Two Messages from the BOT: April 17, 2020

Annual Meeting Notice

At its Thursday, April 16th Board of Trustees meeting, the Board approved a plan to hold the 2020 UCE Annual Meeting on May 17th online, as a virtual meeting using Zoom.  Given the current health crisis and the closure of our church building it was decided that it would not yet be appropriate for us to meet in person.

Members of the Board and staff have completed tests and trial runs, and are convinced that we will be able to take attendance and vote in a process that is secure and democratic. Congregants will have the opportunity to ask questions and comment before voting.

Board Policies and Church Bylaws will, of course be followed: members will be  notified of the date and time of the meeting, membership status will be verified, and members will be informed of the wording of any motions upon which there will be a vote. To assist in making sure that procedures are followed, the Board has secured the assistance of a Parliamentarian for the meeting.  More details about how to attend and participate in the meeting will be given in coming messages to the congregation.  Those messages will contain contact information for staff who can assist with technical support before the meeting.

If you have any questions, please send an email to the Board of Trustees at BOT@ucevanston.org.  Stay home! Stay safe! Join us for our virtual annual meeting on May 17th!

 

And A Special Thank You from Martha Holman and the Board of Trustees:

During this COVID-19 crisis, it has become so apparent how valuable our staff is; they are treasures!  Without a building, they have created an online church, coffee hour, weekly gathering for reflection and chatting, and even a spontaneous Caring Call following John LaPlante’s death.  We can “see” each other on Zoom calls, say “hello” to each other during Sunday service if we wish, and share in the inspirational and wise words of our ministers.  A lot of behind the scenes planning goes into all that.

On top of all that, the staff continues to work to maintain our expected communications, music, financial services, pastoral care, and reaching out.  Committee folks and others have technical support to get covenant groups and other meetings up and running online so our social networks and support groups (meditation, yoga, book groups, parent groups, high school youth meetings, etc.) can continue.  We have access to Religious Education materials and activities including virtual Easter egg hunts, Soul Matters curriculum, virtual Chalice circles, and Wednesday evening adult programming.  Through the staff’s efforts, we are able to continue participating in social justice initiatives like the Soup Kitchen and have been connected to online petitions.

I’m sure I’m forgetting something, but I continue to be impressed and amazed at how smoothly it all goes most of the time.  Yet, I know it’s a lot of hard work and planning and attention.  UCE, in many ways, is leading in this effort.  Many churches are struggling to get anywhere near this level of cohesion and support for the congregation.  I’ve been on regular Presidents’ calls where we share information and I’m often surprised when other Presidents speak about how they are still working on how to keep offering services.

All this is to say that we on the board find our staff to be our greatest asset.  This bears thinking about as we head into budget time and make decisions for the congregation.  Praise and gratitude for the staff has been a recurring theme as we listen to congregants talk about the UCE experience during this pandemic.

🌻🌻   The Board and I wish to convey our heartfelt thanks to all the members of the UCE staff for their incredible efforts in keeping us safe, connected, comforted, and inspired!    🌻🌻