Letters from the Board of Trustees (BOT)
POSTED: April 27, 2021
Letter from the Board President
Letter from the Board President
– April 23, 2021 Edition
Hello dear friends of Unity!
The Board of Trustees met for three hours last Tuesday night on your behalf. Below are the topics we discussed:
The Board, Rev. Betty, and Carla Palmer, LUT and Adult Education Coordinator, are collaborating to bring prosperity awareness to the forefront in all of our minds. The reality is that not meeting at the church for the past year has devastated the bank account. We still have monthly operational bills, salaries, and maintenance and repairs that need to be paid. A member paid for Rev. Betty’s first month’s salary. That’s how committed we are to having her be a part of our church family. Rev. Betty came to us with a desire to help us reach our goals, expand our consciousness to renew ourselves, and encourage growth in our church as well as within our local community. She is the jump start we need (no pressure LOL).
In order for us to open the church, we need $550 for new fire extinguishers, batteries, and replacing bulbs in exit signs in order to meet compliance. The GoFundMe account will be updated to reflect the areas where your donations can help the most or contact me (lamram2@cox.net), VP Rupali (braingym1@yahoo.com) or Rev. Betty (bmlscc1962@gmail.com). We all love our church. This is your opportunity to help us reach our financial goals in order to meet the demands generated by the church.
It is springtime. The rain has nourished the plants and flowers. Many wonderful things at Unity of Gainesville are about to bloom! We are happy that you want to be a part of our spiritual reawakening!
In your service,
Lauri A. Mills
Board of Trustees President
Hello dear friends of Unity!
The Board of Trustees met for three hours last Tuesday night on your behalf. Below are the topics we discussed:
- Reviewed and approved 3 sets of minutes
- Treasurer’s Report – Financial status of the church: Capital Campaign, GoFundMe, Grants/Loans, and other fundraising activities and possibilities
- President’s Report
- Prayer Ministry Update – Wellness Calls coming in a week!
- Building & Grounds – Creating list of priorities and expenses
- Staff Issues and Concerns, project they are working on as well as regular activities
- Revised Bylaws – Jacque Tatum is working with the ad hoc committee members so suggested revisions will be available for review at the Special Congregational Meeting to be held in June
- Church Services:
- (1) Phyllis Shepard will continue coordinating Sunday Zoom services which are simultaneously livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook
- (2) Gabriel Coleman presented list of equipment and cost; submitted AV Equipment Match application to Unity Worldwide Ministries; offered to provide equipment temporarily until funds are available to purchase the required equipment
- 21st Century Ministry Enhancement (leadership program offered by Unity Worldwide Ministries):
- (1) Training and Emotional & Spiritual Maturity held in March – purchased by Lauri; attended by Board members - Lauri, Rupali, & Donna
- (2) Ministry Dynamics – 4/21 @ 10:00 a.m. and 4/29 @ 6:30 p.m. – purchased by Donna
- (3) Roles & Accountability – 5/19 @ 10:00 a.m. and 5/27 @ 6:30 p.m.
- Minister of Record (MOR) – Contract with Rev. Betty Martin-Lewis (part-time Minister)
- Schedule Town Hall Meeting – after church service on Sunday, May 23 (location, time, and agenda TBD)
- Next Board of Trustee’s meeting scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday in May (5/18 at 6:00 p.m.)
The Board, Rev. Betty, and Carla Palmer, LUT and Adult Education Coordinator, are collaborating to bring prosperity awareness to the forefront in all of our minds. The reality is that not meeting at the church for the past year has devastated the bank account. We still have monthly operational bills, salaries, and maintenance and repairs that need to be paid. A member paid for Rev. Betty’s first month’s salary. That’s how committed we are to having her be a part of our church family. Rev. Betty came to us with a desire to help us reach our goals, expand our consciousness to renew ourselves, and encourage growth in our church as well as within our local community. She is the jump start we need (no pressure LOL).
In order for us to open the church, we need $550 for new fire extinguishers, batteries, and replacing bulbs in exit signs in order to meet compliance. The GoFundMe account will be updated to reflect the areas where your donations can help the most or contact me (lamram2@cox.net), VP Rupali (braingym1@yahoo.com) or Rev. Betty (bmlscc1962@gmail.com). We all love our church. This is your opportunity to help us reach our financial goals in order to meet the demands generated by the church.
It is springtime. The rain has nourished the plants and flowers. Many wonderful things at Unity of Gainesville are about to bloom! We are happy that you want to be a part of our spiritual reawakening!
In your service,
Lauri A. Mills
Board of Trustees President
POSTED: April 22, 2021
Notice from the Board
Notice from the Board
"Treasure Map" - visualizing our reopened church
We are manifesting our vision for 2021 by creating a "living" Treasure Map as we prepare for the rebirth of our church grounds and the reopening of our beloved church building.
We want you to be a part of this renewal and growth. Someone will be available at the church every Tuesday and Wednesday (11 am to 2 pm) to receive your pictures and/or items to be added to the Treasure Map. As examples, the pictures may represent how you envision our grounds and church, how Spirit blesses us, etc. The ideas are limitless!
We will post pictures of the Treasure Map often so everyone can see how our church is viewed by its membership. With your help, It won't take long for these visions and goals to become a reality!
For those who don't know,
We affirm and picture the good we want to experience, give thanks that the good is already created.
Decades ago, Unity minister Stretton Smith incorporated treasure maps in his prosperity teachings. More recently, treasure maps were featured in The Secret as a tool of living according to the laws of attraction.
Visit: https://www.unity.org/resources/articles/manifesting-destiny
We are manifesting our vision for 2021 by creating a "living" Treasure Map as we prepare for the rebirth of our church grounds and the reopening of our beloved church building.
We want you to be a part of this renewal and growth. Someone will be available at the church every Tuesday and Wednesday (11 am to 2 pm) to receive your pictures and/or items to be added to the Treasure Map. As examples, the pictures may represent how you envision our grounds and church, how Spirit blesses us, etc. The ideas are limitless!
We will post pictures of the Treasure Map often so everyone can see how our church is viewed by its membership. With your help, It won't take long for these visions and goals to become a reality!
For those who don't know,
- a treasure map is also known as a vision board or a visual prayer.
- It is a tool we can use to display pictures and words that depict our good (or something better).
We affirm and picture the good we want to experience, give thanks that the good is already created.
Decades ago, Unity minister Stretton Smith incorporated treasure maps in his prosperity teachings. More recently, treasure maps were featured in The Secret as a tool of living according to the laws of attraction.
Visit: https://www.unity.org/resources/articles/manifesting-destiny
POSTED: April 6, 2021
Letter from Lauri Mills, BOT President
Re: Minister of Record (MOR) Agreement has been signed.
Letter from Lauri Mills, BOT President
Re: Minister of Record (MOR) Agreement has been signed.
Dear Friends of Unity,
We were delighted to hear from many of you about the prospect of hiring a part-time Minister of Record (MOR). The Board of Trustees (BOT) has signed the MOR agreement with Rev. Betty Martin-Lewis effective April 1, 2021 with a start date of May 1, 2021. She will start out working up to 10 hours per week working with the BOT on our goals, Mission & Vision statements and other important activities, as well as collaborate with Board Liaisons, who serve on various ministries, and our Adult Educator Coordinator.
Rev. Betty will be this week's speaker at the Sunday Zoom Service. Please take a few minutes after the service to welcome her to Unity of Gainesville Florida and get to know her a little bit before we can meet in person at the church one day soon.
Under Rev. Betty's experienced leadership and desire to help our church grow and flourish, I know that wonderful things are going to happen!
Thank you all for your patience last year as we went through the HOPCOF process to help us prepare for our minister.
With gratitude for all our blessings,
Lauri A. Mills
Board of Trustees President
We were delighted to hear from many of you about the prospect of hiring a part-time Minister of Record (MOR). The Board of Trustees (BOT) has signed the MOR agreement with Rev. Betty Martin-Lewis effective April 1, 2021 with a start date of May 1, 2021. She will start out working up to 10 hours per week working with the BOT on our goals, Mission & Vision statements and other important activities, as well as collaborate with Board Liaisons, who serve on various ministries, and our Adult Educator Coordinator.
Rev. Betty will be this week's speaker at the Sunday Zoom Service. Please take a few minutes after the service to welcome her to Unity of Gainesville Florida and get to know her a little bit before we can meet in person at the church one day soon.
Under Rev. Betty's experienced leadership and desire to help our church grow and flourish, I know that wonderful things are going to happen!
Thank you all for your patience last year as we went through the HOPCOF process to help us prepare for our minister.
With gratitude for all our blessings,
Lauri A. Mills
Board of Trustees President
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POSTED: March 26, 2021
Letter from Lauri Mills, BOT President Re: Minister of Record (MOR) Agreement Deadline to comment has passed.
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POSTED: March 24, 2021
Letter from Lauri Mills, BOT President |
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February 26, 2021
Message from the Board of Trustees President, Lauri Mills |
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February 3, 2021
President’s Update – HOPCOF 1/31/21 Session
Hello! It is my pleasure to share with you the results of the 5 Questions that were reviewed and discussed at the HOPCOF meeting held on Sunday, January 31, 2021. Attendance included all members of your Board, three individuals, and Rev. Betty Martin-Lewis who led the meeting. This is a follow up to the previous HOPCOF meeting where 28-30 individuals provided their experiences and opinions.
When asked about what differences showed up in the data, comments expressed included: expected multiple view points; differences may indicate the need to improve communication/transparency; memories may differ from actual events/details over the years; variety of tension/stress levels at various times throughout the leadership of the church; and history of a bumpy ride.
Major strengths over time were core group of loyal individuals who passionately love and sincerely commit to the church/devotion through service/love and commitment to church and teachings; alignment with and living Unity principles and beliefs; enjoyable classes; different view points of guest ministers/provide Unity and bible-based messages; diversity – we are open and welcome to everyone/accepting; felt love upon being greeted and entering church/through zoom; prayer-based foundation/consistent belief system and commitment even through the rough times and “walk our talk” and work through entanglements; it takes a village; taking ownership; prevailed and thrived even when there is no minister, we came back stronger/church changed and we learned and shared and grew together.
Recurring themes/patterns that might hinder the effectiveness/growth of our ministry were cited as the need to focus on the minister and board (accountability, roles, teamwork, working relationship); we attract who we need to learn about ourselves from each minister/they have the opportunity to learn from us as well/sometimes we’re not aware of what we need at that time; ministers feel threatened by the strength of our church, which they have called the “old guard”; we desire to be accepted as who we are and the minister would grow with us; our church has the reputation of chasing ministers away, but that’s not true as proved by the data document/this reputation may deter new ministers from joining us; recent ministers came thinking they needed to fix us; Board needs to practice Unity principles to make positive changes v. focusing on lack, what we need, reputation, etc., and a positive way of projecting who we really are so that others will see; our church has been called the “women’s” and “little old ladies” church; we’re not fully engaged in community service or outreach; underlying trust issue; our public image needs a face lift.
When asked what images symbolizes the state of our ministry at this time, people responded with these song titles: “I can see clearly now that the rain is gone”, “We are family”, “Love is my decision”, “When I pray”, “Here I am Lord”, “Here comes the sun” with an image of the sun’s rays filtering down through the clouds, “I release and I let go” with an image of a river releasing itself into the ocean, “I’d like to teach the world to sing” with the image of everyone holding hands, and other images included a rocket ship fueled on the launch pad ready for lift off, a vision of little hearts in tennis shoes with white gloved hands reaching out to the community, and a magnet with the image people feel called to us and growing like mustard seeds.
Potential Immediate and Long-Term Action Items Identified include:
Below is an Action Planning example shared by Rev. Betty. This may be referenced as the Board identifies goals for 2021.
President’s Update – HOPCOF 1/31/21 Session
Hello! It is my pleasure to share with you the results of the 5 Questions that were reviewed and discussed at the HOPCOF meeting held on Sunday, January 31, 2021. Attendance included all members of your Board, three individuals, and Rev. Betty Martin-Lewis who led the meeting. This is a follow up to the previous HOPCOF meeting where 28-30 individuals provided their experiences and opinions.
When asked about what differences showed up in the data, comments expressed included: expected multiple view points; differences may indicate the need to improve communication/transparency; memories may differ from actual events/details over the years; variety of tension/stress levels at various times throughout the leadership of the church; and history of a bumpy ride.
Major strengths over time were core group of loyal individuals who passionately love and sincerely commit to the church/devotion through service/love and commitment to church and teachings; alignment with and living Unity principles and beliefs; enjoyable classes; different view points of guest ministers/provide Unity and bible-based messages; diversity – we are open and welcome to everyone/accepting; felt love upon being greeted and entering church/through zoom; prayer-based foundation/consistent belief system and commitment even through the rough times and “walk our talk” and work through entanglements; it takes a village; taking ownership; prevailed and thrived even when there is no minister, we came back stronger/church changed and we learned and shared and grew together.
Recurring themes/patterns that might hinder the effectiveness/growth of our ministry were cited as the need to focus on the minister and board (accountability, roles, teamwork, working relationship); we attract who we need to learn about ourselves from each minister/they have the opportunity to learn from us as well/sometimes we’re not aware of what we need at that time; ministers feel threatened by the strength of our church, which they have called the “old guard”; we desire to be accepted as who we are and the minister would grow with us; our church has the reputation of chasing ministers away, but that’s not true as proved by the data document/this reputation may deter new ministers from joining us; recent ministers came thinking they needed to fix us; Board needs to practice Unity principles to make positive changes v. focusing on lack, what we need, reputation, etc., and a positive way of projecting who we really are so that others will see; our church has been called the “women’s” and “little old ladies” church; we’re not fully engaged in community service or outreach; underlying trust issue; our public image needs a face lift.
When asked what images symbolizes the state of our ministry at this time, people responded with these song titles: “I can see clearly now that the rain is gone”, “We are family”, “Love is my decision”, “When I pray”, “Here I am Lord”, “Here comes the sun” with an image of the sun’s rays filtering down through the clouds, “I release and I let go” with an image of a river releasing itself into the ocean, “I’d like to teach the world to sing” with the image of everyone holding hands, and other images included a rocket ship fueled on the launch pad ready for lift off, a vision of little hearts in tennis shoes with white gloved hands reaching out to the community, and a magnet with the image people feel called to us and growing like mustard seeds.
Potential Immediate and Long-Term Action Items Identified include:
- Communicate to the congregation about this meeting.
- Board of Trustees should practice positive changes vs. viewing lack; possible affirmation class/group will be developed.
- Everyone “watch their words” to generate only positive outcomes; reference The Language of Unity book.
- Look at other churches in how they built their congregation; create a outreach team of volunteers – write a charter, etc.
- Create a Technological Team – write a charter to define purpose and responsibilities of team; identify and train volunteers; set up schedule for when the church reopens; write procedures, etc.
- Define part-time minister job description – need more clarity about role and expectations; identify the right fit. Unity Worldwide Ministries has a process/booklet; Rev. Betty will assist when the timing is right.
- Board will evaluate Mission and Vision statements to determine if they need updating; Rev. Betty offered to assist with this process.
Below is an Action Planning example shared by Rev. Betty. This may be referenced as the Board identifies goals for 2021.
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New members to the Board of Trustees will be voted in at the Annual Congregational Meeting scheduled for Sunday, February 21 at 12:30 p.m. There is still time for you to be considered as a candidate to serve on the board. Contact Rupali Robinson, Board Liaison (braingym1@yahoo.com) or me (lamram2@cox.net). Your ballot can be emailed, mailed via U.S. Postal Service, or dropped off at the church office. Ballots must be received no later than Friday, February 19.
Use the same Sunday Church Service Zoom link. You will be receiving information and be able to review relevant documents via the website and e-Blast prior to the meeting. Individuals, who do not have access to the internet or email, will receive these documents via US Postal Service.
So as you can see, the people have spoken and the Board has listened. We have a lot of work to do. We will have at least one new member on the Board to train. 2021 will be as busy as the year behind us. Let’s work as a team and all contribute to our church’s growth and spread the word of Unity. We need you! Tell us how you want to serve and/or your ideas so you can participate in the wonderful expansion of love that we call Unity of Gainesville Florida. We’re here; we’re waiting for you to join us. I know what we accomplish together. I can see our future. I hope you can too.
Blessed to serve you.
Lauri Mills
President, Board of Trustees
Use the same Sunday Church Service Zoom link. You will be receiving information and be able to review relevant documents via the website and e-Blast prior to the meeting. Individuals, who do not have access to the internet or email, will receive these documents via US Postal Service.
So as you can see, the people have spoken and the Board has listened. We have a lot of work to do. We will have at least one new member on the Board to train. 2021 will be as busy as the year behind us. Let’s work as a team and all contribute to our church’s growth and spread the word of Unity. We need you! Tell us how you want to serve and/or your ideas so you can participate in the wonderful expansion of love that we call Unity of Gainesville Florida. We’re here; we’re waiting for you to join us. I know what we accomplish together. I can see our future. I hope you can too.
Blessed to serve you.
Lauri Mills
President, Board of Trustees
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January 22, 2021
Hello Unity of Gainesville Friends: I wanted to share with you that the Board of Trustees met for our monthly meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19. The topics we reviewed and discussed included:
As always, feel free to contact a board member with your ideas or concerns. We stand ready to work with you for the betterment of Unity of Gainesville. Thank you for your love and support last year and in this year. With your help and involvement, 2021 will be amazing! May we all continue to be blessed in our work. Lauri Mills President, Board of Trustees Unity GoFundMe page for new, upgraded air conditioner: |
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DATE: January 17, 2021
TO: Congregants, Members, and Friends FROM: Board Vice President Phyllis Shepard Hi, There are a couple of things I want to share with you all. First, I want to remind you that Unity of Gainesville, Florida is owned by the membership. It is not owned by the Association (now known as Unity Worldwide Ministries) nor by any minister or the Board of Trustees. I feel it’s very important for you, the members, to remember that – some of you may not know that (until now). I think it’s important that you, as “owners,” are aware of some of the important workings at the church. As a matter of “transparency” in a way, and also just so you are informed. For instance, when we were first unable to have services in our church, the Board felt it was extremely important to stay connected and provide ministry and comfort to our congregation. The decision to close the church and start a zoom service was made at a Tuesday night follow-up Board Meeting and by the following Sunday, April 5, we had a zoom service scheduled and provided entirely by volunteers. Although Cathy DeWitt is a professional musician, she graciously provided most of the music for us from that first time at the beginning of April through September totally free. In October, she had to take some time off and while she was out, we made a change about paying our musician. All of the guest speakers and guest ministers spoke without compensation for those first 6 months. David Fowler, Rev. Kelley Brigman, Rev. Marcia McCartney, and Rev. Kristen Grandon all gave of their time voluntarily. And, of course, those of us who are members or non-member congregants were not and are not compensated for speaking (our LUT being an exception). However, as of October 4, 2020 we have been choosing to put our Unity teachings about prosperity into practice and we have been (and are) paying an honorarium of $50.00 to the guest speakers (including our LUT) and musicians. All other participation is still on a volunteer basis and we appreciate all of you who continue to support us by taking part in our Sunday Zoom Church Services. We are trusting that God will provide more than enough for us to move forward into being able to pay our speakers and musicians what is a more appropriate amount; however, we felt it was necessary for us to act now, out of our faith and trust. (And here I’d like to make a note that since we started offering an honorarium to our speakers and musicians, Cathy, Rev. Marcia, Rev. Polly, and Dinah Lin have sent us tithes/donations in return – all with very loving notes expressing their love and blessings to us and blessing us with their prosperity energy.) Most of you know that Barbara Gordon, our Administrator, is working at the church on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and, while she is there, she is keeping the Bookstore open and available (Covid-19 protections required). Steve Greenough, our Volunteer Coordinator continues to provide many services also. Both Barbara and Steve are paid staff. We also continue to pay for the services of our “housekeeper” and our yard service. We appreciate your continued financial support. We also appreciate your continued prayerful energy that our church be financially blessed in all ways, knowing that God is our Source and is providing abundantly for each and every one of us. Thank you for continuing to walk with us on our journey into 2021. I know and trust that this will be a most wonderful and blessed year for all of us. I love visiting with you at our Sunday Zoom Church Services. With Love and Blessings, Phyllis Shepard Vice President, Board of Trustees |
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