Beloved UUFM Community,

It is an exciting and dynamic time to be serving on the UUFM Board of Directors! Whether it’s reviewing and updating our organizational structure; drafting proposed changes and updates to our Bylaws, Handbook and Process Guide to support and reflect our growth into called ministry; or hiring new staff members – the Board’s work has been meaningful, engaging, and momentous. Here is a brief update on the progress we have made in reaching the goals we set at our Board Retreat:

 

GOAL 1: REVIEW OF BYLAWS AND HANDBOOK

We are on track with this year’s goal of reviewing the Bylaws and having proposed changes drafted for review by the congregation in advance of the Congregational Meeting April 14, at which point the adoption of these changes will be voted on by the membership. The Board will finalize and approve our draft of proposed changes at the February Board Meeting.  

 

GOAL 2: COVENANT EDUCATION AND CREATION

Our first priority in terms of covenant creation is to establish a covenant between the Minister and the Congregation. This is an important element for the Initiation of Called Ministry and Installation Service – it represents  the intention or vows that the Minister and Congregation exchange as we enter into shared ministry together. 

In December, the Board reviewed and approved the Ministers Job Description, which we encourage you to read. It’s a good place to start in developing the Minister’s side of the covenant with the Congregation. But what is the job description of the Congregation? What is the Congregation’s side of the covenant?

The Board is discussing this, and we welcome your thoughts and feedback. 

 

GOAL 3: INSTALLATION

The Installation Task Force has been hard at work and making good progress in planning this special event, scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 3pm. Our guest speakers are confirmed, the Board approved a budget, and we are now entering into the heart of the planning process. In addition to crafting a meaningful experience for our membership, we are considering how the event may increase our visibility in the community.

 

GOAL 4: OUTREACH

One of the main points under this goal was to update the UUFM website. This is an ongoing process, some significant strides have been made.  One of the most helpful new features is the Upcoming Events Calendar, which makes it easy to see what’s happening and get information on how to get involved. 

 

The Community Team meeting in January was centered around Social Media. How do we use it? Why do we use it? Are we using it effectively? How can we use it better?  Right now, our most active social media is the private Facebook group UUFM Coffee and Conversation. Meanwhile, our public Facebook page and Instagram receive very little attention – yet these are where the potential for outreach is most promising. We discussed ways to create content and train members to engage with this content to increase its visibility for outreach. Stay tuned.