Unitarian Fellowship of Longview

Congregational meeting

10/23/2005

Meeting opened with lighting of chalice by President Huey Mitchell

Members Present: Frank Herbert, Tina Rushing, Jo Ann Porterfield, Jay Noble, Jessica Noble, Betty Golding, Ruth Semrau, Al Hummadi, Veronica Hummadi, Sherry Kircus, Jerry Kircus Peggy Nader, Helen Aussman, Jonna Anderson, Austin Pennington, Barbara Cavin, Huey Mitchell

Friends Present: Sky Mitchell, Kay Cox, Carol Peaster, Beacher Threatt, Betty Reedy, Bob Winters, Phillip Scott

J. Porterfield moved, H. Mitchell seconded approval of June 5^th, 2005 Congregational meeting minutes. (Minutes can be located on line at Longview UU site)

Minutes of October 11^th board meeting were also approved with the correction/change of the word “kitchen” to food service area.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Rushing presented the year to date expenses v. revenue. (Report attached to minutes and posted on bulletin board at fellowship)

·        Discussion of high utility bills followed Treasurer’s report

·        Everyone using the facility must be diligent about making certain that utilities are off when the building is empty. A checklist is posted in the foyer to remind us to turn off utilities.

·        A discussion also followed about the financial state of the fellowship. There is some concern that people who made pledges to the building fund no longer attend the fellowship. Money management will be essential for our future.

State Of the Fellowship report

Huey Mitchell presented a report on the state of the fellowship including the following:

• There are 43 members on the roll. Average attendance is about 37 people each Sunday.
• There is concern that some of the members are no longer attending the fellowship and we would like to have their continued support.
• We are going to participate in “The Uncommon Denomination” program that includes a self-survey that may give some indication of needed changes to improve attendance and increase membership.
• Also agreed to put a list of volunteer jobs on the bulletin board so that people would have the opportunity to select a job that they are interested in to do.

Food Service Area:

Kay Cox presented a report concerning the food service/preparation area. Bids range from $12,000 to $20,000 to remodel the office area into a food service area.

There is a concern that the space would be reduced for the R.E. program if the office were used for food.

There is a grant available for assistance with a R.E. area and Jessica is encouraged to apply with help from Sheila McIlroy.

The congregation approved by show of hand vote to have Kay and Huey select the best bid to meet our needs under $20,000 to make a food service area. There is still money left from the grant to help purchase the building. Only 2 opposing votes.

The congregation approved to have a trial for 2 months of no break between service and talk back. The board will reexamine this decision in January.

Official Position on Amendment 2 to Texas Constitution (up for vote Nov. 7)

Jonna Anderson provided a report on the legal aspects of supporting the amendment and how human rights would be denied by the passage of this.

Much lively discussion ensued, however; the congregation voted to stand against proposition 2 (denying same sex marriages) with 2 against the fellowship taking an official position.

Next Board meeting scheduled for 11/07/2005.

Meeting adjourned with extinguishing of chalice.

Reports attached.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Cavin