Minutes of the Meetings -- January 27, 2002

Members Present:    Rev. David Ridge                 (DR)

                                    Linda Ridge                           (LR)

                                    Patrick Sanders                    (PS)

Brian Robertson                    (BR)

                                    David Cowles                        (DC)

Kay Johnsen                          (KJ)

Clarence Johnsen                 (CJ)            

1.            Opening Prayer – DR

2.            Check-in by all

3.            Review Minutes of last Board Meeting – KJ

The minutes were read as submitted.  Motion to clarify the Benevolence Fund monthly contribution in Item #11 to be $50.00 by PS, second by DC.  Motion to accept the minutes as amended by BR, second by DC.

4.            DC presented the Treasurer’s Report.  Motion to approve report by BR, second by KJ.

5.            Discussion on the progress of methods to enhance the church experience was next.  Lorene Bowling and Betty Charles are alternating weeks as greeters.  Another opportunity is to have volunteer ushers to direct people to available seats and to collect the offering.  DR and LR will provide a reminder call Saturday evening to those signed up.  Board members will be available as back up in case a week is not filled.

6.            Board member secondary roles were selected next.  CJ will assume Administration, BR will assume Marketing, DC will assume Outreach, and PS will assume Fund Raising.

7.            Election of new officers: PS as President, BR as Vice President, KJ as Secretary, DC as Treasurer.

8.            Determination of tithe recipients for November and December:

Unity of Avon and Family tree were selected for November. Motion to approve by PS, second by LR

Recipients for December will be Association of Unity Churches and Rainbow Bridge.  Motion to approve by BR, second by DC.

9.            Information on The Development Foundation by BR:

A survey of what the church does is filled out.  There is a free diagnostic kit and the fee is determined by the level of service provided. The service can be remote or on-site. Referral and price lists are needed.  Thriving Churches would be an alternative.  They conduct a survey of all congregants for $290.  There will be further discussion at the next board meeting or by e-mail.

10.         Discussion of benevolence fund:

A collection jar will be made available at the entrance for contributions to the benevolence fund, which will be used at David’s discretion to help people in the community.  This collection will make up all or part of the budget for the fund.  Any excess from the Daytime Women’s Group collection could also be added to this fund. 

11.        Topics reviewed and introduced by David Ridge:

--    Plans to improve small group ministry:

-Hispanic Culture – possible long-term plan for a satellite church

-Gay community – let them know that we are open and affirming.

-Single parents

-Dinner club

-Common interest clubs

-Baby sitting co-op

--    Address the 35 to 44 age demographic because a large number of them are rediscovering faith.

--    Focus marketing on the 80003 and 80004 zip codes

--    A K through 12 school enhanced by the underlying principles of Unity

--    Building a tutoring team using available school facilities as a no cost outreach to the community

--    The possibility of sharing in ownership of a prefabricated building with offices, a kitchen and classroom

12.        Budget scenarios discussed:

--    #1 - Based upon current list of attendees with a growth of one couple per month through June, no growth in July and August, then continuing growth from September through December.

--    #2 - Growth of two families per month. In this scenario, everyone understands the role they play in introducing the church to friends.  We also develop more programs that compel enthusiasm.

13.        DR proposed that a tithe from the building fund be made to the Village Bank Project.  Banks are set up in villages so individuals can borrow money to start businesses. All money goes to the people and the banks are self-sustaining after the initial contribution.  Catholic Relief services the project.  We will ask for the names of the villages and photos of the people.  The issue of tithing from funds committed to building will need to be resolved.