Governance Structure and New Bylaws

Our church’s Annual Meeting on January 28, 2018 will include an important vote on whether to adopt new Bylaws, which would make our current trial governance structure permanent.  Based on feedback from the Board, Lead Ministry Coordinators, Church Officers, and the Open Forum on Church Governance Structure held Sunday, November 19, the Bylaws Committee (Dave Jordan and Tina Huey) prepared a revised draft of the Bylaws which was presented to the Governing Board at its December 12 meeting.  That draft has been distributed to the Congregation; comments/feedback should be directed to Dick Roberts, Chair of the Governing Board, who will pass them on to Dave and Tina.  On January 9 the Board will vote on the final version of the Bylaws to be recommended to the Congregation on January 28.

Just Peace Initiative

A motion for the Congregation to adopt the “Statement of Commitment to Become a Just Peace Church” be on the agenda for the church’s Annual Meeting on January 28, 2018.  As indicated in the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Just Peace Churches distributed by the Just Peace Team, “If/when we commit ourselves to becoming a Just Peace church we are broadening the direction of our ministry.  This will mean congregational leaders and members, staff and lay, are invited to dedicate time and skill towards ministries that address the underlying causes of oppression and injustice, as well as those ministries that alleviate the effects of that injustice.  For example, a Just Peace ministry team can choose to develop educationally resources that will enable members to be in closer touch with elected officials at every level.”

[UPDATE: The new bylaws and the Just Peace Statement as well as all other items on the agenda, were unanimously approved by the congregation at the January 28, 2018 annual meeting.]

Extension of Turner Construction Contract

At its December meeting, the Governing Board approved extending Turner Construction’s lease of office space at Storrs Congregational Church from September 1, 2018  through the end of December, 2018 at a rental amount of $961.00 per month.

Sharing Committee Work

The Board’s three Subcommittees continue work in their designated areas of responsibility.

Buildings and Grounds

The three dead/dying maple trees on the Route 195 side of the Meeting House were removed on December 7.  Replacement of the exterior door at the courtyard end of the Education Building with a wheelchair accessible unit with push plate switch activation of an electric opener/closer will take place in late December or early January.  The painting of the Library is now over three fourths complete, with a goal of finishing by early January.  The Committee held a very productive meeting with Facilities Coordinator Duffy Brooks, Treasurer Bob Malecki, and Pastor Bob during which preliminary plans for setting up buildings and grounds assessments and long range planning was discussed.  A building-by-building Excel spreadsheet is being prepared; the resulting document will be a vital tool for future planning and budgeting.  Among future projects being considered is the feasibility of installing air conditioning in the Meeting House.

Finance and Administration

Treasurer Bob Malecki estimates that we are on track to meet our 2017 budget, and will have a surplus equivalent to the total rental income from Turner Construction (~$8500) or more.  Although we end 2017 with a surplus, the 2018 budget will require careful monitoring.  While it is anticipated that there will still be some additional 2018 pledges coming in, as of December 12, 2017, $248,244 has been pledged, vs. $258,975 in the budget approved by the Congregation at the annual Budget Meeting on December 3, a shortfall of $10,731.

 Ministry

The Committee continues to work toward the establishment of a communications team that would include individuals with some experience with AV, graphic design, social media, or web pages.  If the Just Peace Statement is approved at the Annual Meeting, the Ministry Committee will be working to help with the formation of a Just Peace ministry team.

As always, a reminder that Governing Board meetings are open to all and that we include a “Present to Speak” time on each month’s agenda in order to insure that Ministry Teams and members of the congregation have access to the Board.  In between Board meetings, we are happy to hear your questions, comments, and concerns.  Do not hesitate to contact any of us.

Your 2017 Governing Board,

Dick Roberts (Chair), Olivia Arsenault, Linda Blum, Laurie Brookes, Jan Castle, Tina Huey, Ray Joesten, Wade Johnson, Mary Lake, Bryan Klimkiewicz