1
AnnualReportfor2016
MaterialforCongregationalMeeting-January29,2017
Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs
230GrandBoulevard
TarponSprings,FL34689
Minister:Rev.RobertF.MurphyPresident:KathyHopkinsTreasurer:AlanStevens
MusicDirector:BonnieWhitehurstAdministrativeAssistant:RosemaryHorn
2
TableofContentsVision, Mission & Covenant...............................................................................................................2
2016 Annual Meeting Agenda............................................................................................................4
MINISTER’s Report..............................................................................................................................6 BOARD REPORTS ........................................................................................................................... 5
President’s Report ............................................................................................................................................10Treasurer’s Report...........................................................................................................................................101Clerk’s Report....................................................................................................................................................117
COMMITTEE REPORTS ................................................................................................................. 18
Buddhist Meditation...........................................................................................................................................18Building & Grounds...........................................................................................................................................18Building Committee...........................................................................................................................................18Caring Committee..............................................................................................................................................20Communications Committee...........................................................................................................................21Congregational Survey – Executive Summary...........................................................................................22Endowment Committee.....................................................................................................................................23Finance Committee............................................................................................................................................24Financial Strategies Task Force.....................................................................................................................25Green Sanctuary Team.....................................................................................................................................26Hospitality............................................................................................................................................................26Inness Committee..............................................................................................................................................27Membership Committee....................................................................................................................................27Social Justice Council.......................................................................................................................................28Spiritual Growth Committee............................................................................................................................29Tai Chi…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….29
UU Justice Florida & UUJF Action Network................................................................................................30UUnique Quilters................................................................................................................................................31Worship Committee...........................................................................................................................................32
ACTION ITEMS for Congregational Vote ..................................................................................... 34 Congregational Meeting Minutes - 2016.......................................................................................................352017 Operating Expense Budget of UUCTS................................................................................................382017 Capital Expense Budget.........................................................................................................................40SLATE OF NOMINEES for BOARD of TRUSTEES......................................................................................41
3
Vision, Mission & Covenant of the
Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs
Vision Statement
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs will always welcome persons of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and religious outlooks and seek to promote spiritual, intellectual and interpersonal growth of these persons. It will do this through support of those undergoing life’s transitions, mutual caring, open communication, cultural and social addition, the congregation will remain committed to maintaining and enhancing the historic church property and paintings for the future enjoyment of others.
- Revised: February 12, 2006
Mission Statement
We are a liberal community for all ages promoting spiritual growth, social justice and the arts.” - Approved: November 4, 2012
Our Covenant We will strive to look for and encourage the best in each other as we move toward justice, peace and love for both ourselves and for the world… and when we fall short, we will seek understanding, reconciliation and a return to covenant.
- Approved: May 2016
4
2016 Annual Meeting Agenda January 29, 2017
I. Confirmation of Quorum & Call to Order
II. Review of Leadership & Committee Reports
III. Action Items for Approval by Congregation
A. Congregational meeting minutes 1) Jan. 31, 2016 2) May 5, 2016 3) Aug. 8, 2016 4) Sept. 9, 2016 5) Nov. 13, 2016 6) Dec. 4, 2016
B. Operational budget for 2017 C. Capital budget for 2017 D. Slate of nominees for 2017
IV. New Business
V. Adjournment
5
Leadership Reports
Minister’s Report
Board Reports President’s Report Treasurer’s Report
Clerk’s Report
6
MINISTER'S REPORT First, I'll mention the importance of the year 2017. We've entered a very unusual and important year for America and for this congregation. Because of last November's elections, the national culture and national politics are changing. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs won't be isolated from events in the larger world. As a religious organization, our congregation needs to respond to this new situation in appropriate ways. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs will change during the year 2017. We'll return to our parsonage very soon and to our sanctuary before Thanksgiving. We'll find new ways to honor and thank people who have helped to build our congregation and its programs, and new projects will develop. One of the big challenges every year involves moving from "me" to "we" in organized religion. How do we encourage people to live in covenant with each other? How do church members care for each other? How do individuals work together to support the mission of our church? How do we help our neighbors? Some neighbors are oppressed or marginalized because of age, race, ability/disability, gender or gender-identity. LGBTQ people often live in a hostile society. The problems of poverty and religious bigotry will continue and may become even worse in 2017. Parish ministers are involved in 5 major programs – all are important and require careful planning. 1. SUNDAY SERVICES & HOLIDAYS: Many, many thanks to Kathy Stevens, for leading the
Worship Committee for several years.
For 2016, I was present for most Sunday services, and when I wasn't present, I still assisted the Worship Committee in developing the Sunday service. This is the pattern I hope and expect our congregation will follow in 2017. The Worship Committee will meet with the minister once a month. We’ll continue to plan Sunday services 60-90 days in advance. Several people have expressed interest in developing Sunday services. We still need more volunteers for our Worship Committee and our choir. New ideas and sermon suggestions are always welcome.
We are very fortunate to have Bonnie Whitehurst as our music director. For 2017 we will provide Bonnie and our choir with additional support. The days when UUCTS is closed for the summer are long gone. We'll continue to offer Sunday services in all seasons, so developing a music program for the summer months is especially important. Bonnie's involvement will be appreciated. Special events (frequently holiday events) will receive more attention in 2017 for many reasons. Most events can be planned months in advance, they express the congregation's values & concerns, and they welcome newcomers. The Communications Committee is essential to get the word out to the larger community. Most special events involve food and most are child-friendly. (The interfaith remembrance of the 9/11 tragedies is a notable exception.)
7
We organized many special events in 2016 including: New Year’s Day celebration; an Irish music concert in March; a July 4th Pancake Breakfast & Pancake Olympic Games, the 9-11 Remembrance in September; Bonnie Whitehurst’s concern in October; Thanksgiving Day dinner in November; Christmas Eve with the first night of Hanukkah; and Christmas Day dinner. We joined and provided support to many events organized by community groups, such as Gay Pride Parade & Fest in St. Petersburg, Martin Luther King, Jr. events in Port Richey and Tarpon Springs, CAP dinners, Laundry Projects, etc. We’ve also developed special observances for Charles Darwin's birthday, Earth Day, Solstice observances and Human Rights Day. In June, we organized an interfaith response to the shootings in Orlando at Church on the Bayou.
2. SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Several committees and individuals are involved with religious
education and spiritual growth. For 2017 our goal is to provide a forum or program every Sunday after coffee with different committees providing leadership. The minister will lead at least 1 discussion per month, usually the second Sunday.
As a teacher, much of my work focuses on applied ethics and trying to understand "the varieties of spiritual experience."
3. PASTORAL CARE: The Caring Committee has been very active in 2016. At the beginning of
each Sunday service a Caring Com. representative reports to us about hospitalizations, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. We celebrate personal joys and recognize the need to care for those requiring special attention. During the week, the Caring Committee is involved with visits at nursing homes, hospitals, homes, and other activities.
Two points that need emphasis are (1.) It's important for all church members to care for each other. If you know someone who needs personal assistance, please step forward. Your kindness will be appreciated. (2.) If you need assistance, please call the minister or a member of the Caring Committee. If you want a home or hospital visit, please ask. Please let us know how and when we can be helpful.
4. ADMINISTRATION: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs employs 5 people - music director, director of children’s programs, church administrator, sexton, and minister. It is a very good team. All staff need recognition, support, and supervision. This year, 2017, we will review UUCTS Bylaws and policies. We must develop a better understanding of "who does what, when and how.” This will be a long and arduous process with many people involved.
The minister will be involved with church fundraising activities in 2017. Concerts and coffeehouse activities have been popular and they will develop again, and a “Service Auction” is in the works. The minister is working with Faithify and other crowdfunding programs.
8
Several projects will develop as we prepare to reopen the sanctuary. We will need to recognize and thank everyone who has helped with rebuilding our campus and caring for our landscape. Naturally, this includes our financial donors. We need to bring our church history and timeline up to date. A website refresh is already in process and will eventually show the sanctuary after construction. Once we are “back home” we must reorganize efforts to host and manage events like weddings, memorial services, rentals, etc. Your help will be much appreciated by couples, families and the community. Please step up to help now, so we’re ready when we open. Our UUCTS photo directory of members and friends is very helpful and we should plan a new one at least every four years. All kind of communication work is important - forums, classes, discussion groups, and Sunday presentations after services will be useful for members and visitors. We also need to improve communication with congregations in our cluster, the Southern Region, the Unitarian Universalist Association, and organizations like the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.
5. COMMUNITY WORK: American culture and politics have changed since the November elections. How should we respond? This will be a major question for us and for all religious organizations, especially among Unitarian Universalists. I've asked the Social Justice Council and Board to address 3 big questions: o How do we develop statements on controversial topics, or "How do we lobby?” o How do we pay for our social justice work? o How do we develop our social justice program? These are questions for the whole congregation, and education, careful reflection, and planning will be required. There are several concerns – financial, legal, and the need to be helpful as we work for peace with justice. What will be effective? For the record, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs has been identified with lobbying campaigns for several years, and I believe lobbying is important. However, it is not the only strategy to secure social justice. Others include litigation, consumer boycotts, providing sanctuary for endangered people, planting crops on abandoned land, community organizing, labor union organizing, etc. That said, concerns about "church and state,” means religious organizations are restricted in their political work. Congregations must proceed with caution. As an individual, I seldom engage in lobbying or protests. Last year my major social justice work focused on food-related programs, including support for farm worker organizing. I helped develop resilient communities, responded to trauma, and helped develop emergency
9
services, including services for the homeless. These initiatives will continue to be my major social justice concerns in 2017. In 2016, UUCTS worked with Pinellas County on coastal clean-ups in the fall and spring. Church volunteers became involved with community gardens in Dunedin and Tarpon Springs. General Assembly, or GA, is the national convention for Unitarian Universalists, will be in New Orleans, LA, June 21-25, 2017. I've been asked to coordinate two workshops for this event. The first is about congregations, resilient communities and emergency services. A second workshop will focus on farm worker organizing. Beyond those classes, this is the third year that I've been asked to manage an emergency services workshop for GA. I was involved with emergency services programs in Massachusetts, too.
There are always more matters that need attention, but this report shows some of our biggest accomplishments in 2016 along with suggestions for projects for the future. 2017 will be very important in the story of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs for many reasons. Most notably, we will no longer be isolated from the larger world - although some folks may want to retreat from community concerns. I look forward to serving this congregation during the next twelve months, and beyond.
- With best wishes to everyone for a happy and successful 2017, Rev. Bob Murphy
10
President’s Report 2016 was our first full year with Rev. Bob Murphy and his wife Lyn Dalzell. Bob spent most of his first year getting to know us - forming relationships and listening. Good things are happening and we look forward to deepening the relationship in 2017, hopefully calling Bob to a settled ministry by the end of the year. When we hired Rev. Bob, he informed us we were really getting “two for the price of one.” In 2016 we came to realize just how true that is. Lyn immediately immersed herself into church life and the local community and has a wonderful way of getting folks engaged to make things happen. If you’ve been ill this year, chances are you’ve had a home or hospital visit from Lyn and Bob.
One thing we didn’t do this year was let our sinkhole and rebuilding woes deter us from our mission. During the past year we’ve hosted multiple community building events such as the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony; supported an impressive array of Social Justice projects; nurtured our bodies and minds through tai chi, meditation and music; cared for each other and played together. Sunday attendance is the highest it’s been in several years and membership is going up, too.
You’ll read a lot in this report about our sinkhole remediation and rebuilding project. The whole endeavor turned out to be longer, more complex and stressful than imagined. Our leadership team has learned the importance of working together, and being accountable and transparent to the congregation. We have survived 3 full years out of our “church home.” We now have a clear direction and can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is exciting indeed!
In January, we usher in a new slate of officers. Five of the seven Board members will begin their first full term to BoT and bringing fresh new perspectives. We all benefit from the guidance of our seasoned minister. There will be a lot happening in 2017, and all members and friends are invited to get involved - contribute your time, talents and treasures!
- Kathy Hopkins, President
11
TREASURER’S REPORT
From a financial standpoint, 2016 turned out to be a year when we had to deal with additional costs related to both remediation and rebuilding of our campus. In 2017, we will incur additional costs beyond what the insurance company was obligated to pay to complete the project. Figures are not final, as other “wish list” items may yet be approved by the congregation. The Board has formed a Financial Strategies Task Force to recommend a plan to pay off the resulting long-term debt. This Task Force is focusing on the best way to meet this obligation, either with monies from the Endowment Fund and/or outside financial institutions that will fund this obligation. The Parsonage should be completed within the next 3-4 weeks. The cost to stabilize the Parsonage from sinkhole damage, and repair it back to the way it was before the sinkhole was discovered, has been totally paid by the insurance company. Revenue in 2016 indicates some dramatic decreases in the amount received from estimated pledge donations. The $77,000 pledged, resulted in actual donations of $68,700 or 91% of our pledge income budget. This reduction is not typical for our church. With the people to whom I discussed their reductions in pledges, I sadly was told that their decisions were based on their displeasure and perception that our usual procedures for being given options with budgets for capital improvements before the fact did not occur, as are the requirements in our bylaws, in the way the Building Committee handled the demolition, reconstruction and remodeling of the church. The attached 2016 budget indicates that, because we are still out of the church campus, we are absorbing all normal church expenses. We spent 88% of our operating expenses budgeted for 2016. Netting income and expenses, the surplus for 2016 is $15,282. (refer to Annual Performance Report Highlights below for more details.) It has been an honor to serve as Treasurer to this church for the last six years. This has been a “dynamic” time financially in the life of our spiritual home, and I am proud of the successful negotiations conducted by our committee between all the companies involved in determining the settlement from the insurance company. My best wishes go to the new Board of Trustees and the other committees that now will be addressing our long-term financial issues. It is my hope that our church remains a strong voice in the larger community.
- Respectfully Submitted, Alan Stevens, Out-going Treasurer
12
Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs Performance Report Highlights
January – December, 2016
Income: • Contributions for the period were $68,694 and were 91% of budget for the period. • Other Income for 2016 includes $3,218 from Fundraisers, $2,329 from Give-the-Plate, and
$261 from hospitality collections.
Expenses: • Total expenses for the period were 88% of budget. • Administrative expenses were $76 for bank charges, $644 for office administration, $180 for
postage, $2,019 for printing and supplies and $125 for web page expenses. • Denomination support for this period was $6,760. • Discretionary expenses were $3,637. • Communications committee expenses were $1,103 for Advertising, $1,103 for Marketing
and Web Page and $141 for printing and administration. • Religious Committee (Spiritual Growth) expenses were $1,700 for Children’s Religious
Education. • Social Justice Committee expenses were $1,585 for social justice projects and $2,616 for
Give-the-Plate and $100 for UU Justice Florida. • Other Committees expenses were: Caring committee expenses were $342; Hospitality and
Social Committee expenses were $1,328; Worship expenses were $3,395; Leadership Development, $368; Membership, $136.
• Minister’s expense for this period were $65,000. • Music expenses included $10,813 for music director expenses, $475 for Guest Musicians
and $1,241 for Miscellaneous Music Expenses. • Payroll expenses included $5,650 for our bookkeeper, $854 for workers’ Compensation
insurance, payroll expenses were $5,641 and $5,591 for our administrative assistant. • Premises expenses of $22,214 were 72% of budget and included $8,660 for utilities, $8,786
for insurance, $450 for mowing and $4,318 for grounds.
Surplus for 2016 is $15,282.
13
UnitarianUniversalistChurchofTarponSpringsProfit & Loss Operating Budget Performance
December2016
Jan - Dec
16 Annual Budget
Ordinary Income/Expense Carry Over from 2015 9,540.00 9,540.00
Income Contributions Income Congregation Pledges 63,893.86 71,000.00
Endowment Fund Pledge 78,500.00 77,000.00 Plate Collections 4,801.00 4,500.00 Total Contributions Income 147,194.86 152,500.00 Other Income
Fundraisers Facilities Rental 50.00 Fundraisers - Other 3,217.50 3,000.00
Total Fundraisers 3,267.50 3,000.00 Give the Plate 2,329.00 2,000.00 Hospitality/Social 260.60 600.00
Total Other Income 5,857.10 5,600.00
Total Income 162,591.96 167,640.00
Expense Administrative Bank Charges 75.90 Newsletter / Quill 0.00 150.00
Office Adm. 643.57 1,200.00 Postage 179.80 350.00 Supplies, Printing, etc. 2,019.20 3,500.00 Web page expenses 124.90 1,000.00 Total Administrative 3,043.37 6,200.00 Capital Expenditure
Extraordinary Expense 2,995.00 Total Capital Expenditure 2,995.00
14
Jan - Dec
16 Annual Budget
Committees & Programs Communications Events Advertising 1,102.77 2,800.00
Marketing and Web Page 1,103.00 3,300.00 Printing and Misc. Admin 141.28 1,000.00 Total Communications 2,347.05 7,100.00 Discretionary
Board of Trustees Discretionary 3,000.00 1,000.00
Minister's Discretionary 170.00 500.00 Misc. Uncategorized 467.10 300.00 Total Discretionary 3,637.10 1,800.00 Other Committees
Caring 342.22 600.00 Hospitality/Social 1,328.19 2,500.00 Leadership Development 367.50 1,000.00 Membership 135.70 400.00 Worship 3,395.42 4,700.00 Total Other Committees 5,569.03 9,200.00 Religious Education
Adult Faith Development 0.00 500.00 Children's RE Teacher 1,700.00 2,200.00 Total Religious Education 1,700.00 2,700.00 Social Justice
Charitable Donations 1,585.38 3,790.00 Give the Plate 2,618.00 2,000.00 UU Justice Florida 100.00 150.00
Total Social Justice 4,303.38 5,940.00
Total Committees & Programs 17,556.56 26,740.00 Denominational Support
Delegate Expense 385.00 1,450.00 UUA Annual Program Fund 6,300.00 7,500.00 UUA West Central Cluster 75.00 100.00
Total Denominational Support 6,760.00 9,050.00 Ministers Expense
Housing & Car Allowance 10,000.00 10,000.00 Minister's Salary 47,953.17 45,000.00 Reimbursable Professional Fees 2,046.83 5,000.00 Retirement Contribution 5,000.00 5,000.00 Total Ministers Expense 65,000.00 65,000.00
15
Jan - Dec
16 Annual Budget
Miscellaneous Expense Fundraising Expenses 330.00 Total Miscellaneous Expense 330.00 Music Director of Music 10,813.32 11,500.00
Guest Musicians 475.00 500.00 Music-Misc. Expense 1,240.72 1,200.00 Total Music 12,529.04 13,200.00 Payroll Expenses
Bookkeeper/CPA 5,650.00 5,200.00 Office Assistant 5,590.50 5,000.00 Payroll Taxes 4,226.14 4,500.00 QuickBooks Payroll Expense 444.00 300.00 Worker's Comp Insurance 853.75 860.00 Payroll Expenses - Other 117.74
Total Payroll Expenses 16,882.13 15,860.00 Premises
Custodian 0.00 1,525.00 Grounds 4,318.27 3,800.00 Insurance 8,785.79 8,900.00 Landscape/Gardening 450.00 1,800.00 Pest Control 0.00 1,500.00 Utilities
Electricity 2,426.24 4,500.00 Telephone 1,618.21 3,500.00 Water/Sewer 4,615.47 5,500.00
Total Utilities 8,659.92 13,500.00
Total Premises 22,213.98 31,025.00
Total Expense 147,310.08 167,075.00
Net Ordinary Income 15,281.88 565.00 Net Income 15,281.88 565.00
16
UnitarianUniversalistChurchofTarponSpringsProfit & Loss Capital Budget Performance
December2016
Jan - Dec
16 Annual Budget
Capital Income/Expense
Income
Endowment Pledge for Capital Expense 20,880.00 32,087.00
Total Income 20,880.00 32,087.00
Expense Building Project Loan Payments 20,786.00 29,087.00
Miscellaneous Capital Expense 0.00 3,000.00
Total Expense 20,786.00 32,087.00 Net Capital Income 94.00 0.00
17
Board of Trustees The year began with facilitating our minister’s successful transition to our church. Internet sharing storage was set up with the help of our UUCTS Administrative Assistant and some tech-savvy members. As the year progressed we focused on GA conference plans, the end of sinkhole remediation & costs, and fund-raising programs. Kathy Hopkins was named Vice President of the Board, then work began on the Ministerial Evaluation which concluded in March with a very positive conclusion for both the Board and Rev. Murphy.
The first on-line congregational survey was imagined, launched and successfully completed in April, the results being reviewed and shared with the congregation. Mary Lippitt drove this project and the results will drive our goals for years to come. Finally, our focus actively turned to rebuilding our Sanctuary and campus. As with all buildings in need of repair, the work multiplied and needed to be organized for presentation to the members.
Summer brought discussions about amendment issues on Solar Power and our church’s interest in protecting the environment. This led to a congregational meeting to vote on actions and the best ways for us to give support to this issue. Sinkhole talks with our insurer neared completion, talks resumed on finances needed to pay for rebuilding, and finally we brought the hard facts to the congregation for approval. Now we can move ahead together.
Last fall the Board began to focus on financial issues, and we were counseled by a CPA specializing in the needs of non-profit organizations. The goal is a thorough review process so we can best work toward managing operating expenses in the future. The Financial Strategies Task Force was established to investigate the best methods and tools for us to use as we pursue financial security. Stewardship, a function of the Finance Committee, worked to gather pledges for 2017 to support our church in the new year.
Alice Donovan decided she had to leave from the Board after 21 months of service, in late fall. Mary Lippitt agreed to fill her vacancy. The Board also accepted Robin Yates’ sudden resignation as President of the Board. We sent him a letter to acknowledge all the work he did for the church during his term. Kris Hughes agreed to fill the second opening on the Board this year, and VP Kathy Hopkins ably stepped up as Board President for the remainder of 2016.
Throughout 2016, our minister brought us enlightenment on social justice issues and continued his work bringing us together as our “church in a box” reminds us about the importance of how we “do” church. All board members gave endless hours to listening to and caring about member concerns, and working diligently to stay connected during difficult times. Our goal to increase transparency will continue throughout 2017. We thank all Board members for their hard work, say farewell to those who exited a bit early, and look forward to a new year with interesting events, new members and friends, completion of construction, and a return to our beautiful campus in the fall.
- Barbara Rosen, Clerk of the Board of Trustees
18
Committee Reports
Buddhist Meditation This meditation group includes 20 to 25 participants each week. Approximately 1/3 of the group are UUCTS members. They enjoy their time with Buddhist Monk Bhante Dharmawansha and additional programs during the year. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. We currently meet at Church on the Bayou, in the sanctuary or fellowship hall.
Building & Grounds
Building & Grounds Activities were primarily housekeeping during 2016. John Doyle spent most of his time keeping the campus safe and navigable by picking up after the several contractors, bagging and loading refuse into the trailer and providing a litter-free environment so work could continue. John also worked with John Wood, our primary renovation contractor, on various tasks including painting both the interior and exterior of the Parsonage, maintaining the safety fence and other miscellaneous construction tasks.
We are still hearing the Parsonage will be completed in January 2017 and be ready for occupancy.
- Respectfully, Michael W. Johnson
Building Committee
Status update at end of 2016 - From Building Committee Chair, Rene Torres
2016 brought about conclusions to the insurance settlement and the sink hole mitigation. A contract was signed on November 29 with John Wood the contractor for the Parsonage to undertake the repairs to the Sanctuary, the reconstruction of a New Forum Room and our new entry terrace. John has almost finished with the Parsonage and is only waiting for the pine flooring to finish the project. He is now in the process of acquiring the necessary permits to begin his work on the Sanctuary Project. Early in 2017 we oversee removal of asbestos from the Sanctuary as the beginning step for all the work that follows. We anticipate that we shall occupy all buildings by late September of 2017.
19
Project Financials - From Kathy Hopkins, Building Committee Finance Representative
On November 13, 2016, the congregation approved funding required to move forward with the construction permitting process. Two sentiments prevailed during the discussion period: 1.) We want to return to our church home as soon as possible; and 2.) Need to continue to seek cost savings opportunities through the remainder of the project. Well over 80% of the members present approved two items on the ballot:
� Fund the base project - the “Must Have” expenses estimated to total $2,033,459 with the proviso that the Building Committee continue to identify further cost savings
� Increase the Line of Credit up to $500,000 assuming the bank will agree
Funding decisions for optional extra expenditures have been deferred until February, 2017.
Inspirational Building Fund Gifts received in 2016
In the six weeks following the November meeting our church received three unsolicited gifts totaling $53,400 designated for the Building Fund. Realizing the need, these individuals inspired us all by giving in a way that was meaningful to them and greatly appreciated by our church community. Each person stepped forward in their own unique way:
• A fair share contribution - Upon seeing the project financials, this person decided to pay his fair share. He donated for 2017 and made a pledge for the same amount in 2018.
BuildingProjectFinancialOverviewasof12-31-2016Approved by Congregation on Nov 13, 2016
2,033,459 Total expense for the "Must Haves", no "Extras"1,165,000 Total proceeds from insurance
868,459 Total UUCTS obligationExpenses as of 12/31/16
1,420,792 Actual expenses already paid579,641 Projected remaining expenses
Income as of 12/31/160 Remaining proceeds from insurance
112,907 Cash balance in Building Fund 140,000 Available funds from existing Line of Credit326,734 Outstanding income needed from combination of sources:
Donations,Fundraising, Loans, EndowmentDebt as of 12/31/16
135,134 Principle owed on existing Line of Credit - Currently paying $1740 per month out of Capital Budget
20
• A memorial - This was a gift from the heart in remembrance of how much the church meant to a deceased family member and a desire for UUCTS to live on in the community.
• A boost to construction - Knowing construction would start right away, this individual decided to make a significant lump sum donation on the condition of anonymity and stipulating the money only be used for rebuilding the Sanctuary and forum room. Great timing!
These gifts help us financially and also help ease the anxiety many of us are feeling about our ability to shoulder such a large financial burden. We are tremendously grateful for these gifts and future donations to come.
- Building Committee: René Torres, Barbara Rosen, Scott Routhier, Ann Rainey, Kathy Hopkins
Caring Committee Caring Committee members have completed another year of responding to members and friends with compassion for all sorts or reasons.
We meet monthly with Rev. Murphy to share information and plan the most timely and efficient ways to help those in need. This year was particularly difficult due to the deaths of members Bud Pearson, Quimby Hoetzler, Ken Poulsen, Sally O’Brien and Dan Padberg. The Caring committee worked with Hospitality to ensure appropriate Memorials were completed.
We sent cards, flowers and/or Heifer International donations to family members to express the sympathy of this committee and the larger UUCTS family. Our phone and email contact information is on every correspondence we send, and we ask that you continue to let us know when any of our members need help. Please talk to a member of the Caring Committee if you are interested in serving with us. It only requires your caring heart.
Caring committee members respect the privacy of those that reach out to us, so we are gratified to read the following note of confidence in our work “on the record.”
Elizabeth Gunter credits the Caring Committee and other caring members of our church for helping her “hang in there” for as long as she has. Her advice to the rest of us is to please ask for help when you need it. She added, “This community really does care.”
- Alice Donovan, Linda Gradual, Ellen Wolf-Muhleck, Linda Routhier, Sylvia Salsbury
21
Communications Committee The Communication Committee (“Com-Com” for short) had an extraordinarily busy year in 2016. We learned to write more effective press releases, helped conduct the online survey, and more. Next year we plan to update the website, improve our Facebook presence with more photos and more postings – and the beat goes on. It’s work, but it’s a ton of fun. PRESS RELEASES: Much effort went into cranking out press releases in 2016 to get free publicity for church events in the media. Thanks to Rev. Bob Murphy for sending event info to us well in advance. He truly understands the enormous power of media for this church, so we’ve improved our press releases to make sure they are easy to read and easy to print. These efforts were usually successful, but not always - we learned some tough lessons along the way. For example, when UUCTS events are held in rented space like the Walton Center or CotB, media can mislabel our events as their events OR by stating UUCTS events would be held at 230 Grand Ave(!) when they were not. These were valuable lessons - we are more skilled at avoiding such confusion now. Buildings & Grounds was a huge help when they put bold, accurate event location info on the big sign in the front yard of the Sanctuary to guide folks to the right places. Along the way, many of you clipped and collected print notices about UUCTS events, and reported radio or TV mentions – many thanks, and please keep it up. This the only way we learn what does & does not work as we strive to continue improving. As we plan for 2017, Rev. Bob has already supplied a list of “anticipated UUCTS church events” by month. This forms the “backbone” of the Marketing & PR calendar we use to organize and prioritize plans around our two limited but essential resources - time & money! Most press releases need a minimum 6-week lead time for multiple submissions with maximum effectiveness. History shows that it’s worth the effort, and it starts with you. Provide Com-Com with the “who, what, when, where, why and how” of your event in your PR request well in advance. We work with Social Justice to market &/or advertise specific initiatives, help the wonderful Fund Raising groups publicize events and encourage the larger community to participate when appropriate. With sufficient time, we can do justice for every event and make it easy for the media to include us! That is always the goal. Next year our most important events will revolve around returning to our spiritual home at 230 Grand Blvd. There will be celebrations, grand openings, a big splash for return of the Inness paintings to the community that loves them, plus many opportunities to invite local leaders and friends of other faiths to join our celebrations. Got ideas? Why not join us. We welcome your vision and creativity. 2016 UUCTS SURVEY: With inspiration and guidance from Mary Lippitt, our church used Survey Monkey to conduct a first-ever on-line survey. (I’m so glad someone knew how to do this!) Leadership at UUCTS will use the findings from this exercise for a long time. I’ll let Mary tell you more in her report. UUCTS WEBSITE: We got good feedback on our website last year, especially after we added a link to the UUA video “We Are Unitarian Universalists” on the home page. It was very easy to do, so a big Thank You to those who brought this idea to our attention. In February, 2017 we’ll start a
22
thorough update and re-imagining of the website. Drop us an email with suggestions so we can make it better than ever. Better yet, join the effort to put the best possible UUCTS foot forward on the Word Wide Web. FACEBOOK: Everyone knows Facebook (Fb) better than I do, so let me thank René Torres for setting up our UUCTS Facebook page and posting dozens of photos of events and the construction zone so we can “SEE what’s going on.” Special thanks also to Karen Strohbeen and Barbara Kotacka for their wonderful photos that show Fb visitors the fun and meaningful activities in which we’re involved. Our Administrator, Rosemary Horne, also posts to Facebook for us, so email her your best photos of church events along with your comments to [email protected]. Rev. Bob likes to say “If there’s no picture, then it didn’t happen!” Keep that in mind and keep your cell phone handy – you never know where the next great shot will occur. INSTAGRAM: Cathy Lawson is the sole curator of the UUCTS Instagram page – it’s new and it’s popular, so thank you Cathy for keeping us visible to younger generations. NEWSLETTERS: Weekly E-nUUs, published Fridays, and The QUILL published monthly, are still the first place most members learn about what’s happening at UUCTS and the West Central Cluster. We start by pulling event info from the online calendar at www.uutarpon.org. It’s easy to post events OR learn about events on the calendar. To post an event, just click here: http://www.uutarpon.org/uutarpon_event_request.htm and fill in the blanks. To add details or generate more interest for an event, send an email to [email protected] and with everything folks need to know. Add “E-nUUs” or “QUILL” on the subject line, include dates, times, your phone and email info, and - that’s it, you’re done. Thanks to all of you who help us - you make these newsletters fun to write and interesting to read. Communication is a big part of belonging to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs Family. We can’t “get it right” if we don’t talk and listen to each other. The mission of Com-Com is to facilitate some of this communication, and it is our honor to do so.
- Ann Rainey, Communications
Congregational Survey – Executive Summary UUCTS Board authorized Mary Lippitt and Mark Hopkins to conduct a congregational survey in early summer. We had 51 respondents and the key findings are summarized below.
Ø Top reasons for attending: celebrating common values, fellowship/caring for each other, and minister.
Ø Most cited worship topics desired were: personal growth, philosophical ideas, and spiritual growth.
Ø Future plans were prioritized to be: putting our values into action, growing the church, expanding personal spirit and support for the arts/paintings.
Ø Most desired building wish list items were: AV for the sanctuary, museum lighting for Sanctuary art, and solar cells on the roof.
23
We also did a census on our members. Most of the respondents (45%) were in the 66-79 years old bracket with another 32% in the 41-65 age group. The remaining 23% were in the 80 years old and over group. There were no respondents in the under 40 years old age bracket.
The final question on whether there was a willingness to be identified as potential volunteers produced seventeen offers. Our Membership Committee has contacted these individuals and we appreciate these and other volunteers.
Additional survey follow-up actions include (1) a congregational meeting this Spring to discuss the wish list items that will be included in the rebuilding, plus (2) the Board and Committee Chairs are using these results to refine and target their activities and plans for 2017.
- Mary Lippitt, Board Member
Endowment Committee Selection of officers for Endowment was the first order of business in 2016. Don Wilson has been an excellent Chairman, but UUCTS Bylaws required a shift in leadership, so Ann Rainey took over as Chairperson and Don Wilson taking over the Treasurer’s role. We are very fortunate to have Don’s experience and the guidance of our Schwab Personal Advisor, Alex Benedetti. He regularly explains our position relative to major market issues in these unpredictable times. We are pleased to report that 2016 was a good year for the stock market and a good year for the Endowment Fund. The one year average was up 8.66% and up 5.95% since inception with Schwab. The current total value is $1,385,000 but clearly 2017 and beyond will not be so rosy. We will be running at a deficit for a long time.
For 3 years, the major financial question for this committee (and probably each of you) has been the cost we must pay for sinkhole damage and rebuilding our campus so we can return to our spiritual home. We still rent the spaces we currently use for about 4K every month. That burden will be reduced when we can return to the parsonage soon, but some rent will continue until the main campus is complete, and we go “back home!” There’s a lot to accomplish, but it is exciting. Membership has increased, and while pledges are down for now, there are very positive and heartening signs, too. We’ve received significant donations specifically to ease the burden of construction costs! Wow – it is wonderful to see this church community work together. We lost a long-time UUCTS member recently, Ken Poulsen, who was incredibly generous when he left this church $191,000. This is included in the endowment fund total above. The challenge now is to anticipate and meet church needs without depleting the Endowment Fund. This fund remains the key engine driving the financial future of UUCTS because it contributes to both operating and capital expenses even in the best of times.
24
The Schwab account is currently valued at 1,085K, plus the 300K CD securing our line-of-credit at USAmeribank. Of this amount, up to $600,000 might be needed for construction. Once rebuilding is complete it may be possible to use the property itself as collateral for a loan or mortgage. We will see. However, loss of revenue from the fund as we pay for our “new” space will cause a serious drain, and 2017 will be a year of watching, learning and adjusting accordingly. We will better understand our financial options when the Financial Strategies Task Force has completed their due diligence and recommended the best options to fund reconstruction. We are all working for the same goals as we forge ahead – and we will report significant information or changes to the congregation as they happen. We are grateful for your continued confidence in our abilities to manage the Endowment Fund of this church.
- Ann Rainey, Chairperson
Finance Committee For the first three quarters of 2016, the Finance Committee was eagerly awaiting the final insurance settlement, plus financials and timeframes for the Sinkhole Remediation & Rebuilding Project. During that time, we continued to monitor operating expenses and managed budget expectations as timelines changed. Other areas of focus included:
• Insurance policy review – Recommended increases to the forgery coverage amount and workers’ compensation, but decided to hold off on major changes to liability insurance during remediation of sinkhole damage.
• Attended a UU Cluster Stewardship Workshop in March facilitated by Ken Hurto. • Fundraising – Facilitated brainstorming and initial planning for 2016 fundraisers which
included a July 4th Pancake Breakfast and Bonnie Whitehurst Concert. Much thanks to Lyn Dalzell for taking a lead role in coordinating those successful events and to Bonnie Whitehurst for so generously sharing her time and talent. Kathy and Alan Stevens took the lead in coordinating an Irish Music Concert earlier in the year.
• 2017 Stewardship Drive - Materials were updated and distributed to members and friends in November and December. As December ends, we are still watching the thermometer climb toward our goal of $78,000 to cover 2017 operating expenses. January will be our time to assess where we stand and adjust the proposed 2017 budget as needed.
Finalization of the insurance settlement at the beginning of the fourth quarter enabled the Finance Committee to progress on two main fronts:
1) Financial Planning for the Building Project – Assigned a member of the Finance Committee to work with the Building Committee and Insurance Committee to compile project financials to be presented to the congregation for approval.
25
2) Conduct a Financial Review - This was especially critical for knowledge transfer considering our current Treasurer of 6 years will be rolling off the Board after 2016. The Board approved engaging Ellen Fontana, a CPA specializing in nonprofits and experienced with churches. To minimize time and cost, we decided to conduct an informal review, then seek directional advice on first-step actions. The information shared and approved in the November 2016 presentation to the Board follows:
Outcome of UUCTS Financial Review at 11-15-16 Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees invited all Finance and Endowment Committee members to join the Finance Review discussion. Expert guest speakers were Ellen Fontana, CPA, and Nancy Ridenour, CPA.
Based on information provided by the Finance Committee and Rev. Murphy, Ellen and Nancy talked to us about our fiduciary responsibilities and liabilities as elected church officers, shared some general observations and outlined four specific recommendations for immediate action.
- General observations - UUCTS would benefit from greater segregation of duties and dual controls. There is a need for a more complete set of financial reports across all UCCTS accounts
- Recommended first steps that were approved by the Board - 1) Obtain information required to produce complete financial statements for all bank
accounts associated with UUCTS 501(c)(3). 2) Authorize two additional Board Members as signers on all bank accounts. 3) Adopt a policy requiring a Finance Committee review of monthly financial activity for all
accounts. There will be three reports: Balance Sheet, Profit & Loss Statement, and Actual to Budget Performance.
4) Establish a committee of three members to research and recommend financing options for the Building Project. Require Board approval on the final decision.
- Finance Committee Co-Chairs - Alan Stevens, Kathy Hopkins
Financial Strategies Task Force This task force was appointed by the Board in November, 2016, specifically to research and make recommendations about financing options for the Building Project. We are Kris Hughes, Pat Donohue and Ginger Harris. Pat Donohue was elected as our Chairperson. The Financial Strategies Task Force will make recommendations to the Board re: these concerns:
1. Provide funds to meet obligations as they occur. 2. Preserve Endowment Fund as much as possible.
26
3. Investigate and identify borrowing instruments for which UUCTS is eligible and which provide reliable funding with the lowest cost.
4. Design a strategy for collaboration among all committees dealing with financial issues and for comprehensive budget and finance reporting.
Action: Finance Strategy Task Force and Treasurer have agreed that construction bills for the period December - March construction will be paid:
• From the account for remodel/renovation, including remaining insurance funds and building gifts;
• From the existing line of credit; • Expanding Line of Credit up to $500,000 as approved in the November 13, 2016
congregational meeting. The Task Force will make initial recommendations to the Board in January. We are grateful there are funds available from previous donations to rebuild our church home. It is important that such a Building Fund continue. Donations are welcome! We will seek guidance from the congregation for naming this Fund.
- Pat Donohue, FSTF Chairperson
Green Sanctuary Team The first half of the year was spent determining requirements and getting documentation from the UUA to see what steps we needed to take in order to qualify for Green Sanctuary status. These activities and progress was documented by Gerald Goen and Greg Rosasco, and they did an excellent job. Since our next step was to get Energy Audits on both buildings, but the buildings were no longer available for the audits, the committee decided it was “more green” to take a hiatus until the buildings become available once more. We expect to reactivate in early 2018. - Ginger Harris, Chairperson
Hospitality Members and friends of UUCTS have met for services, coffee hours, forums, events, lunches, dinners and memorials for another year at the Walton Center. We continue to be flexible with our limited space. Our Greeters along with Membership and Hospitality members set up before each gathering, then meet and greet members, friends and guests. We share the Walton Center with our friends from Mt. Moriah AME Church on Sundays and enjoyed their company at 2 ice cream socials.
27
Hospitality works together with many volunteers to have coffee and refreshments ready every Sunday and to provide lunches for gatherings as needed. We continue of support Fair Trade products such as coffee and sugar. We do our best to recycle, but this effort still needs more attention, maybe a better system, and your help – our goal is to be mindful of church beliefs while we help save our planet. We look for the best ways to be environmentally friendly.
We still provide name badges for our members and friends as we welcome them to our services. With our growing list activities and increases in membership, we invite everyone to join the work we do - being good hosts to all who attend UUCTS activities. It’s a rewarding job and we get to know each other better as we work together.
- Barbara Rosen, Chairperson
Inness Committee
With the wonderful paintings of George Inness, Jr. in climate-controlled storage, there’s been very little activity by this committee for 3 years. Even so, there are plans happening now to reintroduce the paintings to our spiritual home in the coming months. Our neighbors will be glad to see construction end, and we can invite them ALL to see the “new” spaces and certainly to see the inspirational works that show the spiritual ideas of George Inness, Jr. These incredible paintings need our love and our care now, just as members of this church have done for nearly a century! If you want to be part of the Inness team as we make UUCTS a destination for Art Lovers, please contact me. Your participation is needed and will be greatly appreciated. The time is now – we must polish our plans and marketing efforts to be ready when the Inness paintings return.
- Barbara Kotacka, Chairperson
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
We celebrated one year with Rev. Bob Murphy and Lyn Dalzell - wonderful additions to our congregation. We sadly honored the lives and passing of two long time members; Bud Pearson and Quimby Heotzler, also. In 2016 we were honored to welcome 13 new members and one returning member, for a congregation total of 76 members. UUCTS leaders and Rev. Murphy conducted 4 Pathways to Membership dinner meetings at Church on the Bayou. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship of sharing our life journeys and our own church stories.
28
There were also four “5th Sunday - Exploring UUism” opportunities in January, May, July and October, with a light luncheon following the service, then small group discussions and sharing. We talked about church issues and areas of mutual interest. Each program was well-attended and matched visitors with members to explore membership in our church and provide answers to questions as needed. We’ll continue the Pathway gatherings and the 5th Sunday programs in 2017. Hospitality Committee provides both nourishment and welcome to our guests, and are greatly appreciated for their contribution to the success of these programs. It is a team effort with Membership, Hospitality and Leadership to prepare for and welcome people who find us and have probing questions and personal needs on their individual journeys. The Membership Committee continues to evolve and we are seeking more folks willing to participate and share stories of life at UUCTS. We are grateful for the many friends and members that help set up our 3 tables every Sunday - Welcome, Nametag and Congregational Life tables. It takes a village. We look forward to returning to our spiritual home on Grand Boulevard in 2017 and to welcoming more visitors, friends and many new members in the future.
- Barbara Kostreva, Chairperson
Social Justice Council In 2016, Social Justice continued to work hard to support our motto, "Deeds, not Creeds." Because of this generous congregation, we could "Give-the-Plate" to the following projects and organizations: UU Climate Conference; Current of Tampa Bay, Inc. - The Laundry Project (2X); The Esther Program; Affordable Christmas; UUSC Haiti Relief Fund; Human Trafficking Survivors - Personal Care Products; Planned Parenthood; Youth Homelessness & Food Insecurity; Human Trafficking Survivors and the English as a Second Language (ESOL) Class. We hosted Social Justice Forums about The Parrish Poll, Planned Parenthood, Human Trafficking, Youth Homelessness & Food Insecurity, Food-related Projects and Gun Control - Changing the Conversation. We hosted a series of film-viewings in member homes and held discussions on the films Racing to Extinction and Cowspiracy. Very soon we will “screen” the film Food Chains and hope you will join your UUCTS friends to watch it and share your ideas on this topic. We hosted an Ice Cream Social and continued our support of UU Justice Florida. We completed our first successful Laundry Project of 2016 with support from Church on the Bayou, by funding 290 loads of clean clothing and linens for 29 families. We hosted a second Laundry Project November 19th which funded 302 loads of clean clothing and linens for 31 families. This is quite a boost for a family or anyone in need, and you helped make it possible. SJC continues to host a monthly meal service at Metropolitan Ministries in Holiday. We began to staff the Mt. Herman lunch service on Saturdays. We provide volunteers for The Shepherd
29
Center's Food Pantry once a month, but recently increased our presence to twice a month. Once again SJC volunteered at Pride Weekend and helped sponsor of The Pride Parade. We also supported the West Central Cluster float, booth and created a giveaway. We placed a full page "Deeds, not Creeds" ad in the program for the Citizen's Alliance for Progress Martin Luther King Jr. 21st Annual Benefit banquet. We invite you to join us in 2017 as we continue to make a difference. Meetings are on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 10:30am - 12:30pm. Check your Weekly E-nUUs or The QUILL for the location. Everyone is welcome. We also encourage your suggestions for our Sunday Social Justice Forums, held the 3rd Sunday of each month.
- Respectfully submitted by Cathy Lawson, Chairperson UU Social Justice Council Members: Greg Rosasco, Gerald Goen, Irene Prosser, Mark Hopkins, Marti Cardinal, Linda Mandano, Lyn Dalzell and Cathy Lawson
Spiritual Growth Committee
Rev. Murphy and Lyn Dalzell brought a broad perspective to what was formerly Adult RE. In recognition of our Mission Statement commitment to promote spiritual growth, we decided to re-name this committee to encompass a variety of spiritual growth opportunities including music, poetry, the arts, meditation, exercise, healing, theology, ethics, kayaks and baseball. Growing spiritually in community empowers us as individuals and as a congregation.
A ten-week series titled “Building Your Own Theology” was held from January - March. An experiential series of 5 workshops on Mindfulness Meditation began in the fall of 2016… and it continues today. Buddhist Meditation and Tai Chi continue to extend our presence into the community. Multi-faith gatherings coordinated by Rev. Murphy put Unitarian Universalism in partnership with other faiths and many people who don’t know us very well. Participating in the MLK parade, Pride Parade & Fest, Beach clean-ups, Hands- Across-the-Sands, environmental programs, a boat trip, going to baseball games – all these things raised awareness of our interconnectedness.
We looking forward to 2017 and identifying the programs and people working for UUCTS spiritual growth in many formats.
Tai Chi
With the generous support of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs, we have offered Tai Chi classes at no charge, first at our church home, and later because of sinkhole discoveries, at the Tarpon Springs Recreation Center at Spring Bayou, a beautiful and peaceful setting.
30
Tai chi is an ancient art form and mindfulness meditation that provides a complete, integrated exercise system – one which works all the body’s systems deeply yet gently, while providing profound levels of relaxation. It is a wellness activity, an important way to care for the self, provides physical and emotional equilibrium, enhances balance, strength, flexibility and your chances of remaining mobile into old age. This year, by popular request, we offer two classes - the continuing class is for students who have completed all 108 movements of the Tai Chi set and who wish to refine and deepen their experience. We have 31 students registered in this class, and there are 22 students in the beginning class which continues to expand. The one-hour classes are held Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 and 10:30 respectively. The classes are open to the community, so we have a wonderfully diverse group of people - friends and members of the church, folks from neighboring communities, and “snowbirds” who join us from the northern lands! We’re international, too – we have a student from England, two from Spain, and several from Puerto Rico! We look forward to the fall of 2017 when we will once again enjoy classes in our beautiful, restored church home. Tai Chi is a gift that has been given to me and it is a very great pleasure to pass it on to others.
- Carol Chaney, Tai Chi Instructor
UU Justice Florida & UUJF Action Network 2016 continued to be a very active, challenging year for UU Justice Florida and UUJF Action Network. Monthly conference calls by the Board dealt with a wide range of legislative issues, petition gathering, letters to the editor, and presentations for defeating the Duke Energy Solar Amendment were high on the list. The amendment was soundly defeated when the public saw through the wording of the amendment. While UUJF Action Network put most resources to work defeating that Solar Amendment, there was general agreement that passage of the Medical Marijuana Amendment (MMA) was overdue. Fortunately, this measure also passed and will give many suffering individuals hope and comfort. Locally, Gerald continued to speak to decision-makers in Pinellas County (City of Tarpon Springs Commissioners & staff, County Commissioners and staff, with the School Board yet to come) to encourage them to focus on Climate Change, Sea Level Rise, and Alternative Energy. The $50,000 pilot solar energy project was so successful the City of Tarpon Springs has invested ten times that amount or $500,000 in the 2017 City budget for solar construction at the new Reverse Osmosis Water Plant. County Commissioners await a comprehensive “Vulnerability Study” with 2017 to be the year of the Climate Change. Gerald attended three local Climate Change
31
conferences and each time he drove home the need to focus on Climate Change and work with urgency to combat it. It helps to show up and get to know people - lobbying. UU Justice Florida partnered with a UUJF board member, Jan Booher, to secure a sizeable grant to work with community leaders and disadvantaged citizens when waters rise from sea level increase or simply storms. Reverend Murphy and Gerald are working with Jan Booher to bring her program to the UU West Central Cluster and Tarpon Springs. Stay tuned! The 6th Annual Legislative Lobbying Days were successfully organized in Tallahassee. 39 UU’s from around the State journeyed to our State Capitol to see first-hand how the legislature functions, learn the issues, and lobby their senators and representatives. Hotel room costs were paid by UUJF. The 2017 Legislative Lobby Day are scheduled for March 20-21. Sign up soon. UUJF co-sponsored the 3rd Annual Interfaith Climate Change Conference with the Florida Council of Churches. Knowledgeable, inspirational speakers updated participants on climate change issues such as those highlighted at the Paris World Climate Change Summit, the latest news on solar, sea level rise, and alternative energies. A variety of vendors displayed their materials, including UUCTS lead by Rev. Bob Murphy. In 2017 4th Annual ICC Conference will be in Orlando, February 24-25. More to come! UUJF partnered with other organizations to defeat bills on Fracking and Guns-on-Campuses, and to pass a bill on Civil Citations for first-offenders. Petitions were circulated statewide encouraging voters to restore a felon’s voting rights, support the “Good” solar amendment which passed in the August Primary election, and combat the “BAD” solar amendment which failed in November. UUJF congregations on the West Coast supported Rhana Bazzini, who walked from Sarasota to Tallahassee to bring attention to Move to Amend, an effort to reverse the US Supreme Court decision that allows unlimited corporate money in campaigns and equates Money with Free Speech. Reversing this policy would effectively say “Corporations are not people, and Money is not Speech.” The goal is to get Big Money out of politics. UUJF continues to update its website, make it more user friendly, expand our presence on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. Check us out at: www.uujusticefl.org .
- Gerald Goen, UU Justice Florida/UUJF Action Network Executive Board Member
UUnique Quilters The year 2017 will be the 10th anniversary of this group, the largest of social justice program sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs. The quilting program has grown in both number of quilters (22) and the number of agencies we support. Last year 12 community
32
agencies received items made by the quilters. This year we’ve given to 18 agencies. A new agency to us, Advocates Against Human Trafficking, received 33 adult quilts, and was first identified by our Social Justice Council for a presentation following a Sunday service. Our relationship with Church on the Bayou resulted in donations to their migrant farm workers program. The Tarpon Springs Housing Authority gave us blouses and shirts that required us to remove their embroidered logo and replace it with a colorful patch so the clothes could be given to homeless people. Items distributed included quilts for children and adults, receiving blankets, knit baby hats, sweaters and shawls, pillow cases, toiletry bags, girl’s dresses, pillow cases and women’s blouses. We also donated 9 quilts as auction items at fundraising events for five local community agencies. Of the 460 articles that were given out, 203 were quilts or receiving blankets. The variety of things we produce depends on requests from agencies and the materials that are donated to us. A regular member of our quilting family, Quimby Heotzler, died this year after providing us with years of background music that created a happy atmosphere, inspiring our quilting and our warm communications. His piano playing set the tone for the day. Quimby is missed. We thank his two daughters and their families for naming the quilting program as a destination for donations in his memory. This church group has always been financially independent of the church. Expenses are covered through donations and sales of quilts, and we are thankful for the invitations to join art and craft sales sponsored by both the Church on the Bayou and Spirit of Life Unitarian Universalist Church, along with requests for quilts from church members. We appreciate the support from this church and the community that allows us to continue to provide a service to the homeless and others in need.
- Kathy Stevens, Chairperson
Worship Committee
Rev. Bob Murphy has been with us for over a year, and has pleased the congregation with the depth of his knowledge and his easy presentation. He has worked with the Worship Committee to create an Emergency Kit, filled with worship materials should unexpected events occur, as our motto is, “Church happens, no matter what.” Events covered include perhaps no speaker, or musician or worship associate because they were unable to attend at the last minute, no electricity, or no sanctuary. Still to be finalized is a coordinated strategy among members of the congregation should there be an intruder during the service. The choir sings at most of our services, except during the summer and appreciates our Music Director, Bonnie Whitehurst. She has a vast repertoire of songs and uses a variety of musical instruments. There is close collaboration between the Choir and Worship Committee, so there is
33
great coordination of worship and musical themes. Because Rev. Murphy preaches more often than required of a minister who works three-quarter time, there will be enough money in the Worship Committee budget to fund a musician for year-around Sunday services. We miss our dear Quimby Heotzler, part of our summer music team, who, along with Betty Hendrickson, provided live music for our services. Quimby’s special music always brought a smile. The Choir will still be taking the summer off. I have resigned from the Worship Committee effective after Sunday, Jan. 29th, the date of the UUCTS Annual Meeting. It has been my pleasure to work with the many guest speakers who have filled the pulpit, members of this congregation who have volunteered to support the spiritual growth of our church through our times between ministers, and at least four ministers who have supported the mission and vision of our spiritual home. Special thanks to the members of this committee who served this year, and made it such a successful one: BettyLou Cummins, Dora McWhite, Greg Rosasco, Robin Yates and Barbro Wilson.
- Kathy Stevens, Chairperson
34
Action Items for Congregational Vote January 29, 2017
1. 2016 Congregational Minutes
2. Operating Expense Budget
3. Capital Expense Budget
4. Slate of Board & Standing Committee Members for 2017
35
Ø ACTION ITEM #1
Congregational Meeting Minutes - 2016
January 31, 2016 Annual Meeting Minutes
Action Items:
*1. Congregational Meeting Minutes for 2015:
January 18, 2015: Approved
March 1, 2015: Approved
August 16, 2015: Approved
*2. Slate of Nominees: Approved
*3. Operational Budget for 2016: Approved
*4. Capital Budget for 2016: Approved
*5. Begin a review Bylaws and Policies during 2016: Approved
*6. Reaffirm plan to rehabilitate Campus after sinkhole remediation: Approved
7. A motion was made from the floor to reaffirm the architectural plans for the remodel as presented by Rene Torres beginning in 2014. The motion was seconded by several people and passed by a large majority by voice vote. There was one Nay vote to oppose the plan, and one abstention: Approved
May 8, 2016 Congregational Meeting Minutes:
Action Items: Adopt wording of proposed UUCTS Covenant:
We strive to look for and encourage the best in each other as we move toward justice, peace, and love for both ourselves and for the world… and when we fall short, we will seek understanding, reconciliation and a return to covenant.”
Approved by large majority, with one vote against the proposal.
36
August 7, 2016 Congregational Meeting Minutes
Action Item: Support business cards explaining UUCTS position on two Amendments regarding Solar Power.
Issue: Do we support 2 UUJF amendments to be voted on by the public.
• Amendment 4: Primary election on August 30, 2016 basically stating tax payers would get tax breaks when using solar power.
• Amendment 1: US election on November 8, 2016 Power Companies opposed to the use and lost money revenue for the Power Company.
Measure Approved
September 18, 2016 Congregational Meeting Minutes
Building Agenda Topics:
• Part 1: Treasurer discussed financial settlement from the previous 33 months. A lawyer was not used in to save money. All negotiations were kept secret.
• Part 2: Presentation was tabled.
Sinkhole Remediation and Repair: Changes in key financial numbers were submitted at the meeting which had not been shared with the congregation or the Building Committee. After some discussions, the issue was tabled and the meeting adjourned to allow the Building Committee sufficient time to review these figures. No vote called.
November 13, 2016 Congregational Meeting Minutes
Action Item: Approve funding for repairs and remodel of our campus?
Endowment: Don explains a 5-year plan and the costs to Endowment of paying some UUCTS operating expenses. Unknowns are market changes, and changes in our membership. He recommends we remove as much as possible from budget. Schwab will continue to advise us if we keep more than $500,000 in fund.
37
Building Committee: Ann Rainey explained that our situation is not “all doom and gloom.” Rather, we will need to change our behavior and keep reviewing our income and expenses. Close collaboration between Building Committee, Finance and Endowment is essential. We do need to grow – as the recent survey showed, members see this as a high priority. We must find ways to bolster our endowment, fund raise and continue to look at ways we can cut expenses.
Updates since September: time line clarified, changes in contract to reduce some work as not necessary, an increase in costs to forum room slab and other problems that when walls were opened up.
After much discussion, paper ballots were issued to UUCTS members.
#1. Do you approve the Repair & Remodel Projects “Must Have” expenses as summarized on page 4 of the presentation packet with the proviso the Building Committee continue to search for cost savings? Approved 84.9%
#2. Do you approve increasing the Line of Credit from $300,000 to $500,000 assuming the bank will agree? Approved 86.8%
December 4, 2016 Congregational Meeting Minutes:
Action Item: Support & encourage the General Assembly of the national Unitarian Universalist Association to discuss and vote on a proposal to change wording of the first principle of Unitarian Universalism. The first principle now affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every 'person.' A national discussion is proposed to change the word 'person' to the word 'being.' Approved
38
Ø Action Item #2 2017 Operating Expense Budget of UUCTS as of 1-11-2017
2017BudgetINCOMEESTIMATE Beginning Cash Balance Carry over from 2016 $ 6,850 Contributions Member Pledges $ 71,000 Plate $ 4,500 Endowment Pledge for Operating Expenses $ 78,000 Other Income Inness $ - Facilities Rental $ - Fundraisers $ 3,000 Give-the-Plate $ 2,000 Hospitality / Social $ 600 Miscellaneous Donations $ 250 TOTALINCOME $166,200
EXPENSEESTIMATE Administrative Office Admin $ 1,200 Newsletter/Quill $ 150 Upgrade Office Equipment $ 1,500 Postage $ 350 Supplies & Printing $ 3,000 Total Administrative $ 6,200 Payroll Expenses Payroll Taxes $ 4,500 CPA Consultation $ 1,500 Bookkeeper $ 6,000 Office Assistant $ 6,300 Workman's Comp Insurance $ 947 Other Payroll Expense $ 300 Total Payroll Expenses $ 19,547 Denominational Support Delegate Expense $ - UU Annual Program Fund $ 5,000 UUSC $ 80 UU West Central Cluster $ 100 Total Denominational Support $ 5,180 Minister Expense Minister Salary $ 45,000 Retirement $ 5,000
39
Reimbursable Professional Fees $ 5,000 Housing Allowance $ 10,000 Total Minister Expenses $ 65,000 Music Director of Music $ 11,500 Guest Musicians $ 500 Music Miscellaneous Expense $ 1,200 Total Music Expenses $ 13,200 Committees & Programs Religious Education Adult Faith Development $ 500 Children's Religious Ed Teacher $ 2,200 Social Justice Give-the-Plate $ 2,000 Social Justice Projects $ 1,000 UU Justice Florida $ 100 Communications Marketing & Web Page $ 3,300 Events Advertising $ 2,800 Printing and Misc. Admin $ 1,000 Other Committees Caring $ 500 Hospitality / Social $ 3,000 Sanctuary Rededication Ceremonies $ 1,000 Membership $ 400 Leadership Development $ 500 Pulpit Speakers (plus summer music) $ 4,700 Green Sanctuary $ - Discretionary Minister Discretionary Fund $ 200 Board of Trustees Discretionary $ 1,000 Miscellaneous Uncategorized $ 300 Total Committees & Programs $ 24,500 Premises Custodian $ 5,000 Grounds Maintenance $ 3,800 Insurance $ 8,900 Landscaping/Gardening $ 900 Pest Control $ 1,500 Utilities: Electricity $ 4,500 Telephone & Internet $ 1,680 Water/Sewer $ 5,500 Total Premises Expense $ 31,780 TOTALEXPENSES $165,407 Operating Budget ESTIMATED PROFIT OR LOSS $ 793
40
Ø Action Item #3
Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs 2017 Capital Expense Budget as of 1-11-2017
2017BudgetINCOMEESTIMATE Endowment Pledge for Capital Expenses $ 37,920 TOTALCAPITALINCOME $37,920
EXPENSEESTIMATE Capital Expense Building Project Loan Payments $ 34,920 $1,740 Jan - Mar, current LOC payment ** Apr - Dec, $500,000 loan at 5%, 20 yr. term Miscellaneous Capital Expense $ 3,000 TOTALCAPITALEXPENSES $37,920 Capital Budget ESTIMATED PROFIT OR LOSS $ - ** Based on loan amount approved by congregation Nov 2016. Will likely change as financing options are finalized.
41
Ø Action Item #4
Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs SLATE OF NOMINEES for BOARD of TRUSTEES,
ENDOWMENT, FINANCE & NOMINATING COMMITTEES Beginning January 29, 2017
Report of the 2016 Nominating Committee: Ann Rainey, Janet Goen, Mark Hopkins
Candidates in BOLD to be voted on Jan. 29, 2017
Other names are current officers and committee members.
POSITION OFFICER TERM REMAINING Board of Trustees (2-yr terms)
President Barbara Rosen 2 years Treasurer Kathy Hopkins 2 years Clerk Mary Lippitt 2 years Trustees-At Large Kris Hughes 2 years
Ellen Wolf-Muhleck 2 years Linda Mandano-Hernandez 2 years
Margaret Pringle 2 years Endowment (3-yr terms) Bonnie Stanaitis 3 years Ginger Harris 1 year Ann Rainey 1 year Herb Salsbury 2 years Don Wilson 2 years Board Representative 1 year Finance (2-yr terms) Board Treasurer 2 years
Ginger Harris 2 years Barbara Kotacka 2 years Joanne Perreta 2 years Scott Routhier 1 year Nominating (1 2-yr term & 2 1-yr terms) Mark Hopkins 1 year Lyn Dalzell 1 year Greg Rosasco 1 year
