Bill McKenney
Chair of the Parish Board
Recent Board Notes
| Discussing Our Long-Term Plan |
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| Saturday, February 18 2012 20:32 |
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We had a very good Board meeting last week. We worked our way through canvass updates and budget issues, discussed a rental opportunity and then tackled Charters. Many of you have been involved in the process of drafting a Charter for your committee or cluster. The Board reviewed and approved many of those Charters at the meeting. Though seemingly a small step, this actually can have a big impact on your committee or cluster and us as a congregation. The process of writing down what a group is doing, the rules that it operates by, and who is leading it is empowering, helping to clarify what the group should be doing and helping members assess how well the group is doing in carrying out its mission. Finally, it helps others (insiders and outsiders) find a group they want to join, which expands the group’s ability to accomplish its mission. After reviewing Charters, the Board took up its work on the long term plan. This is a great time to be doing this work because the congregation and church are in a very good place. We have a minister, staff and lay leadership who are providing a unique place where we as individuals can deepen our spirituality while learning and growing together. The goal of the long term plan is to enhance and expand this vibrant community. One of the things we discussed is making the church's mission relevant. The discussion, which went long, was very useful. During the meeting, Canvass Chair Marianne DiBlasi rightfully pointed out that we were really speaking in a bubble, noting that few outside of the Board meeting know anything about what was being discussed. It highlighted the need we have for input from the congregation. I’ve started a forum on the web site that asks some questions about mission. Here is the link: http://www.fpcuu.org/index.php/forum/governance/15-mission-discussion I invite you to check it out and chime in. The board will meet again in March and discuss the long range plan more, trying to identify goals associated with the mission. On March 11, we have a congregational meeting scheduled which will include discussion of the long term plan and Mission. Please participate. UUs are known for their strong opinions: it is important that we hear yours. |