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| Moderator Grady McCallie |
At the February 19 meeting, Council reviewed church financials, and heard about Welcoming & Fellowship’s plans for offering an ‘extravagant welcome’ to new arrivals at CUCC. Council members received a briefing on how to use Breeze, our online church database; how to submit check requests; how to work effectively with the CUCC office; and how to share information though CUCC’s various communications channels. Council deferred a decision on repairs to the furnace in the Pilgrim House, but adopted a policy allowing Stewardship and Property to make emergency capital repairs.
At the March 19 meeting, Council reviewed church financials; checked in on ministries’ use of Breeze; and reappointed Louise Slate to serve as one of Council’s representatives on the Pastoral Relations Committee for a two year term (the other Council Representative on the PRC is Paul Atkinson, in the middle of his two year term). Council heard about Deacons’ ‘circle of care’ initiative to offer support for members of the congregation. In addition, Council adopted an ‘accountable reimbursement policy’, needed to protect our staff as they fill out their taxes; a publications policy, to guide church publications; and a policy on online photographs and contact information, to better protect children and adults who want to keep their images or information private. Council adopted a policy delegating authority for Stewardship, the Treasurer, and affected ministries to transfer up to 40% (cumulative) of a ministry’s budget to other ministries, to provide flexibility within the congregation-approved church budget.
At the May 17 meeting, Council appointed Bill Lamb as interim Treasurer, pending a vote of the congregation, and heard an update on Justice in a Changing Climate’s plans for introducing composting at CUCC. Council heard Religious Education’s plans for summer activities, including a special, three-week ‘Animal Crackers’ curriculum in August centered on Heifer International. Council voted to recommend to the congregation that CUCC extend our Memorandum Agreement with PRISM from December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019. Council heard updates on a generous bequest from Bob Lathlaen; on substitute plans for the Nicaragua trip; on the inspiring visit by Rev. Jim Antal; and on the (healthy) status of the CC Low Income Housing Corporation. Council expressed appreciation to Joan McAllister and Diana Koenning for initiating a ‘relaxing respite’ to care for caregivers and activists with the congregation. Council voted to replace CUCC’s existing insurance contract with another that provides comparable coverage at a significantly lower price. Council also voted to outsource certain bookkeeping functions from the Treasurer to a contract accountant, to make the Treasurer position more workable. Finally, Council began an exercise in reflection to see what we might learn from our most recent Advent, Epiphany, Lent, and Easter, to plan for CUCC’s future.
Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 9, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. As always, any member of the congregation is welcome to attend to watch (and share snacks).
- submitted by our moderator, Grady McCallie