September Board News
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
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.
August Board News
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.
