First Parish Unitarian Church Scituate, MA

2015-2016 Report to the Annual Meeting

May 22, 2016

Love is the spirit of this church,

and service is its law.

This is our great covenant:

to dwell together in peace,

to cherish the living earth,

to seek truth in love,

and to help one another.

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Table of Contents

Warrant ………………………………………………………………….... pg. 1

Minutes from the 2015 Annual Meeting …………………………………... pg. 2

Reports of the:

Minister ……………….………………………………...…………….. pg. 3-4

Parish Committee …….……………………………………...……….. pg. 5

Religious Services Committee …………………………………....….. pg. 6

Music Director …………………………………….………………….. pg. 7

Religious Education Committee …….……………………………..….. pg. 8

Director of Religious Education …….…………………….....……….. pg. 9-10

Committee on Ministry …….………………………...…………...….. pg. 11

Hospitality and Social Programs Committee ………..……………….. pg. 12

Unity Alliance …….……...……………………….………………….. pg. 13

Social Justice and Denominational Affairs Committee ………………. pg. 14

Membership Committee ….….……………………………………….. pg. 15

Publicity Committee ……...….……………………………………….. pg. 15

Building and Grounds Committee ….……………………...……...….. pg. 16

Finance Committee …….……….…………………………………….. pg. 17

Treasurers Report …….…………………...………………………….. pg. 18-20

Endowment Fund and Planned Giving Committee …….…………….. pg. 21

Slate of Nominees for Officers and Elected Committees …………………… pg. 22

FY 2017 Proposed Budget …….……………………………………...….….. pg. 23-25

1

Warrant

for the

382nd Annual Meeting

of

First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

of Scituate, Massachusetts

May 22, 2016

You are requested to assemble in the sanctuary during the service on Sunday, May 22, 2016.

Members empowered to vote by our bylaws are asked to decide the following:

Article I: To receive and act on the reports of the Minister, the officers and the

committees as printed in the 2016 Annual Report and to approve the

minutes from the May 31, 2015 Annual Meeting.

Article II: To act on the report of the Nominating and By-Law Review Committee

and to elect officers and parish committee members for the coming year,

beginning June 1, 2016.

Article III: To receive and act on the Annual Budget and the appropriation of money for

the 2016-2017 church fiscal year.

Article V: To transact any other business that may properly come before the parish.

Michael J. McGowan, Moderator

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First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Scituate

May 31, 2015

Annual Meeting Minutes

The 381st Annual Meeting of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Scituate was convened on

Sunday, May 31st after the Sunday morning service.

Moderator Michael McGowan called the meeting to order with the posted agenda.

Article I: The reports of the Minister, Officers and Committee heads were presented. There

was no discussion. The motion to accept the reports was made, seconded and

accepted unanimously.

Article II: Pam Molinari, PC Co-chair, in the absence of any members of the Nominating

Committee presented the slate of Officers and Parish Committee members to be

voted on for the term beginning June 1, 2015. There was no discussion.

The slate was voted on by the members and passed unanimously.

Article III: The Moderator presented the article to receive and act on the Annual Budget.

Erica Boyle, PC Liaison for Finance and Administration, presented to the members

the plan to borrow from the Endowment no more than $25,000.00 to repave the

front drive that was devastated by the harsh winter. The motion to borrow no

more than $25, 0000 from the Endowment for the paving of the drive was made,

seconded, and approved unanimously. There was no other discussion about the

budget and the motion to approve was made, seconded, and approved

unanimously.

Article IV: The article to act on the formal resolution to confer Minister Emeritus status on

the Reverend Mr. Richard Stower was presented by Laura Carson, PC Co-chair.

There was no discussion and a motion was made and seconded and the resolution

passed unanimously.

Submitted by:

Laura R.Carson, Parish Committee Co-Chair

First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church Scituate

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Report from the Minister

to the 2016 Annual Meeting of the First Parish UU Church Scituate

“By The Numbers”: June 1, 2015 – May 31, 2016

I. Worship – 47 services

In addition to regular and summer services, special services included: Flower Communion, Water Communion, Unity Anniversary Sunday, Halloween Sunday, All

Souls, Greening of the Sanctuary, RE Pageant The Star, two Christmas Eve services, Fire

Communion, Chocolate Communion, Cohasset-Hingham-Norwell-Scituate annual Union

Service, Stewardship Sunday, Easter Sunday, Earth Day, Passover Seder.

II. Pastoral Care/Congregational Life – approximately 200 meetings

This includes pastoral conversations in homes, hospitals, nursing homes, coffee shops, and

my office about the joys and sorrows of our lives; as well as offering tea with the minister;

attending Fididdlers, Unity, Piecemakers, Walks & Talks, pizza & movie nights, church

suppers, parties, and concerts; participating in the Snowflake Fair, the Spring Fair, “Dump

Duty” and other service activities. In addition, I offered the invocation and benediction at

Joseph Kellerhals’ Eagle Scout ceremony at First Parish on January 9, 2016, and with

Elizabeth Dubuisson organized our annual Christmas caroling at the homes of members of

the congregation and hosted the carolers afterward in my home.

Weddings: 3 Jennifer Davis & Brendan McNiff at FPUU on June 6, 2015

Ashley Leaver & William Gates at First Parish, Cohasset, on June 27, 2015

Joy Tarr & Brad Kingsbury at FPUU on July 19, 2015

Memorial services conducted: 1

Peter Hobart Tolman on April 9, 2016 at FPUU

Dedications: 6

Nicolai, Sophie, and Nina Bokavich and Hannah, Jacoby, and Mary Kingsbury, May 8, 2016

III. Spiritual Deepening/Education: 21 events

Led monthly sessions of Walking Meditation, May- August 2015

Led the monthly 2nd Principle discussion of “Justice Equity, and Compassion in Short

Fiction,” September 2015-May 2016

Led the monthly World Religions class, October 2015-June 2016

Worked with Donna Shecrallah on the Coming of Age program for youth

IV. Administration: approximately 45 meetings

Met monthly with the Parish Committee

Met monthly with the Parish Committee co-chairs

Attended meetings of the Religious Services, Social Justice, Membership, Finance,

Committee on Ministry, and Religious Education Committees

Led bi-monthly staff meetings

Met regularly for planning and review with each staff member

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Led the annual vision/planning meeting for Committee Chairs

Attended UUA workshop on Adaptive Leadership in August 2015 with members of

the Parish Committee

V. The Larger Community: approximately 40 meetings and events

Attended meetings of the Ballou-Channing Chapter of the UU Ministers’ Association

and the South Shore UU clergy cluster meeting

Served as President of the Scituate Clergy Association

Planned and led monthly meetings of the Scituate clergy association and coordinated

community members who wanted to speak with the group

Represented the Scituate clergy at meetings of Scituate FACTS, Scituate social

service providers, and at a forum on racism at Scituate High School

With Scituate clergy, planned and led the High School Baccalaureate on June 2, 2015

and the Blue Christmas service on December 22, 2015 (hosted by FPUU), and wrote

for the Mariner’s “Along the Path” clergy column

With Billy Timmins and William Clark, attended a forum on Economic Justice hosted

by UU Mass Action, October 25, 2015

Offered the prayer of ordination at the ordination of Stephanie Kelsch by 2nd Parish in

Hingham on June 5, 2015

Represented FPUU at the installation of Lise Adams Sherry as the minister of our

“daughter church” the First Parish in Norwell on November 8, 2015

Represented FPUU at the retirement celebration for Mike Dunfee, minister of the

Trinitarian Congregational Church

Led worship for the UU group at Linden Ponds, April 4, 2015

Participated in leading monthly worship at Allerton House, October and November

2015 and May 2016

Provided pastoral support to many colleagues going through transitions

Attended town events such as Town Meeting, First Fridays, and Heritage Days

VI. Continuing Education: 10 sessions

Met monthly with a small group of colleagues for ministerial reflection

Attended a UUMA program on social media guidelines for ministers

Respectfully submitted,

Pamela Barz, Minister

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Parish Committee Annual Report

This has been an exciting year of growth at First Parish, and the Parish Committee (PC) has spent a busy

year helping our members do the good work of our church. The PC met monthly throughout the church

year, and prior to each meeting the PC Co-Chairs met with the Minister to discuss parish news and

events and determine agenda items.

This year the PC was fortunate to have three passionate members working as Liaisons: Hal Stokes on

Parish Life, Billy Timmins on Membership and Outreach, and Erica Boyle on Administration and

Leadership. Jean Shildneck served as Treasurer and former Treasurer Chris Berkeley reassuringly stayed

by her side during a slow and steady transition. Jen Mackey served as Secretary.

The PC Committee and church have continued our yearlong theme to live and work our Second

Principle of Justice, Equity, and Compassion in Human Relations. From our movie nights and

discussions to our inaugural Blue Boat Coffeehouse, it has been a busy and productive year of

connecting with our community.

Our Social Justice Committee has continued to have the fourth Sunday plate collections go to larger

community needs. Our own Karsten Frey gave an impassioned talk about his work with Haley House,

and we had an outpouring of support for that wonderful cause. Mona Haydar came to our church and

shared her story of “Ask a Muslim,” her one-woman attempt to break the stereotypes of the Muslim

faith. The Reverend Ms. Pamela Barz and the Religious Services Committee have consistently included

the youth and the children of our parish in our weekly services and monthly intergenerational services.

The church also has many ministries that support our Second Principle, such as Prayer Shawl, Unity,

Fiddlers, our monthly book discussion, and Walk and Talk on Sunday afternoons—to name just a few.

In November we formally honored the Reverend Mr. Richard Stower, who served our church for 19

years, by installing him as Minister Emeritus.

Last year the PC formed a Space Use Task Force to look at our shared space and make

recommendations on how to update it. After much consideration, a large, inspired, and tireless team

came together to paint the Old Sloop Room with phenomenal results. The space is lighter, brighter, and

much more versatile. This is an ongoing process, and it has been energizing to see so many of us

engaged and excited about caring for our wonderful church. Thank you to Kathy Fisher, Ruth Kuhn,

and Jim Nidositko for coordinating this work.

Respectfully Submitted,

Laura Carson and Ann Svensen

Co-Chairs, Parish Committee

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Religious Services Committee Annual Report

The Committee met several times this past year to address our goals of working with the minister to

review the weekly worship services, to fill the pulpit on Sundays when the minister was absent, and to

work with the minister to plan multi-generational celebrations for All Souls Day, the Greening of the

Church, Christmas Eve, Water Communion, Fire Communion and Chocolate Communion, Richard

Stower’s installation, Easter, Earth Day, and Passover.

Jenn Mackey volunteered as Chair when Lauri Klein stepped down last summer. We have also

encouraged volunteers for specific Sundays (Earth Day, Passover Seder) in order to have church

members participate in religious services planning without having to attend regular meetings. Brian and

Patty Sutton led the Earth Day service with a sermon on meditation. Many positive comments from

members were received regarding these joint services. Having a group of people working together on

one service allowed for more people to be involved in services throughout the year.

Review of weekly worship services included some suggestions from members about announcements and

the extinguishing of the chalice, as well as suggestions for a new doxology. We decided to keep

announcements short, but inclusive of the breadth of activities going on in the church. We began

extinguishing the chalice at the end of the services, and a new doxology will be examined for the start of

the fall season. Average Sunday morning attendance May 2015 - April 2016 was 66. Christmas Eve

attendance was 67 at the 4 p.m. service and 110 at the 7 p.m. service. This was up from 2014 when

attendance at the early service was 60 and 90 at the later one.

Guest preachers this year included Eliza Blanchard, who preached about our connections to the animal

world, Mona Haydar, and Mary Margaret Earl from the UU Urban Ministry. Richard Stower, Minister

Emeritus led a sermon in February. Matt Myer led a service with music in December; the committee

discussed this service possibly being a multigenerational service next year so that the youth of the

church can also experience his inspirational music.

The committee also worked with the minister to plan summer services. This past summer (2015) we

held services on Thursday evenings at 6:30 with a focus on various themes of “Journeys”. Summer

attendance on Thursday evenings averaged 15, with 45 members attending one or more services. Many

stayed for delicious potluck suppers after the service. Worship leaders included William Clark, Lisa

Lewis, Wendy Brown, Spencer Howe and Dawn Brindley Howe, Teri Sica, Jenn Mackey, Elizabeth

Dubuisson, and Pamela Barz. This coming summer (2016), we will try Wednesday evenings at 6:30 and

continue the tradition of sharing dinner together after the services. Church members again will be

invited to lead services. Various ideas for incorporating music and song into the services have been

discussed. A theme has not yet been selected.

For next year, the committee will continue to review weekly worship services with the minister, plan

multigenerational services, and plan services for when the minister is absent. We would like to involve

more people in service planning, whether it be on the committee all year, or just for one or two services.

We encourage comments and suggestions from everyone regarding worship services.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Religious Services Committee,

Mark McGuinness, Lauri Klein, Wendy Brown, Spencer Howe, Vicki Davis, Ann Weaver, Rodney

Hine, and Jennifer Mackey, Religious Services Committee Chair

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Music Director’s Annual Report

Between June 1, 2015 and May 3, 2016 I have:

✷ Asked Mark Matthews to lead a children’s choir. He agreed to play the guitar and rehearse with the

children in grades K-6. They sang at 4 services.

✷ Attended the Unitarian Universalist Musician’s Conference July 22-24th in Boston.

✷ Played for 2 weddings at the church.

✷ Led a summer church service.

✷ Attended a workshop led by Matt Meyer.

✷ Played at 34 church services (including the later Christmas Eve service and the Blue Christmas

service)

✷ Rehearsed the choir and directed the anthem for 28 of those services.

✷ Accompanied or assisted with student musicians at 5 services.

✷ Took on a larger role in the Pageant - attending rehearsals and directing the choir and actors in all the

music.

✷ Attended several private meetings with the Minister, 3 church planning meetings and 6 staff

meetings.

✷ Met with the music committee 4 times to discuss concerts.

✷ Helped arrange a special Bell Choir concert for December 2016.

✷ Arranged for five piano tunings.

✷ Met with Andover organ repair technician 4 times.

✷ Arranged for guest musicians to perform at the 2 special concerts. Rehearsed 11 times at the church

for said concerts. Performed November and January concerts to raise money for the organ fund.

✷ Hired or arranged for 6 guest musicians to play at church services.

✷ Arranged for substitute musicians for the 3 dates I was absent. (Rosemarie Gentile, Peter Mundt, and

Jim Scott)

✷ Hosted the annual choir party at my house.

✷ Took part in the Union service at First Parish Cohasset.

✷ Performed at the Blue Boat Coffeehouse.

Respectfully Submitted,

Elizabeth Dubuisson, Music Director

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Religious Education (RE) Committee Annual Report The RE Committee represents all ages of youth in our program, from elementary through college—all these children are a

part of the congregation in their own way, whether opening our eyes to innocence, showing us the need for compassion, or

helping us find humor and joy on dark days. We work together with our Director of Religious Education (DRE) to foster their

spiritual growth and to share their discoveries and gifts with the greater UU community. The DRE is a part-time employee

who works with the RE Committee and Minister, and is accountable to both, providing leadership and support for youth

programs and activities.

The committee would like to call out progress on its overall goals; it is followed by the DRE’s report that covers in detail this

year’s curriculum and activities for pre-K through Grade 12.

We worked to identify and fill needs in the junior youth program:

The junior youth (grades 7-8), whose classes traditionally remove them from the Sunday morning routine, expressed

an interest in gathering for additional time together and with the 9-12 youth group. This “7+” youth group now

joins the congregation on Sunday mornings, meeting with their own advisors to take part in discussions and plan

trips. The middle-school grades will have a much better transition to, and understanding of, youth group culture

(self-directed “fun with a purpose”), and has more time to bond; high schoolers now have an alternative to evening

youth group meetings.

As the Scituate public school system returns Grade 6 to the middle school campus in Fall 2017, so will our program

include Grade 6 into junior youth group.

The Coming of Age (CoA) program, which has not been fully implemented over the past few years, was customized

by the minister and DRE to include their participation alongside the mentors. This puts both youth and mentors more

at ease and enhances the effectiveness of the curriculum. We did not have a full program this year but are confident

CoA will be reintegrated into FPUU’s more familiar rotation.

Training for youth group members to assist in classroom/childcare was extended to the junior grades (Grade 7-8)

upon their request.

Youth Group leadership and participation in district CONs continues; the group put on a very strong annual youth-

led service; several more members than in past years are attending Star Island’s summer YES conference. Junior

youth group attended their first junior Con this spring; junior and senior youth voices have joined the adult choir,

while the K-6 have their own new choir led by Mark Matthews.

We look forward to a renovated youth space at the back of the Sloop Room, with meditation cushions (thank you,

Sutton family) for youth seating, and possible future adult-RE meditation classes; continued film series for

entertainment and education of all ages; continued youth participation in the new coffeehouse.

We worked to improve the content and presentation of our curricula:

Our first 3-year rotation of curricula is coming full circle and we can now build on what we have learned from

classroom experience (e.g., integrating visual media) and what we have invested (such as RE library books).

We worked to increase program leadership and participation:

We increased our pool of teachers successfully for this fall (including more male teachers), which benefits the

program in three ways: grouping children in appropriately narrow age brackets; pairing experienced teachers with

new teachers; and avoiding having parents teach their own children.

We increased the size of the RE Committee, and included a youth representative. Our committee members

contribute so much additional support in program visibility, activity planning, policy discussion, and critical review!

We worked to improve administration and communication:

The RE program is a tapestry of interwoven responsibilities! The committee, DRE, and minister committed this year

to refine and define roles and responsibilities so that administration, ministry, and communication work as

effectively as possible.

The RE Committee thanks Donna Shecrallah for her ongoing commitment and vision, and also our liaison Hal Stokes and the

Parish Committee for their support.

Respectfully submitted,

Kate Glennon, Chair, Sheri Nidositko, Laura Smith, Brian Sutton, David Sutton, Patty Sutton, and Tracey Timmons

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Annual Report of the Director of Religious Education

Staff training was held at the beginning of the year for all teachers. This year the topic studied for the week was consistent

by grade and session. Among other benefits, this coordination allowed for a larger discussion during One-room Schoolhouse

Sundays.

Parents received a copy of the topic for the upcoming session before it began, knew who was teaching and the teachers met to

“hand-off” the curriculum and discuss where to begin with the next session. Information was placed on our Friends of First

Parish Facebook Page and also a targeted email was sent to parents as needed. Communication went out in the What’s

Happening Weekly Blast and the Monthly Sloop’s Log.

This year there has been an overall increase of three programs/groups added in one year. There was a high enrollment

recognized at the start of this year resulting in a third classroom for the K-6 program. In the upcoming year we will rotate

back to UU Identity for our K-5 program. This is the last year that 6 grade will be part of children’s program. This upcoming

September, the sixth grade will be part of the Middle School RE Program to align with the restructuring of the Scituate

schools.

Our program numbers from this past year are 53 children and youth actively participating from 34 families. K-2: 11 children

registered; grades 3-4: 9 children; grades 5-6: 6 children. OWL had 13 youth: Jr & Sr. Youth Group had 15 youth; Sr. Youth

Group had 13 youth. 25 teachers in total worked with the children and youth this year!

K-6: So many of our families have volunteered in some capacity this year. Each class has worked in teams of 2 teachers and

a youth as an assistant. Each team volunteers for one session that lasts six weeks. This allows for a great deal of consistency

for the classes and community building for the children. A very special part of the time is spent on check in, when the

children share about their week with a joy or concern or other topic or sharing.

Thank you to the teaching teams for creating a welcoming presence for the children, parents, and the visitors who stop in

observe, finally feeling comfortable leaving their children.

Gr K-2 teachers for Superheroes: Bible People: Jim Nidositko, Carol Sullivan-Hanley, Kathy Fisher, Jen Bokavich,

Ann Svensen, Ann Corbo

Gr 3-4 teachers for Timeless Themes: Tracey Timmons, Chuck Jones, Spencer Howe, Jen Bokavich

Gr 5-6 teachers for Bibleodeon/Lego: Julianna Dunn, Jenn Mackey, Sarah Murdock, Kate Glennon, Darin Floyd

Many thanks to our K-6 Program Assistants: Moira Feeney, Joe Kellerhals, Burak Laciner, Anna Svensen and David Sutton.

A big thank you to Mark Matthews for his leadership and patience and for coming up each week to rehearse with the kids for

our Children’s Choir. The rehearsals have provided wonderful opportunities for our children to sing in the worship services.

Our Whole Lives (OWL) Thank you to Kim Dickenson and Lee Munson for teaching 7th-9th grade OWL starting in

September and ending in June. The OWL class is a big commitment for both the teachers and the students. This program was

a big success. We had 9 participants from our congregation, 2 from Channing Church, Rockland, and 2 participants from the

Scituate community. We had an overnight retreat, panel representation for the kids and will end this busy year with a

celebration on June 5 for OWL participants and their families.

Coming of Age was introduced in the fall and since then Pamela Barz and I redesigned and restructured the program so it can

fit an individual or a small group. We look forward to integrating the Coming of Age program into the curriculum for our 8 th

graders. Most of all we are excited that on June 5, our Coming of Age youth, Win Lawson, will be sharing his credo with the

congregation. Our appreciation goes out to Frank Kilduff for your generous mentoring.

Jr & Sr. Youth Group, newly formed, is meeting the need for projects, activities, trips, and discussion for Grades 7-12.

Already, they have explored faith in action by visiting Y2Y (Youth to Youth) Shelter in Harvard Square, the Shambhala

Meditation Center of Boston, and the Vedanta Center in Cohasset and by talking about First Parish’s good works, including

our ongoing connection to the UU Urban Ministry and the Scituate Food Pantry. Thank you to Patty and Brian Sutton, co-

advisors, for your time, ideas, and creativity.

SciCohRock (Our Sr. Youth collaborative with First Parish Cohasset and Channing Church) assisted in planning 4 CONs, 2

one-night and 2 two-night. The last and fourth CON (Conference) will include a district-wide Bridging Ceremony where

graduating seniors, including our own David Sutton and Joe Kellerhals will be recognized. Thank you to advisors Veronica

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Amelang and Michael Feeney who, in collaboration with Paul Anderson and Joe Herosy, continue to build a strong, vibrant,

and welcoming group.

SciCohRock Youth-Led Service–This year instead of traveling to each of the participating congregations and leading the

same service three times, the SciCohRock Youth Group invited all members of the three churches to gather in Rockland for a

wonderful intergenerational service of music, open and heartfelt discussion, and individual readings.

Other Highlights:

One of our goals this year was to provide a Greeter Training. This workshop was presented to children and youth of

all ages by our Membership Chair, Julianna Dunn.

Junior and high school youth continued to assist and play a vital role in our Grades K-6 programs this year. All of

these additional activities have generated a great enthusiasm across the program and provided our youth an

opportunity to participate in congregational life in a variety of different ways.

Monthly Friday Night Pizza and a Movie

Halloween Party which is always fun to set up.

Sugar Skulls workshop that included painting both Beach Stones and Sugar Skulls to prepare for our All Souls

Service. Thank you Ann Svensen, for taking the lead in this.

RE worked upstairs during the successful Christmas Fair in the Kids’ Room.

Our pageant The Star was another hit. 35 people of all ages took parts - and that doesn’t include the choir! A special

thank you to Kate Glennon for her adaptation of the script, and to Ann Svensen for her imaginative help with the

props. Thank you to our angels, shepherds, sheep, Wise Guys, Pages, Libra, Sign holders, and of course, “The Star.”

Special Projects celebrating our 7th Principle included making bird feeders for the winter. For Earth Day, RE co-

sponsored with Buildings and Grounds our third annual clean up. The congregation-wide activity works outside to

care for our Memorial Garden, and the plants and trees around our church.

Journey to Justice multigenerational service in January celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the

journey toward freedom and self-determination. The service discussed Moses’ influence Dr King’s work. Our youth

and children, together with Beth and the choir, participated by marking timelines along the journey for civil rights.

And thank you to the many more not listed here who ran special programming on Sundays, stepped in to help in a class, put

together the Easter Egg Hunt, supported the Pizza and Movie nights and donated much needed books and supplies

A special thank you to Ann Svensen and Pam Molinari for their support and especially their creativity for our OWL gifts.

Professional Development plans for 2016-2017:

Continue to work with DREs and Youth Advisors to identify district-wide religious program needs, ideas and

exchanges.

Attend DRE Week at Ferry Beach for a module on Worship.

DRE Journey overnight retreat in early 2017.

The RE Committee continues to assist the DRE on setting priorities because of the growth of the program and the limitations

of the 15-hour position. The RE Program is successfully using a project-based model. This year RE piloted Coming of Age

into existing programs and we expect that next year the program will be more integrated.

Goals for the upcoming year are the following:

Continue to working on improving procedures on attendance taking and registration throughout the year.

Continue to improve family orientation to go over changes in the R.E. program and the program handbook.

Increase frequency of teacher meeting and check-ins

Co-lead with the minister some family oriented programs throughout the year

Work with other committees to inform our youth about our larger congregation mission and to involve them in it

Strengthen the Jr. Youth Group through increasing Social Action projects

Work with parents to implement a “Welcome Back” Holiday gathering for our 18-25 year-olds

Thank you so much to all who have helped to make this year an incredible success. A special thank-you to the members of

the Religious Education Committee who have supported me and the Religious Education program this last year.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna M. Shecrallah, Director of Religious Education

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Committee on Ministry Annual Report

The Committee on Ministry met six times in the past year since the 2015 Annual Meeting of the church

to discuss and support our mission. Included in the topics of discussions were:

Adaptive Leadership as it relates to the work of the Committee on Ministry

Improving congregational involvement in Parish Committee and other committees

Functioning of the committees of the church

Development of a Ministerial Evaluation Tool

The Committee continued to fine tune who we are and define our goals as we evolve from the traditional

anonymous “complaint department” to a more goals oriented committee. Our role involves identifying

the real problems that may underlie an issue, assisting the relevant people or committees in exploring it

more fully, and promoting discussions to address rather than solving the problems unilaterally. For

example, when discussing the issue of improving congregational involvement in committee work the

Committee on Ministry looked at the topic in the context of the significant changes to the governance

structure in the 2012-2013 church year and offered to participate in joint meetings with the Parish

Committee to examine the issue more thoroughly.

During the year the Committee on Ministry initiated a “Taking the Temperature of the Church”

campaign to complete a small sampling of members of the congregation regarding their satisfaction with

the church. We selected both new and long-standing members of the church and asked what they liked

about the church and what they would like to see more of in the future. The results were largely positive

and members were encouraged to make their suggestions directly to the person or committee related to

the subject matter.

The Committee on Ministry is currently engaged in discussions on the development of a Ministerial

Evaluation Tool which will help ensure that our overall ministry is reaching the spiritual needs and

commitments to our church as well as the community commitments to the church ministry and our

minister. We will begin to examine the ways in which other UU churches approach this type of

assessment in earnest in the fall and hope to have our tool ready for implementation in 2017.

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen Isley

Janie Culbert

Robert Murdock

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Hospitality and Social Programs Committee Annual Report

Hospitality Report

The year 2015-2016 began September 13 with a barbecue planned and prepared by Pam Molinari.

During the fall volunteers hosted coffee hour. Many others helped out in the kitchen making lighter work for all.

In late Fall, the town of Scituate Health Department inspected the kitchen and made a list of requirements for us

to complete before the kitchen would be approved for serving/selling food to the public including the Snowflake

Fair. We met the requirements and passed inspection to be an approved kitchen. Wendy Ballinger took the

required class to be in charge of the kitchen, monitoring kitchen procedures to be sure we followed the

requirements on the list. Due to the low water temperature, dishes have to be washed, rinsed, and rinsed again in a

solution of bleach and water. Dishes must be left to air dry. Counters must be washed in bleach and water. The list

of requirements is posted in the kitchen. Everyone seems to have adapted to this.

In January 2016, Jean Shildneck composed a detailed guide for coffee hour hosts. The guide includes detailed

instructions for use of coffee machine. Many thanks to Jean for her diligence.

February 14, 2016, coffee hour was hosted by Julianna Dunn who led a “birthday party” for everyone, including a

cake for each month of the year. It may become a tradition.

On April 9, 2016, a collation for Peter Tolman was held. Unity Club and Hospitality served. Cathie McGowan

arranged for food to be donated.

The tablecloths are now stored in the beautiful “breakfront” which Pam Barz loaned to the church.

Many thanks to all the wonderful people who volunteered to host coffee hour and to the many who donated

snacks for coffee hour.

Respectfully submitted, Ruth Kuhn, Donna Brindley, and Dawn Brindley-Howe

Social Programs Report

Social Programs started the year with our annual beginning of the year luncheon. It's always so nice to see

everyone after the busy summer.

We also had a game night that was lots of fun, well attended, and multi-generational.

We had our first Blue Boat Coffeehouse which was a huge success! The name was inspired by the song in the UU

hymn "Our Blue Boat Home". The first event's proceeds was to benefit Friends of Scituate Music. Our plan is to

continue holding this substance free event for our community. We will hold the events for different needy groups.

Social Programs will be helping out with our end of the year luncheon on 6/19.

This has been my first year chairing Social Programs and look forward to another year of programs. Next year I

would like to have a few meetings in conjunction with Social Justice, Hospitality, and Membership so we can

plan some events together. At this point I do not have a committee and this would make planning events

enjoyable. It also makes for some great ideas for church socials, with many minds planning.

Respectfully Submitted, Pam Molinari, Social Programs Chair

13

Unity Alliance Annual Report

As President of the Unity Alliance, I am privileged to present our Annual Report:

The Unity Alliance is open to all the women of First Parish – members, friends, and friends of friends.

In October 2015 we celebrated our 80th Anniversary with a wonderful Sunday service honoring the great women

throughout the years who have served and continue to do great work for the church, including a special sermon

from our minister, Pam Barz, entitled One Chandelier, 12 Side Lamps, a Pulpit Lamp and Five Others for the

Hall and Entrance. Meeting continuously since 1935, we are now joined with the Women’s Alliance. Our

purpose is a primarily a social one, celebrating fellowship and a good meal four times each church year, and

making donations in the name of the church as we are able. Our active group includes women of all ages, and we

welcome new friends at every gathering!

The Unity Alliance meets on the second Wednesday of October, December, March, and May. Social Time is

6:30-7:00 pm and Dinner is at 7:00 pm. Some of our meals are potluck and some hosted by a committee, and all

of them are filled with laughter and delicious food.

For our March program, we were honored to have Nancy Clark (Jenn Mackey’s aunt) discuss her fearless and

tenacious accomplishments working in Zimbabwe villages to eradicate HIV/AIDS and give families a chance to

improve their lives through steady incomes and education. It was an enlightening and impressive presentation.

(More can be found on the website of the organization she co-founded: www.zienzele.org)

Working together we oversee the Snowflake Fair, make charitable contributions in the name of our church,

support the work of the church through donations and volunteers and provide an opportunity for friendship and

fellowship to women of all ages in our congregation. We also host and provide refreshments for memorial service

collations, concerts and other church events as needed.

This year, in addition to our annual charitable gifts to organizations such as Renewal House and the Clara Barton

Camp, we were pleased to make contributions to the Scituate Food Pantry and Scituate Community Christmas and

the Zienzele Foundation, all in the name of First Parish Scituate.

In addition to the gifts already mentioned, Christmas gifts were presented to Pam Barz, Jack Shaw, Beth

Dubuisson and Religious Education in appreciation of their work for the church. We also maintain a small fund

specifically intended to provide aid to members of our church who would like to attend sessions at Star Island.

We provided desserts to the Scituate Community Senior Luncheon for the month of January, as we have for many

years, and volunteers to the Scituate Food Pantry when needed.

We collect annual dues each May to support our good works, and we host approximately 20 women at each

dinner. While we no longer receive proceeds from the Snowflake Fair, we continue to look into new ways to

increase our income.

All women of the church are welcome! 2015-2016 Board Members

Respectfully submitted, President Roxanne Greim

Vice President Laura Smith

Roxanne Greim Treasurer Rhonda Gorski

President Secretary Cathie McGowan

14

Social Justice and Denominational Affairs Annual Report

This year, Committee members met in the summer of 2015 to firm up our plans and objectives for the

year. We continue to feel strongly about the “fourth Sunday collection” non-pledge donations. We

decided upon and contributed to Cradles to Crayons, Scituate FACTS, Haley House, South Shore

Affordable Housing and Urban Ministries. Our last two months were left open for new initiatives that

come before us.

Our year opened with a month long clothing drive for Haley House. We filled about sixteen

“contractor’s bags” with warm clothing and necessities to aid and assist residents in transitional housing

and job training. Cradles to Crayons continues to welcome our support with donations and sorting.

South Shore Affordable Housing was started and continues to be served by several church members.

We, too, brought back informative social justice films and subsequent discussion to follow. We look

forward to this continuing.

We met a few times throughout the year to check in with members. We always welcome others to these

posted meetings to share ideas and suggestions. Currently, we are exploring a book collecting initiative

for incarcerated prisoners and reestablishing a connection with Cardigan Rehabilitation Center. (The

original owners were members of the church). We, too, will send two delegates to the Urban Ministries

Annual Meeting on May 15, 2016.

Other groups that fall under this jurisdiction, but independently work so hard providing service are The

Men’s Ministry with Chuck Jones and The Food Pantry with Nancy Mathews.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Sullivan-Hanley, Chair

15

Membership Committee Annual Report

Perhaps the highlight for membership this year was the “birthday party for everyone” event. Cakes were

baked and on a Sunday after worship, it was everyone’s birthday! Conversation starters were put on the

various tables that were organized by birthday months. Nobody wanted to go home!

A visitor sign was installed in the parking lot. (Thanks, Billy Timmins!) Research shows that if a new

visitor has to park more than 100 feet from the door, they will leave.

There were three new members this year: Ashley Baxter, Wendy Weierzbowski, and Ann Carbo.

Sadly, two of our long-time members died: Virginia Allen and Peter Tolman.

Currently we have 112 active members.

You can support our Membership Committee in a few easy ways: wear your name tag every Sunday; sit

with someone new who is visiting our congregation for the first time; and finally, greet on a Sunday!

These are easy and will help all of us feel welcomed into this community.

Respectfully submitted,

Julianna Dunn, Membership Committee Chair

Publicity Committee Annual Report

This year the publicity committee positions were not filled, so Jackie Collari and Pamela Barz offered to

take on the task of sending out press releases and posting flyers which committees would give them to

publicize their events. Kate Glennon continued as Webmaster; several people serve as admins to the

public and private Facebook pages. A strong publicity team, however, is essential to keeping First Parish

visible as a meaningful presence in the community and helping us constantly evaluate and reflect our

identity. Committee members are needed to revive several initiatives started last year (signage and

graphics in particular).

Website

The website was maintained with information for the public (time-sensitive notices are on the front

page), and with information for members on the password-protected page. We have received positive

feedback from the public, with some visitors mentioning that the website gave them the confidence to

show up and “meet” the church. Over the upcoming summer, we will update the calendar function and

incorporate the Facebook feed onto the site.

Facebook

The closed-group Facebook page functioned this year as an “online coffee-hour” space, with a balance

of functions: sharing photos, videos, and articles; posting about parish events; and linking to volunteer

signups. It currently has 82 members. The “open” page promotes church events and expresses church

identity to the public; it currently has 91 likes. Julianna Dunn and Pamela Barz do the majority of the

work on this. A publicity committee next year could make these pages even better vehicles for

communication.

Respectfully submitted by Kate Glennon

16

Building and Grounds Committee Annual Report

One of the major works concerning Buildings and Grounds this year was the repaving of the driveway.

There had been some discussion of trying to repair the drive from the devastation of the frost heaves

from the “winter of snow”, but further consultations with paving contractors showed that repairs would

still be a major expense, and that replacing the driveway was the best option. One of the consequences

of the repaving is that the outside light that used to shine from across the drive is no longer working.

There is a plan in place to put up a new light and reconnect it to the timer, whose circuit from the fuse

box has been isolated.

Frank Kilduff continued to paint the side of the church this past summer and it’s looking really good. He

will continue this painting this summer as he works around the building.

The Space Committee was successful with the help of many volunteers to repaint the Sloop Room,

which was on our wish list for this year. Many thanks to all those who pitched in with labor and took on

the selection of colors from amongst the input of many opinions.

Mice have taken an interest in the kitchen and traps have been laid.

Nelson and Daisy, our new cleaning service are doing a great job with the cleaning. The Old Sloop

Room floor and the Sanctuary carpet are always clean and shiny.

The garage doors are need of replacement. Frank Kilduff believes they can be repaired to last another

couple of years, but that they are getting on in years.

An ad hoc subcommittee has been formed to address the Memorial Garden and other outdoor plantings

on the grounds.

The mailbox had to be replaced.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Matthews, Building and Grounds, Co-chair

17

Finance Committee Report FY 15/16 We had high hopes of going into FY15/16 with a full committee and chair but instead found ourselves in

a similar position to last year. Erica Boyle the Administration and Leadership Liaison took the lead

although as liaison the by-laws state that she is not to be a chair of a committee that falls within her

liaison responsibility. Vicki Davis as Collector, Alma Morrison as Endowment chair and Jean Shildneck

as Treasurer rounded out the team.

Three fundraisers were scheduled for this year: the Snowflake Fair on Saturday December 5th, 2015,

Dump Duty in April 2016 and the Spring Fair to be held on Saturday May 14th. This fair was not in the

FY16 budget but we hope to bring in $1000. The Snowflake fair under the direction of Alma Morrison,

Sheri Nidositko, and team Snowflake broke the $10,000 barrier, generating $10,055! April’s “Dump

Duty” brought in $3,298 with different teams taking each week. The system seemed to work well with

many people taking multiple shifts and transporting to the redemption center.

The main responsibility of the finance committee is to conduct the annual canvass, stewardship, or

pledge campaign. This is essential to the preparation of the annual budget. A stewardship team was

assembled utilizing members of the endowment committee and others who were experienced

canvassers: The committee members were Wendy Ballinger, Erica Boyle, Vicki Davis, Joanne Fraser,

Ruth Kuhn, Cathie McGowan, Alma Morrison and Jean Shildneck. The stewardship campaign kicked

off on February 27th with a potluck dinner with our MC’s Kate Glennon and Ann Svensen heading up a

very interesting conversation about First Parish and its meaning in our lives. A stewardship packet was

sent to each member/friend containing a pledge card and a brochure detailing the programs and services

that First Parish offers along with a breakdown of the cost of maintaining these programs. As the

brochure indicated, our goal for the campaign was $85,000, but after contacting as many people as we

could reach by the beginning of April we had a total of $63,000. An email blast was sent out April 15th,

which brought in increased and new pledges. This brought our total to $72,665. For the 2017 fiscal year

budget this total will be discounted 5%, bringing the FY17 budgeted pledge income to approximately

$69,000.

The budget for FY17 is a challenge because of two factors. On the expense side we are committed to

paying principle and interest on the loan we took from the Endowment to pave the front driveway. These

repayment terms were approved at last year’s annual meeting. On the income side we are reducing our

income from our Endowment to bring that amount down to sustainable levels. In order to achieve a

balanced budget we have no choice but to reduce program support and increase the fees to the

congregation for others. We hope to discuss this in greater detail at the pre-annual meeting discussion on

May 15th.

Respectfully submitted,

Erica Boyle, Vicki Davis, Alma Morrison, Jean Shildneck

18

FY2016 Treasurer's Report

Income and Expense

FY16 Budget and FY16 Forecast at 2016-05-04

for Fiscal Year ending May 31, 2016

FY16 FY16 Notes

Budget YE Forecast

FY15 Surplus Carryover 4,636.00

Income

Donations & Gifts 3,200.00 5,400.00

Endowment Income- Charles Schwab 43,583.00 44,000.00

Endowment Income- UUA Cornelia Allen 450.00 460.00

Endowment Income- Vanguard 4,960.00 5,400.00

Fund Raisers- Bottles & Cans 3,000.00 3,300.00

Fund Raisers- Snowflake Fair 10,000.00 10,000.00

Other/Misc. Income (including interest) 0.00 1,650.00 (1) Spring Fair - $1,500. Coffee House - $130.

Plate 2,500.00 2,500.00

Pledge Income FY15 0.00 950.00

Pledge Income FY16 61,297.00 61,300.00 (2) FY16 pledge statements to be circulated in May.

RE Registration 1,300.00 1,660.00

Rental Income- AA Groups 1,000.00 1,000.00

Rental Income- Church and Sloop Room 1,000.00 150.00

Rental Income- Erdman 14,400.00 14,400.00

Rental Income- Parsonage 17,700.00 17,700.00

Total Income 164,390.00 169,870.00

Expenses

Admin. Asst. Employer FICA 530.00 530.00

Admin. Asst. Salary 6,975.00 6,980.00

B&G Equipment & Repairs 3,000.00 3,000.00

B&G Other 500.00 1,200.00 (3) Pest Control Contract - $400 unbudgeted expense.

B&G Capital Improvements - Expenses 3,000.00 3,000.00

B&G Cleaning 7,100.00 7,500.00

B&G Lawn 1,050.00 1,200.00

B&G Plowing 1,500.00 1,000.00

B&G Security System 1,362.00 1,360.00

B&G Waste Removal 500.00 500.00

B&G Water and Sewer 2,300.00 2,000.00

Insurance 6,500.00 6,500.00

Interest on Endowment Loan 1,250.00 1,150.00

O/A Accounting Software 1,020.00 1,020.00

O/A Copier Lease 2,200.00 2,200.00

19

O/A Internet 500.00 550.00

O/A Paper, Supplies, Misc. 600.00 550.00

O/A Postage 150.00 150.00

O/A Telephone 1,500.00 1,500.00

Publicity 100.00 100.00

Electricity 500.00 350.00

Heating Oil 7,350.00 3,000.00

Ballou Channing District 500.00 500.00

UU Urban Ministry 250.00 250.00

UUA Annual Program Fund 500.00 500.00

Hospitality 500.00 700.00

Membership (Outreach) 350.00 350.00

Social Justice Expenses 250.00 250.00

DRE Employer FICA 994.00 990.00

DRE Professional Development 800.00 800.00

DRE Salary 12,992.00 12,990.00

Minister Life & Disability Insurance 1,221.00 1,220.00

Minister Professional Expenses 4,430.00 4,430.00

Minister Retirement Plan 8,400.00 9,100.00 (4) June 2015 payment paid in July.

Minister Salary & Housing 70,069.00 70,070.00

Music Director Employer FICA 1,045.00 1,050.00

Music Director Professional Development 250.00 0.00

Music Director Salary 13,640.00 13,640.00

Instrumentalists 600.00 425.00

Piano and Organ tuning 1,055.00 650.00 (5) Tuning costs lower in FY16 because of organ project.

Sheet Music 125.00 100.00

Substitute Organists 400.00 900.00 (6) Forecast includes Jim Scott on May 15.

RE OWL Expenses 800.00 800.00

RE Committee Training and Development 250.00 250.00

RE Curricula 750.00 750.00

RE Gifts 350.00 350.00

RE Supplies and Misc. 350.00 350.00

Youth Group Expenses 100.00 100.00

Youth Group Leader Stipend 1,000.00 1,000.00

RS Guest Speakers 1,000.00 875.00

RS Pulpit Supplies 500.00 720.00

Total Expenses 172,958.00 169,450.00

Net Income

(8,568.00) 420.00

Budgeted Net Income with FY15 Surplus Added

(3,932.00)

20

FY2016 Treasurer's Report (cont.) Cash Statement

Cash Balances as of April 30, 2016

Balances

Rockland Trust Operating Funds

Money Market Account Balance 20,111.96

Checking Account Balance 31,523.85

Total Operating Funds $ 51,635.81

Restrictions on Operating Funds

Misc. Receivables -

Deferred Pledge Payments (FY17) 10,525.00

Miscellaneous Payables 1,964.07

Payroll Tax Withholdings 850.51

Social Justice Plate Collection 760.00

Decorating & Flower fund 279.67

Fididdlers 87.00

Hymnal and Music Fund 136.92

Memorial Garden Fund 3,331.72

Religious Education donations 140.50

Beginning reserve - 16.5% of FY16 budget 28,686.12 *Church policy is 15%

Total Restricted Operating Funds $ 46,761.51

Total Operating Cash Available $ 4,874.30

Rockland Trust Savings Accounts

Capital Improvement Savings $ 13,076.77

Elizabeth Smith Organ Fund $ 14,969.15

Parsonage Escrow Acct. $ 1,355.62

Total Cash Accounts $ 81,037.35

Star Island Fund @ 3/31/16 $ 20,450.11

21

Endowment Fund and Planned Giving Committee Annual Report

In June, 2015, following up on the May vote of the Endowment Committee, the Parish Committee voted

to authorize withdrawing up to $25,000 from invested funds to pay for repaving the driveway. Terms of

the loan include a schedule for repayment of $5,000 annually starting July 1, 2016, plus 5% interest on

the outstanding balance. The actual amount borrowed was only $23,000.

The Committee met January 17, 2016 and primarily discussed Legacy Giving, a project to encourage

bequests and other forms of giving to the Endowment Fund. This was a continuation of discussions in

2014 and spring 2015. More planning will take place at future meetings primarily over the summer

when committee members have more time.

The Committee met April 4 with our Advisor from Emerson Investments, which manages the majority

of the First Parish Endowment Funds, invested with Charles Schwab. These are the Louise Bates Fund,

Elizabeth Eason Fund, and the Wilmot Brown/Dorothy Wood Fund, all managed under the same

guidelines. At the meeting we discussed our ongoing investment strategy and the amount of money to

be distributed in FY 2016-17 for the church operating budget. Our policy in the past has been to

withdraw between 4-6% from our Schwab funds each year, traditionally considered a sustainable

amount; this usually was 5% but was increased to 6% in the years we had extra expenses during the

ministerial transition. Our review with Stacy, however, showed that our return on investment in the last

decade has been just over 4%. Therefore, to avoid further eroding our capital, we voted to reduce our

withdrawal rate to 4.5% for FY 2016-17, and to plan to reduce it to 4% the following year.

The church has about 72% of its endowment invested with Charles Schwab, managed by Emerson

Investments. About 26% of its endowment is invested with Vanguard indexed funds in a balance

portfolio, and approximately 2% in the Unitarian Universalist Common Endowment Fund.

Valuations as of March 31* 2016 2015 2014

Charles Schwab $598,341 $668,431 $682,116

Vanguard: 211,112 213,136 197,252

UU CEF 17,452 18,960 18,671

Miscellaneous $ 1,000

________ _______ _______

TOTAL $827,905 $900,527 $898,039

Contribution to church budget FY 2016-17 FY 2015-16 FY 2014-15 FY 2013-14

From entire endowment: Proposed Budgeted Actual Actual

TOTAL $ 44,133 $ 48,993 $ 53,065 $ 54,800

*These reflect changes in market value, and withdrawal from Schwab for the driveway in 2015.

Respectfully submitted for the Endowment Committee,

Alma Morrison, Chair; Dave Ballinger, Joanne Fraser, Cathy McGowan, Leigh Todd

22

SLATE OF NOMINEES FOR OFFICERS

AND ELECTED COMMITTEES Officers: Collector: Vicki Davis (term expires May 31, 2018) Co-Collector: Cathie McGowan (term expires May 31, 2018) Moderator: Michael McGowan (term expires May 31, 2018) Clerk: Anne Weaver (term expires May 31, 2018) Parish Committee Members: Incoming Co-Chair: Billy Timmins (term expires May 31, 2017) Outgoing Co-Chair: Anne Svensen (term expires May 31, 2017) Membership and Outreach Liaison: Alma Morrison (term expires May 31, 2018) Parish Life Liaison: Kate Glennon (term expires May 31, 2018) Endowment Fund and Planned Giving Committee: David Ballinger (term expires May 31, 2018 - not eligible to be re-nominated) Frank Kilduff (term expires May 31, 2108 - eligible to be re-nominated) Kathy Fisher (term expires May 31, 2018-eligible to be re-nominated) Nominating and By-Law Review: Sarah Murdock (term expires May 31, 2017) Brian and Patty Sutton (term expires May 31, 2017) Laura Carson-Laciner (term expires May 31, 2017)

NOTE: The following Officers and Elected Committee members were voted two year terms at the 2016 Annual meeting Officers: Secretary: Jenn Mackey (term expires May 31, 2017) Treasurer: Jean Shildneck (term expires May 31, 2017) Parish Committee: Administration and Leadership Liaison: Erica Boyle (term expires May 31, 2017) Endowment Fund and Planned Giving Committee: Leigh Todd (term expires May 31, 2017- eligible to be renominated) Cathie McGowan (term expires May 31, 2017–eligible to be renominated)

Respectfully submitted,

Wendy Ballinger

23

FY2017 Proposed Budget

Expenses:

Item FY 16 Budget FY 16 Year End

Forecast FY 17 Budget Notes

Buildings and Grounds Breakdown below:

Water/sewer

General Repairs

Capitol Improvement Fund

Cleaning

Lawn Mowing

Plowing

Security System

Trash Removal

Total $20,312 $2,800 $3,000 $3,000 $7,100 $1,050 $1,500 $1,362 $500

$20,760 $18,914 Down $1,500

Less Money put into Capitol Improvement Fund for FY. This will require volunteers to do repairs at Parsonage this Spring

Utilities

Electric

Oil

$7,850 $500 $7,350

$3,350 $5,500 Savings due to lower cost oil

Insurance $6,500 $6,500 $6,500

Paving Loan

Principal $5000

$1,250 Interest only

$1,150 $6,150 5% Interest

Office Supplies $5,970 $5,970 $5,970

Publicity $100 $100 $100

Secretary Comp. Package $7,505 $7,510 $7505

Ballou Channing $500 $500 $250 Reduction

UU Urban Ministry $250 $250 $0 Contribution will be from 4th plate Collections

UUA Program Fund $500 $500 $500

Hospitality/Coffee hour $500 $700 $700 Increase

Membership $350 $350 $350

Social Justice $250 $250 $250

Minister Comp. Package $84,120 $84,820 $84,120

Music Director Comp. Package

$14,935 $14,690 $14,935

Music Expense $2,180 $2,075 $1,900 Reduced

RE Director Compensation Package

$14,786 $14,780 $14,786

RE Expense $3,600 $3,600 $3,600

Religious Services $1,500 $1,595 $1,500

Total $172,958 $169,450 $173,530

24

Income:

Item FY 16 FY Forecast FY 17 Notes

Pledges $61,297

$62,247 Includes $950 From FY15

$72,665 Minus 5%=$69,000

Historically approx. 5% of the pledge is not received

Plate $2,500 $2,500 $3,000 Christmas Service Plate to be kept for Church

RE Registration $1,300 $1,660 $2,500 Cost per Child to attend church school for FY 2016 was $368. New Registration fee of $50 per child with a $100 family cap

Fundraiser’s

Snowflake Fair

Bottles & Cans

Spring Fair &Coffee House

$10,000 $3,000 N/A

$10,000 $3,300 $1,650

$10,000 $3,200 $1,500

Spring fundraiser and higher bottles and cans raises income by $1,700

Rental Income $34,100 $33,250 $34,952 Cost of living increase 2.5%

Donations/Gifts $3,200 $5,400 $3,200

Endowment

Vanguard Fund

Schwab

Betty Eason

$4,900 $34,093 $10,000

$5,400 $34,000 $10,000

$4,900 $29,233 $10,000

5% withdrawal FY 16. 4.5% for FY17

FY 15 Surplus Carryover $4,636 from FY15 -( $3,932 ) $0 FY 16 deficit of $3,932 made up by careful financial management, savings on plowing, lower oil bills and added fundraiser

Total $169,026 $169,870 $173,530* *Includes surplus of $2,045 from Reserve account kept at 15% of operating Budget

(please see “Important notes on the proposed budget for FY17” section on the next page)

25

Important notes on the proposed budget for FY17:

Excellent Pledge drive, many very generous pledges from old and new members, but not enough to

avoid some cuts to budget. Below are the major reasons for the budget gap:

Endowment reduction to $4,860 to make withdrawal sustainable. Endowment withdrawals are

reduced this year to 4.5% from a high of 6%. Next year this will drop to 4% which will ensure

we do not withdraw Principal from Endowment to meet our operating budget. The Stewardship

Campaigns must begin bringing in enough Pledges to pay for our programs.

Paving $4900 plus interest (annually for 5 years)

If additional funds come in during FY 17 budget cuts will be reduced or reversed.

Cuts were done across the spectrum of Music, Religious Education, and Building Maintenance to

avoid deep cuts in any one area.

We have had to hold the line on any staff increases again in FY 17 and hope to give Jackie

Collari, Administrative Assistant; Donna Shecrallah, Director of Religious Education; and

Elizabeth Dubuisson, Music Director, well-deserved cost-of-living increases in FY 2018.