Heard It at Council (June 2015)
June 9, 2015
Council met after taking a break in May to attend the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) action held at Trinity Church. Council began with a reflection on the work of GBIO and Old South’s commitment to it. Our church’s contingent was the largest of all; more than 200 members represented our church. What an amazing showing of faith, action, and community! All agreed that Rev. John Edgerton, Chair of the Education Action Resource Team, rallied the crowd in high style, reflecting the energy and hard work that has led up to this moment. With GBIO, Old South Church has a voice in areas of social justice and is engaged at the city and state level.
The main topic of the evening was the draft case statement for the Capital Campaign. After three all-church retreats and many discussions, Allison Cooley, Chair of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee’s Sub-committee on Campaign Priorities, has compiled feedback from the congregation into a lengthy summary. This summary formed the basis of a condensed case statement intended to guide the campaign over the next several years. At this point, the statement is in draft form. Now is the opportunity for Council, the Capital Campaign Committee, and others to refine it so that the statement reflects the vision of the church. Retained consulting lead Jerry Henry and Co-chair of the Capital Campaign Committee Wayne Davis assured Council that there is still much time to reflect and plan before finalizing the case statement.
Rev. Nancy Taylor summarized the draft and Council gave input. The main suggestions focused on leading with a positive focus, highlighting the big ideas that Old South has for its members and the community. A large part concerns infrastructure and operations. The building was never optimized for multiple uses and meeting spaces. For example, the undercroft is minimally used, the Gordon Library could be modernized as a more user friendly space, and Mary Norton Hall could be renovated for multiple purposes. Renovations would facilitate meetings, fellowship, and community. Together with the infrastructure, staffing is needed to lead various initiatives, programs, and groups. Such needs include music and community outreach, an “ambassador” to the urban environment. Another big goal is a “distributed” church, a theme that is gaining in many churches. Old South Church is big and continues to grow, but it can reach beyond its doors to welcome others through media and online networks. To that end, technology is needed to modernize the church’s capabilities. Council was mainly positive about these ideas but cautioned that the focus should be both long and short and to do so in a way that does not dilute the energy of volunteerism in the here and now. Council advised keeping some of the focus and resources internal and current. Also, Council cautioned that excess focus on technology could dilute the bigger themes.
Moderator Deb Washington noted that the discussion will continue at next month’s meeting. She summarized by noting that Old South is concerned for the welfare of others. We are talking big ideas and doing it with confidence. We want to continue to be the people who are moving forward, people of faith who can intervene and give back to the community. We are on a journey of faith, looking to make a difference in the world. We are looking to the future and we are very much on the move!
Committee updates and other reports were heard. Treasurer David Vogan noted that the budget is gradually making progress toward deficit reduction and is running smoothly due to the dedicated staff who plan resources carefully. Minister of Music Harry Huff noted his upcoming three-month sabbatical which will take place over the next two years. He is seeking travel to discover religions, cultures, and music and will be making plans (perhaps along the lines of original works) toward the 350th anniversary in 2019. Rev. John Edgerton noted GBIO engagement at the State House this month. Membership Committee Chair Mary Ann Lape noted the upcoming baseball game on August 16th and other ways the Committee is engaging new members. Christian Formation Committee Chair Maren Batalden summarized Godly Play’s strong year with great parent support as well as some areas needing improvement. Finally, the recent security concerns at the Boston Public Library were mentioned. Rev. Taylor assured Council that she and the Trustees are taking active steps to ensure the safety of Old South Church’s holdings.
Rev. Anthony Livolsi led the group in a closing prayer.
Lisa Mahnke, Clerk