From the President, Spetember 2010
According to TJMC-UU Bylaws “The Board of Trustees… shall administer Church policy in conformity with the bylaws. It shall have general charge of Church property, and authority to conduct the Church’s business and manage its financial affairs.” While this is a vague statement of the “authority” of the board, please know that as volunteers we are doing the work of the church in good faith. The board consists of twelve church members, elected by the congregation. Here are your Board Members for the fis cal year 2010—2011: President, Donna Baker; President Elect, Ian Sole; Past President, Pam Philips; Vice President, Jean Shepard; Secretary, Karen Shaffer; Treasurer, Doug Webbink. Members At Large: Liz Benzinger, Paul Fritz, Dan Grogan, Bill King, Raven Long, and Jen Lucas.
All of us on the board take the roles you have elected us to very seriously. However, we cannot be successful without your continued support. Each board meeting is open to anyone in the church community. We meet on the second Thursday each month at 7 PM in the Social Hall. There is time near the beginning of each meeting for public comment. That is time set aside for you to bring questions, ideas, suggestions, or concerns to the board. We will publish a summary of the agenda in the Friday Emails prior to each board meeting so that you will know what topics are upcoming.
New this year, we will be hosting monthly Congregational Conversations. We will have some that have specific topics to consider like the meaning of membership, budget priorities, or long range planning, while others may simply be an opportunity to talk with any interested member of the congregation about things that are on your mind. Keep an eye on the Friday Emails for the dates and topics. Being on the board is a privilege, but not one that can be completed in a vacuum. We welcome your participation in this process!
As you know, change is already afoot! We welcome Reverend Dr. Janet Newman as our new Interim Minister, and Alexandra McGee as our Transitional Ministry Associate. Please join me in welcoming both Janet and Alex in these roles for the upcoming year.
This is one time that I am ending this article with a financial appeal. There is a ministerial discretionary fund that allows our minister(s) to extend some financial support to members of our church community that are in need. This fund is not part of the regular budget process and depends upon the generosity of individuals. Due to unusual circumstances, we are starting this year with a very small balance. Please consider making a donation of money or scrip to this discretionary fund so that Janet and Alex may continue an important part of their jobs. Your kindness now can make an enormous difference in someone’s life.
In Peace,
Donna Baker
President, Board of Trustees
