159" Annual MeetingMay Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society

June 1, 1997

1. Call to Order and Adoption of Agenda : President Karen West called the meeting toorder at 12:23 pm . The agenda was modified to add : Reports (President , Minister ofReligious Education , Chair of the RE Council ) and 1 Rem under New Business (Boardrecommendation to change I line of the 1896-97 Operating Budget).

II. Approval of Minutes of 1996 Annual Meeting : Alice Aylesworth suggested that "capitalmaintenance and capital improvement" in IV. New Business , D. Discussion , line 8 bechanged to "recurring operating expenses and capital expenses (capital maintenance,capital improvements , and purchases )!' The minutes were accepted as amended.

Ill. Reports : Karen West (President ), Elizabeth Strong (Minister of Religious Education),and B.J . Newsome-Rubel (Chair of RE Council ) each gave brief verbal reports, inaddition to their written reports.

IV. Elections : Annual meeting attendees received a paper ballot. One nomination wasadded from the floor: Barry Lentz for President. There was a discussion period , in whichBarry presented his reasons for submitting his name ("the Board has enacted a policythat is a serious threat to democratic congregational polity" in Its Preamble to theCommittee on Committees document ) and Board candidates were given a chance torespond . Election results were:

A. Officers of the Board of Trustees (1 year farm): President - Karen West, VicePresident - Helen Ashley, Secretary - Donna Hoffman.

B. Board of Trustees (3-year term): J . Gary Droege , Paula Murray, DonnaO'Mahony, Patricia Rector. (Other candidates were: Carol Bickart , Rick Olanoff,Michael Stafford-Hill.)

C. Board of Trustees (11 -year term ): Anthony Belletier, Anton Ninno . (Othercandidates were: Ellyn Lentz, David Schuh.)

D. R. E. Council (3-year term): Kenai Antoine, Joan Applebaum, Diana Bellini, SueBreen, Theresa Brigandi , Bill Kates , Jeff Lamicela, Erwin Reiner.

E. R. E. Council (11-year term ): Don MacKay.

F. R. E. Council (2-year term): Eliza Bailey.

G. Nominating Committee (1-year term): Fred Fiske, Diane Hainsworth, MardisNinno, Vicky Schipper, Linda Wobus.

V. New Business

A. Constitutional Amendment The Welcoming Congregation Committee proposesa change to our Constitution. The proposed change is to add the following words

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to Article III - Membership. Section 1 [Qualifications] [to be placed after existingtext as a third paragraph]:

"This congregation affirms and promotes the full participation of persons in all ouractivities and endeavors , without regard to race , color , gender, age (except whereotherwise limited in this constitution ), physical challenge or disability , affectionalor sexual orientation , class, heritage of faith , or national origin. All religiousprofessionals , and all employees of and contractors with this society shall be hiredon the basis of qualification , without regard to race , color, gender , age, physicalchallenge or disability, affectional or sexual orientation , heritage of faith, ornational origin."

Paper ballots were used to tally the vote on the proposed amendment. Theamendment was approved with 84 yes votes and 14 no votes.

B. Board recommendation to revise the Operating budget for 1996-97: TheBoard recommends to the congregation that the line item for Liz Strong 's salarybe amended to include a cost of living bonus of 3%, based on the total packageamount . The recommended bonus is thus $1318; this change is for the currentbudget year 1996-97. It was pointed out that the current budget does not includea raise for Liz Strong . The recommended change to the budget was approvedby a voice vote.

C. Adoption of proposed Operating Budget for 1997 -98: The Board moved thatthe proposed Operating budget for 1997-98 be adopted . The discussion was ledby Peter McClure, who reviewed the proposed operating budget for thecongregation and answered questions. Steve Ransford expressed appreciationfor the vast improvement in the format of the budget. Barry Lentz called for aquorum . It was determined that a quorum was 79 members (20% of 394 eligiblevoters), and 81 people were present . The motion to adopt the proposed budgetwas carried by voice vote.

VI. Presentations:

A. Evelyn White Unsung Hero Award : Cynthia Bishop presented this award toLinda Wobus.

B. Annual Award : Steve Ransford presented this award to Don MacKay..

C. Samuel Joseph May Award: This award for outstanding community work is notgiven every year. Phil Klein presented this award to Ed Kinane.

VII. Installation of Officers : The Officers for the year 1997-1998 were installed.

Vlll. Adjournment : The 1591' Annual Meeting of May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Societywas adjourned at 2:53 pm.

Respectfully submitted byDonna Hoffman, secretary

I

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NJ . IYAW1 04 137A Lei 5^zs 1;

9/7/97 (OPENING SUNDAY)9/14/979/21/979/28/97

SEPTEMBER"Great Expectations""Giving up the Holy Grail"

"Roseto, PA Knew it All Along"

ScottScottPhilip Amold(Scott,W.L.)

Scott

10/5/9710/12/9710/19/97l0/26/97(ALL SOUL'S)

11/2/9711/9/9711/16/97I1/23/97(LAY SERVICE)11130/97

12/7/9712/14/97(CHOIR SERVICE)12/21/9712/28/97

1/4/981/11/98 (SRC SERVICE)1/18/981/25/98

2/1/982/8/98 (SAM MAY SERMON)2/15/982/22/98

3/1/98 (YOUTH SUNDAY)3/8/98 (INSTALLATION)3/15/983/22/98 (MMUUS/FUUS PULPIT EXCHANGE)3/29/98 (CANVASS SUNDAY)

4/5/98 (ROOTS & BRANCHES)4/12/984/19/984/26/98 (EARTH SERVICE)

5/3/985/10/985/17/98(CHOIR SERVICE)5/24/985/31/98 (SPRING BEE)

OCTOBER"Genesis III: Joseph""Judas by Proxy""Roxie's Two Warnings""On Remembering"

LizNick(Scott,Worship Leader)ScottScott

NOVEMBER"Welcoming Dissent Scott"Shamans in our Time" Jennifer Daniels(Scott,W.L.)"Out of Breath" ScottK.West , E.Ayers-Marsh , Bob & Norma Coye,P.Cohen, C.Cordes"The Miracle of Gratitude" Douglas Taylor

DECEMBER"Pointing to Morrie"

"Auggie's Christmas Story""Christmas in No Man's Land"

ScottChoir / Glenn KimeScottBarry Lentz

JANUARY"The Boy with the Arrow in His Heart""Keeping Hope Alive""Signs of the Sacred""Does the Devil Deserve Understanding?"

FEBRUARY"The Gift of Disease""Many are Called , Most are Frozen""Use it or Lose it""Love Conquers All ThingsT'

MARCH"People on Display""Fee Fie Fo""Being Treasured"

"To Alma with Love"APRIL

"Junior Bartley's Easter Sermon""Matters of Faith""Nature's Gift"

MAY"Why Miss Cora Mattered.""When Corporations Rule the World"

"Ira's Request""Mom's Green Liver"

ScottC. Anderson / F.DavisHarvey Pinyon(Scott,WL)Scott

ScottRichard Gilbert(Scott,WL)Dean William PollardScott

MMUUS TeensDon Wheat(Scott,W.L.)ScottDavid BlanchardScott

Liz/ScottScottLizP. Black, A. Morgan

ScottScottMMUUS Choir / GlennScottScott

JUNE6/7/98 (COMING OF AGE SERVICE) "The Road not Taken" MMUUS 8th Graders

6/14/98 (CLOSING SUNDAY) "Away from Home" Scott

RITES OF PASSAGE1997-1998

Dedication of ChildrenMalina Ethel Gambocarto April 12, 1998Taylor Qu KaiHui Jackson April 12, 1998Marc Anthony Leveroni April 5, 1998Avalon Richna Gupta VerWiebe. April 5, 1998

Growing Up Year Celebration(June7, 1998)Nicholas Abbott-Hook Gregory HenseeGiselle Antoine Katie Milcarek-BurkeMichael Applebaum Laura Ryfun

Weddings and Holy Unions*Alice Chico and Michael Stafford-Hill September 27, 1997 LizSteve Shuler and Kim Teachout December 20, 1997 LizAnne Hegel and Jim LaRonde September 1, 1997 ScottGeorge Ward and Marion Tanner November 19, 1997 ScottCasy and Amy Sutliff February 27, 1998 Scott

*In addition to weddings and holy unions for our members and friends, Scott and Liz officiated at the followingservices as part of their ministry to the community. Liz performed five weddings and four services of holyunion. Scott performed four weddings and three services of holy union.

Memorial Services*Josiah Philip Levitan-Reiner September 24, 1997 Liz

*In addition to memorial services for our members and friends, Scott officiated at two outside memorialservices and Liz officiated at three.

PARISH MINISTER 'S REPORT

I want to begin tonight by taking a moment of silence to remember Josiah Reiner . Our thoughts are with Erwin,

Regina, Marissa, and Antonia . In addition to remembering Josiah, I ask that we also use this time to hold in ourminds those in our religious community who have lost loved ones who are not directly a part of ourcongregation. Let us be silent together.

Having recognized the sadness of death , it is well to also recognize the joy of new life . This year we have beenblessed with the opportunity to dedicate four children and welcome them into our midst. They are : MalinaEthel Gambocarto , Taylor Qu KaiHui Jackson, Marc Anthony Leveroni , and Avalon Richna Gupta VerWiebe.

And I am pleased tonight also to recognize the twenty -three individuals who have joined May Memorial sincelast year 's Annual Meeting . They are :

Valerie Can Jean Martin Rick MartinRich VerWiebe Nisha Gupta Ellen BarnesAnne Hegel Laura Matthews Linda BakerKim Dittus Kevin Wise Julie Dannody-LathamJoyce Hemphill Ross Hemphill Stephanie Hill-GoldmanDouglas Goldman Ed Hinchey Laura LeveroniDavid Leveroni Mary Fulton Sumner CarlonBob Shear Valerie Retchless

*** *** ***

At a recent board meeting , a trustee said something that struck me. She said ,"This is hard work what we are

trying to do together." This line and its intent reminded me of a quote by Thomas Paine: "Those who expect toreap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it." Change the word "freedom" to

"community" and I think we have one of the themes of this year : "Those who expect the blessings ofcommunity must undergo the fatigue of supporting it."

While fatigue is not something I want to promote , I think it is important to place these ideas of fatigue andblessings side by side as we reflect on this year . To focus on our blessings and not our fatigue is to fail torecognize the remarkable dedication , work , and sacrifice that many have offered to our congregation . To focuson our fatigue and not our blessings is to fail to recognize that our work and effort has been worth it and hasmade a remarkable year and a remarkable amount of blessings possible.

I sometimes think that as a community we have taken on and accomplished so much this year that it has becomedifficult for us to be fully aware of those accomplishments . I have this image in my head of a us caught under ahuge pile of accomplishments. And unable to pull ourselves out from underneath , we have a difficult timeseeing how tall and inspiring the pile actually is. Indeed , being unable to step back from this mass ofaccomplishments, I am sure some of us have even questioned whether it is a pile of accomplishments we areunder or a pile of something else. But if annual meetings are about anything , if end of the year rituals are about

anything, they are most centrally about helping us stand back and look carefully at what we have created. Andfriends , it is clear that you have much to be proud of and that you have accomplished more than I think yourealize.

You have called, celebrated , and cared for a new minister and his wife . You have held up your past andhonored Samuel Joseph May with a birthday party, a city-wide Jerry Rescue celebration , and by inaugurating a

yearly memorial sermon in his name . You have come together to support the prophetic actions of the SOA`protesters and achieved the first unanimous vote on a social justice issue in this congregation's history. Youhave declared yourself a Welcoming Congregation taking a stand against the homophobia that remainsentrenched in our society . You continue to take a leadership role in our denomination in terms of supporting theUUA. Out of over 1,000 congregations , May Memorial is in the top ten of financial givers to our UnitarianUniversalist Association. You have completed the daunting but important process of fundamentallyreorganizing your financial structure. You now have separate operating and capital budgets and a checks andbalances system. Although it is confusing, complicated, and emotionally difficult, you are also pursuing theneeded process of developing a consensus about what type of ministerial staffing is best for our religiouscommunity. At the same time you have asked each of your committees to reexamine their purposes andstructures; this on top of asking them to continue with their normal responsibilities. In fact although they willnot be read aloud tonight , you need to read carefully the committee reports. It is important to notice that inalmost every case, the committees of this congregation have increased their activity significantly. The dances,dinners, musical events, breakfasts, luncheons, social justice forums, fund raisers, garden work parties, adulted.classes, worship initiatives, Homeless and Hungry meals, and R.E. activities are to numerous to count.

When I was candidating as your minister, I remember saying that one of the things that attracted me to thiscongregation was that I felt as though May Memorial was a congregation "ready to take off." I hope you realizehow true this has turned out to be. Speaking as a minister, as one of your ministers, you are a tough group tokeep up with. And I mean that in the most positive sense. I have experienced you as a community that isextraordinarily creative and dedicated and capable. My wish is that all of you take the time to step back andreally notice for yourselves how truly creative, dedicated, and capable you have been this year.

And as I look to next year, I believe that the hard work of this year will pay off. This year has been one oftransition, exploration, and laying of foundations. Such "groundwork" cannot help but make our efforts nextyear even more vital and effective.

I see many possible challenges and growing edges ahead of us. Tonight is not the place to explore or even listthose in detail. However, a brief mention of some of them can begin to focus our attention and to start usthinking.

Broadly speaking, the four areas or ideas that I believe are in need of attention and discussion are: mission,growth, leadership, and social action. I believe that our future lies in sorting out what each of these ideas meanfor our life together as a religious community. Currently, I see no common understanding of these terms.While I do not expect universal agreement, I do believe that we need to achieve a general or commonunderstanding in order to move forward with vitality and effectiveness.

What is our mission as a congregation? What is our attitude and approach toward growth? What does "growth"even mean? How do we understand and carry out "leadership" in our democratic congregation? What does itmean to say May Memorial is "socially active"? These are only some of the questions we need to begin askingeach other . I hope next year we begin the process of asking them and answering them in an intentional andinclusive way.

I want to end tonight by simply repeating a phrase I already used . Earlier I noted that one of youraccomplishments this year was that you "called, celebrated , and cared for a new minister ." I choose each ofthose words carefully. This year I have truly felt celebrated and cared for. And I thank you for this very much.I know I speak for Carrie also when I say it is good to be at a place that feels like home.

MINISTER OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 'S REPORT 1998

Our teaching staff has continued in the excellent tradition of providing our children and youth with caring andchallenging religious education during the past year. This year 68 people served as teachers and aides, two of whomtaught every Sunday during year, four who taught in a rotation for the entire year, and four who taught two terms.Their volunteer hours made it possible to provide for our MMUUS children a quality experience of UnitarianUniversalism . Please thank them , for without them there could be no program.

Betsy Fuller Ellyn Lentz Joelle McAndrewEmily Hainsworth Jim Cahill Sue Breen

Mark Longo Michael Cremedas Alexa CarterSara McClure Debbie Vigeant Lida Black

Joy Casey Sally Jo Easton Kenel AntoineEliza Bailey Wendy Osborne Rickie McClureAndrea Abbott Kathy Kelly Peggy RyfunMarcia Burrell-Ihlow Lee Ann McKinney Mike McAndrew

Wendy Boyer Valerie Retchless Carol HoldingLinda Mackowiak Debbie Hermann Ellen Goodwater

Rose Miller Sonja Lamicela Holly SammonsCarol Cowles Paul Ryfun Peggy KehewMindi Hajzus Amy Thorna Alison RiedeLinda Belletier Tony Belletier Joan ApplebaumBarbara Forsstrom-Cohen Mardie Ninno Kathy Haendle

Kim Dittus Anton Ninno Erwin Reiner

Lillian Ackerman Bill Kates Julie Daniel

Bill Snyder Joyce Hemphill Kevin King

Liz Morgenthein Ross Hemphill Jill Dungey

Jeff Lamicela Theresa Brigandi BJ Newsome Rubel

Ken Pease Diana Bellini Amy Thoma

Paul Cohen Kenel Antoine David SchuhStacey Radziunas Sheila Schuh

Special recognition goes to Kevin King as recipient of the Mary-Lib Whitney Award and to Mike

McAndrew, Michael Cremedas , Holly Sammons, Joy Casey, Paul Ryfun , Jim Cahill and Joan Applebaum

for 5 consecutive years of teaching.

Our Spring Bee leaders were Julie Daniel, Gail Hoffman, Michael Stafford-Hill, Bill Kates, Ellyn Lentz,

Lois Needham, Rose Miller, Suzanne Jerrett, Eliza Bailey , Joan Applebaum, Doug Iglesrud, Mary & Bob.

Burdick, Liz Strong, Ryna Mayorga, Nancy Pease, Dorothy and Charlie Jorgensen.

The Religious Education Council and I have continued to provide a vital program of religious education forour children and youth. Our registration reached 162, up from 152 last year, our average attendance was up from

84 to 95 each Sunday. I anticipate that this trend will increase over the next year as we continue to strengthen our

RE program during the regular year and with increased programming during the summer months . We presented

Spring Bee on two Sundays this year, one being only for the children downstairs on the 24th of May and one on the

31st for the full congregation. We held the big breakfast, an all community service and then programs on the 31st.

The First Sunday services are being held on the first Sunday of every month and a committee of the RE Council

and Worship Committee have taken responsibility for planning the children 's time during those services . There will

continue to be involvement from the children and youth in presenting stories or rituals from their curricula. Ourstewardship projects have included working with the Homeless and Hungry Committee, visiting Hill Haven to once

again give a concert by our young people, writing cards for the Care Ring to give to our members and friends whoare in need of our outreach, collecting clothing for needy children and youth, writing letters to our the School of theAmericas protester who are serving six months in Federal Prison , collecting clothing for Vera House at Christmastime, supporting the food basket with donations , planting flowers in the Memorial Garden and collecting funds forHabitat for Humanity. Our teens attended three district youth conferences, one youth attended the St. LawrenceDistrict Annual meeting in Montreal this Spring and two will attend the Youth Caucus at the General Assembly inRochester this June. This is a first for our May Memorial Youth.

Our curricula for this year has been:Nursery TLC, paid adult supervisor and teen helperToddlers Plenty of TLC, stories and play time3 year olds Celebrating Me and My World4 year olds We Are Many, We Are OneKindergarten Around The Church, Around The YearFirst Grade The Haunting House and field tested Being At HomeSecond Grade Treasure HuntingThird Grade Timeless Themes: Bible StoriesFourth Grade Holidays and Holy DaysFifth Grade Travel In Time/In Our Hands:Peace and Social JusticeSixth Grade God ImagesSeventh Grade About Your Sexuality/How Can I Know What To Believe?Eighth Grade The Growing Up YearTeens Life Issues For Teens/You The Creator

The Religious Education Council, with Co-Chairs Barbara Forsstrom-Cohen and Lee Ann McKinney,have been a dynamic duo as we have moved into a renewed and invigorated year. Members of the Council who willretire this year are Barbara Forsstrom-Coben , Lee Ann McKinney , Don MacKay, Erwin Reiner and KenelAntoine and their leadership shall be missed. We will welcome Jeff Lamicela as Chair. In the spring of 1999 weplan to once again present Yanomamo, an ecological musical focused on the Yanomamo Indians and the AmazonianRainforest.

The Adult Education programs have ranged from, "Building Your Own Theology", "Living A New Truth,"to Aikido to the PBS "Beliefs and Believers" video series. I thank chair , Diana Bellini for her creative and ableleadership and participation. The Committee is preparing to revamp itself for the future to better meet the needsof the congregation. Programs for the fall have taken shape with the understanding that more will still be added tothe offerings. There will be a drama group, Building Your Own Theology III and support of a chapter of the UUWomen's Federation that will be open to all women at May Memorial. We have begun a Friday Night At TheMovies and shown "Phenomenon" and "Contact" to date. We will focus one Friday night movie for primary levelchildren and one for intermediate level children and one for teen and invite thee children in these classes to attendas a group. The remaining movies will be for adults and plan to show, "The Apostle," among others.

This year my schedule of pastoral care has remained steady. The tragic death of Josiah Reiner, son of EwrinReiner, brought us together as a grieving community in the fall. There has been the usual number of families andindividuals who have come for counseling. I continue to perform about a dozen weddings and services of HolyUnion each year, and have conducted four Memorial Services. I thank Care Ring members for their work, and Co-Chairs, Geri Aird, Hildegarde VanderSluis and Peggy Ryfun for their able and valuable leadership andministerial assistance.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Looking Back:At this time last year , we had almost concluded a two year interim ministry period . With a certain amount of

smugness, we were anticipating the arrival of our newly -called Parish Minister, Scott Smith-Tayler on the first ofJuly. We had brought to a close the first year's activities in our Three Year Plan for Ministerial Staffing. We weresquarely in the middle of three other processes : one, to become an official Welcoming Congregation ; a second torework our bookkeeping and accounting systems, and to separate our Capital and Operational budgets ; and a thirdprocess to develop an Operations Manual , making clearer sense of our formal operating procedures.

Working Together:As I review the accomplishments of this past year at May Memorial, I feel a sense of overwhelming pride in all thatwe as a congregation have done. And we've done it together. There is not a person among us who has notcontributed something to the texture and the depth of meaning added to this religious community. As a family offaith, we stepped up to the job, rolled up our sleeves, let down our hair, and sweated it out: together . In meeting aftermeeting, in personal conversations, in phone and email contacts , in rehearsals for lay worship services, in the manyacts of preparation for Scott's installation, in congregational hearings and meetings , under the piles of Christmastrees, between the rows of auction tables piled with treasures, we together did the work we needed to do. We closedan era and began a new one. We completed unfinished business. We honored our commitments to actions begunin prior years. We remained faithful to changes in financial operations. All these things we did with a sense ofcareful deliberation, purposeful conversation , and, for the most part, loving kindness.

Eras of Ministry, Foundations of Strength:Our friend, Phil Trainor, speaks about Nick Cardell's ministry as a "golden era" for May Memorial. To say goodbyeto that era in the life of our congregation and to open ourselves to another is not an easy task. It involves unfoldingour hearts, releasing a part of our past, and, while still remaining open to a new style of ministry, reorienting ourspiritual selves. It requires our embracing change and calling forth our flexibility. I have watched you as acongregation as you wrapped yourselves around this work in a process that has been energy absorbing. You havebeen participants in the very best sense, working to establish a meaningful and comfortable way of being with Scott,whether it be as a congregant in worship, as a committee person, as a Trustee, or as an individual with life concerns.This work has been, I feel, the major work of this past year. It lays a foundation of strength for the future.Furthermore, Elizabeth Strong has served our congregation well as an anchor for the continuing religious educationthat enlivens us all; her teamwork with Scott has been an empowering force in the ministry of this community.

Completing Unfinished Business:Unfinished business included several things. First, we endorsed the recommendation of the WelcomingCongregation Committee last fall. Second, we continued to review written procedures and policies, moving towarda complete Operations Manual in accordance with our constitution. Therevised working draft that Manual is available this evening. It represents much hard work and is intended to berevisited annually to remain in step with the actual practices of the committees of thisinstitution.

Honoring our commitments to actions we had begun earlier, we have continued our work with the Three Year Planfor Ministerial Staffing , begun in July of 1996 when I took office . Brought to the congregation the followingOctober, and again this past February, this plan takes May Memorial through the 1998 - 1999 program year witha process to guide our thinking about fiscal health , ministerial staffing and the issues attendant on both. A ProposalCommittee worked this Spring to lay out at least four possible options for ministerial staffing and will seekcommunity opinion as we attempt to move in a deliberative way toward consensus . September 27 has beententatively set as the day to conclude this process.

Faithful to Change:The financial health of May Memorial has never been better understood than at the present time, thanks in large partto Alice Aylesworth and Peter McClure, as well as the able finance Committee which has continued to function soeffectively this past year. The Finance Committee report makes clear the fine points of activity in this sector ofcongregational life, without which we cannot implement the programs and ministry we envision for ourselves.

Celebrations of Life:As a congregation, in addition to our weekly worship services, we celebrated our community life together anincredible number of times. These gatherings felt both affirming and empowering. They included the HungarianDinner Dance, the New Year's Party, Scott's Installation, the Canvass Dinner, the Goods and Services Auction, theTeacher Appreciation Dinner, the Celebratory 10th Anniversary Luncheon for Liz, and several Social ResponsibilityForums. There were musical events like the Bach Bash and the Hobart William Smith Chorale. New members werefeted at special dinners held in their honor, and those who rise to democratic experiences had the pleasure ofattending and speaking at hearings on the Operating and Capital Budgets, the Welcoming Congregation Resolution,the Resolution calling for the immediate closure of the School of the Americas (Action for Immediate Witness atGeneral Assembly). Additionally, we came together as individuals to raise a record amount of money in this year'sCanvass effort. All these experiences taken together make an elegant statement about our vitality as a community.We are so very much alive!

Directions for the Future:The Buddhist scholar Thich Nhat Hanh writes that the job of a religious community is "looking deeply together."We need to look deeply at the following issues in the coming months:

o Resolving the 3 Year Plan for Ministerial Staffing so that we, as a congregation in partnership with itsministers, can move forward

o Having and nurturing conversations on growth: inner growth, growth in numbers, growth and vitalityo Thinking carefully through the full meaning of our process to assess the relationship between the

congregation and our ministers; we have engaged in a beginning to this process, but we would dowell to invest more thought; what is our common ministry?

o Developing a mission statemento Designing a process for long term planningo Educating ourselves about model ways to resolve issues in the formal church operations structureo Moving toward being more deliberative and reasoning rather than "lashing out" at other members of our

community when we feel passionate about a particular issue

Personal Note:Edward A. Frost writes, "I love those who criticize me because they need something they think I can give." Thatthought resonates for me as I finish the work I have taken to heart these past two years. Your well-founded criticism,your thoughtful conversations, your caring comments, your being you, have fed my passion for this community andtaught me much about us and about myself. I have become woven, tightly woven, into the braid of faith which wetogether create here at May Memorial. That braid unites us. You honor me with your company as we weave it, yearby year. Thank you for the very special privilege of serving you as your Society President. Peace always.

Respectfully submitted by Karen West, 6/1/98

MMUUS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COUNCILYEAR END REPORT

The RE Council met over the summer in an effort to organize and streamline our activities . Developing a yearlong agenda of activities and planning items was quite helpful . We continued with our goal of making RE pro-grams more visible and increasing "community" between "upstairs and downstairs". We organized RE worshipservices and participated in social events such as the Holiday and BINGO parties . Participation in jointBoard/Council Retreats was felt to be very worthwhile. Among our more important projects were the video tap-ing of MMUUS members in an effort to share their unique gifts and memories . Spring Bee, a more visibleteacher appreciation /recognition and further developing the summer RE program were also important goals. Weare continuing to work on and revise Special Friends. The RE program continues to be heavily invested in avariety stewardship projects. As always, there were new parent orientations, teacher training, and the art show.We have had ongoing discussion with Scott regarding RE's role in Community and First Sunday services.

Of course, there are many "behind the scenes" duties, too numerous to mention, such as lock-up, bulletinboards, welcoming table, stewardship projects and a variety of sub-committees that often go without notice orrecognition. We would therefore like to take this time to thank and recognize all of the RE Council members,as well as Liz, for their generous service, dedication and especially their all-out positive attitudes throughout theyear. We are very grateful for their participation and membership. We would also like to thank our Board Liai-son, Doris Sutliff, who has been a great support and actively participated in so many of our events. Our bestwishes to the ongoing work of this Council.

Respectfully submitted,

LeeAnn McKinney

Barbara Forstrom-Cohen

RE Co-chairs

I thank the Board of Trustees, especially Karen West, for their diligent leadership this past year. We havecome through with flying colors this year. Significant work has been accomplished and we are in a solid position.to meet the new era dawning here at MMUUS.

My work at Meadville/Lombard Theological School is very rewarding and keeps me in contact with futureministers . My work with the Planned Parenthood Center of Syracuse has also been very rewarding . I am currentlyin the final year as President of the Board of Trustees at the Center. The merger of the affiliate with the Rochesteraffiliate will take place this June.

I deeply appreciate the wonderful luncheon to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of my ministry with you.The affirming words spoken and written will provide inspiration to me for a long, long time . Thank you.

I have enjoyed the first year of ministry with Scott and look forward to many, many more . He is a dynamiccolleague and our ministries compliment each other in the fulfillment of the ministry of May Memorial.

The Rev. Elizabeth M. StrongMinister of Religious Education

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE

ANNUAL REPORT 1997-1998

SRC MembershipMembership on the SRC and attendance at its meetings are presently open to any MMUUS memberor friend. Our committee has experienced growth over the past two years. As of this report we havefifteen members regularly attending. They are Joyce Ball, Linda Belletier (Chair), Carol Bickart,John Burgess, CathyCardell, Diane DiMatteo, Richard DiMatteo, Nisha Gupta, Doug Igelsrud,Sarah Lucas, Richard Lucas, Dan Sage (Board Liaison), Joanne Sedgwick, Scott Smith-Tayler (ExOfficio), Yvonne Tasker-Rothenberg, Jack Wilkinson, Mary Zimmer. Pat Rector has stepped intothe Board Liaison position now that Dan Sage is in jail.

On-going changes in the composition of the SRC keep it supplied with fresh energy and ideas. TheCommittee continues to explore ways to maintain a focus while responding to the ideas of newmembers and to important current issues. The SRC is considering various proposals formembership, leadership and operation for the coming year which will seek to make a strongerconnection between the decisions and work of the Committee and the MMUUS congregation.

SRC Organization and ProceduresThe Committee spent considerable time this year reviewing its committee description and reviewingits organizational structure and methods of operation. The SRC will continue with this work overthe Summer and in the coming year.One focus of this review has been the evaluation of methods for taking group and congregationalaction at May Memorial. The SRC developed with the Board of Trustees a procedure for takingpublic social action which was approved in February of this year:

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEEAUTHORITY TO TAKE PUBLIC ACTION

I. The Social Responsibility Committee is authorized to publicly assert an opinion or otherwisetake action promoting a position on a social , political or ethical issue in its own name when:

a) Following notice* by the SRC to the MMUUS congregation and an appropriateperiod of study and discussion, the SRC** determines there has been positive feedbackand approves the action by a 75% majority; andb) The Board of Trustees and the Parish Minister are informed of the approvedaction.

II. The Social Responsibility Committee is authorized to publicly assert an opinion or takeaction in the name of the May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society when:

a) The action is approved by the SRC after following the steps provided in I. Above; andb) Following an appropriate period of study and discussion , the MMUUS congregationapproves the action by an 85% majority of those who attend the congregational meetingcalled to consider the approval of the proposed action.

*Notice shall be given by publishing information about the proposed action in the MMUUS newsletter prior to the SRC meetingduring which the action will be considered.**Membership in the SRC is open to any member of MMUUS.

This procedure was followed by the SRC as a mechanism for bringing the Committee's proposedAction of Immediate Witness before the MMUUS congregation . This "Call For Immediate Closureof the School of the Americas" was prepared by Mary Zimmer, Sara Lucas, Ann Tiffany, CathyCardell, Diane DiMatteo and Linda Belletier. On May 10, 1998, the MMUUS congregation gaveits vote of support to the SRC' s plan to present the "Call" to the UU General Assembly in June.

The Committee also developed a plan for a "Close the SOA Support Project" which serves as onemodel for group social action at May Memorial. It provides a structure for others besides regularcommittee members to work together on a social action project. About thirty members and friendsjoined in the effort to support the SOA protesters this past year.

Further development and a common understanding of May Memorial's mission as a congregationand of the SRC's purposes, goals and methods of operation could enhance MMUUS' ability toengage more of its members and friends in its social action work. Stronger definition and a commonunderstanding of the role of the SRC, Parish Minister and MRE in coordinating and promotingsocial action activities at May Memorial might also enhance its social action program.

SRC MeetingsThe SRC held its annual retreat in July of 1997 at Joyce Ball's home. We have held regular monthlymeetings all of which have been very well attended. The evening meeting time seems to be betterthan the Sunday morning one. In addition to monthly meetings, several members have had additionalmeetings amongst themselves and with other members of the congregation to work on specificprojects.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE ACTION

SRC Support & Sharing PotlucksWe had four SRC potluck dinners this year, three of which preceded our business meeting. Thesedinners have offered a much-needed opportunity to be together and talk informally without agendademands. These dinners were always attended by MMUUS members and friends who do notregularly attend SRC meetings. These gatherings will continue next year.

This Sunday at the Social Responsibility TableThe SRC has had a social responsibility information table containing information on a wide rangeof social justice issues in the Social Hall following most Sunday services. This service has beenregularly publicized in the MMUUS newsletter and Sunday Bulletin.

SRC Bulletin BoardThe SRC Bulletin Board has been expanded this year and more members of the committee are takingresponsibility for keeping it up to date and eye-catching. Doug Igelsrud is presently in charge of theBoard.

SRC Literature CartJohn Burgess has been keeping the SRC/Adult Ed Literature cart stocked with literature of socialaction interest. He tends to the cart most Sundays in the Social Hall.

Newsletter and Sunday Bulletin AnnouncementsSRC announcements of MMUUS and community interest are made in the MMUUS newsletter mostweeks and frequently in the Sunday Bulletin.

SRC ReflectionsThe Committee has supplied a variety of Social Responsibility Reflections to the MMUUSnewsletter as follows:

Race Relations (Linda Belletier)The Interdependent Web(Cathy Cardell)We Need One Another (Linda BelletierVoluntary Simplicity (Yvonne Rothenberg)School of the Americas (Dan Sage)Our Holidays of Conscience (Linda Belletier)Something We Can Do (UUSC)(Mary Zimmer)Murder Victims For Reconciliation (Joyce Ball)Let It Be Mama Ruffina Day (Linda Belletier)Cathy Cardell wrote a MMUSSings Re: SOA

Second Sunday ForumsIn January we began SRC Second Sunday forums and have continued them to date as follows:

SOA-Lucas, Sages, Cardell, ZimmerCuba-Doug IgelsrudReconsider-Jack WilkinsonDeath Penalty-Joyce BallSOA-Belletier, Cardell , Kinane

SRC Worship Services & Other MMUUS ActivitiesThe SRC has supported worship services during the past year:

Summer Service: "Starting Small"-Linda Belletier, Esq., Lay Leader (July 1997)Summer Service: "Welfare Warfare"-Fred Stanzig , Esq., Speaker(July 1997)"Keeping Hope Alive"- A Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King: Hon.Charles Anderson; Felicia Davis, Esq.; Pat Rector and Linda Belletier, Esq.,Lay Leaders with Cathy Cardell assisting (January 1998).

The SRC will also assist in hosting a Pre-G.A. Dinner for 45 delegates who will conclude theirWomen's Suffrage Historical Tour at May Memorial on June 23rd.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMITTEE DIRECT ACTION

Petition Drives and Letter-Writing Campaigns-To Close the SOA-In Favor of the Landmine Treaty-In Support of Workers (Holidays of Conscience)

UUSC (Mary Zimmer)-Letter-Writing Tables in Response to Action Alerts-Guest at Your Table (A Record Year For Contributions)

Close the SOA Support ProjectIn addition to its on-going efforts to support the SOA protesters and to bring attention to the SOAissue, this project (Sara Lucas, Rich Lucas, Cathy Cardell, Diane DiMatteo and Mary Zimmer) hasmonitored the receipt and distribution of unsolicited contributions which have come in from UUsacross the nation to support the SOA protesters. Over $8,000 has been received to date. Most ofthese funds have been used to help pay for the fines of our "Prisoners of Conscience" as requestedby the contributors.

Homeless & Hungry SubcommitteeMary Zimmer has continued to coordinate the collection of hundreds of dollars in contributions forhomeless and hungry meals (coordinated by Linda Wobus, Julie Daniel and Mardie Ninno) and forthe purchase of other food donations as well as to deliver several bags of food to two food pantriesin Syracuse.

Other ProjectsThe SRC has worked to develop other social action projects such as the Community IntegrationProject for the developmental disabled in our neighborhoods. The SRC will be developingadditional opportunities for MMUUS social responsibility work in the coming year.

SRC Work With MMUUS YouthUUSC's " Starting Small"- Summer RE Program (8 weeks-1997)(Linda Belletier)RE Speakers:

Mary Zimmer on the UUSCRich and Sarah Lucas on the SOA Protest

ORGANIZATION, LEADERSHIP AND FOCUS FOR NEXT YEAR

The Committee will continue to explore ways of providing focus for its work. The SRC is in theprocess of deciding on its leadership configuration for next year which may include a co-chair andexecutive committee method to allow for a greater distribution of decision-making and work. I willcontinue as a Co-Chair of the Committee pending a permanent decision by the SRC regardingleadership.

I want to thank all of the SRC members for their hard work, love and devotion during the past year.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda BelletierChair, Social Responsibility Committee

WORSHIP COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT

The Worship Committee had a very busy year with many changes. Our membership went up to an activeenthusiastic ten members, Paula Murrray, Debbie Pillsbury, Joyce Ball, Alice Chico, Julie Daniel, Nan Gartner,Rick Martin, Randy Archambault, Suzanne Marlow , Chairperson David Ashley, Board liaison Gary Droege and,ofcourse, exofficio member Rev Scott Smith Tayler. Rev Scott Smith Tayler and the committee have worked to createa new format for the worship services which reflect the subtle but important differences our new minister hasbrought to May Memorial.

One of the most important changes is in the larger lay participation in the regular services . The chalice is now litby lay volunteers who also do a short reading. Joys and sorrows has become a regular feature in the service alongwith the sermon response of before. The Congregation now joins in an Affirmation. The ushers now bring thecollection plates forward, put them of the chancel shelf and read a short passage of their choosing. Maybe it's acoincidence, but the amount in the collection plate has gone up . Scott has changed the Readings to fit his style. ThePostlude has become more of an integral part of the service in stead of leaving music by the simple device of Scottremaining seated in front until it is over.

The "traditional services" have been redesigned to add more spiritual content. Children's' portion of "first services"has been continued and revised . There has been a conscious effort to add more spirituality to the services andannouncements have been shifted to the Social Hall (or are in the process of being done so). There was a little"getting used to" needed for the latter change, but most people seem to like it better this way.

There have been a number of lay led or guest services most of which were well received. We did learn that it's notalways possible to have a spiritual type service when Scott or a guest minister is not in the pulpit , but there has beena conscious effort to produce excellent in all services (which doesn't happen by accident , incidentally). Scott'sbubbling enthusiasm and leadership has been a continuous light of joy for us.

Last but not least, Summer Services have been redesigned and you can expect more exciting things next year. If youare interested in joining the committee next year, you are wecome to join us. We meet on the first Monday of themonth at 7:00pm.

Respectfully submitted: David Ashley, Chairperson

KUDOS TO A FINE BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE!

Last fall we presented another list of projects to the congregation to consider for the 1997-98 Capital Budget. Thoseprojects approved by the congregation were to buy a buffer, to improve the sound system in the sanctuary, and toupdate the computers in the offices.

The building's floors are looking good, with some regular buffing . The B&G Committee helped to assemble a SoundSystem Advisory Subcommittee, chaired by Pat Rector, whose recommendations were accepted by thecongregation. The system was improved during the winter. Upgrades include a lavaliere microphone, four unitsfor hearing assistance in the pews, two hand-held microphones, a small speaker in the foyer, and better placementof the speakers in the sanctuary.

A subcommittee of computer whizzes studied , recommended, purchased, and installed a new network of computersand the necessary software on those computers in the church offices.

We've finalized a list of five projects for next year's Capital Budget, on which you'll be voting at the AnnualMeeting. We've kept track of both Capital and Operating Budget needs, and worked with the Finance Committeeto finalize budget needs.

A clean-up day was held the day before Scott's installation. Members of the B&G Committee plus several otherscleaned the stained glass windows in the foyer; removed, cleaned and rehung the storm windows there; cleaned thewindows to the porch in the Social Hall; removed cobwebs and dust from on high throughout the first floor; replacedlights in the cupola; polished all the first floor doors; polished to a fine sheen the copper front doors; arrangedflowers and trimmed all the sanctuary candles; installed new software on the new computers in the offices; pickedup trash from the Grounds; and cut down dead grass in the Memorial Garden.

We look forward to two more clean-up days on the grounds this summer, the first of which is tomorrow morning.We welcome all who would like to join us!--Marie Lange, Chair

HosnITALITY REPORT

The Hospitality Commitee this year (1997-98) consisted of Chris Shultz and Linda Wobus, Co-Chairs, CarrieSmith-Tayler, C.W. Pike, Debbie Pillsbury, and Scott Severance. Many others helped on individual activities - itcertainly wasn't just our committee making all of it happen . One of the most important people who was not directlyon our committee is Fred Fiske, who took on the awesome task of finding people to volunteer for Coffee Hour onSunday mornings , and making sure we always had our supplies.

We met in August, and decided that we wanted the year to have a different beginning , to go along with ourchange in Parish Minister. Instead of an opening picnic, we threw an opening day breakfast on Sunday , Sept. 7th,with the theme "It's a Gnu Year!". It was an overwhelming success, and we know that next year we'll have to makeway more food! It was a good beginning.

We next planned a Welcoming Party for Scott and Carrie for Oct. 4th, named "Steppin' Out with theSmith-Taylers". We had a dj and dancing, hors d'ouvres, special music by the FoPas and Fred Fiske, a skit by theSelection Committee, and all hosted by Sean Branigan. The Hospitality Committee really outdid ourselves on thisone. We invested in new tablecloths for the card tables for this event, and Verah Johson sewed them up for us.

Debbie Pillsbury handled the annual Thanksgiving Dinner at May, which was successful, and the year endedwith the New Year's Eve Party, with special help from Vicky Schipper, the Sanfords and Doug Aird. It fell on thesame night as the SU Bowl game , so we combined both, and those thatchose to could watch the game in the teen room , or dance in the Social Hall . There was dancing to a dj, music byFred Fiske, and a breakfast after midnight. The theme was a Masquerade Ball, and many joined in with enthusiasm.The weather ouside was frightful, and very cold, but thosewho braved the elements had a good time.

The new year brought new events. The Music Committee sponsored a Talent Show on Jan. 30, with helpfrom the Playreaders' group and Hospitality. The big event in March was the Installation of Scott Smith-Tayler asour new Parish Minister. This had its own committee, but many from Hospitality were involved, with a largereception following theInstallation.

Spring events involved helping the Burdicks with a pub showing their slides of India, preparing an EasterSunday morning breakfast, helping with hospitality for the Goods & Services Auction, and planning an all-churchpicnic for the last Sunday of regular services, June 14, at Carolyne Cree's.

Many more social events took place, including pubs and our annual Bach Bash , but groups and committeesother than Hospitality took charge. Our goal for next year is to have a larger committee that can be more helpfulto other groups in planning events, and to track our work better, so that others can pick up on how to do certainthings at May. We would like to stay as fiscally sound as a committee as we were this year, and maybe buy somenew card tables! Sooooo, PARTY ON!!!

Linda Wobus, Co-Chair, Hospitality Committee

MUSIC COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT

The Music Committee met every first Wednesday of the month.

Its regular members include ; Marie Lange , Ron Herrgesell , Mary Burdick , Bob Burdick, Glenn Kime, SuzanneMarlowe, Andy Ninno, Alice Aylesworth, Michael Cremedes , Jack Wilkinson and new member Ann Shelly.

In March the Board voted the Music Committee a full standing committee.

The Music Committee's projects include the following:-Put on Talent Show in January, bringing together upstairs and downstairs young people and older people.-Sponsor -Glenn Kime's winter organ recital.-Sponsor -Hobart William-Smith choral concert.-Helped with the Fo Pas benefit.-Assisted Anne Shelly with the Bach Bash.-Sponsor -Autumn Colors Recital-Assisted Worship Committee in finding accompaniment and Instrumental music for Summer Services.-Sent out music survey to congregation.-Will have another survey in Sunday order of service.-Sent out 20 letters describing space and facilities of sanctuary to attract musical groups.

MEMORIAL GARDEN ANNUAL REPORT 1997-1998

The MMUUS Memorial Garden is more beautiful every year with the work of a diligent committee and helpers.

I. In the Garden -Lots of mulch has been added to the path , the berm and the lilac patch. Bleeding heart and hostahave been added to the berm . Lilacs have been transplanted as needed . More planting will be done to screen thegarden from East Genesee St.

II. In the Sanctuary -The stand and the plaque for the Garden are much better lit. The pages for Ann Hoffmann,Clarann (Pepper) Seames, Charles White, Vernon Hink and Art Pulos have been completed and placed in the book.

III. Funds -The committee has proposed a permanent budget for the maintenance and distribution of the Gardentreasury to the Finance Committee . A final agreement has not been reached.

IV. Patio wall in the Garden -Dorothy Riester has agreed to complete an outside sculpture for the cement wall facingthe patio . Other artists ' work has been considered , but since Mrs. Reister is feeling and has more time to completeher sculpture we are eager to have her work

V. Summer service -A summer service in the Garden is being planned for August 23rd.

VI. Committee members- Barbara Eveleigh, chairperson, Richard Dum, secretary, Bob Burdick, treasurer, RonHerrgesell, C.W. Pike, Alexandra Morgan and Roberta Wood . Pauline Murray is our Board liaison and Liz Strongis our support minister.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT 1998

1. Hire and create job description for child care supervisor and care worker.

2. Development and dissemination of a Personnel Policy Manual.

3. Redefined supervisory roles for all personnel which includes the Parish Minister.

4. Developed a budget for Personnel including salaries and benefits.

5. Developed new benefit policies determining eligibility criteria.

6. Developed new employee packet of forms.

7. Developed file folders for each employee with application, references, offer letter and jobdescription.

NEXT YEAR'S GOALS

1. Salary survey in other churches and similar jobs.

2. Refining the supervisory process with performance evaluation procedures.

ANNUAL REPORT 1997-98DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

The Denominational Affairs Committee seeks to create awareness of our larger UU community and to facilitate

interaction between May Memorial and that community.

May Memorial is a member in good standing at all denominational levels . We have given our fair share to the

district and national associations . In addition, many of our members contribute to organizations such as ChaliceLighters and the Service Committee (UUSC).

May Memorial has had representatives at all denominational conferences held throughout the year including theGA. The Cluster Conference for the St. Lawrence District was held at First Universalist of Syracuse and MayMemorial was well represented at the event . In April of 1999 our society will be hosting the annual meeting for

the St . Lawrence District . Preparations for this event have begun.

The 1998 General Assembly will be held in Rochester on June 25-30. Gary Droege served as chair for thecommittee to recruit volunteers for this event.

Members: Muriel Kirkpatrick , Gary Droege , Pauline Murray, Duane Hardy , Nell Hardy , Jean Hoefer, Jim

Napierski, Dan Sage , Amy Walker, Suzanne Garrett, Alexa Carter

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CONGREGATION OF THE ADULT EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE

SUBMITTED TO THE CONGREGATION OF MAY MEMORIAL UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY 1997-98-

During the 1997-98 year we have concentrated on expanding our focus in an effort to provide ongoing educationaland enriching activities for all members and friends of May Memorial. We have had several planning sessions withScott to discuss how we may best do this. In addition to providing a fall, winter and spring agenda of classes andactivities, we have begun the process of cleaning out, updating and expanding the library. We have begunsponsoring a monthly forum on various UU topics and will begin in the fall of 1998 offering one-time discussionson other topics of general interest. We also plan to begin next fall an ongoing book discussion group which willdiscuss a variety of books to be chosen by the members of the group and an ongoing drama group which will beintergenerational. We hope to rejoin the UU Women's Federation and are currently seeking someone to lead thisgroup. Because the realities of many people' s lives preclude the possibility of participating in a class or activity thatmeets weekly for six or eight weeks, we will try to add to our agenda of this type of programs more ongoingactivities that meet monthly and more activities that meet only once or twice. We have been approached by theWays and Means Committee and asked if we would again sponsor the book sale next spring and have agreed to doso.

Although the AEE Committee functions as a separate standing committee and will continue to do so,because we are technically under the auspices of the religious Education Council, some members of thecongregation felt that a lay liaison was needed in addition to having the Minister of RE as liaison. As an electedmember of the RE Council, I have served I have served in that capacity for the past year, and have agreed to do sofor the coming year. I have also agreed to continue to serve as the chair of the AEE Committee. In the future, thesepositions will not necessarily be filled by the same person. The RE Council will continue to provide a liaison to thiscommittee. The RE Council and the AEE Committee are considering having a joint retreat to consider how we maybetter augment and facilitate each other's work, but have not yet agreed upon a date.

Our main goals for next year will again be to expand the membership of our committee in order to increaseideas and possibilities, to continue work on the Library, and to continue to seek ways to find out how we can betterserve the members and friends of May Memorial.

Respectfully submitted by Diana Bellini , May 17, 1998

Report from the Finance Committee and Treasurer : May 1998

This is the first full church year in which new accounting and financial management systems have been in place . These newprocedures and policies : 1) allow better understanding of the financial status of the Society , 2) spread managementresponsibilities to more than just one or two people , and 3) facilitate better communication of financial status to the Board ofTrustees , other committees , and the congregation at large . Work on new financial procedures and policies started in the summerof 1996, when the Society hired CPA Ron Simons to conduct a financial review. The following is an overview of the newsystems; implementation took a lot of hard work and considerable heartaches from a number of people.

The Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair are unpaid positions , appointed by Board of Trustees ; both sit as ex-officio,non-voting members of the Board . The Treasurer and Finance Committee are responsible for overviewing financialmanagement, recommending financial policy and budgets to Board and congregation , and communicating financial status tothe membership . We currently have both an annual Operating Fund Budget (Operating Fund Income is about 80% frompledges, 10% from building rentals (a day-care center uses our Religious Education space during the week ) & 10% from othersources including fund-raising activities) and an annual Capital Fund Budget (Capital Fund Income is from earnings fromCapital Fund investments). Both budgets are drafted with aid of other committees, presented to Board for approval, and votedon by the membership at the annual congregational meeting.

Last summer, the Society hired Leslie Dendy as a 2/5-time bookkeeper. Leslie keeps ledgers for our Operating Fund(>$250,000 annual budget), our Endowment Fund (approximate value of $80-100K - earnings used to help balance operatingbudget and fund special projects ), and our Capital Fund (approximate value $100 - 130K - earnings used to fund an annualcapital budget for lasting items costing over $500 per item ), prepares monthly financial reports, maintains the pledge paymentdatabase, and writes checks which are signed by the Treasurer. The Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair serve assupervisors for the bookkeeper . For internal control purposes , the bookkeeper does not handle received cash or checks; theseare received and deposited (two-times/week) by our office administrator, Jason Malone , who prepares deposit reports for thebookkeeper . Also for internal control purposes, the audit subcommittee independently balances the checkbook on a monthlybasis.

Ledgers will be fully computerized (Quickbooks) by June 1998. Monthly income/expense reports are prepared for theOperating and Capital Funds, and a quarterly report is prepared for the Endowment Fund. These are communicated to theBoard at monthly meetings and posted on a central bulletin board near the church office for viewing by anyone who isinterested.

We use a commercial payroll firm to handle IRS and tax withholding matters. The Society has 7 people (2 ministers, musicdirector, bookkeeper, office administrator, custodian and child-care supervisor) who are paid on a regular basis. We concur withGalen Workman of San Francisco who, on a WA chatline, recently recommended using a payroll firm for peace of mind andefficiency!

The Investment subcommittee (Bill Haynes, chair) oversees the investment of the funds in the Endowment and Capital Funds.They annually review performance of our investment vehicles (various types of mutual funds), make recommendations forchanges needed, and report to the Board through the Finance Committee . The Ways and Means subcommittee oversees detailsof fundraising events, will present an evolving 3-year plan for major Society fundraising events, and makes fund developmentrecommendations to the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees.

Financial Highlights of the 1997-1998 Year:

1. An anonymous contribution of more than $30,000 was made to the Capital Fund and a $10,000 contribution to theEndowment Fund was received from the Rose Towne Stabile estate. Thank you very much.

2. The pledge total from the annual canvass will top $200,000 for the first time ever ! Thanks to all pledging members and theCanvass committee.

3. Earnings from the Capital Fund allowed the purchase of a new floor buffer, new computer system for our ministers andoffice staff, and new sound equipment for the sanctuary. Thank you to the Building and Grounds committee for keeping usaware of capital needs.

4. The bookkeeping system will be fully computerized by June 1998 and written procedures have been developed for manyof our financial operations to allow smoother transitions when personnel change.

5. The Ways and Means subcommittee fostered a new Fund Raising Policy document and will present a 3-year fund -raisingplan for approval by the Congregation. Thanks to all who contributed so much to the Christmas Tree Sale and the Goods andServices Auction. Good news is that next year the Operating Fund budget will not be so heavily dependent on fundraising!

6. See the summary financial statement below showing recent balances in the Operating , Capital and Endowment Funds.

7. Heartfelt thanks are extended to the following people for their hard work in taking care of financial business recently: EllynLentz, Bill Haynes, Bill Miller, Bill Hoefer, Peter Colman, Al Obrist, Chuck West, Karen West, Pat Rector, Betsy Fuller, BobMarshall, Janet Solomon, George Millman, Doris Sutliff, and Roger Thielking for committee work; Gail Sustare, DianeHainesworth and Marie Lange for raising funds; all committees for submitting Operating Fund Budget line proposals; and

Alice Aylesworth who initiated using the double -entry ledger bookkeeping system , developed detailed guidelines for managing,tracking and using our investments , and in general was a major force in getting our new financial systems on track;

Kate Lanier who was a one-woman band for so many years, deftly handling our financial affairs; and

Don MacKay for too many things to mention.

Peter McClure, Finance Committee ChairSteve Ransford, Treasurer

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