Heard It at Council (September 2015)
September 8, 2015
Senior Minister Nancy Taylor proclaimed “The state of Old South Church is very good!” As the calendar shifts into Fall, many exciting developments are happening around the church.
Council opened by reading community prayers, taking time to reflect before undertaking the work of the month.
Treasurer David Vogan and Chair of Finance Rodney Click offered similar summaries of the budget. The year continues to track toward an expected shortfall of 100k. However, the efficient management of staff and resources, especially led by Senior Administrator Helen McCrady, is encouraging. It is possible the gap will shrink. Notable are increased electric utilities and health care costs, but these are balanced by significantly higher-than-expected congregational giving and revenue from the letting of church space.
Christian Service and Outreach Committee Chair Ruth Ricker introduced a motion. The Old South Council would support Freedom Massachusetts in its effort for successful legislation (bill, house 1577, senate 735), protecting the transgender community’s access to public accommodations. In this effort, Council seeks justice and inclusivity in the congregation and in the world. The motion was passed.
Shouting from Mountaintops! Chris Breen, Chair of the Communications Committee, offered a summary of the church’s efforts to feed, comfort, heal, and spread love by expanding its online presence. Old South Church has a large international audience in nearly 30 countries, especially India. In the ex-US group there have been 33,000 new visitors to our website this year. Most of the traffic comes from Facebook, but Old South Church also has strong offerings on Twitter and Instagram. The Committee is committed to creating novel Facebook content that helps spark interest in the church’s website. Chris explained that Old South has a highly engaged Facebook community with over 3,000 Likes - a strong sign of success! On Twitter, the efforts are less mature but increasing. Members can contribute ideas for social media by email tp commcomm@oldsouth.org.
Various committee reports and ministerial updates were heard. The Mary Norton Society (Sherry Blanchette, legacy gifts) will hold its main event on October 15. Operations (Paul Kuenstner) introduced a motion to release up to $7,500 to support Capital Campaign estimates on infrastructure renovations. The motion was passed. Nancy noted that Boston Public Library continues its formal assessment of the church's holdings. Kurt Gaertner summarized the September 27 Stewardship kickoff, with November 15 as Consecration Sunday and an Open Door theme. Minister of Music Harry Huff reported that both the adult and children’s choirs are starting back in session this week. Associate Minister John Edgerton reported that Boston Warm will close at the end of this month and that the church's efforts at the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization continue. Associate Minister Anthony Livolsi highlighted new fall programming for adults and children which is kicking off this week with a potluck brunch. Adult topics will include the God of the Old Testament, end of life issues, a book group, and bible study. The All Church Retreat will be held Columbus Day weekend.
Council adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer
Lisa Mahnke, Clerk