Mena Boulanger, Chair
The September 17th Board Meeting included reports from Robin Toewe on the September 13th Congregational Meeting where members voted to approve a withdrawal from the Property Development Fund of up to $4400 to complete the chair lift accessibility project. The Congregational Meeting also included an overview of the Board goals for the year; a report on 2015 which will be updated and refreshed by the 2015 Committee for presentation to the congregation in December; and an announcement of a vacancy on the Board to be filled by appointment with service until the Annual Meeting.
The Board also received a letter of commendation for Rev Brian Covell's leadership work at Meadville on the development of a new program. A copy of that letter is at the end of this report.
Brian presented a ministerial and operations report that included the encouraging news of visitors at Fall services, the transition to the accounting package to QuickBooks, and updates on pastoral visits.
The central focus of the meeting was policy governance and defining what this would look like at Third Unitarian Church. Within the denomination and the non-profit world, the role of the Board has evolved to focusing on mission with the operations and administration handled by staff and Operations Committee. The Board is then able to take a wider view and address mission-related opportunities and plans. The policies to be developed will structure the relationship of the Board and staff, setting out parameters that will lead to help guide and direct mission-related discussion and actions.
The minutes of this meeting will be reviewed by Board Members and then posted in the concourse by September 27th.
Rev. Covell Letter of Commendation
May 1, 2009
Dear Jim,
I am writing to you because I want you and your church community to know about the special gifts Brian Covell is bringing to Meadville Lombard Theological School and the future of Unitarian Universalism. Allow me to explain.
Meadville Lombard has been planning a new program Unitarian Universalism ministerial formation that completely integrates academic preparation with practical experience. One of the components is for out students to be in a mentoring relationship with practicing ministers and the congregations they serve. Brian is one of a handful of local ministers who has helped to develop the details of the innovations concerning ministerial mentoring. His wisdom, experience, articulation and devotion has been an invaluable to our efforts [sic].
Cultivating the future leadership of Unitarian Universalism is a primary responsibility of al UU clergy, but Brian has gone above and beyond in fulfilling this role. I'm sure you do know how fortunate you are to have Brian as your minister. Please know that all of Meadville Lombard has that same appreciation for him.
Sincerely,
Lee Barker
President and Professor of Ministry
Meadville Lombard