Embedded Files
Finance Committee Corner
Linda Allan, Treasurer
Where Your Generosity Goes
As part of our commitment to transparency, we’re sharing a snapshot of how your pledges and contributions are put to work. The pie chart below shows how our funds have been allocated so far this year, and the accompanying graphs compare expenses with pledge income month by month. You’ll notice that April shows unusually high expenses. This is due to our annual insurance premiums being paid in full that month. Fortunately, because we’ve been diligent about setting aside reserves, we were able to cover those costs without stress. We hope this update helps everyone understand the rhythm of our financial year and how careful planning—combined with your ongoing generosity—keeps our congregation strong and our ministries thriving. Thank you for all you do to sustain this beloved community.
Board Bits
May & June Board of Trustees Meeting
During our May meeting, we approved having Sandy Cunningham continue on the board, so that Ellen Hemrick can devote her time to her
new position as Interim Director of Religious Exploration. We approved the renewal and the payment for our insurance policies. Tony has
planned a wonderful summer of services with several guest ministers, Cliff Welles and the Social Justice Committee. The board approved
having Royal Scoop cater ice cream after the service on Volunteer Sunday to further celebrate the dedication shown by many of our members.
We thought this would be a lovely way to show our appreciation to our volunteers.
At our June meeting, the board approved the painting of the building and the resurfacing of the driveway. We excitedly approved and
welcomed Amy Chappell as a new member. It is wonderful to have her join our congregation. The board approved the purchase of a Smart
Board for Thomas Hall that can be used for forums, meetings, workshops and Emerson Academy. This will allow an interactive display to be
projected onto the whiteboard which will be mounted on the wall. The Personnel Committee has worked diligently to develop a new Employee
Handbook with new employee descriptions. We are extremely appreciative of all the detailed work they accomplished. A new Strategic
Planning Task Force has been formed and will begin meeting at the end of July. SPTF2 will include Tabitha Stadler, Lisa Nickerson, Eric
Anderson, Brad Cornell, Janet Parkhurst, Janet Hoffman and Rev. Tony Fisher. The board discussed UUA transition protocol. With little
funding available and a limited period of time, hiring an associate minister does not make sense at this time. Following the UUA plan, we will
initially hire an interim minister for two years. Hiring a settled minister would be worked on during the interim. Following the UUA guidelines
means waiting until closer to Tony’s departure to form an interim minister search team. They recommend six months before departure. Those
who were spoken with from the UUA saw us as a strong congregation. They believe that we will not have difficulty finding a new minister.
Endowment Notes
The UUCGN Endowment Fund was created to ensure that the mission, values and work of the Congregation continue well into the future. The Fund’s principal was started with and continues to grow with donations from members of the Congregation. The Endowment Board is responsible for managing the Fund (independent of the UUCGN Board of Trustees).
Prudent investment of the Fund’s assets by the Board is crucial to preserve the principal long term and to generate return on investment which can be reinvested to grow the principal. It also allows for the potential of annual support of the Congregation’s mission apart from its general operation. When the Fund exceeds $500,000 in any year, the Board is empowered to review/approve proposals to allocate up to 5% of the Fund for these purposes: program enhancement, building and grounds enhancement, community outreach and/or UUA’s wider mission.
So far this year the EB has funded the 50th Anniversary Open House Celebration in March and the creation of a choral piece by Shawn Allison dedicated to the 50th anniversary to be premiered by our choir at a service in March. Last year these funds paid for the new riser in the sanctuary and supported the installation of the handicap accessible doors.
In these challenging times, the significance of UUCGN’s ongoing mission cannot be more clear. Your gift to the Fund helps to ensure that the opportunity for connection, support and service to the community you found at UUCGN will be available for the generations ahead.
1. You can honor someone with a memorial or testimonial (for someone living) donation in their name to the Fund at any time. Contact the office.
2. Please consider a future gift in your name as a member of the Fund’s Legacy Circle. You can choose from among several planned giving options to include the Fund in your estate plans. You will join other Circle members whose own legacy furthers the legacy of UUCGN. Contact the office to have someone from the Endowment Board contact you.
3. Make a gift in your name to the Fund any time. Contact the office.
Thank you from the UUCGN Endowment Board! Click on this link for our brochure.
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