Heard It at Council (September 2016)

September 13, 2016

Welcoming back Council after summer hiatus, Moderator Deb Washington opened the meeting by praying for divine guidance in finding each of our own uniqueness. Everyone is designed with a purpose, and it is each person’s own quest to discover this purpose with the help of God who refreshes.

With that spirit she asked members to reveal how they were refreshed since Council last convened in June. In turn, members recounted travels literally throughout the world; they gathered at reunions and volunteered extensively.

Wayne Davis, co-chair of the first Capital Campaign ever for Old South Church, enthusiastically outlined its proportions. Solicitation of general members is commencing, a process which is hoped to be completed by year’s end. With a goal to achieve total participation by the congregation, a number of volunteers have stepped forward to host gatherings and meals and to otherwise develop opportunities to give. Small groups will convene at various venues as a show of support to the cause and to further fellowship. More than meeting the financial goal, the aim of the Committee continues to be the active participation of everyone in the church community. Much more information is on the way in this important endeavor. Additionally, videos have been produced and all members are encouraged to watch them.

Senior Minister Nancy Taylor proposed renaming a newly-to-be-refurbished library as the Crawford Library in honor of Senior Minister Emeritus James Crawford. 14 years after his “retirement,” Jim continues to hold a special place in the heart of many members as well an enduring legacy of service, perhaps best reflected in the New Century Hymnal in which he was instrumental. The hymnal’s inclusive language, its accessibility and universality, have been widely praised. Upon motion, Council unanimously voted that the library is now The Crawford Library, and approved much-needed renovations and handicap accessibility for a revamped space. The project will be a beneficiary of the Capital Campaign. 

Jonathan Aleshire from the Christian Formation Committee discussed the upcoming retreat on Cape Cod. To be led by an outside UCC minister, Angie Arendt, the weekend-long event is geared for families, couples, and singles of all ages during the Columbus Day weekend. Small groups for self-learning and fellowship are in the offing in the intimate and reflective setting. 

Council approved and welcomed Anna Utech to the Christian Formation Committee and Bull Bulkeley to the Leadership Committee.

The Membership Committee is in the process of exploring what attracts new members to Old South Church and what leads to some members’ departure. Invitations to the Mary Norton Society have circulated and were much praised for their design.

The season of stewardship usually begins in the fall, but not this year, so the work of the Stewardship Committee will continue on educating the congregation that the timeframe for stewarding this year has been changed to the season of giving, Epiphany. Will there be a challenge in explaining to donors that there is a difference between the need for traditional pledging alongside the separate commitment to the Capital Campaign? Kudos abounded to Amy Perry for her usual outstanding design work in the creation of the logo.

Nancy reported she recently had the opportunity to contrast the welcoming love of Old South Church with that of another religion when she was called upon to perform an external wedding. She reminded everyone of the special place Old South Church occupies in a world which too identifies Christianity as homophobic, judgmental, anti-science, and boring.

Minister of Music Harry Huff reminded members of the exciting, upcoming Street Requiem performance and the combined choirs of Old South Church and The Sing the World choir from Australia later this month. Proceeds from a voluntary will benefit common cathedral. The joint concert will pay tribute to the homeless and to indigenous peoples (to whom we are indebted). 

In that spirit of gratitude Associate Minister Anthony Livolsi blessed the group till it meets again. 

Robert Gabler, Clerk