Selected Notes from the 2010 Annual Meeting

Sanctuary design

Ralph Olander discussed the proposal to replace the left front side of the sanctuary where the pipes for the organ are. His proposal was to update the sanctuary with other religious and philosophical traditions. The pre-meeting generated additional ideas and the following was proposed to the congregation.

Various traditions will be drawn upon including:

• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
• Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
• Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
• Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

The Decorating and Design committee will oversee this project and members are encouraged to contribute their ideas or join the committee. Final implementation will be subject to approval by a vote of at a congregational meeting.

Fiscal year change

A bi-laws change is needed to change the fiscal year. All were in favor of changing the fiscal year to July 1 to June 30 .

Vacancies

Rev. Kat presented Jim Grecni to the congregation for approval to serve on the Committee on ministry. The congregation approved the recommendation.

Kevin Morey nominated Debra Miller for the nominating committee. The congregation approved the recommendation.

Debra Miller representing the nominating committee presented Jim Rapp to serve on the Board of Trust Governors. The congregation approved.

Jim Rapp from the nominating committee presented three names to fill vacancies to the Board of Trustees, Virginia Henthorn, Diana Bungard and Jessie Hyde. The congregation was in favor of the nominations and approved.

Other items

Ron Tepley asked how many members FUUSM has and Ralph responded that our last count by membership committee was 110.

Jay Phillips recognized Ralph and Kevin for their work on the board over the last year.

Elin Jones recognized Jim Rapp for the great job once again on decorating the church for Christmas.