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Annual Report 2017.inddWHITE BEAR UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, June 4, 2017 10:15am
Agenda Lighting of the Chalice Approval of minutes of June 5, 2016, Annual Meeting Recognition of New Members Reports of the President and the Minister Recognition of the 2016-17 Pledge Chairs, Jane Holzer & Jeff Nelson Report of the Treasurer Presentation and Approval of 2017-2018 Operating Budget Election of new Board offi cers/directors, and new members of the Nominations & Leadership Development
Committee New Business Closing Words Adjournment
Documents available May 20 at wbuuc.org or on request from Operations Director Anna Gehres (offi [email protected], 651.426.2369).
• Agenda • Minutes of the 2016 Annual Meeting • Treasurer’s Report • Budget Workbook • Biographies of Nominees • Annual Reports from Committees • WBUUC Bylaws
Agenda ................................................................................ 1 Minutes of the 2016 Annual Meeting ................................. 2 Recognition of New Members ............................................ 4 President’s Report ............................................................... 5 Treasurer’s Report ............................................................... 7 Budget Recommendations .................................................. 8 Budget Workbook ............................................................. 10 Biographies of Nominees .................................................. 18 Communications Team ..................................................... 20 Financial Development Committee .................................. 21 Financial Oversight Committee ........................................ 22 Gallery Committee ............................................................ 22 HVAC Committee ............................................................. 23 Kitchen and Meals ............................................................ 24
Land Stewardship Committee ............................................24 Lifespan Spiritual Development Committee .....................25 Membership Comm. & Sunday Welcome Teams ..............26 Nominations & Leadership Development Comm. .............27 Pastoral Care Companions .................................................28 Pledge Committee ..............................................................28 Racial Justice Taskforce .....................................................29 Religious Growth & Learning Committee .........................30 Sanctuary Church Committee ............................................31 Social Action Committee ...................................................32 Sunday Justice Collections ................................................35 Green Sanctuary Accreditation Letter ................................36 Worship Advisory Council .................................................37 Youth/Adult Committee .....................................................38
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WBUUC Annual Meeting Minutes From June 5, 2016
Lighting of the Chalice - Laurie Kigner lit the chalice in gratitude for having lived in community and covenant with each other.
Call to Order and recognition of Parliamentarian - Dick Ottman verifi ed that a quorum was present. President Steve Kahn called the meeting to order and recognized Parliamentarian Jane Bacon.
Approval of Minutes of June 7, 2015, Annual Meeting - Moved by Dick Ottman and seconded by Mary Duncan (Approved)
Recognition of New Members by Laura Smidzik - 45 people have signed the membership book in the past year. Laura led the congregation in welcoming the new members, who accepted their membership as a gift and a responsibility.
Report of the Minister • Senior Minister Victoria Saff ord recognized the Board
members - those leaving the Board and those staying on - and gave a special thanks to our outbound President, Steve Kahn.
• She recognized all volunteers and participants in every aspect of engagement with our faith community: RE, choir/music, arts, social justice, food service to support our programs, sharing circles, Wellspring, land stewardship, worship services throughout the year and those members who were involved in a wide variety of other committees.
• She gave a special thanks to fundraisers (pledge team, Special Campaign team, Development Committee, Auction Committee, Joyful Noise Committee) and called out the great work of our Treasurer, Jane Harper.
• New initiatives this year included Wednesday Forum programs, Homework/SoulWork, the Third Thursday lunch group, the new playground, the new newsletter and reformatted website, Show Your Soul, revision of gender sensitive wording throughout our organization, the new HVAC project, and the reduction of our mortgage.
• She listed the many leaders who are stepping down from their important roles, volunteering for the church and our community.
• Victoria also recognized the staff members and their important work. She marked Laura Smidzik’s ordination, Thaxter Cunio’s 20th anniversary of serving this church and our generous allotment of an 8-week parental leave for Reverend Luke.
• In addressing our budget at the high level, Victoria described how we have not quite reached our aspirational goals, but shared how we glimpsed what that might look like earlier this year. For now, because the annual pledge drive was not as successful as we’d hoped, we will not be able to invest in continued staffi ng of the Director of Membership position that Rev. Laura will be vacating. Yet, we are the community who habitually says “yes” to a multitude of internal and external requests and opportunities to live our faith out and support the work of the people. While we may be sliding back with our annual funding, it is believed that this is just temporary. We have a community of economically very diverse households - a prudent, practical group of people.
• Victoria thanked the congregation for their support to her and to her family during this past year, and shared her gratitude at being held up by the community.
• We remembered those who died in the past year. In grief and in gratitude, we marked the loss of these members: Lisa Neshek Booth, Charlotte Preston, Curt Sloan, Bob Buresh, Alistair Quaid Ruefman, and Phil Hinderaker.
Report of the President • Steve Kahn provided a State of WBUUC address. • Open Houses were held by the Board on a monthly basis
and Board minutes were made more available with links to them on the website.
• He gave an overview of the Hallam site parking situation and how that ended with no expansion. We’ll continue to rely on the shuttle service to alleviate this challenge.
• He welcomed new volunteers. • An overview of social justice included recognition of the
new Harriet Tubman Youth Drop-In Center, which relied largely on WBUUC’s leadership and support.
• The Special Campaign update was recognized as exceeding our $1.25 million goal, to achieve over $1.35 million. We will expect to see the fi rst changes in the Social Hall in the coming months, with behind-the- scenes preparation for next spring’s HVAC installation (beginning in May 2017, which should be completed before our fall schedule begins in September 2017).
• On a personal note, Steve Kahn showed his gratitude for the experience of leading the Board this year, recognizing the amazing work of our Senior Minister. Because of staffi ng changes, we need to remember the challenge it places on our Senior Minister and the link between our pledges and our ability to staff justly.
• The President asked people to rise in body in spirit as they participated in dozens and dozens of programs.
WBUUC Annual Report 2016-20173
• He thanked the congregation for how we have built on the church’s history and for our generosity. The congregation raised a round of applause for Steve’s service.
Recognition of the 2015-16 and Special Campaign Pledge Chairs Chris Nelson and Jeff Nelson and Dale Anderson Victoria recognized these leaders for their important fundraising work and the congregation gave a round of applause for them. In addition, she recognized the members of those committees. Jeff Nelson and Jane Holzer will serve as our next year’s Pledge Committee Chairs.
Report of the Treasurer • Jane Harper reported that the church continues to be in
good fi nancial health with a 4.5:1 assets to liabilities ratio. We have continued to pay down our mortgage (from its original 2008 balance of $1.3 million to $856,000) and grow our Endowment Fund (which is now $245,786). We expect to pay down the mortgage in the coming year by another $400,000, freeing up money for ongoing programs and services. Special collections this past year have so far totaled nearly $52,000 to support the mission and principals of the Church in the broader community. She expects the Church to be in the black by year’s end.
• The Board recommends a budget of $950,628 for the coming year, which is an 8% decrease from last year. The proposed budget is balanced and covers most staffi ng and committee expenses. We are still needing to close a shortfall in the budget, because the annual pledge drive came in lower than expected. We seem to have reached a plateau in recent years, which is a disappointing reality that impacts the budget and our ability to provide right staffi ng. We still can have a balanced budget because we were able to shift $20,000 from the General Operating Fund to the Major Repair Fund (a temporary solution), the Director of Membership position will remain vacant allowing us to not spend $20,000 and we are able to refi nance the mortgage this summer to free up $46,000 because several Special Campaign gifts have already come in.
Presentation and approval of 2016-17 operating budget • Jane Harper moved to approve this proposed budget and
Dick Ottman seconded it. Approved
Election of new members of the Board and Nominations and Leadership Development Committee:
Lisa Borg, Chair of Nominations and Leadership
Development Committee, recognized Matt Hoff man and Laura Bandt, who will be leaving their committee this year.
These are the nominees for the next year: President: Laurie Kigner Vice President: Mark King At-large: Malia Cole, Bob Shaw, Laurie Wenker Youth Representative: Renee Smith Nominations: Kathy Mackin, Chris Nelson Lisa Borg moved to approve this slate (seconded by Dick Ottman). Approved
New Business Jane Bacon reminded everyone that comments are welcome; however, there was no new business raised at this Annual Meeting. (Steve Kahn reminded members that they are free to bring up new items directly to the Board - including at Board Open Houses - throughout the year.)
Adjournment Moved by Dick Ottman and seconded by Julie Hartmans. Approved
Closing Words Victoria Saff ord reminded us how rare it is for all of us to be gathered as one body. We refl ected on gratitude, as we took a deep breath, and then processed to the new natural playground.
Reported by Board Secretary, Dana Boyle
White Bear Unitar ian Universal ist Church
Margo Berg and Teal Bassett, Membership Committee: Since the last Annual Meeting, we have welcomed 36 members into our community. Th eir names may be found in your Annual Report, along with a litany of welcome. I invite those of you who joined the congregation this year to rise in body or spirit. Each of you has chosen to sign our Membership Book, and in doing so, has affi rmed a commitment to this community—to its past, and its future. We welcome you gladly.
Congregation: Friends, into this community of faith and hope we welcome you. With respect and gladness, we welcome you. We covenant to walk together with you, to strengthen and encourage you, to celebrate with you and sustain you. Strengthen us in turn. Encourage us in turn. Celebrate with us, and sustain with us, this congregation of children and adults. Own with us its past, and build with us its future. We recognize you as comrades in spirit, united in service, partners in the ministry to which, together, we are called.
New Members: We accept membership here as a gift as well as a responsibility. With respect and gladness, we covenant to walk together with you, mindful of the principles and purposes this community upholds.
Margo and Teal: We welcome you into this congregation, and into the wider circle of Unitarian Universalism.
New Members 2016-2017
Victoria Johnson Mimi Kramer Jim Kramer Sydny Koch
Beverly Dusso Marcia Schultz Ingrid Boersma Ginny Johansen
Christina Schmitt Kaye Freiberg
Peggy Ludtke Eileen Devine
Britta Saucerman Michael Saucerman
Camille Skarvan Adam Strehlow
Deborah Alexander Sharon Dekker Michael Dekker
Patricia Claire Gilbert Mark Conkle Jesse Eliason John Racek Anna Lund Cari Koebke
Sarah Graham
Ellen Schmidt John Schmidt
Genevieve Borgmeier Trevor Borgmeier
Anna Steiner Suzanne Anderson
Mary Kandels Miran Saric
WBUUC President’s Report
Th is year’s WBUUC Board gathered fi rst at a retreat in this beautiful Sanctuary where our minister, Victoria, charged us to remember that we, as a board, are “entrusted by the congregation to hold its mission, vision, and purpose in your hands at all times,” to work from a deeply personal point of reference and then to “lead by remembering the common good, and how the congregation’s mission seeks to serve it.” We are charged to regularly ask: What should our church be paying attention to? We are “charged with shaping a container within which every person here, every child and each adult, can grow a soul and can be deliberately and vibrantly moral, deliberately and vibrantly reverent, and able to think and feel and speak and act theologically, prophetically, and prayerfully.” Well! No small responsibility.
And then all of that became very real, as if our lives depend on doing all of that. And, we see, day by day, that they do. One Board member refl ected that, notwithstanding the election results, one positive outcome is the way it has energized the church and forced us to focus on what matters.
One of our guides this year, came via a group-read of the book Turning Point: Essays on a New Unitarian Universalism. We came to understand, through exploring together, the errors of individualism, exceptionalism, and anti-authoritarianism. We studied the promises the UU faith seeks. And we particularly focused on what it takes to create and sustain Beloved Community which is “C.”
We are a Beloved Community here. We faced this daunting year full on. Th is community put into action all that we have been practicing. We danced with despair, faced discomfort, held our grief and outrage and fear, and then faced them and turned them into action for the common good. We showed and are showing our love for the world, our inseparable connectedness through our work on the Sanctuary Church initiative, discerning how best to move forward step by careful step. Th e Sanctuary Church initiative has been illuminating, clarifying, and enhances everything we do. Our church was ready to take up the call on this and other issues of social justice.
WBUUC has been practicing all along. “WBUUC is the church that says ‘yes’ and opens its doors wide in order to shine a bright light beyond our walls.”
We are also newly and deeply committed to Beloved Conversations, curriculum for congregations on race, racism, and multicultural identity, developed by faculty at Meadville Lombard Th eological School in Chicago. Th e program consists of a 1.5 day retreat, followed by 8 weeks of study and dialogue in structured, facilitated sessions.
Th is year, WBUUC joined with First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis to off er the training together. Th irteen WBUUC members were invited by our ministers to take part. Racial Justice Task Force members Tom Degree and Tracy Bray are the co-facilitators. Our goal is for members of this group to serve as leaders and facilitators of conversations about race and congregational action as we go forward.
Other important racial justice opportunities at WBUUC this year include: • Th is was the 8th year WBUUC hosted the interfaith
gathering for MLK Day, attended by over 100 participants.
• Th roughout the year, twice monthly, we had the opportunity to attend the Racial Justice Forum to discuss the essays in the books: A Good Time for the Truth and Th e Fire Th is Time. Th is was, for me, eye opening. In short, I forced myself (an unabashed lover of literary fi ction) to buy and read Time for the Truth. I had no hesitation in buying Th e Fire Th is Time. I was dumbfounded by what I read. I was astonished as I began to understand how oblivious I have been. I encourage each of you to read these essays by Minnesota writers. I am more than willing to pass my books on.
• And most recently, WBUUC joined 600 UU churches in the UU White Supremacy “Teach-In.” One of the phrases that describes the Teach-In is: “Nothing can be changed until it is faced.” From my perspective, we have to see it before we can face it. I am beginning to see.
In order to for all this to happen, we also need to take care of our home and to keep our fi nancials stable. Th ere are several capable groups working behind the scenes, making this possible. Th ey are: • the FOC (Financial Oversight Committee) which
capably and nimbly manages all the big fi nancial decisions involved in running the HVAC project plus managing the “normal” church fi nancials,
• the HVAC Committee, who perform hands-on project management and interaction,
• and Anna Gehres, who functions as the communications funnel, day-to-day crisis resolver, and on-the-spot project magician in addition to carrying on with her already full load, ensuring that the doors will be open on Sunday and the lights and heat will work because the bills have been paid.
Th e Board has empowered each group, and watches from a short distance as we see the results of trust in action.
Other notable highlights related to our WBUUC home are: • the Social Hall renovation, • the gathering in February of 30+ members to
brainstorm fundamental shifts to the WBUUC pledge process,
• a pledge campaign that resulted in a budget that will support a Senior Minister, an Assistant Minister, and a part-time Director of Membership and,
• as Jane Harper, our treasurer shared, the amazing once- in-a-life-time experience of writing a check for over $400,000 to pay down half of the WBUUC mortgage.
Last, but not least, I must mention the ongoing eff ort, which is perhaps not a highlight, but essential to the successful functioning of a connected and vibrant congregation. Th is is the work to compile the ChurchLife Directory, to the extent that all members of our congregation are accurately included. Th ank you to everyone who has ensured that you are in and your information is up-to-date.
I know there are many other equally notable accomplishments and highlights this year that I did not mention. WBUUC is a remarkable community and I am so proud to be a part of it. Th ank you everyone for your contributions to this Beloved Community.
And then there is Reverend Luke. I am joyfully and tearfully, begrudgingly yet with certainty, saying farewell to Luke, wishing him my best, and gratefully refl ecting
on the fi ve years WBUUC shared with Luke. One Board member refl ected that watching Luke grow into the pulpit has been a highlight. Another Board member commented, “Luke’s heart is really in it,” and noted Luke’s work with Beloved Conversations, with MLK, and with the young adults. He mentioned watching the Wednesday Night Forums become consistently strong and well-attended programs. For myself, I can but say that when I was in any gathering this past year, usually related to Sanctuary Church but not always, and Luke was with me, I was solid, trusting in the team that we had become. Luke, Rochester has chosen wisely.
I will close by sharing my personal highlights as Board President: • One is the experience of asking the congregation
to share their straw vote on providing sanctuary for immigrants in danger of being deported. Th e solid beautiful response generated in me so much gratitude that I am part of something large and profound and strong and prophetic.
• Another is the understanding that we, as a Board, came to hold about Unitarian Universalism and what it needs to overcome to become Beloved Community, to be part of helping that happen both at WBUUC and in our denomination and in our nation.
• And thirdly, being part of a team that refl ected deeply, pondered carefully, and moved compassionately no matter how diffi cult the situation was. Coming to know each member of the Board to a degree that was surprising and wonderful as each member was strong yet willing to be vulnerable, knowledgeable and at the same time humble.
Th is has been a year that required many hours, careful attention, and deep refl ection. I am deeply grateful for the trust that the congregation shared with me. Th ank you!
Th e Church continues to be in good fi nancial health. For the fi scal year ending June 30, 2017, the congregation adopted a balanced budget $73,000 or 6% lower than the prior year’s budget. Pledged income increased 2% from the prior year but reductions were made in fund raising and Special Gift Fund - Director of Membership revenues. Th e Director of Membership position was left vacant for the year. Th e current fi nancial statements are attached to this report. Highlights are listed below.
Balance Sheet As of April 30, 2017, the Church has a strong balance sheet and is in good fi nancial position as demonstrated by: • A 4:1 ratio of current assets (not including Special
Campaign revenue) to current liabilities; • Total assets of $4,637,872 (not including the Special
Campaign revenue) that greatly exceed total liabilities of $583,516; and
• A mortgage balance of $436,195 that is about 50% less than this time last year and 1/3 of its original balance in 2008 of $1,300,000. Due to early payments of Special Campaign pledges, the church was able to pay $427,013 toward the mortgage, reducing the annual mortgage payment from $80,000 to $41,026. Th is is the church’s only long-term liability.
• Th e Endowment Fund continues to grow; it increased $30,000 to a total of $275,999. While available for emergencies, the funds are intended to be held long-term to help fulfi ll the Church’s mission in the future.
Summary of Operating Statement To date, current-year revenues are ahead of the same period last year and are expected to be slightly over budget at year’s end. Expenses overall are expected to come in on budget. For the fi rst time in three years, staff and committees were not asked to curtail year-end spending to avoid ending the year with a defi cit. 1. Pledged income collected is at 93%, above the 79% for
the same period last year. 2. Prior year pledges revenue received in this fi scal year was
quite high ($70,850) continuing a three-year trend of delayed pledge payments. Th is accounts for much of the revenue that puts revenue ahead of last year.
Fund Raising and Special Collections 3. Fund raising income is 79% of budget compared to
86% for the same period last year ($47,144 this year and $59,890 last year). Auction proceeds were down $7,200 and concert proceeds were down $1,920.
4. Year-to date, members and friends generously contributed nearly $42,210 through the collection plate
Treasurer’s Report to the Congregation1
1 Based on information from the April 30, 2017 Financial Statements.
to support the mission and principals of the Church in the broader community. A list of the organizations supported is in the fi nancial statement.
Restricted Funds 5. Th e Church has just over $300,000 in temporarily
restricted funds designated for specifi c purposes in carrying out the mission of the Church; the largest being $77,000 in a Major Repair Reserve Fund, $50,000 for the Director of Membership position, $36,000 in a Major Initiatives Fund for special projects, and $35,000 in a Scholarship Fund.
6. Nearly $80,000 was added to the restricted funds this year; the largest increases being $20,000 to the Special Gifts Fund – General, $13,103 to the Major Repair Reserve Fund, $12,000 to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, $8,650 to the Internship Fund, and $8,000 to the Scholarship Fund.
Capital Expansion Income and Expenses 7. Th e congregation has been generous in pledging over
$1,370,000 to a very successful Special Campaign to pay down the church mortgage and to invest in a new heating and ventilating system that will serve the church for many decades to come. To date, the church has collected $830,628 (60%) of the pledged revenue. Pledges were to be collected over three years ending June 30, 2019.
8. Due to early payment of pledges and a delay in installing the HVAC system the church was able to refi nance the mortgage in summer of 2016, freeing up over $40,000 in mortgage and interest payments annually. Th is has also allowed the church to collect enough cash to meet the cash fl ow needs of the HVAC project without an additional bank loan. Th e Special Campaign Fund has a current balance over $194,000. In addition to these funds, the Church Board has approved the temporary use of the Endowment Fund to meet the project’s cash fl ow needs. Th e fund will be repaid with interest as pledge donations are received.
Not yet refl ected in Financial Statement 9. Th e church has received three anonymous gifts totaling
$38,000: one for $13,000 can be used at the Board’s discretion, and the other two totaling $25,000 are to be used to fi ll the Associate Minister and the Director of Membership positions. Th e funds will be used in 2017 to fi ll these two vacant positions.
Respectfully Submitted, Jane Harper, Treasurer
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Fund Raising and Special Collections Page 6
For Ten Periods Ending April 30, 2017
Total Total Net Income Expenses Income
FUND RAISING INCOME AND EXPENSE: To Date: To Date: To Date:
Art Committee 862.10$ -$ 862.10$ Auction 27,663.43 2,209.20 25,454.23 Bookstore 2,289.95 1,267.97 1,021.98 Dining for Dollars 1,060.00 - 1,060.00 Music CD 12.41 - 12.41 Music - Concert Series Income 15,256.19 8,252.46 7,003.73 Pledge Drive Expenses - 616.33 (616.33) Seed Money - - -
Total Fund Raising: 47,144.08$ 12,345.96$ 34,798.12$
Total Total Net SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & DISBURSEMENTS: Receipts Disbursements Balance
Total Receipts Include Previous Year Balance: Canvas Health - - - Black Lives UU 3,075.74 3,075.74 - Brotherhood, Inc. 52.62 52.62 - Century College Foundation 1,970.00 - 1,970.00 Church of the Larger Fellowship 693.50 693.50 - Earth Day 2,683.00 2,683.00 Solid Ground 1,374.01 1,374.01 - Hope for the Journey Home 1,500.00 1,500.00 - Interfaith Power & Light - - - UUSC-UUA Joint Phillipines Typhoon 25.00 - 25.00 UUSC-Haiti 3,553.00 3,553.00 - Food Shelves 2,947.00 2,947.00 - Isaiah 1,656.00 - 1,656.00 Minneapolis NAACP 1,500.00 1,500.00 - Nonviolent Peaceforce - - - Northside Women's Space - - - MUUSJA 1,364.00 1,364.00 - Project Home 3,365.35 3,365.35 - Protect Minnesota 2,356.11 2,356.11 - Rebuild the Churches - - - Refugee Services - - - Revival Tour 958.00 958.00 - St. Croix River Association - - - TC Pride Parade - - - Tubman - - - UUA (1.00) - (1.00) UUSC 13,137.18 13,137.18 - United Theological Nursery - - -
Total Special Collections to Date: 42,209.51$ 35,876.51$ 6,333.00$
Biographies of 2017-18 Nominees
Susan Miles has been a member of WBUUC for six years, serving in a number of capacities. She is honored to have been on the board for the last two years, acting as liaison to the HVAC committee. Prior and continuing services include facilitator of Wellspring-Spiritual Practices, leader of a sharing circle, and member of Pledge and Endowment Steering Committees. She settled in Minnesota 35 years ago to work for the Minnesota Attorney General’s Offi ce. After practicing law for 18 years, she was elected as a District Court Judge, chambered in Stillwater for the last 20 years. Currently she is the Assistant Chief Judge for the Tenth Judicial District. She and her husband, Bob Wilmers, live in Scandia, with permission of their Border Terrier, Chester. Susan looks forward to continuing her spiritual journey with the support of WBUUC by serving to the best of her abilities.
Jim Van Ostrand grew up Catholic in Iowa but has now lived more than half of his life in the Twin Cities, residing for the past 18 years in White Bear Lake with his family. He has taught RE every year since joining WBUUC 9 years ago, and served on the Financial Oversight Committee for the last seven, as well as last year’s Special Campaign committee. Jim has been an accountant for 30 years, currently serving as CFO for one of the nation’s largest dealers of commercial offi ce furniture. Serving WBUUC has been extremely rewarding for Jim, and he is honored to be nominated for the Board.
Karin Hogen has been attending WBUUC for three years and has been a member for one. (She was previously a member of Unity for four years). During her time here, Karin tries to be as involved in church life as possible. She currently teaches RE classes, sings in the choir, serves on the Sanctuary Church Committee, is a second Sunday greeter, and is part of the Beloved Conversations group. She is a middle school language arts teacher in White Bear Lake where she lives with her family. Karin fi nds strength and inspiration in WBUUC that she takes with her to her classroom, where she enjoys teaching with diverse materials and infusing social justice themes. Karin strongly supports the work of the UU church regarding social justice and believes that WBUUC is doing important work in the community and the world.
Mara Melum’s UU Spirit blossomed from a Catholic father and Jewish mother who gave her the gift of UU communities in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, and beyond. Mara grew up on the East Coast and was in the fi rst class of women at Princeton University. She has been blessed to experience diversity fi rst hand from living in a settlement house in Philadelphia, as an exchange student in Malaysia, to extensive family time in Harlem. Mara moved to Minnesota with her husband, Eric, when he started medical school. Th ey are blessed with two children, Daniel and Arielle. Mara has devoted her career to advancing the state of the art of leadership - in individuals, organizations and communities. Th is has included roles as a health industry executive, executive coach and strategy consultant, board member, and adjunct professor and author. She looks forward to being of service to this valued community.
Susan Miles, Board Vice President Jim Van Ostrand, Board Treasurer Karin Hogan, Board Member at Large Mara Melum, Board Member at Large Mary Poul, NLD Molly Darsow, NLD Tehya Daniels, Youth/Adult Committee
Slate of Candidates for 2017-2018
Mary Poul joined WBUUC with partner Greg in 2004 before the birth of their fi rst daughter. Th eir second daughter was honored to be the fi rst dedication in the new sanctuary in 2007! Mary has taught RE for 3rd – 5th grade since 2012, joined the Project Home Committee in 2015 and is on this year’s Pledge Committee. Beyond church Mary supports Junior Achievement and Women Venture and looks for opportunities to support causes to help kids. Mary owns a contract manufacturing business and several product businesses. She loves living in a lake community now and plans on spending a lot of time on White Bear Lake this summer.
Molly Darsow began attending WBUUC three years ago with her husband Blake and 6-year-old daughter, Lydia. Molly was previously an active member at First Universalist Church where she served on the First Universalist Foundation Board, the Community Investment Team, and the Arts Committee. Molly works in Addictions Counseling for Valhalla Place, a treatment program that supports people who are struggling with opiate addiction. Molly and her family live in Woodbury, MN, where they just completed a new home build. You may have seen Molly volunteering in the RE classrooms or watching the children’s choir. Molly and her daughter Lydia were our church “gardeners” last summer. Th ey enjoyed helping the children plant the garden and picking fresh strawberries to share! Molly looks forward to sharing more time with the church community and getting to know fellow members better through her time on the Nominations and Leadership Development Committee.
Tehya Daniels writes: “I am a freshman at White Bear Lake High School. I have a cochlear implant (CI) on my left ear to help me hear, as I am deaf. I play hockey and ultimate frisbee, and participate on WBL’s Mountain Bike team. I ‘dabble’ in rock climbing and horseback riding. I enjoy writing spoken word poems and creative stories. I love discussing world issues, and controversial topics, because I like growing and expanding my views. In fi rst grade, I went to WBUUC, and my attendance was off and on. Th is January, I started to attend WBUUC again, and the time I’ve spent here has been invaluable. I have been able to express my thoughts and emotions in a safe environment, and I have grown as a person. I want to serve the community that has given me so much. I want to continue to be a part of this church and deepen my connections. I feel honored to be, once again, part of such a wonderful community. I am excited to see what the future holds for the youth (and adults!) at WBUUC.”
Biographies of 2017-18 Nominees, Cont.
Communications Team
Mission: To intentionally plan, care for, and manage all WBUUC communications in order to clearly communicate the vision, mission, and logistics of congregational life. In an eff ort to help people connect with each other and with programs in the church, we refl ect together on plans to eff ectively focus communications on important events and issues, and at the same time, highlight the multiple smaller groups and opportunities in our vibrant church.
2016-2017 Leadership Luke Stevens-Royer, Associate Minister Anna Gehres, Operations Director Betsy Bance, Communications & Data Coordinator Erin Scott, Webmaster Stephanie Shaw, lay advisor
Highlights Transitions in print publications Th is year, we continued a major communications transition in our print publications. Our two regular print publications are Th e Monthly, providing in-depth narrative and refl ection for various church programs, and Th e Weekly, which is the insert in the order of service, providing more logistic and detail information.
Congregational Calendar In the fall, we published a “Congregational Calendar” for the congregation (a more in-depth piece for lay leaders, and an easier “save the date” version in the order of service). Th is was an eff ort to help the entire congregation focus on the larger events in the life of our church, save dates early on, and get a larger vision of what is happening in the life of the church. Th is process began late last spring, gathering important dates for the coming year, connecting with lay leaders and coordinating with various committees and program staff ; it is an example of various leaders working together to provide a clear vision of the coming year.
Intentional hospitality-focused Sunday tabling Th is year, we continued a several-year process of balancing our sharing of information with the need for welcoming and open spaces on Sunday mornings; particularly, in the Atrium. With refl ection and expertise from both staff and lay leaders, it became increasingly clear that we needed to re-think the presence of large table displays in the Atrium. We have moved toward encouraging most groups to have tables in the Social Hall, which has become more vibrant with recent updates (and more to come!). Occasionally, we have some large-event tables in the small nook near the main entryway in the Atrium. However, this is very limited, in a commitment to deep hospitality. We have been reminded that people come to church for
a gracious and calm place for their soul, each person or family holding unknown joy, grief, or uncertainty. Th e atmosphere we provide is part of our ministry, and that includes having a calm and welcoming space right inside the front door. Th is is also with an increased awareness of those with mobility needs and sensory sensitivity. In our commitment to share information in the best ways possible, we have found that it can be just as eff ective without having a frenetic or cluttered feeling to our Sunday mornings. We will continue to refl ect on best practices for sharing information while maintaining welcoming and calm gathering places.
Integrated Communications Scheduling Another large piece of our work this year has been continuing to develop practices and guidelines for general communication scheduling. Th is includes verbal announcements on Sundays, table displays in the Atrium and Social Hall, the Weekly Email, the Weekly news page, the website, Facebook, and other communication mediums. Th is is tedious, detailed work that takes time and intentionality. It also takes more than this team – it takes the entire congregation, and especially lay leaders, to help keep the vision clear and work together so our church is vibrant, lively, and welcoming to long-time and new members and friends alike.
Th ank You! To all program leaders and planners.
2017-2018 Leadership TBD Ministry Staff ; Anna Gehres, Operations Director; Betsy Bance, Communications & Data Coordinator; Erin Scott, Webmaster; Stephanie Shaw, lay advisor
Plans To continue to manage and refl ect on best practices for communication guidelines and eff ective and clear expression of our congregational life.
Contact Anna Gehres | [email protected] Reported by Luke Stevens-Royer May 2017
Financial Development Committee
Mission: to oversee all fundraising activities within the Church, to develop and administer the Church’s strategic, lay-led ap proach for cultivating and maximizing the congregation’s generosity, and to secure funding from sources within and beyond the congregation. Financial development includes all eff orts to raise money for the church, church programs and church-supported organizations and causes. Suffi cient funds will be raised to meet obligations within the congregation-approved current year church budget and in a pledge drive to obtain funds required to meet next year’s congregation-approved budget.
Financial Development: Klay Eckles, Chair Auction: Gloria Ferguson, Jody McCormick Co-Chairs Joyful Noise Concerts: Margo Berg, Cynthia Tomlinson Endowment: Jack Ver Steegh, Chair Pledge: Jeff Nelson and Jane Holzer Co-Chairs
Th e Development Committee: Th e Development Committee will be releasing a “special gifts” document shortly. Th is list has been created with the input of all the church committees and leadership. It provides members and friends with a list of ideas for those wishing to make a special non-monetary gift to the church, and helps insure such gifts are ones that match the highest priorities and needs of the church. Th is will serve as a starting point, with more room for ideas from the congregation.
Auction: Th e 2016 auction, Red, White, and Phew! was held just before the presidential election and may well have been one of the best things that happened that week! Th anks to previous auction chairs who wrote a great auction guide (reverentially referred to as the Auction Bible) and a crew of auction veterans and new volunteers, 2016’s new co-chairs were well-supported. Th e auction earned a total of $31,681. Th is amount included $12,155 in Fund-a-Need contributions toward the $17,000 needed to support a ministerial intern. Immediately after the auction, planning began for the 2017 auction, which will take place October 14. Volunteers are needed!
Joyful Noise: Th e Joyful Noise Concert Series comprised an eclectic mix of musical genres—the Splatter Sisters for the October family concert; Flying Form’s “A Baroque Christmas” in November; Mu Daiko’s Japanese taiko drumming in January; and Kevin Kling and Dan Chouinard’s “Walkin’ Shoes” program in April. Refreshments were off ered before the concerts and during intermissions creating an opportunity for attendees to mix and mingle with friends and newcomers. A strong
committee—Joel Hedland, Sue Kubik, Laura Stone- Jeraj, Roger Day, Karin Hogen, Teal Bassett, Annearle Klein, Mary Engelmann, Roxanne Hardy, Tom Roycraft, and Joanna Coyle—led by co-chairs Cynthia Tomlinson and Margo Berg was augmented on performance dates with a cadre of nearly 20 WBUUC volunteers. A true community eff ort that raised $7,122 to support the work of our church.
Dining for Dollars: Mark King organized the 2016 and 2017 edition of Dining for Dollars presenting a selection of 16 and 17 events respectively; the events raised $6,900 in 2016 and $8,100 in 2017.
Endowment Committee: 2016 marked an important year in the genesis of the WBUUC Endowment Fund and the ongoing commitment to stimulate the culture of giving in the life of the church. In October, the church conducted the fi rst formal recognition of our Legacy Circle members by honoring them with a social gathering at the church. Victoria Saff ord and the Endowment Committee formally expressed the gratitude of the church for these Legacy Circle members and the commitments they have made. Two dozen current Legacy Circle members, and members of the families of donors who had completed gifts to the Endowment Fund, attended for music, fellowship, and food, as well as honoring the members of the Legacy Circle. Th e Committee has continued to receive notifi cations of planned gifts to the Endowment Fund and membership in the Legacy Circle grows. Th is year’s Treasurer’s report will refl ect that over $274,000 is held in the Fund in 2017, an increase of about 12% over 2015 - 16. Current members of the Endowment Committee include: Gina Dugan, Jonathan Lubin, Janet Urbanowicz, Pete Nord, Paul Sevcik, Jack Ver Steegh.
Financial Oversight Committee
Mission: To review the revenue and expenses of the Church; monitor investments; handle stock gifts; and to systematically improve the fi nancial processes and policies of the Church.
2016-2017 Leadership and Members: Jack JuVette, Chair; Jane Harper, Treasurer; Sharon Castle and Chuck Pallas, Investments; Curt Proud, Insurance; additional Members: Bill Trautz, Chip Treen, Jim Van Ostrand, Ed Sissola, Robert Secor, and Douglas Johnson
Highlights: • Overall, WBUUC continues to have solid fi nancial
health and stability due to spending within our revenue sources.
• Our mortgage was paid down and renegotiated to a better rate.
• A fi nancial modeling tool was developed to guide us through the Special Campaign period with updates to project timelines, project costs, and pledge fl ows.
Th ank you: • Ed Sissola, Robert Secor, and Douglas Johnson for
joining the committee. • Jane Harper, Sharon Castle, Chuck Pallas, Jim Van
Ostrand, Curt Proud, Chip Treen for your continuity and participation on the committee.
2017-2018 Leadership and Members: Robert Secor, Chair; Jim Van Ostrand, Treasurer Other members continue their involvement.
Plans: • Continually examine cash fl ow needs of WBUUC in
light of changing events. • Provide advice and support to the Board and all other
committees as needed. • Prioritize steps which continually improve our
fi nancial procedures and policies.
Help Wanted: New members are always welcome. A fi nancial background is helpful but not required.
Contact: Robert Secor, Chair, [email protected], Work: 651.733.0864, Cell: 651.278.6172
Reported by Jack JuVette May 8, 2017
Gallery Committee
Mission: To enhance the beauty of our building, to nurture creativity, and to provide support and encouragement to artists by using our building as a gallery space for visual arts. We hope to enrich the aesthetic experience of our congregation, and to present an engaging face to friends and visitors from the community. Gallery Committee is a hands-on committee, from selecting artist to hanging the exhibits.
Members: Karen Dahl (resigning Chair), Judy Fawcett (new Chair), Steve Freund, Roxanne Hardy, Margery McAlpine, Kim Shobe.
We welcomed new artists: Amy Cerny Vasterling Duane Barnhart: Across the pond and Home Again Attic Artists: 20 Years Charlotte Schuld
Welcomed back perennial favorites: MN Contemporary Quilters Northstar Watermedia Society
Started a new tradition: WBUUC Members' Show Th ank you to all the members and friends who contributed to the exhibit!
For the convenience of all, we have moved the Holiday Sale to the Social Hall.
If you have any questions for this committee please contact Judy Fawcett at [email protected]. 651.731.2972.
HVAC Committee
2016-17 Committee Members: Doug Jost, John Knapstein, Jack JuVette, Nancy Anderson, Ralph Karlen, Jim Gausman, Kate Edwards, John Paquette, Fred Comb, David Hozza
Th e major part of this project is to replace /update the HVAC system, due to its age, cost of maintenance and its unreliability. Th e new system is designed for energy effi ciency, dependability, ease of operation and maintenance, and to provide a comfortable interior environment, including air quality. It is also fl exible and expandable, to meet future needs.
Th e smaller part of the project was to install a hearing loop in the sanctuary and update portions of the social hall in order to improve the acoustics, lighting and social environment. Also, some fl ooring needs repair or replacement, either because of extreme soiling and wear and/or because the HVAC work would require carpet removal to enable trenching of the cement fl ooring for ducting and water and electrical lines.
Work completed so far includes: • updated the Social Hall, including: paint; new
windows; LED lighting; acoustic panels on walls and ceilings; new gate to loft; re-upholstery of 20 old chairs, loft furnishings.
• hearing loop in the Sanctuary.
To be completed now through end of summer: • removal of old HVAC system and installation of
new system. • hearing loop in Social Hall. • repair of atrium fl oor. • carpeting of Social Hall, hall way, Wheatley
Room, RE offi ces, and nursery.
Some of the challenges encountered include an old water line to the street that needed to be capped off , surprise asbestos tiles that required removal, temporary eff ects to landscaping outside, and more noise and staff disruption than expected. At this point, the project is on budget and on schedule (fi ngers crossed that this continues), to be completed by the fi rst week of September. We would like to recognize the HVAC Committee for the
exceptional amount of work done over the past several years, planning for this very complex project. And hats off to our ministers and staff , who have been very fl exible and worked hard to accommodate noise, dirt, relocation of offi ces, and schedule changes.
Reported by the HVAC Remodel Committee: Steve Bolton, John Macke, Karen Dahl, Mary Bolton, and Jim Gausman, May 26, 2017
Mission: Provide support through the serving of food and beverages for a variety of congregational events: Sunday Coff ee; Wednesday Night Dinners; Cookie Baking; Th ird Th ursday 60+ Gathering and Luncheon; Annual Seder Dinner; and Memorial Service Receptions.
2016-2017 Leadership and members: Four Wednesday Night Dinner teams were led by Gerry Condon and Dee Smith; Sharona Erickson; Roger Upham; and Tim Stoddard.
Highlights: Th e Wednesday Night Dinners were well attended serving between 60 to 90 people each Wednesday. Cookies were prepared for the Sunday Coff ee Hour under the leadership of Diane Smith. Th e Th ird Th ursday Gathering Luncheons were prepared by a rotating group of members. Average attendance was between 30 to 40. Th e Memorial Service receptions were led by Susan Warweg, Jane Aufmuth, and Mickie Madigan.
Th ank You: Th anks to the following members who assisted on all of these events: April and Kent Alfuth, Jane Aufmuth, Zayn Bilkadi, Jerry Condon, Tom Davies, Sharona Erickson, Jim Gausman, Janet Kortuem, Mike Kummer, Jeannie Inglehart, Bob Mackie, Stefania Mackiewicz, Mickie Madigan, Ellen and John Schmidt, Dee Smith, Tim Stoddart, Cynthia Tandy, Carol Upham, Roger Upham, Gerry Van Tassel, Susan Warweg, Phil Williams, and many cookie bakers
2017-2018 Leadership and members: Continue the same as last year.
Plans: Continue the same as last year.
Help Wanted: We would welcome anyone who would like to assist on Wednesday Dinner meals and anyone interested in baking cookies on the second Saturday of each month. Contact Roger Upham at [email protected] or 651.646.1794, if you are interested.
Contact: Roger Upham, [email protected], 651.646.1794
Reported by Roger Upham May 17, 2017
Kitchen and Meals Land Stewardship Committee
Mission: Protect, restore, and enhance the natural environment of the church grounds.
2016-2017 Leadership and Members: Jerry Condon chair; Diane Hilscher, Jackie Metelak, Monica Mogren, Lisa Monzel, Mary Rogers, Carol Upham, and Susan Warweg
Highlights: • Hosted major workdays in the fall and spring. • Hosted mini work sessions throughout the summer
and fall. • Received the offi cial Monarch Way Station certifi cation.
Monarch sign was installed on church grounds. • Continued participation in Earth Day events. • Continued development on Woodland trail between
church and labyrinth and East Ave. • Worked with the Playground Ad Hoc committee:
Natural Playground elements were constructed and installed by many volunteers.
• “Adopt a plot” program was instituted encouraging members to maintain church garden plots.
• Picnic tables were repaired.
Th ank You: To our committee members for their dedicated leadership, to our many motivated volunteers; to Susan Warweg for her leadership on the Natural Playground, to Dana Boyle, our much appreciated board liaison, to Anna Gehres and administrative staff , to Betsy Bance for help with communications, and to Men’s Programs for providing lunches and enthusiastic manpower on work days.
2017-2018 Leadership and Members: Jerry Condon, chair; Diane Hilscher, Ginny Johansen, Jackie Metelak, Lisa Monzel, Mary Rogers, Lynn Steiner, Carol Upham, and Susan Warweg.
Plans: • Install aesthetic screen fence for garage pad/compost area • Develop plan for the west side sanctuary prairie • Upgrade Creekside trail • Update woodland plant list • Continue promotion of the “adopt a plot” program
to maintain healthy gardens on the church property throughout the year.
• Continue development of woodland trail
Contact: Jerry Condon, [email protected], 651.235.7850 Reported by Jerry Condon May 10, 2017
Lifespan Spiritual Development Mission: To provide a comprehensive program for adult spiritual development in the areas of Unitarian Universalism, Spiritual Refl ection & Practice, and Social Justice, including forums, classes, and ongoing groups. Lifespan Spiritual Development is a collaborative program led by ministry staff with a lay advisory team. Some opportunities overlap with other areas, including Pastoral Care and Social Action, as well as other ongoing groups that are based more in support, affi nity, or discussion in long-term settings. We strive to off er programming that also speaks to the monthly theological theme in an eff ort to have the entire church engage in a communal focus through various opportunities.
2016-2017 Leadership: Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Associate Minister Lay Advisory Team: Louisa Pardee, Don Lifto, Jessica Hoelzel, David Hottinger, Ian Carroll
Highlights: Welcome Table Wednesdays – Forums Th is year was the second full year of re-formatted Wednesday evening programming after two years of planning. Th is include a common dinner hour (as compared to two “seatings” previously) and some schedule shifting to allow for a one-hour forum each week, before regular committee meetings later in the evening. Below is the new general schedule, along with a list of some of the forums. Forum attendance has steadily grown, and forums have covered a large range of interests: Every week: 5:30 Dinner | 6:30 Forum or Choir | 7:30 Committees Weekly Forums Included: • Film Viewings:
Defying the Nazis: the Sharps War (PBS Documentary on WWII Unitarians) 13th: On Race and the Criminal Justice System
• Guest Speakers: Rev. Nancy Nord Bence, from Protect Minnesota, working to reduce gun violence. Michele McKenzie from Advocates for Human Rights, working for immigration justice. Citizen’s Climate Lobby panel on carbon fee and dividend. Guests from Sierra Club, Conservation MN and Land Stewardship Project on global climate. Dr. Rebecca Th oman from Compassion and Choices for dignity at the end of life.
• Member/staff -led Forums: Board and Pledge team open house discussions
Uni-What? on Unitarian Universalist identity led by Luke Stevens-Royer Monthly racial justice forums led by the ministers Political Guidance for Climate Change by the Global Climate Committee Kimberly Byrd on climate justice Carol Nelson on the Rural Health Care Initiative WBUUC Youth on the United Nations Global Goals to address poverty Soulwork for all ages (spiritual practice exploration), led by DRE Amy Peterson Derrick Jessica Banks on bystander prevention
• Th eme Circles (formerly Sharing Circles): Th is year we shifted the focus of our Sharing Circles into Th eme Circles. Th ey follow the same basic format and content, with more focus on thematic refl ection, and a practice of delving deep into listening and spiritual exploration, more than simply sharing thoughts or ideas. Th is will continue into next year, as we hope these groups will help people connect more deeply, and grow their souls.
• Groups on Unitarian Universalism & Spirituality Wellspring–National Curriculum exploring Unitarian Universalist Heritage, Th eology, and Spiritual Practices. Sunday morning meditation–Gathering weekly between services Shamanic Drumming Group–Exploring spiritual drumming Giving Voice to the Spirit–Communal singing before services
• Ongoing Groups (support, affi nity & discussion) Young Adult “After Hours”–a monthly young adult group meeting off site, discussing the monthly theme.
Th is new team was convened this year to realign some of the responsibilities held previously within the portfolio of the Minister of Membership. Working with the Lead Minister, the Membership Committee helps with all aspects of programming for new and prospective members: • providing print and online information about UUism
and WBUUC • assisting with the Membership Classes and New
Member Signing Ceremonies held all year long • matching new members to opportunities for service,
contribution, and connection In the coming year, the team hopes to assist more with the online photo directory, and to deepen connections with established members.
Th e Sunday Welcome Teams are a new and related endeavor, established this year to ensure a climate of warm hospitality and easy access on Sunday mornings. Led by Coordinators Nan Cowin and Cindy Hanson, 5 Welcome Teams of 4-8 members each take responsibility once a month for greeting, ushering, staffi ng the Welcome Center, collecting the off ering and assisting all who come into the building. Our part-time Welcome Ministry Coordinator, Shay MacKay, has helped greatly with this new initiative.
Membership Committee and Sunday Welcome Teams
Men’s Group–various programs including group meetings twice a month and occasional retreats. WomenSpirit–A group supporting women in exploring their spiritual origins, experiences and beliefs in community with other women. Women’s Book Group–a monthly book group meeting reading books written by women. Second Monday Discussion Group–discussing various religious and social issues. UU Voices–Discussion group focusing on signifi cant writings and people from Unitarian Universalist heritage. Th ird Th ursdays–A group for those 60+ seeking connection and conversation social, spiritual, and purposeful lives, midday group time with discussion, presentation, and lunch.
Th ank you: To all program leaders and planners.
2017-2018 Leadership TBD Staff Liaison Lay Advisory Team: Louise Pardee, Don Lifto, Jessica Hoelzel, Ian Carroll, David Hottinger
Plans: To continue to off er an array of opportunities and off er publications that contains the spiritual and educational off erings from committees, staff and groups in the church. We also hope to off er a Wednesday evening weekly forum, along with increased Sunday programming.
Contact: Victoria Saff ord | vsaff [email protected]
Reported by Luke Stevens-Royer May 2016
Lifespan, Continued
Mission: Pursuant to article VIII of the Bylaws, the duties of the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee include: A. Nomination of Offi cers and Directors at large (Bylaws, Art. VI.3); B. Nomination of successors to the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee; C. Nomination of Search Committee representatives, in collaboration with the Board (Bylaws, Art. X.2.A); D. As needed, recommending replacements for committee Chair vacancies and for Board vacancies; and E. To oversee and implement the leadership development activities of the Church.
Nominations & Leadership Development Committee (NLD)
2016-2017 Leadership and members: • Annie Vail, Chair (year 2); Lisa Borg (year 3);
Paul Jacoby (year 3); Jason Sem (year 2); Kathy Mackin (year 1); Chris Nelson (year 1); Mark King, Board Liaison
Highlights: • Held two Lay Leadership Meetings (September 25,
2016, and February 5, 2017) in which we provided opportunities for staff and church leaders to get to know and interact with one another.
• Th is year’s forums focused on communications, operations and facility procedures, recruiting younger church members to leadership, plans to review the mission and purpose of committees in the church, the development of a special gifts committee, the sanctuary project, and encouraging all members to get their pictures taken for our new online directory.
• Filled all open board vacancies and NLD vacancies for 2017-18.
Th ank you: • Th ank you to all NLD committee members for
working together to provide delicious meals for our Lay Leadership Meetings.
• Th ank you also to all members of NLD for their cheerful willingness to share committee responsibilities and tasks. Th is is the committee on which everyone wishes they could serve!
2017-2018 Leadership and members: • TBD
Plans: • Will continue the bi-annual Lay Leadership Meetings
and in doing so provide a path for communication between staff and lay leaders.
• Will collaborate with staff as needed to continue to fi ll future openings in board and NLD slates.
• Will develop lay leadership training opportunities to help members develop leadership skills they can employ both within our church, in their professional life, and in service work in the broader world.
Help Wanted: • Not at this time.
Contact: • Chris Nelson, [email protected]; 612-940-2085
Reported by Current Committee Chair Anne Butler Vail May 17, 2017
Pastoral Care Companions
Mission: To provide a one-on-one lay ministry designed to complement the pastoral care our ministers provide. Th e Pastoral Care Companions off er short-term support to church participants in crisis involving loss, illness, life transition or loneliness. Th e Helping Hands component provides meals, rides, household help, or other temporary assistance.
Th e Pastoral Care Companions are a team of trained volunteers working with the Lead Minister to provide spiritual support to members and friends of the congregation. Th ey make visits to homes, hospitals and care facilities; off er help through challenges or crises; meet one-on-one with members and friends; maintain a card ministry and prayer shawl ministry; and off er occasional programs and support groups.
Th is year the team expanded to 9 members: Jo Ford, Sheryl Niebuhr, Mary Vidas, Carol Marsyla, Evan Boyd, Fred Bailey, Jane Robertson, Jane Aufmuth, Jennifer Hengelfelt, Joan MacIntosh. Special thanks to Reggie Buresh for crafting beautiful prayer shawls.
Pledge Committee
Mission: Connect with the members and friends of WBUUC and ask for fi nancial contributions in order to fund the operations of our church, including staffi ng, programs and maintenance of the church.
2016-2017 Leadership and members: Jeff Nelson (Co-Chair), Jane Holzer (Co-Chair), Erin Scott, Kevin Mackin, Mary Poul, Ann Brownlee, Steve Goranson, Matt Magers, Betsy Bance, Anna Gehres, and Steve Kahn as the Board liaison.
Highlights: Th e proposed annual operating budget was based on $796,280 in pledges received as of May 10, 2017. In response to an anonymous matching gift, the Church received an additional $18,720.00 in pledges for a total of $814,160.25 or 94.2% of pledge goal of $863,970.
Our theme was Give. Renew. Transform. We wanted the congregation to connect with how important this church is to us, especially at this time. We know that this church is a major recipient from many families, families that want us to continue the important traditions of Project Home, becoming a Sanctuary Church, and ensuring we have a voice in the national discourse.
2017-2018 Leadership and members: Jane Holzer (Co-Chair), Erin Scott, other members TBA
Plans: Meet in the fall of 2017 to starting planning for the 2018 Annual Pledge campaign.
Help Wanted: Seeking committee members for 2017-2018. Contact Rev. Victoria Saff ord, vsaff [email protected]
Contact: Jeff Nelson, [email protected] 507.269.9592 & Jane Holzer, [email protected] 651.324.8804
Reported by Jeff Nelson & Jane Holzer May 15, 2017
Racial Justice Taskforce
2016-2017 Highlights • Building off of a year of intentional conversation
In the 2015-2016 program year, responding to the wider national conversation on racial justice and equity within our nation and the Unitarian Universalist Association, several lay leaders were gathered to refl ect on race and racism in our local communities and how to engage the work in our congregation. Th at intentional conversation and practice of deep refl ection led to a desire to expand the work more widely in the congregation. Th is included more energy given to the newly formed Immigration Justice task force (which became a driving force for our engagement with ISAIAH MN and the Sanctuary Church movement), as well as a in-depth Unitarian Universalist curriculum on racial justice (Beloved Conversations).
• Beloved Conversations Th is year, several members of the racial justice task force, with a few new folks, were invited to participate in launching a new curriculum in our church, Beloved Conversations. Beloved Conversations is a curriculum, developed by and for Unitarian Universalists, to engage deeply with racial justice in our congregations. We invited 15 participants to take part in this program this year, which begins with an opening retreat and has 8 additional 2-hour meetings. We engaged it jointly with First Unitarian Society in Minneapolis, which includes a trained facilitator and continued facilitator coaching for lay leaders.
Th e curriculum was developed by Unitarian Universalists out of Meadville Lombard Th eological School (a UU seminary in Chicago), to engage the particularity of our movement and our history as Unitarian Universalists. Our program has been led by lay leaders Tracy Bray and Tom Degree.
Our hope is that from this fi rst round, we can expand the program and continue to off er it to more and more members of our church who feel called to this important work.
• SoulWork Racial Justice Forums Th is year, we also expanded the conversation around racial justice in the congregation through a Common Read program. Th is included focusing on three books throughout the year. We gathered monthly on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons for anyone who could participate (open invitation and readings provided.) We engaged deep refl ection questions and held to a practice of deep listening and courageous sharing.
Th e books we engaged this year were: A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota edited by Sun Yung Shin Th e Fire Th is Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race edited by Jesmyn Ward
By sharing a common read, we centered the voices of people of color and historically marginalized and oppressed communities, and listened deeply to how their experience and testimony impacted our own experience, as well as how it called us into deeper work for justice and equity.
2017-18 Plans: We hope to continue to expand the many areas of work on racial justice, including conversations around Sanctuary, Beloved Conversations, and more learning opportunities for SoulWork and refl ective, justice- centered conversation.
Contact: Victoria Saff ord | vsaff [email protected] Reported by Luke Stevens-Royer May 2017
Religious Growth & Learning Mission: Th e mission of the Religious Education Committee is to support the Director of Religious Education and to promote church programs for our children that focus on social responsibility, a loving community, UU history and identity, religious diversity, and ecological interdependence.
2016-17 Leadership and Members: Kaari Rodriguez (chair), Malia Cole (Board Liaison), Josh Irish, Nicolet Lyon, Laura Molgaard, Cynthia Tomlinson.
Sunday Programming: • Fall retreat for RE teachers together with Th eme
Circle leaders. • Deepened the use of monthly themes in Religious
Education classrooms on Sunday morning, continued to work to write and adapt curriculum with the goal of simplifying lesson plans for teachers, and deepened the connection for children to our monthly themes.
• RE staff training from the Autism Society on MN to help us focus on creating inclusive classroom spaces.
• RE Assistant staff focused more this year on creating spaces that minister to children of all abilities.
• 6th Grade OWL off ered this spring. • 4 Soulwork Sundays; special multi-age programming
to help children explore spiritual practice and develop skills to take home.
• 4 Social Action Sundays off ered projects to support the following organizations:
Solid Ground Project Home UUSC’s Guest at Your Table Tubman Center Saint Paul Public schools Castle Elementary
• 4 intentionally multi-generational worship services: Opening Sunday Water Communion Winter Holidays Easter RE Sunday/Flower Communion
• Stories during services throughout the year, with children and youth lighting the chalice.
• Several opportunities for the children to partner with older youth for lessons and activities.
• Addition of a new WBUUC RE Families Facebook group to help with Communication.
Weekday & Summer Programs: • Wednesday evening Homework/Soulwork and
Nursery programming continued with consistent attendance this year. We used models from this program in our Sunday morning programs as well.
• Continued focus on off ering robust summer programming to keep families connected all year long. Th is includes programs for all ages on Sunday morning and park days held throughout the week.
Th ank You: Members of the RE Committee, Jill Schwendeman, RE Assistants: Nico Van Ostrand, Kate DeLessio, Nikki Vang, and all the RE volunteers who worked together to hold this ministry on Sunday, Wednesday, and beyond.
Plans: • Development of more small groups to help welcome
and nurture families. • More intentional recruitment strategies to help engage
more of our congregation in the important work of Religious Education.
Help Wanted: Homework/Soulwork volunteers and Inclusion Team members
Contact: Amy Peterson Derrick [email protected]
Reported by Amy Peterson Derrick, Director of Religious Education
9/11 Committee: Sue Dallman, Nancy Anderson, Laurie Kigner, Cynthia Tomlinson, Amy Peterson Derrick
Highlights: • Recipients selected for this year: Ava Harmon and Anne
Hoff man will each receive $2,500 • 5 renewals: Chloe Boehm, Madison Gildersleeve, Saisree
Ravi, Alexander Weis, Kevin Jones at $1000 each Youth Choir • 3 youth choir performances, led by youth choir director,
Russell Packard. Several selections were performed in partnership with the adult choir, led by Th axter Cunio.
• Russell Packard intentionally created opportunities for our older children and youth to lead sections, play instruments and choose music throughout the year. He also welcomed adult volunteers to assist with accompaniment and in the classroom on Sundays.
Nursery • Welcomed Cassie Olson as our new Nursery Coordinator
& Leah Stein as a Nursery Assistant. Welcome! • Nursery care has been off ered throughout the year for new
member classes, Wednesday night programming, and other programming outside of the Sunday morning services.
Regional Connections • Continued and deepen collaborative eff orts with other UU
churches in the Twin Cities area to include: Coming of Age Service, Youth Con, Teacher’s Café, Youth Group visits.
• Worked together with the colleagues in the Twin Cities to establish a LREDA chapter.
Playground Sub-Committee: Josh Irish, Molly Darsow, Amy Peterson Derrick • Newly established sub-committee will take over for the
ad hoc playground committee that raised the money, designed and coordinated the building of our Natural Playground Space.
• New sub-committee reports to the Religious Education Committee and will oversee upkeep and maintenance of the playground space and structures, and coordinate the installation of a fi nal structure geared toward upper elementary children.
Th ank you: Russell Packard, Th axter Cunio, Mark Derrick, Michael Kullick, Nursery Staff Cassie Olson, Brittney Goetz-Smith, Ingrid Kjeldahl, Leah Stein, the 9/11 Committee and the ad hoc Playground Committee.
Help Wanted: Playground sub-committee members
Contact: Amy Peterson Derrick, [email protected]
Reported by Amy Peterson Derrick, Dir. of Religious Education
Religious Growth & Learning, Continued
Sanctuary Church Committee
Mission: To provide refuge to people of undocumented status who are at risk of deportation. To promote humane and just immigration reform.
2016-2017 Leadership and Members: Karlyn Peterson and Kathy Mackin Co-Chairs
Highlights: • Close working Relationship with ISAIAH Minnesota • Plan in place to house a guest in need • 170+ volunteers
2017-2018 Leadership and Members: Karlyn Peterson, Kathy Mackin, Jane Bacon, Katie Macke
Plans: To continue to advocate for immigration reform To provide witness to hold law enforcement accountable to the people they serve
Help Wanted: Not at this time
Contact: Karlyn Peterson, [email protected]; Kathy Mackin, [email protected]; [email protected]
Reported by Kathy Mackin and Karlyn Peterson May 17, 2017
Social Action Committee
Mission: To promote, facilitate, and directly engage in social and environmental action and witness in accordance with Unitarian Universalist principles and with the Mission Statement of the Church, calling for “service to the broader community and the world.” In order to fulfi ll this mission, the Committee monitors the activities of ongoing work groups and identifi es, initiates, and promotes new social action eff orts for congregational involvement over the long term.
2016-17 Membership: Jane Bacon, Co-Chair ([email protected]); Alan Mitchell, Co-Chair ([email protected]); Victor Urbanowicz, secretary; Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, Staff Liaison; Laurie Wenker, Board Liaison; Committee Members: Barb Flo, Ron Ofstead, Kate O’Reilly, Janet Urbanowicz, Dan Wachtler, and Lillian Wenker
Highlights: • Continued to choose recipients of special off erings
collected two Sundays per month. • Collected over $56,000 in special off ering donations
for social and environmental justice causes. • Supported a host family that housed a youth through
completion of high school graduation under the Host Home program.
• Opened NorthStar Youth Outreach Center, a collaborative venture with the Harriet Tubman Center in Maplewood.
• Held a celebration of the Finding Home Task Force for meeting its goals. Two new groups created: to help sustain the Youth Outreach Center and to address issues related to homeless youth.
• Provided a month-long site and extensive volunteer support for Project Home (September 2016).
• Participated in Hope for the Journey Home, a project for the homeless at Guardian Angels Shelter in Woodbury.
• Hosted the annual Martin Luther King Breakfast and telecast event for East Metro Area.
• Sponsored speakers and programs on global climate change issues and promoted eff orts supporting legislative action addressing environmental concerns.
• Submitted application to the UUA to obtain Green Sanctuary designation.
• Continued to provide lunch one day a month at People, Inc., which operates a facility in St. Paul that serves people who are homeless and have mental illness.
• Continued a program to help provide bag lunches to students at Century College.
• Awarded $1000 scholarships to two Century College students.
Th ank You: To all in the congregation who continue to work for justice, to the committee members, to Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer, to Laurie Wenker; to the coordinators and volunteers involved in the ongoing projects and activities; to Judy Ottman for promoting the annual Guest at Your Table collection to raise money for the UU Service Committee (UUSC).
Help Wanted: Contact the Co-Chairs if you are interested in serving on the Social Action Committee or working on any of the Work Groups/ongoing projects or have an idea for a new activity. We are eager to welcome you.
HOMELESSNESS/AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Finding Home (Homelessness Task Force) Coordinators: Dan Wachtler and Ron Ofstead Created to focus on homelessness in the NE metro area, the Task Force specifi cally addressed the problem of youth homelessness. Th e group, composed of more than 30 WBUUC members, members of other area churches and community leaders, had three goals: Engage the community in advocacy, initiate a Host Homes program, and open a drop-in center for homeless youth. All three of these goals have been met!
Extensive advocacy on the part of the congregation contributed to the successful campaign at the State Legislature to increase funding for aff ordable housing. A Host family was trained, and housed a youth through his completion of high school and graduation. Finally, a drop-in center, the North Star Youth Outreach Center, is in operation, located at the Harriet Tubman Center East. Th irty volunteers, mostly from WBUUC, have been trained, and now staff the Center along with Tubman supervisory staff . A food shelf, daily snacks, showers, laundry facilities, clothing, personal care and hygiene products, school supplies, and computer access are all available, as well as help searching for shelter or other housing options. Current eff orts focus on increasing community outreach, to increase awareness of the
Center among homeless or at-risk youth. Th is Tubman facility is becoming known as a powerful source of supports for youth throughout the area, including in the larger Washington County region.
Now that these goals have been reached, the original Task Force has disbanded and is being replaced by two other groups. One is a North Star Sustainability Team, formed to keep the Center successfully operating. Th e other is a new group to look more broadly at issues related to homeless youth in our area, such as needs for educational support, job training, transitional housing, and mental and medical health care access.
Project Home Coordinator: Katie Macke Project Home, a program of Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul, provides up to 40 beds of emergency shelter for homeless children and their parents. WBUUC has provided overnight shelter for homeless families during the month of September; 2017 will be eighth year. Families are bused to our church by 6pm, settle into assigned rooms in our religious education wing, get a snack, and socialize as desired. Pairs of WBUUC hosts add to the environment of safety and well-being. Overnight hosts set out a light breakfast, and the guests bus in to Saint Paul to regroup at the day facility.
Hope for the Journey Home Coordinator: Lynne Croes In Sept. 2012, the parish house at Guardian Angels Catholic Church (Oakdale) was converted to overnight transitional housing for homeless families from Washington and Ramsey Counties. Volunteers from area churches using a Project Home Model stay the shelter. Our church has volunteered for one week a year since the project started.
Habitat for Humanity Coordinators: John Velin and Rick Gelbmann Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, creating opportunities for all people to live in decent, durable shelter. WBUUC volunteers work with other faith communities to build, renovate, and preserve homes in the metro area. Last July and September, volunteers worked on a fourplex building in Hugo. Much was accomplished, but participation from our church and others was low. Th is summer a one-week build is planned for July 24-28 at the same site, and we hope to increase participation numbers. Please go to our NEW on-line sign up page to register: tchabitat.volunteerhub.com/lp/stcroixvalley/events
HUNGER People Incorporated Monthly Meal Coordinator: Kate O’Reilly People Incorporated is a nonprofi t organization founded in 1969 that serves over 6,000 people with mental illness in the metro area. WBUUC started a new program in January 2014 to help people served by this organization. Once a month, volunteers cook a healthy lunch at church and deliver it to the People Inc. facility in St. Paul. About 25-30 people who are homeless and have mental illness are served each month. Clients and staff deeply appreciate the lunches and valued friendships have evolved as we gather monthly to cook together.
Century College Bag Lunches Coordinator: Jill Schwendeman Century College opened a Resource and Support Center to connect students in need with resources provided by partners in the community. Th e college reports that up to 60% of community college students are experiencing housing and food instability. Th e youth of WBUUC provided lunches ten times this year. Michele Jersak, Director or the Center met with the youth for a discussion about poverty, education and Century College, and has been a friendly presence as she stops by weekly to pick up the lunches.
Ramsey County Family Shelter Coordinators: John and Katie Bergman-Baer WBUUC support includes the purchase of food and preparation of one meal each month, in addition to activities with the children, involving a group of 6-8 regular volunteers.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Global Climate Change Committee Coordinator: Kirk Cobb. Th e mission of this group is to promote understanding of the causes and eff ects of climate change, and to encourage individual and collective action to address this issue. Th e committee sponsors programs and activities such as guest speakers from within our congregation and from organizations such as Citizens Climate Lobby and the Sierra Club. It encourages participation in climate change marches or other public demonstrations to bring attention to this global issue, and contacting members of Congress about legislation. Th e GCCC sponsored several speakers this past year who attracted attendees from throughout the surrounding area. Members represented WBUUC in the
Social Action Committee, Continued
“March for Science” in St. Paul and a panel forum on “truth in Science and Government.” Members also took part in WBUUC’s Earth Day program in April.
Green Sanctuary Coordinator: Janet Kortuem Completing a process begun in 2011, the Green Sanctuary team has submitted an application to the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) to obtain Green Sanctuary designation, meaning that the congregation has examined its current environmental impacts and is moving towards more sustainable practices in ways grounded in Unitarian Universalism. Th ere is always more work to do on improving our green footprint.
HUMAN RIGHTS MLK Holiday Breakfast Coordinators: Terry Bernhardt, Stephanie Shaw, and Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer WBUUC again hosted the annual Martin Luther King Holiday Breakfast in the northeast suburbs, for the 8th consecutive year. Th is year, the Rev. Jason Sole, criminal justice educator, author and president of the Minneapolis NAACP spoke at the breakfast and Myrlie Evers-Williams, author and civil rights activist, was the keynote speaker at the main event at the General Mills/UNCF MLK Breakfast in Minneapolis. Her speech was broadcast at WBUUC. Approximately 135 people took part in the program at WBUUC this year. A free will off ering raised $1,027 for the Minneapolis NAACP. Help Wanted: A couple of people to join the planning team.
Twin Cities Pride Festival Coordinator: Karlyn Peterson Our church has strongly supported LGBTQ issues for many years. We take part in the annual Pride Festival in Minneapolis by marching in the Pride Parade on the last weekend in June. In the last several years, there has been one contingent made up of UUs from all the metro area churches, so it’s a good chance to meet or reconnect with folks from other congregations.
Gun Sense Action Group Leadership Team: Barb Flo, John Paquette, Victor Urbanowicz and Jane Bacon Now active for about one year, we have lobbied state representatives and attended press conferences and
Social Action Committee, Continued gun law hearings at the Capitol. We work closely with Protect Minnesota, the only gun safety organization based in our state. Gun safety legislation that we supported stalled in the last legislative session. We are now opposing bills legalizing permitless carry and “stand your ground.” We also plan to sponsor another Wednesday night forum this fall, ahead of the 2018 legislative session, promoting sensible gun laws in Minnesota.
SAC AFFILIATED JUSTICE GROUPS Some of these organizations focus on advocacy while other groups also sponsor direct service programs. SAC pays a membership fee to these groups and is involved with them in a variety of ways.
Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance (MUUSJA) Representative: Jane Bacon Board member: Rev. Luke Stevens-Royer MUUSJA is our statewide UU justice organization. Goals are to connect all the 20+ congregations in the state, especially smaller congregations in Greater MN, and to promote timely justice issues to encourage involvement by congregations and individuals. Via the Internet, people can join Covenant groups and take part in Convening Calls on emerging issues.
MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Aff ordable Housing) Representative: Janet Urbanowicz An interfaith organization of faith leaders, housing advocates and aff ordable housing developers that works with congregations and community partners to increase awareness and understanding of the need for aff ordable housing, thus creating advocates who fi ght for changes in public policy to encourage all communities to preserve and build aff ordable housing. MICAH’s active Northeast Chapter has been recognized for their advocacy on behalf of Hoff man Place and the Piccadilly project. Last year their annual bus tour of sites of aff ordable housing included a stop at North Star Youth Outreach Center.
Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul Th eir mission is to “unite the people, resources, and voice of the faith community to build a more just, safe and livable East Metro for all.” WBUUC participates in the MLK, Jr. Breakfast and Project Home, programs coordinated by this organization.
Social Action Committee, Continued Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) Th e JRLC is the largest and most inclusive interfaith public interest group in Minnesota. JRLC now has an extensive body of public policy statements and continues to infl uence Minnesota legislation in many areas. Members are encouraged to attend the annual “Day on the Hill.”
Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Th eir mission is “to generate policies, community support and local resources for housing and services to end homelessness in Minnesota.” Th e Finding Home Task Force has worked with this organization.
Protect Minnesota Th is is t

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