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POSTED MARCH 4, 2021
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2020 President’s Report for Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Before I begin my report, I would like to mention that I will be presenting an overview of activities which will likely be expanded upon during this meeting.
2020 started off with Covid-19 and ended with Covid-19. However, that didn’t stop us from finding a way to continue Sunday church services, which we felt were crucial and extremely important to everyone. We had to learn new technology, provide education, and adapt in order to connect spiritually and continue our message of Unity. Vice President Phyllis Shepard and Trustee Gabriel Coleman collaborated and coordinated in order to make this happen. Trustee Rupali Robinson often volunteered as Worship Partner. Trustee Jacque Tatum and I have also participated in services. Phyllis continues to bring us inspiring speakers, and we are livestreaming on YouTube and Facebook! Would any of us thought this possible early last year?
In addition to providing that extremely important function, the Board of Trustees met via Zoom monthly and worked on the following tasks throughout 2020 (and Jan.-Feb. 2021):
As you can see, your Board of Trustees has worked hard to provide leadership and support to the church and members. This year will be no different. We need your help in learning where you think we should concentrate our energy. I encouraged you to attend the monthly Board of Trustee meetings, Town Hall Meetings, and other opportunities to be a part of our growth. Let us know what’s on your mind and in your hearts. We can envision an amazing 2021 and together, we can achieve all that is ours to do.
And with that, I thank you for allowing me to serve with you and be a part of your lives.
Lauri Mills, President
Board of Trustees
Sunday, February 21, 2021
Before I begin my report, I would like to mention that I will be presenting an overview of activities which will likely be expanded upon during this meeting.
2020 started off with Covid-19 and ended with Covid-19. However, that didn’t stop us from finding a way to continue Sunday church services, which we felt were crucial and extremely important to everyone. We had to learn new technology, provide education, and adapt in order to connect spiritually and continue our message of Unity. Vice President Phyllis Shepard and Trustee Gabriel Coleman collaborated and coordinated in order to make this happen. Trustee Rupali Robinson often volunteered as Worship Partner. Trustee Jacque Tatum and I have also participated in services. Phyllis continues to bring us inspiring speakers, and we are livestreaming on YouTube and Facebook! Would any of us thought this possible early last year?
In addition to providing that extremely important function, the Board of Trustees met via Zoom monthly and worked on the following tasks throughout 2020 (and Jan.-Feb. 2021):
- Jacque Tatum continues to meet weekly with the Volunteer Coordinator (position is now called Sexton) and Church Administrator and coordinates the day-to-day activities of the church. Job descriptions were reviewed, updated, and/or created. Work and repair priorities were identified.
- An ad hoc committee was formed to compare documents and identify Rules & Responsibilities for the Minister and Board.
- A Capital Campaign ad hoc committee was formed as well as fundraising efforts such as Go Fund Me account. Treasurer Tatum and Barbara Gordon, Church Administrator, spent many hours working on grants to bring in revenue to the church. We are receiving revenue from AmazonSmile purchase donations.
- In an effort to reduce costs, phone lines were changed and Secretary Donna Bonnell resolved cancellation of the Ricoh copier contract issue.
- Procedures were created or existing ones were updated. Unity Worldwide Ministries’ procedures were referenced as needed, as well as Rev. Beth Head, S.E. Regional Consultant & Representative, and Rev. Betty Martin-Lewis, certified Ministry Consultant, provided guidance and support.
- A Congregational Survey was created in 2019 and completed in January 2020.
- The Adult Education Coordinator position was created and is led by Carla Palmer, LUT. She also developed and provides online Sacred Community twice a week as well as classes and holiday programs. Additionally, Carla oversees Steve Greenough’s LUT training. Recently, Steve taught “How to Speak Unity” class which was well received.
- Jacque Tatum and others updated the History of the Prayer Ministry, Prayer Chain list, and Membership list. The Board empowered Jacque to re-establish the Prayer Ministry program. She, Rupali, and Althea Wright completed The Light and Love Ministry course which will be a core building block for the ministry.
- Since very few people are coming to the church building, Board meeting minutes are posted by Sue Henry Young to the website as a means of keeping people informed and increasing transparency. On a side note, our amazing volunteer webmaster, Sue Henry Young, works 10-15 hours per week to maintain the website with current topics, events, and activities, and creates emailed informational notices. Thank you, Sue, for your blessings of time and talent.
- A Zoom Town Hall meeting was held on Aug. 30.
- Healing Our Past Creating Our Future, also known as HOPCOF, series of Zoom meetings were held on Oct. 18, Nov. 22, 2020 and Jan. 31, 2021.
- Reconvening or Re-Open Church Survey was created and calls made by Rupali Robinson and Jacque Tatum. Results were compiled by Jacque Tatum.
- Bylaws were reviewed and updated.
As you can see, your Board of Trustees has worked hard to provide leadership and support to the church and members. This year will be no different. We need your help in learning where you think we should concentrate our energy. I encouraged you to attend the monthly Board of Trustee meetings, Town Hall Meetings, and other opportunities to be a part of our growth. Let us know what’s on your mind and in your hearts. We can envision an amazing 2021 and together, we can achieve all that is ours to do.
And with that, I thank you for allowing me to serve with you and be a part of your lives.
Lauri Mills, President
Board of Trustees