October 2023 Splinters

At our October meeting, several visitors attended, three of whom voiced their concerns about the Lifespan Faith Development program, emphasizing the importance of religious education in the church and the need for adequate funding and support. The Board heard these concerns and indicated that they would be discussed.

Following the visitor comments, several reports were discussed, including the compensation and benefits compliance monitoring report from Rev. Neal, the Board’s proposed policy on treatment of volunteers, and a draft of the 2024 financial plan from Rev. Neal and the Finance team. We approved the monitoring report and the policy on treatment of volunteers, and the Board Policy document will be updated accordingly.  

A discussion ensued over the proposed financial plan, which faces a deficit of $16,773. The budget included increased payroll for staff, director hours, and building insurance. To balance the budget, income from restricted funds would be added, although this was acknowledged as an unreliable long-term solution. The need to increase income, specifically pledges, was emphasized. Additionally, funding for a lifespan faith development director was discussed, and the Board was reminded about its role in church governance, particularly regarding how the Lifespan Faith Development program is operationalized and funded. Board members voted 8 to 1 to recommend the financial plan to the congregation as presented, and also scheduled an additional meeting for November 15 at 6:30 p.m. to review any updates in the financial plan, set the annual meeting agenda, and discuss the congregational survey results from April 2023.

Lastly, the date and time for our next regular monthly meeting was decided as Wednesday, November 29 at 6:30 pm.

If you have any questions regarding Splinters from the Board or the work of your Board, please reach out to us. We look forward to future engagement on these and other topics.

Deb Feltz, President
president@uulansing.org

Tom Nicholas, President-Elect
president-elect@uulansing.org