Heard it at Council: October 2025
By Kate Silfen, Church Historian | October 14, 2025 Council Meeting Report
Council members received several important updates at our October meeting. Treasurer Donna Matson provided a brief report on Old South’s finances. The budget deficit we anticipated is larger than we projected, but Donna noted that congregational giving tends to be lower at this time of year. She anticipates that congregational giving will increase in the spring months. However, utility expenses, building repairs, and consultant fees are consistently raising our costs. The Finance Committee will begin work on next year’s budget by the end of the month.
Tim and June from the (G)RACE Speaks Committee provided an update on the hiring of a consultant for Belonging & Engagement. The committee is working on a position description and plans to present a hiring plan for a two-year position at our November Council meeting. They are working on a publicity plan to advertise the position, and plan to engage the congregation in this important work. In other staffing-related news, the Human Resources Committee is working on a proposal for a four-minister model and options to make it financially viable.
The Board of Trustees and Operations Committee have been consulting with Wiss, Janney, and Elstner Associates about our building maintenance needs. A top priority is finding out what is causing our increased electricity usage. The two committees also anticipate a major masonry repair project to prevent water from coming into the building. Consequently, the Trustees have formed a capital funding working group to study alternatives for funding these repairs. Paul Kuenstner will chair a second committee to manage potential building repair projects. Council commissioned the work of these two groups during our meeting.
Council members celebrated the success of the recent church retreat to Craigville. Attendance was back to the levels that we saw before the pandemic, and the theme of the retreat was “Belonging.” This was a powerful experience for all, and Maren Batalden noted that this was a special time where attendees felt free to be themselves. Retreat participants particularly enjoyed an open mic night where they sang, shared stories, and read poems.
Membership Committee Chair Anne Dearing reported on the committee's important work. She noted that 18% of our worshippers now join us virtually, and that there is a very active chat where friends check in with one another. Members of the committee have been discussing ways to engage our virtual community. A small group has been launched for our virtual attendees, and it has received a very positive reception from participants. The Membership Committee is also exploring ways to engage our visitors in the life of the Congregation, and is considering establishing a buddy system for those who are new to Old South.
Todd Krohne reminded Council members to mark their calendars for our December 6th celebration of 150 years of worship at our Boylston Street location. Invitations are expected to go out shortly. At the end of a busy meeting, the Reverend John Edgerton closed our meeting with a meditation on hope from Thomas Merton.