Parish Board Highlights: May 2026

Welcome to the monthly feature: a brief report on what your Parish Board is thinking and talking about:

• For this month’s “deep dive,” Tracey shared an overview/update of the myriad operational and administrative areas she touches in her role, and how she is carefully tending to responsiveness, efficiency, and consistency. And she mentioned that attendance at our services continues to grow!

• Heard a thorough overview from Ian regarding the music program’s finances, including sources of revenue (there are six distinct funds!) and expenses, including where increases are projected, and savings are being achieved.

• Treasurer Roger Gallagher reviewed the monthly financial report with specific attention paid to where costs increased (snow removal!) and led a discussion of the proposed FY2027 budget, which is balanced thanks in large part to a robust stewardship campaign as well as a recommendation from the Finance Committee for a modest increase of the endowment contribution, which the Board then approved. Also discussed preparations for the May 17 Financial Town Hall at which many more financial details will be shared.

• Rev. Chris shared a quick update on pending grant applications: Lilly Endowment decision expected on August 28 and UUA decision early summer on his sabbatical plans, and UUA decision also early summer on the Legacy of Slavery project.

• Touched on preparations for the June 7 annual meeting, including the formal call, which you can expect to hear soon!

• Discussed the status of plans for the community fridge, which are continuing, and the team’s need for some last-minute financial admin support, which First Church had to decline due to the lack of lead time.

• Approved the proposed creation of an ad hoc subcommittee to develop and document policies when needed, and affirmed the need for discretion so as not to overdo it on the development of policies that are not essential and not likely to be consistently followed.

• Approved proposed changes to our Safe Congregations Policy to bring us into compliance with insurance requirements, with a commitment to develop and implement timely plans for operationalizing the changes.

With appreciation to all,

Bruce Kozuma, President; Nicole Griffin, Vice President; Roger Gallagher, Treasurer; Peter Whitmer, Clerk; Laura Caputo, Gabby Garschina-Bobrow, Eleanor Hobbs, John Howe, Sara Oaklander, Heather Quay, Donna Ruvolo, and Laurie Graham (ex-officio)