September 28, 2020
Greetings!
The Board has several projects underway that we hope will make our governance and business work more smoothly and transparently. We are developing handbooks for Members, Personnel, and the Board. Let me know if you have suggestions for what would be helpful to have in writing and available on our shared documents. I will be asking Committee Chairs for job descriptions and Committee roles and Responsibilities.
Another project is to take a leadership role in reviewing and making specific recommendations for Prairie UU from two areas of the UUA’s report Widening the Circle of Concern. Those areas are 1. Governance and 2. Accountability and Resources. This report can be seen here. Another project is to work with the COSM visioning leadership to create a strategic plan for a future home, what that can be realistic.
The Board with assistance from the COSM has set our first Congregational Town Hall meeting for October 11, 2020. Look for details soon and suggest topics for discussion.
Two topics already identified are 1. Listening Circles, what are they and how do they work; 2: What should we do about Prairie UU’s trust fund?
The Board’s next meeting is on October 20, 2020. Note that the time has changed, it is now at 6:30 pm. Join us!
In Covenant,
Vivian Littlefield, President
September 21, 2020
Greetings!
Writing goals for the 2020/2021 budget year. (here)
- Confirming Pastor AJ’s offer of a third-year contract pending approval of the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee in October or April.
- Endorsing the plan to move Sunday services to 10:30 am to facilitate K-6 learning hour at 9:30 am.
- Agreed to lead the congregational discussion and make specific recommendations on Governance and Accountability/Resources sections of the UUA Widening the Circle of Concern Report.
- Recommended combining the Membership and Communications/Marketing Committees.
September 18, 2020
Greetings!
September 9, 2020
Greetings!
Our Fall programming for Services, Learning Hour, and Activities began this month. I am hopeful that those of you we have missed at our virtual services, fellowship and meetings will join us. There are lots of activities and opportunities to connect!
The new Budget year is well on its way (since July 1, 2020). Finances are looking good at this point. So thank you for your pledges and contributions. The Board will soon inform the Committee Chairs about the specific dollars in your committee’s budget. If those of you who are Committee Chairs have questions, please let me know.
Last week on September 1, 2020 the Board, COSM, Justice League MUUved to Action group and other members of the congregation met to discuss Restoration and Reparations recommendations for PrairieUU. Our meeting generated many thoughtful and doable actions. Read the discussion and recommendations here.
Both the Finance Committee and the Board meet on September 16, 2020. Please join us if you wish. The minutes of the last Board meeting can be viewed here. Please note that the Board elected Kim Murray as Board Secretary! On September 16th the Board will be discussing our 2020/2021 goals, sharing an update on Pastor AJ’s contract for 2020/2021, and clarifying the Board’s role in relationship to standing committees, defined in the Bylaws. The bylaws have now been revised based on the congregation’s actions at the Spring Congregational Meeting. See them here.
There is lots of information about the Auction, Let’s Party Together/Apart in newsletters, emails and postcards. I hope you are reading them, making a bid, offering an Auction item and saving the date for the GALA. (November 14, 2020). The income helps balance our budget! So let’s make it successful!
Our next Board meeting is on September 16, 2020. There will be an opportunity to discuss the new Sunday Morning Experience schedule starting in October. Join us if you wish!
In Covenant,
Vivian Littlefield, President
Board of Trustees
September 2, 2020
Greetings!
It is hard to believe it is Fall! There was a time, now long ago when I thought we would be able to meet face to face in September. However now it is looking like it will be much later. The UUA President recently encouraged congregations to continue virtually until May. We will carefully watch the data and recommendations that are forthcoming and seek input from the congregation for when we return. For now, we are given an opportunity to do outside activities, (social distancing with masks) through this year’s Auction. Think creatively and offer something fun! The Auction is an important fundraising event as well as fun times! This year, Let’s Party Together-Apart!
Last evening the Board and COSM with the Justice League met to discuss the recommendation on Reconciliation and Restorative processes, part of the UUA document on inclusion, Widening the Circle of Concern. Join our monthly meetings on the 1st Tuesday of the month. We need the ideas and support of the entire congregation.
Have you noticed joint activity and leadership of the Board and COSM? The Board and COSM are working together, many times in partnership to lead and coordinate efforts. Let Fran, Chair of COSM, and me know if you have questions or suggestions. I am finding it a helpful, supportive relationship.
Our next Board meeting is on September 16, 2020. Join us if you wish!
In Covenant,
Vivian Littlefield, President
Board of Trustees