At the September 11 Governing Board meeting Buildings and Grounds Coordinator Duffy Brookes was present to discuss $3,000 overspent above what was appropriated for the Narthex heating repair project. The overrun was due to the fact that, while attempting to re-establish heat in the Narthex, our plumber discovered that the original pipes from the radiators went through solid concrete and had deteriorated to the point that they were responsible for the steam leaks in the former system—an unforeseen circumstance in his original estimate, creating the need to jack hammer through the Narthex floor in several areas to install new connections.  After discussion of the options available to the Board to address the overspent appropriation, consensus developed—since the additional costs have already been paid—to delay action until the potential end-of-the-fiscal-year operating budget surplus/deficit became clearer, as this would affect the available options for covering the overrun.  If the final action requires powers beyond the fiscal authority of the Board, the Board will refer the matter to either the Annual Budget Meeting or Annual Congregational Meeting (in lieu of calling a ‘special’ meeting for this matter).

The Board had a conversation on “How to have a ‘good’ (meaningful, productive, creative) conversation on the budget?”, led by Pastor Matt with the assistance of members of the Board’s Finance and Administration Committee.  The conversation provided an overview on the overall budgetary and fiscal situation of the church, including major sources and categories of income, the ways in which endowment funds (and funds-acting-as-endowment) function, and major categories of expense.  The proportion of our expenses dedicated to personnel-related costs (79%) was noted, as was the reality that this portion of our expenses currently exceeds our Contribution income (pledges, plate, other gifts) by approximately $40,000.  Items of gratitude for various resources available to our congregation were also named, including the donation-in-kind of utilities by the University, the overall good condition and capacity of our physical facilities which allows us to use them as an asset for ministry and for additional income generation, and the generosity of those who have gone before us who have left us with endowments and other substantial assets.  The challenges of the upcoming budget year were also noted, namely the uncertainty of continued office space rental income as Turner Construction departs and the potential loss of anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 of contribution income from existing pledgers due to relocation, death, or other causes.

One of the Board’s goals for this year is to present a new Mission Statement (what we do as a church) and Vision Statement (our church’s end-state) for adoption by the Congregation in January.  At the October 17 meeting Stacy Malecki facilitated a mission statement development conversation.  We discussed SCC missions, visions, and resources we are most proud of; goals highlighted at our July and August mini-retreats; and mission and vision statements of other churches.  Our plan is to draft mission/vision statements in October and November, collect feedback from the Congregation in December, and present new statements for adoption by the church in January 2019.

As always, we are happy to hear your questions, comments, and concerns.  Do not hesitate to contact any of us.

Your 2018 Governing Board,

Dick Roberts (Chair), Laurie Brookes (Vice Chair), Peter Baldwin, Janice Castle, Josephine Evan, Wade Johnson, Bryan Klimkiewicz, Mary Lake, Stacy Malecki, Annetta Miller