October 15, 2020
UCUCC has been selected to be funded by the Lily Foundation for Amy’s sabbatical. Her plan involves travel for 3+ months in Africa and the earliest she might go is about a year from now. The grant does allow for her to postpone travel for Covid concerns, however the timing of her travel is seasonally dependent. This is the third time UCUCC has been the recipient of a Lily Foundation grant!
Upgrades to the building to make meeting in-person during the Covid pandemic safer, are in progress.
The Covid action team will convene soon to make recommendations for building use by phases, based on science, safety, and maintaining an inclusive church community.
Financial Report: Council received the financial report from Don Guthrie and Kyna Shilling. Low and High scenarios have been thought through for expenses for each line item in the budget for the year. Expenses may be 2-3% higher than budgeted. The pledges are the key variable; however, things look good overall.
The Pastoral Search Committee: The committee has narrowed the search down to 3 candidates after interviewing 5 candidates. All three of the candidates are experienced pastors and all impressed the committee. The committee will have second interviews with each of the candidates and the Leadership team will also interview each candidate and listen to sample sermons in October. The committee hopes to make a final selection the first week of November. Pending the candidate’s response, the committee hopes to announce the preferred candidate before the end of November. Council should expect a special meeting to meet the preferred candidate in late November or early December.
Council approved goals for Fall 2020-Spring 2022 related to Racial Justice. Given the strong all-church priority for Racial Justice, the council can step into leadership in this area by setting clear Racial Justice goals.
Respectfully submitted by Mary Sue Galvin