USC Board Meeting Minutes
8-31-15, 6:30 pm
In attendance: Bob Edgar, Dan Ryan, Dan Barerra, Brenda Sandberg, Melanie Lanier, Catherine Irwin
Absent: Christine Turpin, Benjamin Stake
Guest attendee: Emilah Dawn de Toro
Meeting called to order at 6:37 pm.
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5.
Opening prayer – Dan Ryan
Five minutes of meditation/silence
Check-in – everyone
Daily Word – Confidence
Approval of previous meeting minutes – Board meeting 8-4-15, Board meeting 8-25-15,
Membership meeting 8-30-15. Motion to approve the minutes from these three Board
meetings, unanimous approval.
6. Approval of consent agenda – Motion to approve the consent agenda – unanimous approval.
NEXT Board meeting is September 15, 2015 at 6:30 pm.
Emilah joined our meeting
1. Some former church members returned cards to be removed from the membership list and
Emilah will proceed. Board requests to know the number of official members after these people
are removed from the list.
2. Emilah passed out an updated, proposed Adult-Child Ratio Policy language for Board
consideration. It was developed by Ayesha with in-put.
3. Phone and internet handout – Emilah started researching upgrades in fall, 2014. USC has a need
for increased internet speed. Current cost annually is $5,786 with Megapath. Proposed: Wired
and wireless in office, wireless only at the church. There would be some upfront cost. Total
cost in the first year estimated at $3,619, cost in second year estimated at $2,167. We own the
phones we have. Contract is month-to-month with Megapath at this time. Estimated $1400
needed up front for equipment, Chris Potrosky will donate his services and has been advising.
Motion to approve for immediate action, unanimous approval. Will request donations to be
earmarked for this project, in the meantime we will take money out of savings account.
4. HR Issues – Lack of policy on vacation and sick time for staff. The Board will take this discussion
forward and evaluate possible changes.
5. Administrative overview – staffing and responsibilities big picture.
Old Business
1. Shara/special dispensation answers – Dan Ryan spoke to UWM/Carrie Kenyon. The answer Dan
has received is that Shara is not eligible for application as minister due to lack of experience as a
minister within a church setting. When someone is in the last year of their Unity schooling,
they apply for an internship under a Unity minister. Action item: Dan Ryan will forward an
upcoming email to the Board when received, will talk to Shara, will discuss with her how best to
communicate to the congregation. Action item: Bob Edgar will share information with the
Minister Search Team.
2. Adding the Lord’s Prayer back into Sunday Service – Discussion – Bob found two versions that
reflect Unity that will be considered. Also will consider the expanded Prayer for Protection.
Action item: Bob and Brenda to forward documents to the Board.
New Business
1. Review of Vision, Mission, Core Values that were the developed in a workshop on August 15,
2015 with congregants led by Rev. Toni Boehme. The outcome was:
Vision: Centered in Love, we see a harmonious world of Divine expression.
Mission: We inspire spiritual growth through honoring many paths, education, prayer,
sacred service, and abundant living.
Core Value: Uplifting, Loving, Open-minded, Inclusive, Joyous, Christ-centered
Comments were solicited during Sunday Service on August 16, 2015 and handed in,
overwhelmingly people liked the outcome.
Motion to accept the new Mission, Vision, and Core Values as written. Unanimous
approval.
2. Consider giving Rev. Toni additional love offering for Friday night workshop due to low
attendance – voted and not approved
3. Rev. Toni offered to review applications of ministers that are submitted. Bob will forward
this information to Minister Search Team.
4. Approval of the final by-laws, signed by Board secretary – Motion to accept the new bylaws. Unanimous approval.
5. Update from the minister search team – matrix developed, candidates are being reviewed,
no action for the Board at this time
6. Benjamin Stake shared his intention to resign from the Board of Trustees with Board
President. He has written a resignation letter, will give it to the Board President tomorrow.
Benjamin is an alternate and does not need to be replaced on the Board.
7. Emilah has vacation time coming up for two weeks. Motion to pay Emilah for her vacation
time at 25 hours per week. Discussion. Vote 5 members in favor, 1 member opposed.
The opposition was related to the need for HR clarity for all staff at the church.
Summary of Action and Accountability List
1. Dan Ryan will forward an upcoming email from UWM, he will talk to Shara, will discuss with her
how best to communicate to the congregation the clarity we have received.
2. Bob Edgar will share information with the Minister Search Team.
3. Catherine to talk to Emilah about Sunday morning pray-in on time, other updates, ask that the
Board would be updated on the upcoming Sunday YFM needs so the TOD and TRiC can be more
attentive. Ask for the TOD/TRIC calendar be sent to the Board
4. Bob to send out copies of the Lord’s Prayer, Brenda to send out copies of enhanced Prayer for
Protection.
5. HR policies need updating – Dan Ryan will work with Emilah
6. Administrative overview – Bob and Melanie will work with Emilah to further define.
7. Core Values – Catherine will discuss with Emilah who had volunteered to be part of further
definition.
Blessing of the Tithes
Closing prayer – Bob Edgar
Adjournment – 9:30 pm