The meeting was called to order at 7:08 by Anne Malmquist, Moderator.
Cabinet members in attendance: Anne Malmquist, Moderator; Rev. Beth Stotts, Pastor; David Sheibley, Treasurer; Diane Sheibley, Clerk; Terry Reynolds, Community Engagement Team; John Sharland, Property and Finance Team
Diane Sheibley took attendance. Quorum was met.
Rev. Beth opened the meeting with a devotion and a prayer.
August Minutes
The meeting minutes from the August meeting were presented and reviewed. John Sharland motioned to accept the minutes as written; Rev. Beth seconded. The minutes were approved as written.
Pastor’s Report – Rev. Beth Stotts
Rev. Beth thanked all who helped her and her family during her recent sick leave and surgery. She worked with the Spiritual Engagement Team on updating the child protection policy. She has been working with the Community Engagement Team on their projects, especially the service trip next summer. She noted how she loved the August worship format. She worked on updating the church brochure, and ordered copies. She has been researching fundraising and networking opportunities, and connected with a grant writer. There is a book discussion on October 29.
Treasurer’s Report – David Sheibley
Dave reported that last month wasn’t great for income, but we’re still averaging out OK. He took $10k out of investments, which was the first time in about 5 months that he had to do so.
Rev. Beth noted that she recently used up the last of the funds in the Minister’s Emergency Fund, so we should do a plug for people to donate. The food pantry report also noted that they are lower in funds than they have been in a while.
Community Engagement Team Report –Terry Reynolds
The Team has recently met, and plans on having a booth at Autumnfest at BSU on 9/30. They also discussed how they would divide up the responsibilities of the team among the team leaders. Their next meeting is on 9/24.
Congregational Engagement Team Report – Rev. Beth
The Team held a kickoff BBQ, which unfortunately had to be held inside due to rain, on 9/10. Rev. Beth also made up postcards promoting our September events and it was mailed to nonmembers on our mailing list.
Property & Finance Team – John Sharland
John reported that the oil tank was recently empty and refilled, and it needed a Fall checkup. A new Sexton won’t need to be hired until next Spring. John had an email noting that the outside of the building wasn’t looking so good, especially the paint on the front of the church. There will be an all-church workday, including painting, on 10/21. The Team is working on tracking down missing keys and updating the key log. The Team is looking for one more person to serve on a Stewardship Task Force along with Carol and Kathleen. John noted the remaining non-LED lights are going to be replaced with LED throughout the church. He also noted that the P&F Team was happy to hear that a grant writer will be working on our behalf.
Spiritual Engagement Team – Rev. Beth
The Team worked on updating the child protection policy. Rev. Beth asked for Cabinet’s approval of the updated policy. John Sharland motioned to approve it; Dave Sheibley seconded. It was approved unanimously.
Congregational Meeting 9/24
The meeting to vote on withdrawing our application from the Town Community Preservation Committee will be held this Sunday. Online voting will be available beginning on Thursday.
Team Emails
This agenda item has been postponed until next month.
Fundraising Plan – Anne Malmquist
Anne discussed the need for a task force to work on fundraising, under the direction of the Property & Finance Team. Their first order of business is to develop a plan for fiscal 2023-24 which would address the $40,000 budget deficit that was approved. Once a plan for this year is in place, it can be used as a template for future years to work toward a balanced budget. The plan would be developed as a month by month strategy, with projected funds raised by each project, then the task force would coordinate the individual fundraising project teams.
• Brick Walkway Fundraiser – Rev. Beth : Rev. Beth spoke with a company that helps you run brick fundraisers, thinking that since we have to redo the front walkway anyway because the concrete is cracking, we might take the opportunity to make it a fundraiser as well. She’ll be reviewing the information and soliciting help to put together a proposal.
• Mary Ann Lochner is a retired attorney that has agreed to help us with grant writing pro bono.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.
