MINUTES

Margaret Beck, Development Trustee

Mark Bendure, Administration & Human Resources Trustee

Colleen Dolan-Greene, Vice-Moderator

Rev. Larry Hutchison, Minister

Howard Malzberg, Guest

Dan Secrest, Canvass Trustee

Lynda Smith, Moderator

Kathe Stevens, Secretary

Janet Thompson, Finance Trustee

Dan Wiest, Membership & Growth Trustee

Gwen Winston, Religious Education Trustee

Agenda attached (items in italics are attached to the original minutes filed with the Church Office).

At 7:00 P.M., Moderator Lynda Smith opened the meeting, noting it was the final time in her term.

New Business C Strategic Planning Process: Lynda, Colleen Dolan-Greene, and Rev. Hutchison met regarding the progress of the Strategic Planning Process. The goal is how our church should look at the end of change process, elements are: programming, staff, location, finances Suggestions: think inclusively as possible when choosing the steering committee and charge them with being inclusive. Proposed Steering Committee: Lynda, Rev. Hutchison, Colleen, Jim Harvey, Gwen Winston, Mark Bendure, John Strauther, Wendy Culpepper, Arlene Cornier (or another new member), young people. The Board must also be involved; as a translator and filter. Suggestion: have a youth and young adult coalition to set goals where they want to be at end of process and incorporate into the Strategic Planning Process.

Old Business:

Administration: There was a discussion regarding Wednesday office volunteers collecting money for building use. Access to the office needs to be better coordinated; perhaps volunteers should have keys. Office Administrator Wendi Winston, with assistance from Mark Bendure and Rev. Hutchison, will do volunteer training. Gwen Winston noted she is putting together operating procedures for the Worship Committee, perhaps key points from it could be used for a filing system in the office.

Auction Donations: Colleen distributed an auction donation form and described some items which could be donated. There was a suggestion that perhaps tenants could contribute.

Boiler Update: In Jerry Wahl=s absence, Lynda reported that the bid for the boiler came in higher than expected; Danny Kosmowski and Earl Harvey are working on getting a lower price.

By Law Proposal re Memorial Fund Committee: Janet Thompson reported there was nothing on record before so there is no documentation. Janet read proposed by‑law and Board commented.

Treasurer=s Report: In Bob Lauer=s absence, Jan summarized Balance Sheet at March 31, 2003 and Prior Year End and Revenue and Expense reports. This month we were hit hard but next month should even out because of expected lower heating costs and Auction proceeds. It was suggested that renewed focus be put on the special boiler fund collections; a proposal will be put togther for the next Board meeting for follow‑up.

Minister=s Report: Rev. Hutchison reported on staff frustrations resulting from unpaid bills (some examples, no toilet paper, copier doesn=t work, no long distance service). He spends a lot of time doing routine mail running, building fixing, etc. He is very excited with the numerous young adults who have relationships with the Church who are full of energy and enthusiasm about their commitment to the Church. After discussion, Rev. Hutchison agreed to amend his Annual Report to include all the work he has done during the year and to reflect on his vision for the Church.

Other Reports: Lynda read a letter from Tom Cranston, Heartland District Youth Steering Committee, thanking Jenny Teed, Jessica Gant, Sarah Addae‑Pizzimenti, Rev. Hutchison, and Lynda for use of Church.

Mark Bendure reported that he and Wendi discussed her lack of a pay raise.

At Mark=s suggestion, Lynda agreed to write a thank you note to the Buddhists for their association with our Church, which Rev. Hutchison will read at upcoming ordination service.

The next meeting will include old and new trustees.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathe Stevens, Secretary