Endowment Committee to look into planned giving - This month the Endowment committee met with the Board to discuss the idea of a planned giving campaign to rebuild the Endowment. The Board unanimously supported the idea and is looking forward to hearing more details when we meet with the Endowment Committee again next fall/ winter.

Rental Fee update -We also spent a good deal of time discussing how to revamp our rental fee structures and application forms. Next month we hope to announce more details. Although rental fees will be increased, there are several categories of renters eligible for discounts, including church members and contributing friends.

What does membership mean? The rental discussion has encouraged us to challenge our working definition of church membership. For the time being discounts will be offered to those who signed the membership book and are currently active in the church as well as friends who have recently contributed to the stewardship campaign. It seems quite likely that the Board will be leading a discussion about “membership”, its definition and benefits, in the not-too- distant future.

Church website news [www.uuharvard.org] -  The current church directory (without photos) is now available through the password protected section of the web site. This will be updated regularly.

Photo Session scheduling for the new Photo Directory: Elsewhere in this Belfry you will find details about the new photo directory. It has been 5 years since we last had a church directory with photos. Don’t miss out on this new version! The directory will be free to all who have their photos taken; there will also be a free 8x10 of the photo you select for the directory. How can you pass up such a great deal?

Seeking your comments for the Annual Review process: The process of annual reviews for all church staff and minister is underway. This year, the Personnel Committee is asking for your feedback. I hope you will take the time to respond to the simple Survey Monkey form online with your comments and concerns. You can find the link on the church website home page.

Budget process - Thank you to the committees who carefully reviewed and submitted their budget requests for next year. The Board will be putting together a draft budget at the end of this month. That draft will be presented for comment at the ALM on April 30. I hope you will be there to offer your comments.

Finance Committee - The Finance Committee is not yet in place to offer advice on this year’s budget process. However, a group of interested people met this month to work out the next step towards forming the committee. We are hoping to see you at the ALM on April 30 and at the Annual Meeting on May 20.

Take Joy!
Cary Browse for the Board : Rev. Wendy Bell, Cary Browse, Chuck Agosta, Susie Macrae, Sally Steele, Darrell Wickman, Rebecca Wright

This month the Board talked a lot about the upcoming budget process. With the knowledge that our Stewardship Drive did not reach its goal we will be working hard to present a balanced budget for next year. We have asked  committees to review their requests carefully. Next month a draft budget will be put together; this will be previewed at the All Leadership Meeting on April 30. All are invited to attend the ALM. Have you requested a password to access the secure section of the Church webs... Read More

There are many topics to report on from the January and February Board meetings. Below are some of the highlights. Emergency Procedures - The Board has been reviewing the draft of a policy for Emergency Procedures. The Chalice Chat will include some important things to know in an emergency. For those of you who missed the most recent Chat, there are two first aid kits in the Church building. One is in the staff kitchen cabinet over the sink; the other is in the Bargains room, on their bottom o... Read More

Our January Board meeting was delayed until the 24th so I cannot give you the usual update of what the meeting covered. Did you notice the new bulletin board just as you enter the sanctuary? This bulletin board will have volunteer opportunities listed, including Sunday morning slots for ushers, greeters and hospitality. Feel free to sign up often! We had a very unusual worship service on January 1. If you missed this lovely event I would like to take a minute to describe it to you. Rev. Wend... Read More