In her July president’s report, Cynthia Cottam expressed thanks to volunteers and ministers the Revs. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur, Erika Hewitt, and Ernie Pipes as the congregation memorialized Gaye Deal and Maggie Pipes, two women who gave such long and important service to the church.

The new UUSM web site is now usable and “beautiful,” said Cynthia, and members and friends should check it out. The site is strong as well; users who Google “UUSM” now find the new web site link at the top of results.

Church Administrator Nurit Gordon pointed out features of the new site. Now in a “trial-and-error stage,” she said, the site is moving quickly toward the “final product.” An especially useful website feature is the “Donate” button, which makes it easy for members, visitors, and other non-members to give to the church and its programs. Members can set up their own accounts and passwords in order to manage pledges, make one-time contributions, and respond to specific fundraising. People with questions about donations through the website should contact a web manager, Elizabeth Fuller or Pam Teplitz, or Nurit herself. So far, website contributions have increased 25%.
Automatic transactions by credit card now cost the church 45¢ per transaction (rather than the previous
percentage of a donation). At about $12 to $17 per month, this charge seems to be “well worth the cost,”
said Board member Vilma Ortiz. The Board discussed the possibility of generating on-line reminders rather
than paper letters when there is a noticeable hiatus in a member’s pledge payments.

Also through the new site, a facilities calendar allows members to see which church facilities are available for use and to reserve rooms on line. But for now, on-line room reservations are not “fixed” until confirmed via telephone or in person by church office personnel.

New members Julie LaRue and Adam Walderman and returning member Louise Rothman bring our membership roster to 377, Nurit reported. After reviewing her attendance report for September 2011 to January 2012, it was suggested that persons who watch the services remotely from Forbes Hall also be counted in future attendance figures.

The June Generous Congregation contribution to Pico Youth and Family Center was $783.53. Church rental income has risen as a 12-step program group is using the Cottage.

Reviewing the church’s financial earnings and expenses for June, Treasurer Kit Shaw reminded the board that an annual financial oversight committee did not meet, as it usually does, during the first few months of 2012 in preparation for the annual meeting. As a best-practices remedy, a make-up meeting will be constituted soon, and then as usual, such a committee will meet in early 2013 as the next annual financial report is being prepared.

Campus and building news came from Nurit and from Bryan Oakes, chair of the roof committee. Irrigation will improve the sustainable garden around the tent structure north of Forbes Hall, plantings outside Forbes’ Arizona doors, and parking lot-area trees. Hardware for inner doors to Forbes conforms to city fire ordinances. At the same time, outside doors with keypad entrance codes allow security and appropriate access.

Bryan reviewed progress on the roof restoration. A general contractor was to be chosen in mid-July from among three very promising bids by three companies well known to Bryan. The process is proceeding with a Santa Monica city review of our plans, our review of the city’s response, and the city’s final decision. The city requires structural engineers’ calculations in order to select subcontractors for our project. When construction begins, impact on members should be minimal: staging areas and wall construction areas will be fenced off for safety, and contractors are experienced in temporary protection in case of rain. Once installed, said Bryan, the tile roofing will be both practical and attractive.

Reviewing the Acting Minister’s Final Report from Rev. Erika, the board noted her observation that we “are committed to living our UU values and caring for others” and discussed her encouragement to UUCCSM to deepen our work to strengthen the feeling of a caring and compassionate community within our congregation. This activity, Rev. Erika suggests, might take a number of forms: reinforcing CareNet and the “’Shrooms, Plumes, and Zooms” program described by interim minister the Rev. Stephen Furrer; establishing a Pastoral Care Associate team trained in compassionate listening; congregation-wide work on what she calls “the language around covenant.” Her report offers much for UUCCSM to think about.

Board member Rob Briner reported on the Director of Music search, which follows the established congregational
process. Committee members Denise Helton, Alice Jankowiak, Bronwen Jones, and Rob conducted a thorough search and then reviewed more than a score of applications, choosing eight for a more thorough audition and interview process. Prospective directors will learn the changes of Seth Houston’s tenure: more work with children, more activity over the summer months, and development of the repertoire (Seth was active, for example, in the selection of the supplemental “teal”-colored hymnal). The new Director should meet the choir in August and be ready for In-gathering Sunday in September. The committee and the Board see a “bright future” for the music program and music’s place in the life of our congregation.

— Jennifer Westbay

Rev. Rebecca Benefiel Bijur reported that she isworking toward incorporating three vesper services intothe worship schedule this spring. She is also looking forways to expand the Generous Congregation program.

Steve Wight reported for the music program that thechoir is preparing a Beatles-themed program for theDining for Dollars concert.

DRE Catherine Farmer Loya reported that the REprogram and the Adult Programs committees are merging to create a true Lifespan RE program next year. Oneof the goals is to share themes across all age groups.

Acting Administrator Kate Schlesinger reported thatdetails are being addressed in working with BLI PayrollSolutions. A major activity has been working with theFinance Committee in preparing the 2011-2012 Budget.

Secretary Geralyn Lambson reported that Olivia andVala Legan reinstated their memberships, so membership now stands at 368.

Treasurer Alan Brunell reported that with seasonalvariations in income and expenditures, we are likely tohave a $30,000 deficit at the end of the fiscal year.

Kathy Cook presented changes to the bylaws for boththe Personnel Committee and the Finance Committee.The change removes the requirement for the ChurchAdministrator to attend all Personnel and Finance Committee meetings, replacing it with attendance at the invitation of the committee. The motion passed.

Kathy also presented a draft policy on Conflict of Interest that would forbid intimate contacts of board membersfrom serving on the Nominating Committee, PersonnelCommittee, or Finance Committee. Issue was tabled.

Bronwen Jones and Kathy Cook presented a document outlining the reason for addressing the issue ofdownsizing the board, the possible structures of the newboard, and the timeline for completion before theAnnual Meeting in May. The motion to proceed as outlined was approved.

The board approved "Pennies for Peace" fund raisingin RE classes to demonstrate the importance of giving.

Sue Bickford reminded us of the bomb scare at theStudio City church, and reminded the board of the need todevelop an evacuation plan for the sanctuary as well as theneed to be aware of visitors who may be in need of help.

- Geralyn Lambson

Victor Paddock introduced the board to KateSchlesinger, who has accepted the position of ActingDirector of Administration. Kate has an MBA in nonprofit management and has broad experience in bothnon-profit organizations and commercial business. Theboard approved hiring her. Kate began full time on January 24. The Rev. Rebecca Bijur and Kate are working outher schedule.

Beth Brownlie and Brian Oakes of the FacilitiesDevelopment Committee presented the board with asummary of items of major concern and a spreadsheetof ongoing items and the status of each. The big item isthe roof on the sanctuary for which decisions will haveto be made concerning financing.

Peggy Rhoads of the Faith in Action committee presented the background and plans for Peace Sunday andasked for approval for the fundraising as the bylawsrequire. Action about Peace Sunday funding wasdeferred.

In staff reports, Catherine Farmer Loya, Director ofReligious Education (DRE), announced that she will bemoving her office to the cottage in February. Beth Rendeiro of the RE committee reported that rather than theexpected eight or nine participants in the Our WholeLives (OWL) program foreighth- and ninth-gradeyouth, 18 have enrolled,some of whom are notmembers of the church.

As part of learningabout our church, The Rev.Rebecca Bijur sat in on theparent orientation for theOWL program and enjoyedthe capable presentation.Rebecca also reportedthat Steve Wight hasresigned as Director ofMusic effective in June. Itwill be a challenge toreplace him.

Steve Wight reportedon plans to continue theexcellent music we enjoy,including working with themusic director of the LongBeach UU church choirthat will join us forRebecca's installation.

Melinda Ewen, Director of Administration, reportedthat Christine Agnew moved to Atlanta; Felicity Nussbaum, Anne Gallagher, and Lindsay Pinkham resigned.Kim and Nalani Santiago-Lalmanson, Bettye Barclay,and Valeo Schultz and Hayley Dawkins are new members. Membership now stands at 386.

Alan Brunell, Treasurer, reported that there areincreases in expenditures in some areas, and decreasesin other areas. It is still expected that the deficit will beabout $32,000 at the end of the fiscal year.

Beth Rendeiro reported for the Stewardship Committee that the canvas for pledges is almost completeand totals are only slightly higher than last year, butaverage pledges are greater.

Sanna Egan reported for the Membership and Leadership Committee that the UU101 class has beenchanged from two classes on successive weeks to oneslightly longer class.

In new business Past President Ron Crane reportedthat church member John Zinner has received wordfrom the Santa Monica Conservancy that UUCCSM willreceive an award for adaptive re-use of the cottage.

- Geralyn Lambson

At the December 9 board meeting MarshaSmith, Membership & Leadership liaison,reported that with the death of MarionHolman, the resignation of Louise Rothman andLida Bogert, and the move of Liz Peterson and ErinTemple, church membership was reduced from 416to 411. However, with the reinstatement of KimO'Brien and John and Sharon Hart, as well as theaddition of new members Tom Early and BarbaraGibbs, church membership was at 415.

Treasurer Gene Balas reported that church expensesare exceeding income so far this year. He cautionedthat we may continue in deficit through the end ofthe fiscal year.

Marsha Smith also reviewed the procedure throughwhich newcomers to our church progress in thesteps toward membership. The committee is hostingthe "Stars" program, presented by Dennis Haskin, toimprove contact and welcome to newcomers. Theywill have a newcomer reception on January 10. Anew UU 101 class, facilitated by members of thecongregation and our minister, is being planned. Adraft of the proposed content of the courses was distributedfor review. The UU 101 course may be presentedseveral times a year.

Melinda Ewen, Director of Administration, reportedthat the Stewardship canvas is continuing to receivepledges, but that the amount pledged to date isabout $50,000 less than we expect to need for nextyear's budget.

Victor Paddock, Chair of the Personnel Committee,presented job descriptions for Choir Section Leaderand Office-RE Assistant. These were approved by theboard.

Tom Hamilton, Co-Chair of the New Building Committee,reviewed the status of the landscaping project,which is expected to be completed by the end ofthe first week in January. Planning for Forbes Hallrenovation will begin after the landscaping is finished.

Beth Rendeiro reported that a new ad hoc group willways to expand the electronic presence of thechurch via our website.

Committee Liaison Reports:

Kathy Cook, chair of the Bylaws and Policies Committee,asked that new members be appointed totheir committee.

Sandra Trutt reported that the Green Committee hastwo new environmental projects: providing solarcookers to a community in Africa, and providingCFLs (compact flourescent lightbulbs) to needy familiesin our community.

Beth Rendeiro reported for the RE Council that JackiWeber is a new member of their committee. Theyare working on a new visioning process that will bepresented in early 2009.

An item of new business was the decision that TownHall Meetings must be approved by the board atleast one month before the date of the meeting.Agendas for proposed Town Halls should be sent tomelinda@uusm.org.

The Rev. Roberta Haskin reported that she has beenmeeting with the transition team and other groupswithin the church to help the congregation recognizeits unique identity and its strengths, needs, andchallenges.

Catherine Farmer Loya, Director of Religious Education,expressed gratitude to all who had assisted ouryoung people in collecting warm clothes, blankets,and toiletries for the homeless teen program atCommon Ground.

Melinda reported that the New Building Projectreceived two $20,000 grant payments: one from theCity of Santa Monica and one from the UU SpiritLevel Foundation in San Diego.While these fundswere anticipated in our financial projections, it isnice to have them in hand.

- Geralyn Lambson