For UUFCM, a new board of trustees was seated on July 1st, and had a retreat recently to brainstorm about goals for the coming year (and other business). As minister, I attend the Board meetings and express my opinions but I never vote. The Board holds the responsibility for governance and financial decisions that guide and support the Fellowship. Jointly, the Board and the Minister define and hold the vision for the Fellowship…Why do we exist? How are we doing? Where should we direct our collective energy?
The Board of Trustees has come up with five goals for the year. These will be presented at the monthly Fellowship Life Meeting this Sunday with a chance for questions and discussion. The Board’s goals are:
- Improve accessibility of the UUFCM building for people in wheelchairs
- Support Youth Religious Education Team and Adult Religious Education program
- Increase visibility of UUFCM in the community and add at least five new members
- Create document archive system strategy and policy
- Create plan for evaluation and supervision of minister
As full-time minister for UUFCM, I have goals for the year as well. Here are my top two:
- improve administratively: running well-organized, authentic and productive meetings; being timely in my communication; and meeting deadlines
- improve pastoral care: making sure that pastoral care needs of the congregation are met by the Minister; and defining the appropriate role(s) for the newly formed Caring Committee (clarifying ministerial pastoral care vs. lay pastoral care)
If you are a member of UUFCM, your opinion matters here. What do you think the Board should be spending time and energy on this year? What do you think the Minister should be focusing on? Lists of goals like these are not intended to be static, but to evolve – and they are not intended to be formed in isolation but in collaboration with all stakeholders.
Finally, how does this season of new beginnings find you? Whether you are starting a new school year, celebrating Rosh Hashanah, or feeling the change of seasons from summer to fall, where do you find yourself? Do you have personal goals? Spiritual goals? I invite you to share your thoughts about UUFCM goals with the Board or with me. For your personal and spiritual goals, I am open to hearing those too – or you may want to share them with yourself in your journal; with trusted friends in conversation; or with the Spirit through prayer.
PRAYER:
Spirit of love and life, smile on this season of new beginnings for schools, universities, and congregations.
May we make plans that are ambitious, seeking to extend our gifts in ways that create more love and peace and harmony in the world.
May we support one another, celebrating when goals are fulfilled and helping to rebound and recommit when we fall short of our goals.
May we grow in connection with Spirit and with one another.
May it be so.
Rev. Andrew Frantz
September 13, 2023