Conversations With the Board

March 6, 2011

Notes from March 6 "Conversations"

BACKGROUND

The Board and Ministers still believe objectives of our Vision 2010 Strategic Plan are fundamentally sound:

Continuing to grow the congregation, while challenging at times, is still a worthy goal. There are potential UUs out there who’re “spiritually homeless” and would welcome finding a congregation like ours. It is important to “keep the door open” to new people. The more welcoming we are, the more good we can do within the city/state/nation, putting more people into organizations like MICAH, Common Ground, The Guest House, Cathedral Center, our environmental initiatives, and so on. The larger we get, the richer and more varied are the program offerings we can put forth for Children’s and Adult RE, music, education, serving other UU congregations and the like.

While we believe the objectives of our Vision 2010 Strategic Plan are fundamentally sound, the time-table and financial assumptions have needed to be adjusted since the plan was adopted in 2003:

Of particular concern to the Board is the “structural deficit” we are facing as we draw down the Vision 2010 “Thrive Drive” “start-up” funds: $100-$150K each year since 2005, including $130K last year, $100K this year, ~$80K next year, ~$60K the next year, then “we’re on our own”… Consequently, we have adopted several initiatives to help address the structural deficit: a revamped and reinvigorated Stewardship committee; a UU Connections subcommittee of the Membership Committee, which has started a new program to better engage and retain new members; continued efforts at expense management; and two new fundraising ideas – the sale of “scrip” which was successfully launched this Fall, and a service auction and “Dining for Dollars” event which is in the initial planning stage for later in 2011 or spring 2012. The Board is also exploring the feasibility of conducting our three Sunday services and RE programs on Sunday mornings.

DISCUSSION OF SELECTED BOARD PRIORITIES & PROJECTS

1. THREE SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES

Several months ago, the Board commissioned a group to look at the possibility of holding three services on Sunday mornings.  The Three Morning Service Task Force created a survey which was recently sent to all members, pledging friends and people in the current “Journey to Membership” class.  Each HOUSEHOLD will fill out just one survey, which only takes a few minutes. A great response will ensure that we make sound data-based decisions. 

For more information about this potential change please see the online article at www.uumilwaukee.org/content/exploring-service-and-re-schedules.Mark your calendar to attend the “BBBC” on April 5, beginning at 5:30 p.m. (program at 7:00).

2. NEW FUNDRAISING IDEAS: “DINING FOR DOLLARS” AND “SCRIP SALES”

To address the “structural deficit” as we draw down the Vision 2010 “Thrive Drive” “start-up” funds we have adopted two new fundraising ideas – the sale of “scrip” which was successfully launched this Fall, and a service auction and “Dining for Dollars” event which is in the initial planning stage for later in 2011.

• Scrip:  Total scrip sales exceeded expectations with a net profit of over $1000.  47 orders were placed, including several that exceeded $1000. Scrip sales have been approved for Spring and Fall of 2011.
• Dining for Dollar:  “Dining for Dollars” events have been very successful in other UU churches, raising upwards of $10,000.  The idea is to have members offer to host dinners in their homes (donating the costs), perhaps with a theme (Italian, gourmet, vegetarian, Sheepshead, etc.), and to have other members bid on the dinners either through a silent or a live auction.  This would raise money and build community (and allow for lots of fun!) It has been suggested that we might consider expanding the idea beyond dinners to include the more familiar “service auction” items such as a weekend at one’s cabin, a massage, an outing to a Brewer’s game, a financial/legal/(etc) services consultation, etc. 

3. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The Board is researching ideas and potential events to foster leadership development within First Church. A Leadership Development team has been given the “green light” to take a closer look at how we can better identify, recruit, develop, and deploy effective lay leaders in our congregation. We are excited by the prospect of increased commitment to the mission of First Church and welcome your thoughts, ideas, and support as we walk together through this process.

OTHER RECENT TOPICS & PROJECTS

Share the Plate initiative (outward-looking initiative):

Last November, the Board approved a Share the Plate proposal submitted by Nancy Pajewski. This new outward-looking initiative allows the church to share 50% of non-pledge cash received in the collection plate. The new Share the Plate Committee (STP) has selected one designated charity for each month. We rolled out the program this January. The charity for January was the Urban Ecology Center, and the charity for February was Hunger Task Force. The March charity is Neighborhood House. Share the Plate has raised over $2000 for the Urban Ecology Center and over $2400 for the Hunger Task Force.

Grand Piano refurbishing (inward-looking initiative):

Last October, the congregation met the goal of raising funds for the repair of our Steinway B grand piano. As many of you may’ve noticed, our piano has been sent off to be rebuilt. We currently have a loaner piano in the sanctuary for use until our rebuilt piano arrives before Ingathering Sunday this coming fall of 2011.

Finishing and celebrating our Sustain Our Society (S.O.S.) initiative:

Last June our solar panels became operational and First Church began producing solar energy to sell back to WE Energies. The church also added insulation to the sanctuary ceiling, replaced inefficient boilers, windows, and lights, and installed motion sensors in hallways and rooms among other things. In the fall of 2010, First Church celebrated the success of the S.O.S. initiative with local government officials and WE Energies representatives present.

Social Justice Council re-organization: Approving and Monitoring Process Thereof

The Board approved the Social Justice re-organization plan submitted by Social Justice Council (SJC) chair Ean Behr in August 2010. As part of the re-organization plan, the SJC chair will present a financial plan to the board. The SJC will periodically review the effectiveness of the re-organization. The new structure fosters our current Environmental and Economic Justice Committees while at the same time offering opportunities for congregants to create new social justice-themed Action Groups. The new procedure for creating Action Groups has already been put into play with the creation of several successful groups like the Common Ground Action Group, Fourth Friday Films series, and the Community Justice Action Group. The Share the Plate committee has also been added as a standing committee of the Social Justice Council.

Alcohol Use Policy for Church Events

The Board has developed an Alcohol Policy for First Church. Much thought was given to how such a policy would impact programming and events for members and guests. Given the growth of our congregation, it seemed prudent to articulate a policy on alcoholic beverages which meets legal dictates, suits the needs and reflects the values of First Church.

HAVE IDEAS/CONCERNS ON OTHER TOPICS & PROJECTS?

Let us take some time here to discuss any topics of specific interest to you, the members of the congregation. Have kudos, a recommendation or concern? Please let us know.