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