Heard It at Council (February & April 2017)

February 14, 2017

As winter passed on to a new spring, Council convened and addressed the cares, wonders, and concerns of this vibrant church as we near our 350th year of worship, celebration, and service.

At the February session, Senior Minister Nancy Taylor ushered in the meeting by distributing prayers from the prayer box, collected over several weeks from visitors and congregants who had deposited the hand-written notes. In turn, members read the prayers aloud: petitions, thanksgivings, reflections. They suggested the many diverse needs and hopes of the worried, hopeful, and thankful who pass through our open doors to seek a communication with God. Nancy offered the prayers to God giving thanks and requesting tender mercies. 

Co-chairs of 350th Anniversary Committee Paul and Debby Kuenstner described the ongoing commemorative planning. Some of the ideas being discussed are mechanisms to address the needs of an urban population and carry out our mission of social justice; implementing a multi-dimensional media project; a poetry vehicle to exhibit the works of Phillis Wheatley; and a party perhaps featuring a symposium with speakers and a giant celebration worthy of Copley Square. 

Leadership Chair Lisa Loveland presented Council with a list of 11 persons it recommended for the Music Search Committee which included some musicians of varying backgrounds and experiences as well as clergy, present Council members, and others. She asked that the committee be called the Minister of Music Search Committee and that it be immediately charged to begin a search with the members as nominated by the committee. Upon discussion, the motion was passed. 

Lisa also requested that Council give the Minister of Music Search Committee an explicit directive for carrying out its search. We do not want to set too many boundaries on the Committee, Nancy pointed out, because we do not know whether we want a part-time organist and a separate choir master or a “global” music person in the order of Harry Huff. We cannot expect to duplicate Harry’s vision, range, and repertoire but we can at least hope to fill as many of his shoes as possible – perhaps by dividing up his former responsibilities among more than one person. 

Associate Minister John Edgerton observed that it is a fool’s errand to go out and look for another Harry Huff—there is no replacement—but we may yet find new gifts in others as we still grieve for Harry. We should give the Committee great flexibility to mold the position as musical talent emerges from the search process. Phil Stern will help steer. This motion to charge the Committee accordingly was passed.

Finally, Leadership gave a preview of candidates so far who assented to membership positions on the various Standing Committees. A slate was completed and will be presented to Council at the March meeting for formal consideration and motion. 

Finance Chair Rodney Click presented Council with a remarkable multi-paged, multi-colored 2017 budget which members found thorough beyond measure. Council recognized that the 2016 budget, recommended and approved last year, weathered the year well. Treasurer Lauren Berk reminded Council that the 2016 numbers were solid and offered that next year’s budget looks to be in line with 2016’s as she completes the annual report. With minor adjustments to items such as the Minister of Music position, the proposed budget for 2017 was received favorably by Council which endorsed it for the annual meeting.

Chair of the Membership Committee Allison Cooley unveiled a stronger retention plan to help ensure that new members feel welcome by and integrated into the church community. Perhaps there should be celebrations of some sort to mark significant anniversaries with the church. 

Sherry Blanchette of Planned Giving noted that reach-out continues by offering basic information on powers of attorney, health care proxies, and estate planning. The year is off to a positive start with three new members of the Mary Norton Society as of the February meeting. 

From the Christian Service and Outreach Committee, chair Ruth Ricker reflected on her “reign” as she hands over leadership to Marie Hurd. The focus has been, and will remain, on “what keeps us up at night” and how to actually solve problems rather than simply make noise.

Chris Bocchiaro from the Operations Committee pointed out that there has been a boiler system failure already this season. The physical plant in general is obviously an ongoing concern and we should proceed forward with the 20-year maintenance plan already in place but, Nancy reminded, we should be sensitive to church staff which has to deal with these concerns on a regular basis.

Stewardship Chair Kurt Gaertner asked for feedback on those who spoke during Epiphany, those who “gave gifts” to the congregation. Resoundingly, members applauded the platform and the presentations. These “lay sermons” were hailed as terrific; they offered a point of view that became intimate and real for fellow members. As to the actual number of pledges received this year, we are technically down from the previous year but both the timing of the drive as well as the initiation of the Capital Campaign should be taken into consideration. There does seem to be a disconnect among some members as to why it is so important to share with the church what you intend to give for the coming year, rather than just giving it. If the church is to exercise fiscal responsibility and pass a budget, we do need to know what members and friends intend to give. 

An appreciation of outgoing council members was formalized by the prepared remarks and kind words of Rev. Nancy Taylor and Moderator Deb Washington. Warmly thanked by applause were Kurt Gaertner, Tim Longman, Ruth Ricker, and Tom Wetherald who will be deeply missed at Council meetings. To those departing members present, Nancy offered the following: Ruth gave us consistent, great leadership and total commitment with a wonderful sense of humor; Kurt brought boundless talent with a joyful spirit and a shining faith; Tom was always on the mark and played an ‘A’ game with a profoundly pious devotion. Tim consistently asked the hard, thoughtful questions that brought new angles to matters at hand. They were feted by cake and punch.

Associate Minister John Edgerton offered a closing prayer of thanksgiving for the talents of the many assembled and for the blessing to live, each of us, in accordance with our own calling; he asked for safe travels to all those departing and to those returning to Council when we meet again. 

April 11, 2017

That next Council meeting took place in April as the March session was canceled on the heels of the annual congregational meeting and amid a realized threat of a significant snowstorm. Deb Washington opened the April meeting with a welcome to the new Council of 2017 at this, its first official meeting. Acting clerk Kate Silfen deftly reported.

After a brief round of introductions, Moderator Deborah Washington led Council in a reading of the Stand Against Racism Pledge, (part of the YW’s campaign to build community among people seeking racial justice). Deb invited all Council members to sign the pledge.

Treasurer Lauren Berk happily reported the final 2016 numbers: an anticipated budget deficit of $47,000 turned around to become an actual surplus of $32,000! She noted that she was presenting a new, bigger picture budget view that captures all entities that are part of the Old South Church. There is a new budget line for restricted giving, which includes $16,000 from the Street Requiem, the “One Great Hour of Sharing,” and the tithe of the Jazz Worship offering to the Allston-Brighton Food Pantry. Monthly income is slightly under for the month, possibly driven by the change in timing for this year’s Stewardship Season. Otherwise, Lauren reported that our expenses are staying in line. Later the trustees weighed in that the building reserve funds have also received a reassuring review.

Senior Church Administrator Helen McCrady presented Council members with recommendations for changes to the use and distribution of a couple of Council’s funds. The changes that Helen has recommended are as follows:

• A TR Library Fund (totaling $5,642) is currently co-mingled with Trustee investments. This fund was a gift from an OSC member and librarian in the 1970’s. This gift was directed towards the purchase of books for the Gordon Library. Helen recommends moving this money to the Capital Campaign Funds that are designated for the refurbishment of the Crawford Library.
• The TR Tuell Fund (totaling $23,695.08) is currently co-mingled with Trustee investments. With a current balance of $23,695.08, $10,000 had gone towards funding the church’s 300th anniversary in 1969. Per agreement of the Senior Minister, Moderator, and Treasurer, the recommendation is to move the money to an operating fund designated for Old South’s 350th anniversary.
• The TR Penfield Fund (totaling $29,081.53) is currently co-mingled with Trustee Investments. This was a bequest made to Old South in 1979. There is little documentation about this fund, but there is some indication that it may have been earmarked for mission/outreach funds. To date, $1785 a year has been withdrawn annually for the Outreach budget. Helen has proposed that these funds become part of the endowment. Money from the endowment will be made available to the annual operating budget according to the endowment spending rules. This money will be designated for mission/outreach programs. 
• The Housing Fund ($152,588.20) is also co-mingled with Trustee investments. In 1969 (OSC’s 300th anniversary) the Housing Fund was one of five areas of distribution for the 300th Anniversary Fund. Annually, $5,000 from this fund has been used for Operating Outreach Housing. Helen has recommended that this money be moved to Old South’s endowment. Through the endowment, money will be made available annually to support outreach housing ministries, as determined by the Outreach Committee.
• The Young Adults Fund ($27,119.14) has been co-mingled with Trustee Investments. The Young Adults was one of five areas of distribution for the 300th Anniversary Fund. Helen has recommended that the money from this fund be moved to the endowment. Money will be made available to the operating budget annually according to the endowment spending rules, and will go towards young adult ministries. 
• The BD Vision Initiative Fund (with a balance of $12,310.64) was originally designated for the Budget Stabilization Fund. In 2010, Council voted to have this money fund initiatives associated with the Vision for the 21st Century. Helen is recommending that this money be moved back to the Budget Stabilization Fund to support the current budget deficit.

Helen reported that certain funds will remain status quo: the Conrad Shumway Christian Education Fund, BD Outdoor Signage, BD Minister’s Discretionary Fund, BD Council Building Reserve Fund, the BD Staff Development Fund, the Budget Stabilization Fund, the Wage/Benefit Stabilization Fund, the TR Youth Group Programs, and the Mission Trips Fund.

Other funds, she pointed out, are being properly spent down the coming year or near future: the BD Council Building Reserve Fund, and the BD J. Bayley Unrestricted Gifts Fund.

Further, per the authority and wishes of Rev. Nancy Taylor:

• The Clergy Renewal Sabbatical Fund ($1,697.77) has left over money from the grant that Nancy Taylor used to fund her sabbatical in 2014. These funds will move to the 350th Anniversary Fund.
• The TR Sanctuary Sound System Fund ($584.53) will be used for the live streaming of worship services which have become highly desirable.

The moderator entertained motions regarding council operating funds. Three were offered by Helen: 

1. That the Library fund be moved to the Capital Campaign funds designated for Ministry/Program/Access improvements;
2. That the balance remaining in the Vision Initiative Fund be moved to the Budget Stabilization Fund (where it was initially drawn from); 
3. That the Penfield and Housing funds be included in the funds the Trustees use for the annual spending rule that supports the Operating budget. 

All three motions carried.

In terms of Christians in Formation, Rev. Anthony Livolsi reported that the Godly Play classes are going well, and the children and parents have been very enthusiastic. The Youth Group went on a successful and faith-filled Lenten retreat. He was glad to report that Mary Luti’s Lenten Series on prayer was well-attended during Community Hour. Upcoming is a Community Hour series on Caring for Creation. One of seven of the Small Groups has disbanded, and there are two new groups being formed for the spring. The Christians in Formation Committee is starting to plan the annual All Church Retreat in October.

The Christian Service and Outreach Committee has also been busy over the winter months and into the spring. The Committee voted to recommend that Council approve a $15,000 grant to Fourth Presbyterian Church. This grant will support the church’s afterschool and summer programs for children. 

After much discernment and discussion, the Committee has recommended that Council further explore the possibility of Old South Church becoming a Level 2 Sanctuary Church. For those seeking to understand the concept of sanctuary churches: Level 1 churches will provide immigrants or refugees with a place for sleeping, bathing, and privacy. As a Level 2 church, Old South would lend support to a Level 1 church in the areas of food, childcare, entertainment, transportation, work opportunities, mental health, legal rights, and teaching. Old South Church may partner with Bethel AME, another GBIO member church. Old South would provide two team leaders to begin the covenanting process with Bethel AME. There will also be a task force to help support these efforts. 

Pointing out that this is a moral decision, not a legal one, Marie Hurd stated that this designation represents “civil disobedience at its best.” She offered, first, a motion for Council to approve a $15,000 grant to support Fourth Presbyterian’s afterschool and summer programs for children. This motion was seconded and carried. Then she introduced another motion that Council continue the discernment process on whether to become a Level 2 sanctuary church. This motion also passed.

Helen reported that the Operations Committee is focusing on long-term plans for building maintenance. Meanwhile, Finance Committee Chair Rodney Click said that the Committee is reviewing the Old South Preschool budget. The preschool nets between $30,000 to $40,000 a year.

Leadership Chair Lisa Loveland reported the Leadership Committee’s readiness to present a slate of new leaders and committee members for approval by Council. Upon motion, the slate was approved and Membership Committee Chair Alison Cooley welcomed three new committee members. Allison noted increased attendance at Connections classes and announced that 13 OSC ambassadors have been recruited to help integrate prospective and new members into the life of the church, an idea first floated at the February Council meeting. 

Music Committee Chair Karen Hand reported that the UCC Musicians Conference will be meeting in Boston this year, and will gather at Old South Church for the final event of the conference on Wednesday, July 12. The Music Committee is also planning a birthday celebration in honor of Harry Huff.

Planned Giving Chair Sherry Blanchette reported that the Committee will send out information on Durable Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies to members of Old South Church. The Annual Mary Norton Society event will be held on June 4.

Stewardship Committee Chair Kathy Wade announced that members of the congregation have made commitments totaling $909,048 to-date, likely the highest commitment ever for the first three months following the launch of an annual campaign here. The Committee has discussed ways to increase communication with the congregation regarding how pledge dollars are put to work. Kathy said that the committee will be returning to the “Every Member Calling Campaign” during the first two weeks of June. The Membership Committee will be assisting with these calls, and Kathy will ask that each board or committee chair provide at least two of their members to help with the calling campaign.

The Minister of Music Search Committee announced its series of eleven “listening sessions” so that OSC members can express their thoughts on what they are looking for in a new music director. 

Senior Minister Nancy Taylor reflected on an exceptionally full season. She has been asked to serve as a plaintiff in a likely-to-be issued Presidential Executive Order entitled, “A Government-wide initiative to Respect Religious Freedom.” She reminded Council members of the confluence of Easter Sunday and Marathon Monday and the additional service on Sunday. She was delighted to report that the Capital Campaign has crossed the $4 million-dollar threshold! She was recently interviewed for a BBC documentary on George Whitefield and Old South Church’s participation in the Great Awakening. Two students from Yale Divinity School also interviewed her for a paper they are writing on ministry within the UCC. Nancy’s words were also presented in “Finish Line,” a play about the 2013 bombings at the Marathon Finish Line. The play premiered at Boston’s Schubert Theater on March 15, 2017.

Looking toward the next Council session in May, which will feature a report on the Capital Campaign, and the presentation of a spending plan, Deb asked each Council member to deliver a brief blessing to hold us until then. With blessings given and received, the meeting was adjourned till May.

Robert Gabler,
Clerk