dining for Dollars events: “America Singing: Patriotism
vs. Pride,” a choral concert, and “The Old Maid and the Thief,” a performance of Menotti’s chamber opera classic in 1950s radio opera style.
The board unanimously accepted Robert Kory’s generous offer to represent the church in the handling of Judy Federick’s property bequest. Church member Judy, who died last year, had arranged for some of her assets to be given to the church.
The board spent considerable time reviewing a revision of the Employee Manual.
The board will meet next on March 26.
— Bronwen Jones
Mar 2013
Through Generous Congregation Contributions UUCCSM has donated $686 to the UU Service Committee. Every year at this time the church checks with members of record who have not paid a pledge to see if they would like to renew their pledge. It is customary for the church to lose about a dozen or so members at this time. The church now has 361 members.
The Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur reported that the Small Group Ministry program has been launched. The program has 97 participants including 10 facilitators and four members of the Board of Directors. In addition, in order to create a Worship Associates group who would take a more active role in supporting meaningful, excellent worship at our church, Rev. Rebecca led a retreat, “Awe and Wonder,” in conjunction with her colleagues from the UU Ministers’ L.A. Metro Cluster. She invited church members Vilma Ortiz, Jessica Clay, and Amelia Monteiro to participate.
Catherine Farmer Loya reported that the UCLA Campus Ministry has been launched and as of this writing has six members. Elementary RE worked with Faith in Action to put together 55 lunches and delivered them to the Turning Point housing shelter.
Director of Music DeReau Farrar reported that the MLK Choir Festival of Greater Los Angeles Area UU church choirs was a great success. He also announced two Dining for Dollars events: “America Singing: Patriotism
vs. Pride,” a choral concert, and “The Old Maid and the Thief,” a performance of Menotti’s chamber opera classic in 1950s radio opera style.
The board unanimously accepted Robert Kory’s generous offer to represent the church in the handling of Judy Federick’s property bequest. Church member Judy, who died last year, had arranged for some of her assets to be given to the church.
The board spent considerable time reviewing a revision of the Employee Manual.
The board will meet next on March 26.
— Bronwen Jones
Mar 2013
Through Generous Congregation Contributions UUCCSM has donated $686 to the UU Service Committee. Every year at this time the church checks with members of record who have not paid a pledge to see if they would like to renew their pledge. It is customary for the church to lose about a dozen or so members at this time. The church now has 361 members.
The Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur reported that the Small Group Ministry program has been launched. The program has 97 participants including 10 facilitators and four members of the Board of Directors. In addition, in order to create a Worship Associates group who would take a more active role in supporting meaningful, excellent worship at our church, Rev. Rebecca led a retreat, “Awe and Wonder,” in conjunction with her colleagues from the UU Ministers’ L.A. Metro Cluster. She invited church members Vilma Ortiz, Jessica Clay, and Amelia Monteiro to participate.
Catherine Farmer Loya reported that the UCLA Campus Ministry has been launched and as of this writing has six members. Elementary RE worked with Faith in Action to put together 55 lunches and delivered them to the Turning Point housing shelter.
Director of Music DeReau Farrar reported that the MLK Choir Festival of Greater Los Angeles Area UU church choirs was a great success. He also announced two Dining for Dollars events: “America Singing: Patriotism
vs. Pride,” a choral concert, and “The Old Maid and the Thief,” a performance of Menotti’s chamber opera classic in 1950s radio opera style.
The board unanimously accepted Robert Kory’s generous offer to represent the church in the handling of Judy Federick’s property bequest. Church member Judy, who died last year, had arranged for some of her assets to be given to the church.
The board spent considerable time reviewing a revision of the Employee Manual.
The board will meet next on March 26.
— Bronwen Jones
Feb 2013
As Rev. Rebecca was on vacation with her family on the East Coast, First Vice President Barbara Gibbs lit the
chalice and asked the January meeting attendees to share their thoughts on bold beginnings for the board and for their lives as individuals.
President Cynthia Cottam then read out loud the Affirmation of Covenant that the board created at their Board
Retreat earlier this year. It reads as follows:
- I will be true to myself, listen and contribute.
- I will relate to others with respect, trust, compassion, and support.
- I will remember that I am representing the community I serve.
- When I am relating to congregants who are not board members, I will serve as a two-way conduit between the board and the congregation as a whole.
- I will identify myself and the office I hold.
- I will be approachable.
- I will model commitment to the community.
- I will be an available and encouraging agent of communication.
As of this month’s meeting the church has 376 members.
Through the Generous Congregation Contributions the UUCCSM donated $1,147 to the Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC) and $273 to Gays and Lesbians Initiating a Dialogue for Equality (GLIDE) during the month of December.
Catherine Farmer Loya highlighted that the UCLA Campus Ministry will be launched on Wednesday, January 9.
Church Administrator Nurit Gordon highlighted that we received and deposited the $35,000 matching grant check from the Spirit Level Foundation to go towards re-roofing the Sanctuary. We have also received a $10,000 gift to the operating budget from Lu Ann Darling’s son.
The board unanimously approved the contract with TectaAmerica to re-roof the Sanctuary, so now the work can
begin. The board also unanimously approved the employment agreement for the Associate Director of Music position.
The board resumed and completed the review of the 2012- 2013 annual budget that was approved by the congregation at the May 13, 2012, Annual Meeting. This review prepares the board for the upcoming budget cycle and familiarizes the board with the budget process.
The next board meeting will be on February 12.
— Bronwen Jones
Jan 2013
Reverend Rebecca lit the chalice and asked the meeting attendees to share their various and wide-ranging Christmas holiday rituals.
As of this month’s meeting the church has 374 members. Through the Generous Congregation Contributions the UUCCSM donated $904 to the St. Joseph Center during the month of November.
Rev. Rebecca is excited about the rekindling of the Small Group Ministry that she believes will greatly assist our congregation in providing a “ministry of presence.”
DRE Catherine Farmer Loya said that she is working closely with the RE Committee to make a smooth transition for the time she will be on family leave.
Music Director DeReau Farrar reported that the organ has been tuned and repaired.
Church Administrator Nurit Gordon was pleased to announce that there has been an increase in group rentals. We currently rent to 23 groups, which is an increase from 17 last year.
Treasurer Kit Shaw presented the Finance Committee’s tentative budget for 2012-2013. The board made it through about 25% of the line items and will continue at January’s board meeting.
Two amendments to the existing financial policies were passed unanimously by the board. #1) Checking and Investment Accounts — Establishment and Signatories: The Church Administrator no longer has the authority to
establish or be a signatory on church accounts. #2) Annual Financial Review Policy C4.10 — the review process will begin six months after the end of the fiscal year (as opposed to 2 to 3 months).
Bryan Oakes updated the board on the roof replacement. The board supports his approach to get the work done and expects there will be a contract to be approved by the board shortly.
President Cynthia Cottam checked in regarding the board’s first two goals that were established at the annual retreat back in September. To support the process of developing a Covenant of Good Relations she asked board members to read the iChurch article in the current UU World. This can be located at http://
www.uuworld.org/ideas/articles/279318.shtml. To address the second goal, Leadership Development, Cynthia suggests that we help committees have co-chairs in order to share the load.
— Bronwen Jones,
Board Recording Secretary
Nov 2012
Thank you to Jennifer Westbay for stepping in for a few months as “Splinters from the Board” correspondent. Charles Haskell has suggested that I write the column this month and see how it goes. So, let me know how it went, please!
A part of October’s board meeting was to complete a ministerial evaluation for the UUA.This confidential process conducted by the board and the Committee on Ministry is a step toward the UUA approving Rebecca for Final Fellowship.
The president reported that the Town Hall went very well. Although there is a strong preference for an historical roof, we will be going forward with a combination tile and asphalt roof due to the expensive ramifications of an all-tile roof.
After much struggle, we now have a Stewardship Committee, chaired by Abby Arnold. Thank you, Abby! We are also very grateful to additional committee members Natalie Kahn, Amy Lacombe, and recently returned church member Lucy Hahn. The board has been asked to actively support the Stewardship Committee by making calls and helping at their special events.
The board decided to accept the directed donations graciously given by Patrick Meighan for the Stewardship Committee ($5,000) and by Gaye Deal for the music program ($5,000). The board recommends that directed donations be addressed case by case.
The music program has been energized by our new Music Director, DeReau Farrar. Board members shared very positive responses to his work so far. DeReau has been given the blessing to move forward and run the program as he outlined in a letter to the board this month. Don’t be surprised if you start to hear section leaders again and music from more of the talent within our community.
— Bronwen Jones
Oct 2012
President Cynthia Cottam spoke of the success of the Second Sunday Supper hosted by the Membership Committee, especially acknowledging the committee’s effort to welcome new members to attend. Church administrator Nurit Gordon announced that new members Mahin Rahimzadeh and Jasmine Chazelle bring our total membership to 375. A Newcomer Orientation was held on September 18.
Though there is no real progress in the search for a new church organist, Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur declared that she “loves working with” new Director of Music, DeReau Farrar.
Our treasurer, Kit Shaw, reported that some money from UUCCSM’s Merrill Lynch Money Market account of
$500,275 will be returned to CDs. Nurit has been working with the Finance Committee to identify budget items that should be included in next year’s budget. Karen Patch, Wendi Gladstone, and Melanie Sharp are appointed to the Financial Review Committee in accordance with church Financial Policy C4.10.
The board will actively seek members to join the church’s Stewardship Committee. Cynthia also reported a
productive meeting with Patricia Wright of the Long Range Planning Committee.
Continuing their ongoing discussion of roof replacement options, most board members expressed an aesthetic
preference for an historically accurate tile roof; still, consensus was that expensive tile roofing and auxiliary
expenses are not where UUCCSM funds and energy need to go at this time. There is $23,688 in the roof fund.
The board will seek a qualified engineer’s opinion regarding seismic safety. At a Town Hall meeting on Sunday,
October 7, all members will discuss this important decision of aesthetics, safety, and finances.
— Jennifer Westbay