Hello UTUUC Friends!   Our goal as the Board of Trustees is to maintain connection with you–especially during this time of physical distancing. To that end, we will continue our "Reflecting with the Board" sessions this upcoming Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 1pm and Monday, February 15, 2021 at 7pm. The Zoom link for both is here: Zoom ID: 921 8222 1879   These sessions are a time for us to listen to you–we want to hear how you are, as well as your ideas, suggestions, and concerns. Here are a few things we would like you to know:

UTUUC Treasurer, Lynne Hensel, shared the good news that we were able to end our Fiscal Year 2020 in the black with a surplus of $93,911.62. This outcome is largely due to the hard work of our staff, board, and Finance and Investment Team to secure a Federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan of $128,515 in May, 2020. We anticipate this loan to be entirely forgivable. The good news continued with the information that this same group of hard-working folks have already secured a second PPP loan for Fiscal Year 2021, again for $128,515 and again, anticipated to be entirely forgivable. With the news of a new PPP loan, The Finance & Investment Team has an ambitious schedule of work ahead, including a review of the budget at the 6-month mark of our fiscal year. The Board has now asked the F & I Team to prioritize assessing which previous cuts in the FY21 budget can be reinstated either in part or in full.

The Board approved a Seminarian Sponsorship Policy. The policy was adapted from the UUA’s Ministerial Fellowship Committee. An individual aspiring to become a UU minister must seek the sponsorship of a congregation. The individual declares their commitment to UUism and describes their call to UU ministry. Sponsorship does not require financial obligation on the part of the Congregation. The Board approved the sponsorship request of Bob Kent, a member of our congregation. Willa Shultz, Rev. Taylor and Rev. Gage shared with the board that the design team working on a charter for a Committee on Shared Ministry is close to having a final draft to present to the Board for approval.

The Board and Staff continue to benefit from consultation with UUA MidAmerica Regional Lead, Rev. David Pyle. As a follow-up to recommendations from Rev. Pyle, the Board and the Staff have been working to bring greater clarity to roles and responsibilities, to enhance our ability to achieve our Ends. As such, the Board has established an Executive Team (formerly the Administrative Team), realigning staff structures to specific areas of responsibilities and expertise. The Board will continue to explore board practices, and governance modification and transformation at our March retreat.

Our Community Connections team continues to create activities to keep us connected through this time away from our buildings. Volunteers are needed for various projects. Volunteers do not need to attend every steering meeting. Ideas are welcome! Please spread the word. We need each other now, more than ever. Let's create some light and laughter together! Contact connections@unitytemple.org.  A reminder that UTUUC has an Abundance Fund created to provide support to members and friends of UTUUC who are experiencing financial difficulty. A member or friend of the congregation may notify a member of the Administrative Team of UTUUC (ateam@unitytemple.org), a Pastoral Associate (pastoralassociates@unitytemple.org), or a member of the Caring Team (caring@unitytemple.org) of their need for emergency financial assistance.

A big thank you to our outgoing board members, Teresa Powell, Willa Shultz, and Erik Wise. We are grateful for all you do for our Congregation!  We look forward to reflecting with you all.    Together in our hearts, Your UTUUC Board of Trustees

Ed McDevitt, President Julie Willoughby, Vice President Erik Wise, Secretary (term ending) Kimberly Brumirski Aisha Ellis Amanda Kaleta-Kott (new member) Stephanie Kiesling Stephen Lee (new member) Alice Ocrey (new member) Rich Pokorny Willa Shultz (term ending) Teresa Powell (term ending)