Archive for category: Board

October Board News

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The Board has called a special Congregational Meeting for Sunday, November 2, at 1 pm on authorizing use of the balance of the Calkins Trust funds for a portion of the five-year capital projects budget.  An Informational session and background materials will be provided in advance of the meeting.

The sale of our Freestone property in Sebastopol was finalized on September 30 for the asking price of $1.195 million. At its November 4 meeting, the Board will review ideas about use of proceeds that congregants expressed during the Freestone Discernment Task Force process earlier this year.

UUCB mission and purpose sessions facilitated by the True Purpose Institute on November 1, 8 and 15 have been endorsed by the Board. It follows the series of individual purpose sessions being offered by the True Purpose Institute Wednesday evenings in October.

The Safety Policy Task Force has drafted and updated Emergency Policy & Procedures section of the Safety Manual, along with an emergency response reference card.

Cultivate Community, Deepen Connections, and Link Arms with Others have been adopted by the Board as areas of focus in program year 2027-28. The Board is developing goals for each of these areas to guide budgeting as well as staff and committee objectives.

The relationship between the Board and committees working on Safety, Widening the Circle, and Buildings & Grounds is currently under discussion.

News from the Nominating Committee

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Hello all -  

The Nominating Committee is excited to begin our search to replace the positions on the Board of Trustees whose tenure is coming to an end in 2027. As several of us on the committee can attest, joining the Board of Trustees is a deeply rewarding and enlightening journey.  It’s an opportunity to channel your PASSION – while utilizing your skills of facilitation and discernment. It is an honor to represent the voice of the congregation, from which all decisions are made.  It unites all of us to the important work that UUCB supports. 

We are continuing our own journey of an updated search process that we began two years ago. Part of that journey is to educate potential Board Members about the experience of Board Membership.  Previous feedback reflects questions such as: 

  • What’s it like ?  I am not sure how I could contribute …  
  • How does the Board’s decision making process function? 
  • How much of a time commitment is it ? 
  • How do you choose candidates from year to year ? 

Our goal is to DEMYSTIFY the process and encourage individuals to consider becoming a Board Member – if not during this upcoming cycle perhaps in the future. It is such an exciting time on the Board as Reverend Marcus’ goal to expand UUCB to a destination congregation moves toward fruition.  YOU could be part of that effort !  

To that end, we will be holding an INFORMATIONAL MEETING after service on Sunday, October 25 in the Safir Room.  Please mark your calendars – and imagine your place in our evolving church life.   

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any of us. 

The 2026-27 UUCB Nominating Committee

Suzette Anderson-Duggan, Michael Armstrong, Cynthia Asprodites, Kay Fairwell, Paul Hudson, Kristen Jensen, Sima Misra, Carisa Orwig.

UUCB Board Role As Listener

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Does the title “Listening Presence” sound a bit like an eavesdropper, or the ear of some higher being — or of a “trusted source”, the new term that UUCB is starting to learn about?
Well, it’s not!  As a Board member, one of my roles for the past year and a half has been to listen to — and solicit — any suggestions and concerns that congregants may have about happenings at UUCB. You may recall that Randall Hudson, in this same role several years ago, wore rabbit ears to invite conversations. Playboy “bunny ears” are not quite my thing, but you may have seen me walking around with a smallish sandwich board asking for input. I’m always happy to hear your thoughts.
People have offered many concerns and suggestions, in addition to praise, for the Board. Some messages have to do with church communications, decor, atrium questions, art displays, the roles of various committees and more. Many of these I’ve passed on to our staff, or to groups who oversee those matters.
The Board, particularly in the past few months, is working to separate operations questions, overseen by the minister and staff, from policy or governance issues, to be taken up by the Board. Your “Listener” will direct messages to the people who can address them, very often the staff or relevant committees. If the question is a matter of policy, however, it will be taken to and discussed at the following monthly Board meeting. Do feel free to let me know of any suggestions or questions you may have. Each will be taken seriously and directed to those who can address it. Thank you!
-Helen Toy

September Board News

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UUA General Assembly: Since UUCB is so close to the UUA General Assembly in San Jose in June 2027, a one-year task force will help plan and encourage participation—especially among youth. Melissa Rosales will serve as the main contact.

Capital Projects: A five-year capital projects budget, updated each year, outlines UUCB’s priorities and funding needs. This year’s top projects are new A/V equipment for the Sanctuary and Fireside Room, sidewalk repairs, and improvements to the Social Hall, including doors, lighting, the stage curtain, and tables and chairs. Other projects may move forward as funding allows, including electrifying the Sanctuary and Music Room furnaces and upgrading the fire alarm system if the congregation approves using Board-designated endowment funds.

Freestone property: This church property in Sonoma County has been listed for sale through W Realty.

Bequest: In keeping with Joanne Wile’s expressed wishes, her bequest will become part of UUCB’s permanent endowment, with some annual investment earnings supporting the congregation for years to come.

Board vision focus: To clarify and strengthen its focus on visioning and policy-setting, the Board is reviewing which functions belong in committees that report directly to the Board, and which belong in a more direct relationship to the minister and other staff – while still fulfilling the Board’s general oversight role.  Also underway is Board development of strategic planning to inspire and guide UUCB’s future.

Lunch: The Committee on Shared Ministry reported that, based on survey feedback about Sunday lunches, the menu and clean-up will be simplified except on special occasions – while still making room for conversation and connection.

 

How Do We Meet The Moment

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How do we meet the current moment in history? How do we meet this moment of power hungry, and highly efficient administration led by a president who has increasing immunity and few checks to his power?

However much we may detest Trump’s agenda, it is also true that he and his supporters are no slouches. They are moving quickly and efficiently – I may even suggest creatively – on multiple, simultaneous fronts to enact their agenda. Remember Spring of 2025? Trump appointed Elon Musk to slash Government agencies. The citizenry barely had time to react, it happened so fast.

Read more

August Board News

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UUCB’s involvement in the 2027 UUA General Assembly in San Jose and takeaways from the 2026 GA, Freestone property sale status, offering mission and purpose-discernment workshops, disposition of three bequests, distinguishing between governance and operational committees, and introduction of a five-year capital budget and possible caregiving pilot program were among the topics at the August 5 Board meeting. 

Read more

Board of Trustees July 2026 News

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After reviewing the concluding report and recommendations from the Freestone Discernment Task Force, the Board voted on July 8 to list the Freestone property for sale and engage the services of a Realtor. The task force had spent time listening to and engaging with UUCB groups and members about the congregation’s November 2026 vote to either sell or donate the property. A significant majority of congregants expressed a greater preference for selling rather than donating the property.

The Board will consider the question of use of sale proceeds at a future date.

 

Board of Trustees June 2026 News

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Next Board of Trustees Meeting July 8, not July 1

July 8 Board Freestone discussion/action: At the July 8 Board meeting, the only item is discussion and possible action on whether to sell or donate the Freestone property – after reviewing a report from the Freestone Discernment Task Force on perspectives gleaned from its congregational engagement.

2026 UUA General Assembly:  Board-appointed delegates are: Evelie Delfino Såles Posch, Lonnie Moseley, Melissa Rosales, and Cordell Sloan.

Communications: Membership & Engagement Manager Charis Domador reported on UUCB’s digital and analog communication methods, what they contain/how they are used, and viewing/audience statistics, trends and outcomes – to inform collaboration with the Board on strategic communications goals.

Greater Richmond Interfaith Council (GRIP) Donation: Compiled funding from the Board discretionary account to add to Social Justice Council contribution for a total UUCB donation of $2,000 this year.

Conflicts of interest disclosure:  Three Trustees reported they have teenage family members who work/have worked part-time in UUCB’s Sunday childcare and/or youth program.

Board of Trustees May 2026 Actions & News

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Board of Trustees Resignation: Thanked Trustee Michael DeWitt for his service on the Board, upon receiving his resignation.

Board of Trustees Appointment:  Appointed Peter Boland to fill the Board vacancy until the February 2027 Board election.

UUA: Encouraged members to become delegates representing UUCB at the June 14-21Virtual UUA General Assembly.

2026-27 Budget: Approved a $1.3 million operating budget for a May 17 congregational vote. The budget was approved unanimously by the congregation, as was using a portion of a bequest to repay a loan from the Board-designated endowment to the Ministerial Housing Fund.

Stewardship:  Clarified that the Board’s role and relationship with the Stewardship Committee is in setting church vision – providing the “why” for generous giving, while the Minister holds responsibility for work of the Stewardship Committee.

Freestone maintenance: To fulfill responsibilities for road repairs, weed removal/fire safety, and other critical maintenance, authorized the expenditure of an additional $12,000, bringing the total budgeted amount to $24,000 – all of which would be repaid to the church in the event Freestone is sold.

In other Board news:

Freestone Discernment Task Force: The task force has completed its reflection phase and now will turn to engaging with UUCB groups and members to solicit ideas for the property’s sale or donation, along with honoring its history.

Board Retreat:  The Board initiated discussion and steps for strengthening focus on its visioning role and work.

 

Board of Trustees April 2026 Actions

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Committee on Shared Ministry: Appointed Natalie Campbell

Calkins Trust: Authorized distribution of $7,500 in 2026

Nominating Committee: Recommended congregational affirmation of nominees:  Cynthia Asprodites and Kay Fairwell, to join Suzette Anderson-Duggan, Michael Armstrong, Paul Hudson, Sima Misra, Carisa Orwig, and Lorriane Schnurr.

Loan repayment: Recommended congregational approval to repay the loan from the Board-designated endowment to the ministerial housing fund using a portion of a recently-received bequest.

Policy considerations: Initiated discussion on how the Stewardship Committee fits into UUCB’s organizational structure, and on a policy for responding to external fundraising requests.