GENERAL BOARD  MEETING
September 19, 2007

Members Present: Karen Nye (Moderator), Elaine Ulry (Vice Moderator), Judy Bushell (Finance), Rachel Crum (Worship), Jan Carlson (Word), Cheri Gonyaw (Deed), Jim Brown (Property), Barb Reynolds (Elders), Pastor Mary.
Members Absent: Nancy King (Deacons).
Guests: Art Vaeni, Pastor of Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Olympia

The meeting was called to order by Moderator, Karen Nye.

Karen Nye led the opening meditation.

Business

1. New Beginnings
Everyone was encouraged to attend the New Beginnings introductory session at Lacey Community Church, Saturday, September 29, from 1:00-3:00. The facilitators will be Rick Morse, Rebecca Hale and Marvin Eckfeldt.  This is a program to which our congregation may choose to subscribe.

2. Decision by Consensus
Karen introduced the possibility of evolving into a body that comes to decisions via consensus rather that by voting.  Discussion ensued.

3. Moving the Sanctuary Pews
Rachel reported the recommendation from Worship to move the communion table closer to the congregation, the desire to get the congregation to sit closer together, and putting more space between the pews for easier ingress and egress.  This would require the removal of at least two pews and perhaps three.  Much discussion followed.  It was agreed that the congregation needs to be informed of potential changes.

4. Camp Quixote
Mary shared her conviction that our congregation needs to explore the possibilities of hosting Camp Quixote, probably from January-March, 2008.  The camp would need the entire parking lot attached to our building.  Art Vaeni, Pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation (the first to host Camp Quixote) was present to field questions from the Board.  Numerous questions were asked.  The Board decided to look into this further and to bring the congregation into the conversation.

5. Interfaith Works
Judy Bushell resigned as our representative to Interfaith Works.  Karen will seek another representative.

6. Music Director
Elaine Ulry, coordinator of Personnel, announced that Karen Nye will retire as Music Director, effective June 30, 2008.  Elaine will form a search committee for a new director.

Budget and Finance
Judy Bushell reported that some of the Bushell money has been in the Contingency Savings Account with other general funds. The Board agreed to move the Bushell funds amounting to $43,480.14, from contingency savings into the higher paying Money Market Fund with the other Bushell monies.

Judy estimates that the Building Loan may be paid off as early as December 2007.

Deed
Cheri Gonyaw announced that we are scheduled to host the Homeless Overflow Shelter November 2-15.  Barbara Wood will be coordinating it again this year.

Peggy Frazier will be coordinating the after-church coffee hours.

Cheri has a new DVD by the same producers as the global warming DVD: Green: The New Red, White and Blue.  This may be scheduled for viewing at a later time.

Word
Jan Carlson announced that Joanne Goodwin will resign her leadership role with the Church School as of the Christmas Program.  The task force is researching several options for the continuation of Children’s Church School.  They are asking for more ideas.  Planning is going well for Adult studies and classes.

Property
There has been a mix-up with the building insurance billing.  Jim Brown and Sherrie Fisher are straightening it out.

Jim believes we can make it through this year with our current roof.

Plans are being made to re-stripe the parking lot.

Worship
Worship is working with Property to remove some pews from the Sanctuary (see Business item 3).

Planning is beginning on Advent “Fridays at the First”.

Elders/Deacons
Barb Reynolds, Leah Wilson and Nancy King are working with Pastor Mary to formulate meaningful studies for the Elder/Deacon meetings.

Barb reported that John Brown, a friend of the church, inquired about using our building as a fundraising venue for his newly-formed group for Animal Welfare.  Concern from the Board was the legality of using our tax-exempt facilities for outside fundraising.  The Board decided not to grant permission.

Announcements
Sunday, October 21, our congregation will be celebrating with Pastor Mary the 25th anniversary of her ordination.  Judy Gregorius is coordinating the festivities.

The meeting was adjourned and closed with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Nye