Annual CommUnity Meeting

Sunday, January 24, 2021
Join the UCR Board of Trustees for the Annual Community Meeting. This year the meeting will be held Via Zoom.
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Annual Meeting Notice

Date: January 11, 2021

RE: Official Notice of Unity Center of Cedar Rapids Annual Meeting

Greetings!

Mark your calendars to attend the UnityCR Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 24th via Zoom immediately following the service at 11 AM for one hour. While we wish we could be in person for this special gathering, we must ensure the safety of all congregants. YOUR attendance is important as our bylaws require attendance by 25% of our membership to conduct the official business of UCR. 

We strongly encourage you to attend — not only to celebrate our strength and resilience as a spiritual community —but also to rejoice as we gather in a jubilant homecoming of family and friends.  Seeing your faces and hearing your voices will remind all of us that we continue to be grounded in love, growing in faith, and grateful for all that Spirit continues to accomplish in and through UCR. This meeting is for EVERYONE in the UCR family, however, only active members may vote at the meeting.  

Agenda items include the presentation of the 2021 prosperity plan (budget), election of two nominees to the board of trustees, introduction of the new welcome statement, comments from Minister and the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of UCR over the previous year, and to affirm the important role of our members and friends in the co-creation of our future.

To join this virtual meeting with a tablet, computer, or smartphone, click HERE for a meeting link.  You can also join by phone (landline or cellular) by calling (312) 626-6799.  If you need assistance with Zoom, please contact the center at 319.393.5422, or email minister@unitycr.org. A helpful tutorial for attending Zoom meetings can be found here. 

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 11 am!

Rev Debra and UnityCR Board of Trustees

Annual Meeting Documents for Review

Please review the following documents before the meeting.

Scroll down this page to view, or click the following links to download.

1. Agenda

2. Board Nominee Bios

3. Ministry Team and Licensed Leader Reports

4. Minister’s and President’s Letter

5. 2021 Prosperity Plan (budget)

6. Minutes from 2020

UnityCR Annual Membership Meeting Agenda

January 24, 2021
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Click HERE to join the meeting!

  1. Pre-Meeting Business – Lisa Klostermann, Zoom moderator
    • Address Zoom etiquette and resolve technical issues 
  2. Call to Order – Paula Land, President
  3. Establish Quorum of Members – Paula 
  4. Opening Prayer – Barb Buchanan, Licensed Unity Leader
  5. Celebrations – Chris Klostermann, Vice President
  6. Minutes from 2020 Annual Meeting – Lynda Black-Smith, Secretary
    • Request for meeting minute volunteers 
  7. 2020 Financial Results & Presentation of the 2021 Prosperity Plan – Laura Meade, Treasurer
  8. Election of Nominees for Board of Trustees – Nina Swanson, Nominations Committee Chair
    • Comments by nominees – Cindy Thompson and Sally Miller
  9. Bylaws Amendment to allow for virtual meeting of membership – Laura Meade, Parliamentarian
  10. Welcoming Statement – Susan Liddell, team leader/Licensed Unity Leader
  11. Ministers Comments – Rev. Debra Carter Williams, Senior Minister
    • Recognition of Service – Rev Debra
  12. President’s Comments – Paula Land
  13. Questions and Comments from Attendees – Paula
  14. Closing Prayer – Janith Griffith, Licensed Unity Leader
  15. Adjourn – Paula

UCR Board Candidates for 2021–Bios

Candidate:  Cindy Thompson 

Cindy PhotoI was not raised with any religion and had never attended a church regularly.  I reached a point in my life in 1997 that I wanted to learn more about the spiritual journey that I was on after being in a recovery program for 6 years.  Unity Center was recommended to me and I’ve been attending ever since.  I consider Unity CR my spiritual home and I’m very committed to it.  Presently I serve UCR on the welcome team (leader for a time) and the EFCC. 

Over this last year and now after retiring 4 months ago, I have felt a renewed commitment to Unity and for that reason, I decided it was time for me to step up and run for the board.  I’ve had experience with leading groups through work and other areas.  My strengths are openness, listening, and inclusiveness.  

As for the direction I’d like to see Unity grow in, I’d like to see more outreach programs like the Food Bank.  I believe we have people that would step up and assist with this.  

Thanks so much for this opportunity.

Candidate:  Sally Miller 

People say I should write a book with all of my life experiences. You could say I have lived my life out loud and I wouldnt change much because it helped shape who I am today. Out of all the things I have done so far, with motherhood being the most fulfilling, Id have to say a close second would be volunteering

When I volunteer I give full commitment to whatever organization it might be. I can’t think of a better way to spend my spare time then to give it to someone else.  Over the years I helped with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Horizon’s meal program, among others in the community.  I have also served on several ministries at Unity, including Welcoming, Sacred Grounds & Books, Marketing & Media  etc.  I loved helping with Garage Sales, Pride fests and Silent Auctions.  Bringing smiles makes my heart full.  

I truly love our Unity Community and volunteering to serve on the board in the past allowed me to serve our congregation in more ways than the ministries.  I enjoy the behind the scenes opportunity to help us grow.  

2020 Annual Ministry Team Reports

Audio – Sound Ministry Team

Tom Zimmerman, Team Leader

The Unity Audio – Sound Ministry Team provided quality sound support for the Unity congregation, to create an environment where performers and speakers could convey a message of spirit with confidence and comfort. 2020 was unique due to the use of Parking Lot Services. The sound of our music and service presentation was moved to the covered entryway.

The Unity Audio – Sound Ministry Team treats the performers and speakers as family, to help put them at ease, and provides them with a professional sound system to support their music.

The Unity Audio – Sound Ministry Team currently consists of 3 people; Kevin Krumvieda, Dave Jepsen, and me.   Carl Swanson also assists, when needed.  Greg McGaffic has also assisted with the sound system.  

The Audio-Sound Ministry Team is in need of 1 to 2 individuals. 

The normal Sunday Service rotation is being met with 3 regular Soundboard Operators. To provide a less demanding schedule, and allow time for training, we need another person (or 2). 

Unity CR purchased a new Wireless Microphone system last March to ensure that speakers can be clearly heard by the congregation. Our old system had failures of the headset and lavalier mics. We now have a new Shure Microphone system which should serve us for many years.

The Audio equipment at the front of the sanctuary has a cabinet which was donated to give a more professional, uncluttered appearance. We have satisfactory equipment to support most all musical groups that perform at Unity CR.  No new equipment should be needed in 2021.   

 

Brunch Ministry

Claudia Hamlett, Team Leader

Amidst a worldwide pandemic we managed to serve coffee and cinnamon rolls to the congregation following two Parking lot services. We also were instrumental in providing a hot meal to the Willis Dady Center. We have high hopes for the coming year and are anxious to serve a monthly brunch when it is deemed safe. 

 

Building Ministry

Greg McGaffic, Team Leader

A new roof was installed on Unity CR by Mike Battreal from HasselFree Exterior during the summer. Siding repair should be done early this spring. Interior light fixtures in the sanctuary will be fixed later this month. Fire inspection and recharging the fire extinguishers will be done in the next few months.

 

Department of Interior

Team Leader and Liaison, Lynda Black-Smith

The goal of our ministry this year was to work on beautification, and functionality within our building. Unfortunately, we were limited due to the need to close the building for most of the year.  We were able to do some planning for our return to in-person services and are seeking ideas and possible funding for changes to the sanctuary for comfort, distancing, and an arrangement that creates a beautiful spiritual feeling.  We hope some of you will join us soon, to bring ideas and possibilities for the transformation of our space.  Contact Lynda to inquire, discuss ideas, or volunteer.  We need you.

 

EarthCare Team

Barb Buchanan, Team Leader

Mission statement: to foster awareness of our spiritual oneness with the Earth and to promote active care of all creation.

Before COVID 19 we were able to have 2 team meetings, one in January and one February to formulate our plans for Earth Day (Month). We were also moving forward in sewing napkins for the kitchen. The UCR website was updated. During the Great Lakes Unity Conference I attended the UWM EarthCare presentation ‘Active Hope, Resilience & Possibility in These Times’. This program was also presented again in October, and again attended.  2020 team members included: Carol Berg, Janet Bergman, Jim Greene, Sue Jorgensen, Anne Lullie, Otis McGowan, Ruthie Petersen and Anne Wilk. Our 2021 team members include Janet Bergman, Jim Greene, Anne Lullie, and Ruthie Petersen. We continue to build an environmentally eco-friendly spiritual center and to affirm our EarthCare Covenant. We look forward to gathering again in 2021. UCR is blessed to have a mighty, energetic EarthCare team!  

 

 Elayne Fisher CommUnity Cupboard (EFCC)

 Barb Buchanan, Team Leader

Mission Statement: to share our abundance, to serve our community for those who are food insecure or in need of basic necessities, with love and joy! 

2020 – a banner year for our community: 

  • 487 people came to the EFCC. In December we served 206 family members! 
  • In December we started keeping track of family members of the individuals we saw. 
  • We were blessed by 3 very generous donations and we acquired new signage that is placed on the property perimeter. 
  • We provided meals to those who provided direct care for COVID 19 patients at St. Luke’s. Early in the year we provided groceries to the Freedom Foundation, Wellington House and Willis Dady Emergency Shelter. 
  • We provided diapers to the Young Parents Network (YPN) and household necessities for six families at the Catherine McCauley Centers. 
  • We received free advertising in Tidbits and participated in the Red Bag program through HyVee.
  • I attended a meeting with team leaders Jane Tappmeyer (Outreach), Claudia Hamlett (trustee/EFCC liaison), Laura Meade (trustee/treasurer), Paula Land (board president), and Debra Carter Williams (trustee/OR liaison) concerning EFCC mission, relationship between EFCC and OR, designated funds for EFCC and the Brimmer Foundation monies. 
  • Four new team members for 2021 were mentored and staffed in December. Our dedicated team in 2020 was Polly Gould, Ellen Stevens, Claudia Hamlett and Ruthie Peterson. 
  • We are blessed by Vicki Genkinger, and her daughter Heather, who gather our groceries for the EFCC. 
  • 2021 team members are: Claudia Hamlett, Amanda Green, Cindy Thompson, Anne Lullie and Jean Kirby. 
  • I am so appreciative of our team members and the dedication, enthusiasm and service they provide to the EFCC for our community. 
  • We are blessed and grateful to make a difference in the world!

 

Exploring Unity (Membership) Team

Team Leaders – Janith Griffith and Susan Liddell, Board Liaison-Glady McMellor

This team is divided into 3 parts:

  • Exploring Your Home which consists of a tour of UCR and a chance to experience what happens in each space
  • Exploring Unity Foundations-an overview of history, organization, 5 principles, 12 powers, prayer, metaphysics, prosperity
  • Exploring You-for those who have committed to membership, a one-on-one meeting to get to know people better, answer questions, explore spiritual gifts, etc.

We welcomed a total of 9 new members in 2019 and 4 on January 19, 2020!!  Before COVID-19 we had several people interested in membership.  Once we are meeting face-to-face again our goal is to welcome new members to the Exploring Unity classes.

 

Grounds Ministry

Jim Greene, Team Leader; Chris Klostermann, Board Liaison

  • Due to the COVID situation, there weren’t many organized Grounds activities in 2020.  
  • There were some UCR garden cleanup activities that Rev. Debra and Ruth organized.  These were supported by multiple congregants; thank you to everyone who came to help!
  • After Service Master completed site cleanup on behalf of River of Life Church, there were tremendous efforts to clean up after the derecho to remove tree debris, and trash pickup.  This saved a lot of money which avoided or reduced the need for professional services. Thanks to those who helped with this and apologies for missing anyone: Jim Greene, Kevin Hasselquist, Chris Klostermann, Ray and Linda Smith, Bill and Laura Meade
  • Kevin Krumvieda and Ray Smith completed some tree cleanup around the garage.  
  • Jim restored the peace pole (peace garden) which had peeling paint and the base was rotten.  This was installed almost 20 years ago (in 2001).  Jim built back the base, repainted it and improved drainage around the pole to reduce or slow down the rotting process.
  • There is additional tree/debris cleanup left to do near the wooded area which will likely occur in the Spring or Summer.

 

Marketing and Media Team

Lisa Klostermann, Team Leader

M&M team was extraordinarily busy in 2020! We began the year by adding several new members and training them to produce the livestream and slides for the TV’s during services. In response to the Covid 19 pandemic, we started creating pre-recorded videos of the Sunday service streaming simultaneously on Facebook and YouTube.  After a few weeks with internet glitches, we began uploading videos in advance and setting them to “premiere” on Sunday mornings.

  • Shoutout to Rev Debra, Nina Swanson, LUL team, and Platform Chairs for a wonderful job recording content for our services!
  • Thank you to Edwin Lindeman for doing the lion’s share of the work in creating the service videos.
  • Shoutout to everyone who engaged in the services by chatting in the comments!

We helped to coordinate a very successful live video conference over Zoom for Comfy Christmas 2020.  Hopefully we will be able to make greater use of Zoom in the future.

Music Ministry Report

Nina Swanson, Music Director

This year, everyone in the church stepped up by learning new skills of communication, including our music ministry. Thanks to my husband Carl’s work in video and audio and programming, we were able to set up a semi/studio here at our house, and invite musicians to come out and record, at a distance, for our online services. Many choir members figured out how to record themselves at home and we were able to piece them together digitally to make a virtual choir, with great success! Other musicians sent us videos from across the country to share.

Our mission has always been to inspire, comfort, and open hearts to the wonder of life, and I am so grateful we have been able to continue
doing this. Thanks to our choir, our soloists, Carl, Reverend Debra, Lisa Klostermann, Edwin Lindeman, Kevin Hasselquist for all their work getting the service edited beautifully and out into the ethers!

Sacred Grounds and Books

Team Lead – Janith Griffith, Board Liaison – Lynda Black-Smith

This team maintains our bookstore, lending library, free little library box, artists group, and “coffee shop”.

  • Co-chair-bookstore-Susan Liddell-inventory completed.  Arranged books in bookstore, free little library, lending library through March.  Since the pandemic, books and pamphlets have been offered online with OA, Ruth, managing sales. 
  • Free Little Library destroyed in August Derecho storm.  We will discuss at next in person team meeting about the possibility of replacing this in 2021.
  • Co-chair-coffee shop-Pat Coon-maintained schedule for assigned coffee makers who serve refreshments before and after services and for special services such as funerals as requested. There will be several openings in Sacred Grounds when we regather…contact Pat Coon

Chair-CommUnity Creates-Jan Griffith-coordinated artist sales through seasonal bazaars and through “artist of the week”.  Saturday open studio times were held through March to work on projects presented by Unity Arts Community from Unity Village.  New plans for 2021 include continuing art bazaars and artist of the week.  We also will plan to include monthly open studio space for artists the second Saturday each month.  Monthly spirituality through art classes are planned when we regather. 

 

Spiritual Care Ministry Team Report

Liaison-Rev Debra Carter-Williams

Members-Barbara Buchanan, Janith Griffith, Susan Liddell, Jill Meadows

Members have been responsible to take “on call” days to access the phone line at UCR for prayer requests and spiritual care needs.  These were addressed with phone calls, visits as appropriate prior to March, and continued connection via texts and emails.  Several holiday cards and “thinking of you” cards have been mailed this year…10 during the spring, 15 during the fall, and 25 Christmas cards to maintain connection with congregants.

New members for any of the prayer teams are always welcome and require Unity prayer training.  If interested contact Rev Debra or any of the LULs.

 

Welcome Team

Frank Niedermeyer, Team Leader

The Welcome Team members have been in communication via E-mail and telephone through the COVID months. After a long absence from in person services, the Welcome Team enjoyed helping to welcome congregants during the parking lot services. They’re looking forward to meeting in person again, inside and/or outside.

 

Welcoming Statement Revision Team

Members:  Leader-Susan Liddell, Paula Land, Jill Meadows, Jan Griffith

Several meetings were held.  Final revision approved at December 2020 UCR Board meeting.

 

Youth and Family Ministry Team

 Mary and Joshua Haun, YFM Co-Leaders

2020 gave our Youth and Family ministry plenty of challenges and opportunities to get creative and grow. Although we haven’t been meeting in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been able to stay collected with the regular attendees of our youth program via Zoom and email communications. We have been able to share lessons, meditations and talk openly about our personal challenges, successes and what inspires our development of spiritual growth. 

 Josh and I thank you for your ongoing support and the trust that you have bestowed us in respect to the children of Unity Center Cedar Rapids.   

 

2020 Licensed Unity Leader Reports

Barb Buchanan

Unity Center of Cedar Rapids (UCR)

  • Spiritual Leader serving as a member of the Leadership Circle
  • Collaborative Team Leader for the Spiritual Care Team
  • Serve as prayer partner on Prayer Tree, Prayer Room, and Prayer with Children
  • Designated Prayer Chaplain and Healing Prayer Companion
  • Serve as Platform Assistant
  • EarthCare Team Leader: staffing, meetings, recruiting, and mentoring
  • Elayne Fisher Community Cupboard Team Leader: staffing, meetings, recruiting, and mentoring
  • Provide quarterly reports to the Brimmer Foundation
  • Three sets of meetings: with LUL’s, with LUL’s and Rev. Debra, with LUL’s, Rev. Debra and Leadership Circle
  • Planning and facilitating in: Thanksgiving , Ash Wednesday, Comfy Christmas and Christmas Eve services
  • Signing of cards for Thanksgiving
  • Composed four sections from the Nurture Your Divine Spirit for the Fall/Winter Retreat: denials & affirmations, prayer & meditation

 Great Lakes Unity Region (GLUR)Attended regional conference Sept. 21st-24th

 Unity Worldwide MinistriesCompleted CEU requirements for Licensed Unity Teacher

 Community Events Attended

  • Grief Consortium meetings
  • Spirituality in the 21st Century- Prairiewoods Spirituality Center
  • Hospice: ‘Complicated Grief’ presented by Cedar Memorial & Iowa Cremation
  • Compassion & Choices webinar
  • ‘Forest Therapy’ at Prairiewoods 
  • ‘Treasuring Our Trees’ at Prairiewoods

 2020 Licensed Unity Leaders Annual Report

Jan Griffith and Susan Liddell

Janith Griffith (2009) and Susan Liddell (2009) are licensed by Unity Worldwide Ministries.  Jan and Susan are also trained Unity Healing Prayer Companions and Susan is a Spiritual Director.

Unity CR

  • Supported the congregation spiritually as members of the Spiritual Care Team, Prayer Room, and Prayer Tree (see separate Ministry Team Annual Reports)
  • Listed as emergency contacts for area hospitals
  • Registered Funeral Officiants at local funeral homes
  • Maintained Ongoing, open communication with Rev Debra via in person, text, phone, email
  • Met with Rev Debra to plan roles and responsibilities for the coming year
  • Met as members of the Leadership Team to plan special Sunday services Planning and facilitating special services, Thanks-for-giving including volunteer recognition
  • Planned and facilitated holiday services-Comfy Christmas, Christmas Eve
  • Provided six meditations for Advent through the New Year
  • Maintained congregant connection via texts, phone calls, emails, cards, after service zoom coffee hours
  • Wrote summer self-guided retreat-Jan & fall winter retreat-Jan and Susan
  • Provided decorations, treats, and help for Halloween drive-through
  • Attended parking lot services, helped park cars, provided masked-in person prayer room partners
  • Delivered holiday gift bags
  • Attended zoom UCR classes-Just Mercy & Spiritual Economics
  • Taught Spirituality of Bread class and facilitated Lenten soup suppers 
  • Facilitated donations for Families Helping Families at Thanksgiving and Christmas
  • Ministry Team Chairs and ad hoc committees-see separate reports for:
  • Welcoming Statement and Building Security-Susan  
  • Spiritual Care, Sacred Grounds and Books-Jan and Susan 
  • Exploring Unity-Jan and Susan

Great Lakes Unity Region/Unity Worldwide Ministries

  • Attended 4 day zoom Great Lakes Conference-required CEUs received
  • Attended Regional World Day of Prayer-Susan presented a meditation
  • Attended Regional Dia de los Muertos-Day of the Dead workshop
  • Attended book discussion, Waking Up White 
  • Pray with Regional prayer partners weekly
  • Attended zoom presentations to receive required CEUs for ethics and diversity/inclusivity
  • Jan member of Nominations team-2020. Chosen for Bylaws Team for 2021
  • Susan Regional Licensed Unity Teacher/Leader Representative-voting member of the Board
  • Susan spoke at Regional conference. Planned and facilitated the LUT Luncheon
  • Susan communicated with Regional LUTs (100+) via email, phone, text and has facilitated two zoom calls which were well attended

Community

  • Provided Sunday lesson (Susan) and taught class (Jan and Susan) at Unity Center of the Quad Cities resulting in a continued connection with that congregation and plans for more in person presentations post Covid. (They purchased $190+ books/pamphlets!)
  • Provided supplies for local Derecho Relief Center
  • Attended local Hospice conference on grief-additional UWM CEUs obtained 
  • Attended Spirituality in the 21st Century zoom-Prairiewoods
  • Attended 3 spirituality zoom classes at Prairiewoods-Jan
  • Wrote for the Prairiewoods blog-Jan 
  • Submitted photos and poems for Prairiewoods tree book, Outstretched Boughs, and presented at the book launch-Jan
  • Unity representative on the Inter Religious Council of Linn County-Susan
  •  Served as Vice President on the Cedar Rapids Pride Board-Susan

Minister’s Report

Rev. Debra Carter Williams

While 2020 was a challenging year, UCR remained active and meaningfully engaged through prayer, innovation, and service. Our Licensed Unity Leaders, staff, musicians, and Technical Team inspired us with their creativity, imagination, and perseverance as they transformed the ways we connect as a community.  New modes of communication were established for those without internet and email.  During the entirety of 2020, we never missed a Sunday service, not even after the derecho.   Holiday services, classes, discussion groups, retreats, guided meditations, and social events continued. Hundreds of people were lifted from food insecurity through the work of the Elayne Fisher Community Cupboard and those who support it.  Our commitment to inclusion and welcome deepened as UCR reaffirmed its sacred role in the healing of exclusion and division. The governance and the administrative business of the Center was efficiently and prayerfully conducted by the Trustees and staff.  It is difficult to quantify the benefits of these accomplishments to the life UCR as a whole given the absence of usual metrics and feedback; however, the qualitative or spiritual benefit is evident.  Despite all the challenges, UCR remains grounded in faith, growing in love, and grateful for all the ways God continues to express through this remarkable spiritual community.  It is an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your willingness to remain faithful and steadfast as we journey together.  

President’s Report

Paula Land

2020 began with such excitement and anticipation for UnityCR’s next chapter with Reverend Debra as our spiritual leader. The new board eagerly assumed our new roles and met in early March for a retreat to build our team and plan for the coming year. Little did we know that one week later we would be gathering in our beloved sanctuary in person for the last time in 2020. 

We’ve all read retrospectives of the year and been happy to turn the page on the calendar with hope for a different experience of life. For the UnityCR board, we have our top 10 for 2020

  1. What’s that saying about “best laid plans”? 
  2. You can’t share treats during a Zoom meeting.
  3. Zoom fatigue is real, so meeting every two weeks isn’t all that bad.
  4. Virtual hugs are NOT the same as in person hugs.
  5. Our congregants own a lot of chainsaws….maybe we start a new line of business?
  6. How many chairs can fit six feet apart in the sanctuary? 
  7. AM radio transmitters aren’t all they are cracked up to be. 
  8. Now on speed dial and among our favorite websites – Uof I Epidemiologist, CDC, Linn County Public Health
  9. Don’t try to eat or apply lipstick while wearing a plastic face shield.
  10. Our spiritual community does not just exist at 3791 Blairs Ferry Rd. We can truly know that WHEREVER We Are, God Is.

In 2021, the board will hold the Vision for UCR, of our divine potentiality as a spiritual community. We look forward to manifesting our unlimited good with each of you individually and collectively! 

Grateful for the opportunity to serve and be a part of this special community. 

2021 Prosperity Plan (Budget)

Click HERE to download the document.

Click the image to see it larger

Prosperity Plan for 2021

MINUTES of UCR ANNUAL MEETING
January 19, 2020

Call to order: The annual meeting of Unity Center of Cedar Rapids was called to order by board president Laura Meade at 11:37 a.m., and a quorum was established.

Opening prayer: Rev. Debra Carter Williams opened with a prayer.

UnityCR Celebrations: Members celebrated many accomplishments, highlights, and people from the past year.

Minutes: Secretary Lynda Black-Smith reminded members that the 2019 annual meeting minutes were approved by the minutes review team consisting of Cindy Hathaway, Paula Land, and Jim Greene.

The minutes approval team for the 2020 annual meeting is Janith Griffith, Tom Zimmerman, and Dave Jepsen.

Minister’s Statement: Rev. Debra shared her plans for Sunday services and Lent/Easter services in the coming months, as well as her plan to meet with UCR leaders and staff in the next few weeks.

Elections : Laura announced that Claudia Hamlett was appointed to a 1 year term on the Board of Trustees to fill a vacancy due to the early resignation of a former trustee.

She then acknowledged the work of the nominating team of Polly Gould, Glady McMellor, and Greg McGaffic and read from the bylaws the qualifications to serve on the board.

Nominating Team Chair Polly Gould gave the report from the nominating team, nominating Lynda Black-Smith, Chris Klostermann, and Paula Land for the three open board positions. There were no nominations from the floor. The chair declared them elected by acclamation. They gave speeches afterward, as did Claudia.

Nina Swanson volunteered to be on the nomination team for 2020 and Dave Jepsen volunteered to be an alternate.

Bylaws Amendment — Susan Liddell moved the following bylaws amendment, which was adopted as amended.

MOTION:
Add the following verbiage to Section 4.06, BOARD OF TRUSTEES — MEETINGS AND QUORUM, and re-letter the current subsections.

(C) Electronic Meetings. Members may meet by telephone conference or through other electronic communications media so long as all the members simultaneously hear each other and participate during the meeting.

Stewardship reports: Prosperity Chair Vicki Genkinger gave the 2019 financial review and presented the 2020 prosperity plan approved by the board. She answered questions from the members. Copy is attached.

Claire Hanson and Barb Buchanan volunteered to conduct the audit of the 2019 books.

New Business: Vicki led a discussion about the BINGO fundraiser. The purpose and possibilities of this fundraiser were discussed, as well as issues and concerns. Since a strong commitment of volunteers and training is needed and present interest seems split, the board will gather more info and feedback before we move forward.

Acknowledgement of 2019 Ministry teams: Licensed Unity Leader Susan Liddell shared the various ministry teams functions, then acknowledged the volunteers and leadership. All congregants are invited to serve on these ministries.

Special Recognitions — the following people were recognized for their special contribution to UCR in the last 18 months:
Members of the Search Team — Chris Klostermann, Paula Land, Kevin Krumvieda, Lynda Black-Smith, and Audrey Eggleston.
Board members leaving the board — Sally Miller and Vicki Genkinger
Licensed Unity Leaders — Susan Liddell, Janith Griffith, and Barb Buchanan
Office Administrator — Ruth Geary
Board President — Laura Meade
We are blessed!

Adjournment — the meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Closing Prayer — Licensed Unity Leader Janith Griffith shared a closing prayer.

The incoming Board of Trustees met to elect officers immediately following the meeting.