ANNUAL REPORT 20171stuupb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Annual_Report...transforming lives through liberal religious community Palm Beaches Annual Report 2017 7First Unitarian Universalist

ANNUAL REPORT

2017

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transforming lives through liberal religious community

2 First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches Annual Report 2017

CONTENTS

Agenda 3

Minutes of April 17, 2016 Annual Meeting 4

Fact Sheet 7

Minister’s Report 8

President’s Report 9

Financial Reports 10

Endowment Committee 10

Finance Committee 13

Committee Reports 13

Administration 13

Adult Programs 14

Building and Grounds 14

Child and Youth Programs 16

Communications 16

Décor 17

Justice Action Ministry 18

Membership 21

Music and the Arts 22

Small Group Ministry 22

Sanctuary Services 23

Slate and Biographical Information 24

Proposed FY 17-18 Budget 27

Proposed By-law Amendments 33

Declaration of Conscience 38



1STUUPB ANNUAL MEETING

APRIL 23, 2017

Sanctuary 12 Noon to 1:30 pm

AGENDA

• Call to order and quorum check: Paul Ward, President of the Board of Trustees and Chair of

Annual Meeting

• Lighting Chalice and Blessing: Rev. CJ McGregor, Minister

• Welcome: Paul Ward

• Introductions: Allen Maxwell: Parliamentarian; Dick Hattwick, Timekeeper; Coleen

Conway, Recorder of Meeting Minutes; Paul Ward, Annual Meeting Chair

• Ruling on New Member Voting: Paul Ward

• Approval of Minutes of the 2016 Annual Meeting; Vote to approve the 2017 annual report:

Paul Ward

• Update on Stewardship Campaign 2017: Harry Wolin, Treasurer

• By-Law amendments

o 1. Endowment Fund – Proposed addition to the proviso in Article 12

o 2. Membership – Proposed amendments to Article 4

o 3. Voting – Proposed amendments to Article 7

• Presentation of 2017-18 Congregational Budget; vote to approve: Harry Wolin, Treasurer

and Finance Committee Chair

• Introduction of Slate of Candidates for 2017-18; Motion to approve slate: Betsy Shipley,

Chair of Nominating Committee

• Resolution to approve joining the UUA/UUSC Declaration of Conscience, entering the

name of the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches: Larry Stauber

• Staff Appreciation: Rev CJ McGregor

• Member Appreciation: Dick Hattwick Minister Appreciation: Paul Ward and Suzanne

Schluter

• Remembrance of all members who have passed this year; Benediction, Extinguishing

Chalice: Rev CJ McGregor

• Motion to adjourn: Paul Ward



First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches

Minutes of the 2016 Annual Meeting

April 17, 2016

Referenced Documents

• Congregational Meeting Annual Report 2016 including: - Minutes of April 13, 2014

Annual Meeting - Minister’s Report - President’s Report - Financial Reports -

Committee Reports - Slate of Candidates - Proposed FY 2016-2017 Budget

Addendum to the 2016 Annual Report, including: - Agenda for 2016 Annual Meeting -

Report of the Council of Committees - Sanctuary Services Committee Report

Call to Order, Announcements & Introduction

Meeting moderator Paul Ward called the meeting to order; quorum verified.

Meeting roles:

• Allen Maxwell, Parliamentarian

• Dick Hatwick, Timekeeper

• Jeri Wise, Recorder of Meeting Minutes

• Paul Ward, Annual Meeting Chair

• Rev. C.J. McGregor lit the chalice and provided a blessing

Paul Ward, Acting President and moderator, addressed the issue of the definition applied to

who may vote at the meeting. Allen Maxwell, Parliamentarian, noted that it was decided by

the Board of Trustees that all members of the congregation may vote.

The minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting are contained in the Annual Report. Terry Last

moved to accept the 2015 Minutes. Pat Knight seconded. The motion was passed

unanimously.

Paul Ward expressed appreciation to Rev. CJ McGregor for his service to the congregation

and congratulations on receiving final fellowship by the UUA.

Paul further expressed our appreciation to outgoing board members including:

President Andrew Kahn for his leadership and service noting especially his management of

the Stewardship Campaign. Jime Meyer for his three years of service as treasurer, Harry

Wolin for his role as assistant treasurer and finance chair, and Chris Juhl for his four years as

a trustee.



COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Committee Reports are contained in the Annual Report. UU’s appreciation was

expressed to committee chairs for their service. Recognition was expressed to the

members of the Thrift Store team who worked so hard to provide UU with an important

“ministry” which afforded a significant source of revenue to UU, and we expressed regret

that the Thrift Store has been refrained from further service.

Larry Stauber moved; Sylvia Ansay seconded, to accept the Committee Reports. The

motion was passed unanimously.

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN REPORT

Harry Wolin reported on the Stewardship Campaign. He noted a 10% increase in pledges

by previous givers. He noted, however, that the pledge drive fell short of its goal, and that

we face an approximate $30,000 deficit in the coming year. The loss of members and the

thrift store dealt a significant blow to the financial health of the congregation. Meetings

with the committees revealed projections of a budget gap of $29,000 despite generous

donations from anonymous donors. According to a Teaching Thursday talk on April 14,

2016, the pledges will not meet the proposed budget, and a possible post‐campaign pledge

drive may be necessary to cover costs. The church has an operating account of $45‐50,000

for present needs, but more capital will be needed in the next year. Use of the Bessemer

Endowment Fund will need to be discussed in due time. The Board has recommended

approval of the budget. The floor was opened to questions. June Kleeman inquired whether

UU can institute an online service for congregants’ use to pay pledges. Harry replied that

just such a system is under way, researched by Nikki Albert. Presently undergoing

testing, a system designed for churches to automate donations should be instituted soon.

Betty Richards suggested that copies of the budget should be provided to the congregation

before the annual meeting. Judy Bonner registered dismay that leadership training must

be cut from the budget. Paul called for meetings among the congregation to discuss ways

to improve UU’s financial security.

Motion proposed and seconded to accept the proposed budget. The motion carried

unanimously.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

Larry Stauber discussed nominations for coming year positions and called for votes to

install officers. Candidates for the Endowment Committee and Nominating Committee

are contained in the Annual Report.

Nominations for Board of Trustee officers are for one year: President: Paul Ward Vice‐

President: Pat Knight Treasurer: Harry Wolin Clerk: Jeri Wise Trustees: Nikki Albert

(four years) Janet Fryman (two years) Nominations for the Endowment Committee:



Charles Gehres (five years) Tom Irwin (one year) Ben Greene moved; Creighton

Lederer seconded to elect the nominees for their respective positions. The motion

carried unanimously.

Nominations for the Nominating Committee are: Betsy Shipley one year Jim Meyer two

years Nancy Clemens two years Chari Campbell moved; Kathe Bannigan seconded to

elect the above individuals to the Nominating Committee. The motion carried

unanimously.

RESOLUTION TO AMEND WORDING OF UUA ARTICLE II SECTION C‐2.1 LINE

12 UUA BY‐LAWS; PRESENTED BY LARRY STAUBER, MEMBER JAM

The Justice Action Committee recommended joining other UU congregations in changing

the bylaws’ First Principle by replacing the phrase “every person” with “every being.” It

was explained that the purpose of the issue is to start a conversation to address the

question.

Pat Knight moved; Joe Suhrbur seconded, to petition UUA at the General Assembly to so

amend the bylaws. Six opposed, four abstained; the motion carried.

DEVELOPMENTAL MINISTRY

It was reported that the Board has approved Reverend C.J. McGregor’s fourth year as

Developmental Minister and asks the congregation for their support.

C.J. spoke, saying that he has affirmed to himself that he is committed to our congregation

and would like to be settled and maintain stability with us. He reiterated a proposal to the

Finance Committee to raise the issue only when UU is solid in terms of

membership/income/health. He introduced the concept of an intern minister who will be

with us for two years, Claudia Jimenez. He then shared points of his vision for the

congregation.

The First UUPB staff was acknowledged and thanked for their service; Administrator

Barbara Hatzfeld, Music Director Peilin Ko, Religious Education Coordinator Jennifer

Hommel; Sexton Willie Nelson.

A fond farewell was acknowledged to our members who passed away this year: Monk

Larson, Lee Kuller, Charlotte and Jim Callahan, Nancy Benjamin and Norman Robson.

MEETING AJOURNMENT

Larry Stauber moved; Jim Meyer seconded to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 1:10

p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted, Jeri Wise



FACT SHEET 2017

Minister 2016-2017

Rev. CJ McGregor

Staff 2016-2017

Sunday Music Coordinator – Peilin Ko

Office Administrator – Barbara Hatzfeld

Coordinator of Religious Education—Jennifer Hommel

Sexton-- Willie Nelson

Intern Minister—Claudia Jimenez

Board of Trustees

President –Paul Ward

Vice-President – Pat Knight

Treasurer – Harry Wolin

Clerk—Jeri Wise, Colleen Conway

Trustees: Janet Fryman, Kathe Bannigan, Bob Ashmore, Nicole Albert

2016/17 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/2016

Membership 125 135 143 144 129

Sunday attendance Average May-November December-April

77 65 85

95 86 108

95 90 104

103 85 107

77 72 89

RE registration 34 31 23 32 29

Budget $228,005 $234,364 $218,661 $225,724 228,181

Pledge amount $120,000 $144,000 $128,000 137,000 139,323

Endowment contribution (4%)

$35,400 $32,996 $33,202 35,000 36,358



MINISTER’S REPORT

Dear Ones,

This particular annual report is special as it is the last time I will offer such a report given my April

30, 2017 departure. It has been my pleasure recently to tell our story to colleagues interested in

becoming your next minister. Our time together has been challenging at times, but a family

challenges one another and they still love one another. I tell people that I'm grateful for my time

here and that you are a lovely bunch. From my perspective, I would not characterize my time as

your minister challenging. I've learned a lot from you and am better able to serve my next

congregation. I brought laughter, healing, interconnectedness, compassion and care. These are

reflected in how you are one team versus factions, love and friendship has replaced hostility, and you

are able to take leaps of faith more easily. This past year has been a time of discernment. The

congregation and I were asked to really think about what is best for us. Eventually, with some

challenges, we were able to clearly see our different directions. In the end I will remember you with

laughter and joy. I ask you to remember that ministers arrive with imperfections. Be kind. Be patient.

Be part of your minister's development. Be mindful that you will not get everything you desire from

one person. Live and love holding these realities. Be mindful of the differences between being

welcoming and being compassionate. This past year the congregation has continued to be a justice

partner in the community. The congregation should be proud of the support they offer people and

causes seeking justice. We have also been blessed with an amazing membership committee that has

brought vibrancy and growth. I recall proposing 200 members by 2020 and some balked and said it

is too much and unrealistic. Remember to dream for the congregation. Look at the opportunities

children, youth, and families bring to the congregation. Fund this value. May you never allow this

ministry to disappear. Your board has decreased the wide gap between leadership and congregation

that existed when I arrived. Your current board truly is working in your best interest knowing

authority lies within the congregation. Applaud them. Yours is a wonderful congregation. Richard

and I have truly been blessed by this congregation. We are grateful and will remember you with love

in our hearts. Let me leave you with the words from a song titled For Good: “I've heard it said

that people come into our lives/ for a reason/ Bringing something we must learn/ And we are led

to those who help us most to grow/ If we let them and we help them in return/Well, I don't know

if I believe that's true,/ but I know I'm who I am because I knew you/Like a comet pulled from

orbit as it passes a sun/Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood/Who can say

if I've been changed for the better?/But because I knew you/I have been changed for good/It well

may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime/ So let me say before we part so much of me

is made of what I learned from you/You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart/And now

whatever way our stories end I know you have re-written mine/by being my friend/Like a ship

blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea/Like a seed dropped by a skybird/In a distant

wood/Who can say if I've been changed for the better/ I do believe I have been changed for the

better./ And because I knew you...because I knew you...I have been changed for good...

Grateful to serve, CJ



PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Let me begin by thanking members of the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm

Beaches for the opportunity to serve as President of the Board of Trustees. I appreciate the trust you

have placed in me. My thanks also to the members of the Board of Trustees. We have experienced a

challenging year and members of the board have worked well together with a collaborative spirit to

provide leadership and serve our congregation. My special thanks to Kathe Bannigan who is

completing her term as Trustee. Kathe has provided valuable insights and hosted our board retreats.

Thank you, Kathe!

Thank you also to the committees and committee chairs. Our members and friends who serve on our

committees make things happen in our community and the committee chairs continually show the

essential leadership needed to guide us forward. In the coming year, we will be continuing to explore

how best to cluster our committees to encourage communication and cooperation. I encourage

everyone to consider how best to serve our congregation within our committee structure. Please

volunteer, don’t wait to be asked.

Our staff continue to support the congregation with great service. Our music coordinator, Peilin Ko,

has provided a broad range of music at our Sunday services and is appreciated by our congregation.

Barbara Hatzfeld continues as our administrative assistant, serving the congregation in a multitude of

ways. Willie Nelson, our sexton serves our congregation in unseen ways and we appreciate his work.

Many thanks to our current staff. The officers of the Board of Trustees will act as a Chief of Staff

Committee to supervise the staff while we are without a minister who would normally act as Chief of

Staff.

Our Children and Youth programs continue although without the desired consistency. Thank you to

Jennifer Hommel who served as Religious Education Coordinator in a paid and volunteer capacity

during the year and Rebecca Peets who stepped in during the last few weeks of the year. To all, please

consider how you might serve the children and youth during the coming year. Claudia Jiménez has

served as our Intern Minister this year. Claudia has brought new perspectives to our congregation and

shown us what our future could be. Thank you, Claudia. You will always be welcome at 1stUUPB.

A series of cottage meetings were held in the fall to provide forums for members and friends of the

congregation to voice their opinions about the future of our congregation after the departure of our

developmental minister. Members and friends were also invited to complete a survey and a full report

was prepared and shared with the congregation. The majority of the congregation participating in this

process wanted to see a settled minister. With the input from the cottage meetings and surveys, the

Board considered possible pathways to settled ministry. A Ministerial Selection Committee was

formed to initially seek a developmental minister. If a suitable developmental minister cannot be found

by the summer of 2017, the selection committee will consider joining the UUA settled minister

application cycle and appoint an interim or contract minister until a settled minister is found. Thank

you to members of the Ministerial Selection Committee: Sylvia Ansay, Drew Davis, Richard Hattwick,

Sadiqa Johnson, Chris Juhl, James Meyer, and Suzanne Schluter. And finally, Church year 2016-17



has been marked by the decision of our developmental minister to leave the congregation at the end

of April 2017. During the past four years, Rev. CJ McGregor has served our congregation well and

we are in a better place by far than we were when he joined us in 2013. On behalf of the Board of

Trustees and the entire congregation, thank you, Rev. CJ!

Respectfully submitted,

Paul G. Ward.

President, Board of Trustees, 2016-17

FINANCIAL REPORTS

Endowment Committee

It is appropriate to begin this report by recognizing the six major donors whose bequests made the

Permanent Endowment a major source of financial support for our congregation. Those six deceased

members are: Joan Bergstrom, Glen Burnham, Fred Keefe, George McLafferty, Alexander Ropchan

and Arnold Rosenberg.

The Permanent Endowment provides three valuable services to the congregation. FIRST, earnings

from the endowment make an important contribution to the congregation’s annual budget ( roughly

between 10 to 15 percent). SECOND, twice in the past ten years the congregation has been able to

borrow limited funds from the endowment under special circumstances. THIRD, the principal of the

endowment provides a reserve fund available in the case of a catastrophic event not covered by

insurance.

Endowment funds are kept at and managed by the Bessemer Trust. The Bessemer account is named

THE OVERALL ENDOWMENT. It includes not only the Permanent Endowment but also the

Capital Reserve and the Operating Reserve. The Overall Endowment was established in 1994. At the

beginning of 1996 it had a value of $484, 928, most of which was withdrawn over the next few years,

leaving the value at $171,987 at the beginning of 2005. In 2005 the value was raised to $ 898,616 as

the result of a major donation from the estate of Fred Keefe. At that time a special committee

developed the By-Laws policy of allowing a maximum withdrawal from the Permanent Endowment

in any given fiscal year of four percent of the value of the Permanent Endowment. Since then the

beginning of the calendar year value of the Overall Endowment has fluctuated between a low of $755,

356 (in 2008) and a high of $ 993,763 (in 2007). It should be noted that in 2007 the congregation

withdrew $160,931 from the OVERALL ENDOWMENT. On January 1, 2017 the value of the

Overall Endowment was $848,167 and the value of the PERMANENT ENDOWMENT was

$846,252.



The primary reason for the year-to-year fluctuations in the Overall Endowment was changes in the

market value of the portfolio. The primary factor preventing the Overall Endowment from showing

a growth trend has been withdrawals from the Permanent Endowment (capped at 4% in any given

fiscal year) and withdrawals from the Capital Reserve and the Operating Reserve.

The congregation’s By-Laws charge the Endowment Committee with two duties,” (directing) the

investment of all components of the Overall Endowment Fund” and “raising money for the

Permanent Endowment fund.” IN ADDITION THE COMMITTEE ADDED A THIRD DUTY,

THAT OF EDUCATING THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION ABOUT THE

ENDOWMENT. In fulfillment of those THREE duties the committee met 5 times during the

congregation’s 2016-2017 fiscal year (May, December, January, February, March and April. An

additional two meetings were held with the endowment manager, The Bessemer Trust.

Committee members during that time were Coleen Conway (April, 2021), Charles Gehres, Richard

Hattwick (April, 2018), Thom Irwin (April, 2017), Richard Palermo (April, 2020) and Bob Shipley

(April, 2019). The dates in parentheses refer to the last month of the individual’s membership on the

committee. Charles Gehres moved out of Florida after the committee’s first meeting in May and

Coleen Conway was appointed by the Board of Trustees to complete the rest of Gehres’ fiscal year

term. She has been nominated for appointment for the rest of Gehres’ original term.

The committee fulfilled its investment management function in the following ways:

1. The committee monitored the balances in each of the three Overall Endowment accounts

(Permanent Endowment, Capital Reserve Fund, and Operating Reserve Fund); it authorized

disbursements from those funds in accordance with the By Laws, and it kept track of the balances in

each of the three funds.

2. The committee received and reviewed the annual report on our endowment with the Bessemer

Trust. With respect to the financial performance of the Overall Endowment portfolio we noted and

accepted as adequate the fact that the overall annual return on our investment over the past five years

was 5.9 percent and the annual return since inception in 1994 was 6.4 percent. The portfolio is

managed conservatively. Over the past five years the equities portion of the portfolio returned 9.1

percent annually while the cash and short term investment component of the portfolio showed a zero

return.

3. The committee calculated the amount of the annual 4 percent draw from the Permanent

Endowment to the congregation for the new fiscal year which will begin May 1, 2017. The allowable

four percent draw for that fiscal year will be $32,850. That number represents 4% of the value of the

Permanent Endowment on January 1, 2017 minus the $1,000 required annual payment on the

outstanding $25,000 loan of 2015.

4. The committee maintained records for the two outstanding loans due to be paid back to the

Permanent Endowment AND enforced the repayment schedule for the $ 25,000 loan authorized with

a By-Laws amendment at the 2015 Annual Meeting.



5. The committee reviewed the existing practice of allowing the congregation to take out a loan

from the Permanent Endowment by amending the By-Laws. The review resulted in a formal statement

regarding loan policy and a proposed change in the By-Laws to require future loans to meet prudent

investment standards. The proposal called for a required payback period for all loans of ten years and

was presented to the Board of Trustees. The proposal also called for a tightening of the quorum

requirements for a By-Laws amendment. The committee’s proposal was to require a 60% approval of

the Board of Trustees and a 60% approval of the congregation at a legally called meeting with a

quorum of 40% of the congregational membership.

The committee addressed its fund-raising duties in several ways. First, it solicited contributions by

creating and displaying a poster, by making a call for bequests from the pulpit in October, by mailing

a mass appeal to the membership in November, and by inviting memorial contributions in the name

of a deceased member in December. Second, it discussed possible future methods of encouraging

bequests. Third, it discussed ways of recognizing donors. No actions were taken in that regard. IN

ADDITION, separately from committee deliberations, Amy and Larry Stauber encouraged well-

wishers to make their wedding gifts in the form of a contribution to the Amy and Larry Stauber

Endowment which will became part of the congregation’s Overall Endowment. All of the fund raising

activities were used as an opportunity to create awareness and understanding of the Permanent

Endowment by members of the congregation.

With respect to fund-raising the committee also introduced the concept of a separate permanent

endowment the principal of which could not be touched by the congregation (no loans or withdrawals

by means of a by-laws amendment). The idea was that such an endowment would provide an annual

income to the congregation while guaranteeing donors that the congregation would not spend the

principal. The reasoning was that some potential donors will not make a bequest, or at least a major

bequest, without a guarantee that a future congregation will unwisely raid the principal.

During the fiscal year the congregation was faced with the necessity of finding a way to finance the

hiring of a new minister. Tapping the Permanent Endowment for some of the needed funds was

discussed at the Board level. As a result the Endowment Committee thought it necessary to prepare a

position paper on the wise and unwise approaches to take funds out of the Permanent Endowment

beyond the allowable four percent annual withdrawal. The only way that can be done, of course, is to

amend the By-Laws as has been done twice in the last 10 year. The committee’s statement on this

matter said in part, “The most serious breach of the congregation’s fiduciary responsibility to

endowment donors and to prudent thinking about endowment management is to permanently

withdraw funds to cover operational expenses….. A proposal to borrow the funds for operational

purposes might or might not be an unwise decision. But if the loan were properly collateralized and

included an appropriate interest rate (which could be as low as zero), such a proposal would not be a

breach of the congregation’s fiduciary responsibility.”



Finance Committee

Chair - Harry Wolin Members - Jim Meyer, Paul Ward, Dick Hatwick

Fun(d) Raising: Frank Smith & his Food Gang sponsored several wonderful fun(d) raising dinners

and a Dine Around during the year. This past year Pei Lin Ko and the Music Committee re-

introduced the First UU Music Series with three wonderful concerts. Although attendance was

sparse, the music was wonderful and the program provided financial support to the congregation.

The 2017/2018 Stewardship Campaign: Harry Wolin chair, Ben Juhl, Bob Ashmore, Bob Shipley,

Carol Baxter, Dorie Maxwell, Henry Gruen, Janet Fryman, Jim Meyer, Pat Knight, and Paul Ward

conducted our Stewardship Campaign. The program kicked off with a pot luck luncheon. As this

report is being written some of our members are still considering their level of support for the

coming year. That said, a significant number of our members have increased their level of giving

and in total have pledged over $10,000 more than they did last year. We also have 10 new

individuals and families who have made a financial commitment for the first time. Unfortunately,

the congregation has lost 11 members.

The 2016/2017 GAP: This year the congregation knowingly passed a deficit budget. Formal Town

Hall discussions were held during the year to address the gap. Although some possible solutions

were identified, none are quick fixes. One step that has been put in place is that the congregation

now has the ability to accept on-line contributions via our web site. Although stewardship, non-

stewardship revenue and expenses are “better” than projected, the gap remains and the congregation

no longer has the operating account “cushion” to weather any cash flow shortages or unexpected

expenses.

The 2017/2018 Budget: As this report is being written, The Finance Committee is working on

developing our annual financial plan for the coming year. A) where are our funds coming from and

how much do we think we will receive, B) what do we want to spend money on and how much......

One specific challenge we face this year is the uncertainty of the timing and expense surrounding the

ministerial transition we are facing. The results of our work are before you this morning.

Submitted by: Harry Wolin, Chair

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Administration

In the last year the Administration Committee implemented the new Breeze church management

software system. Many committees are using the system to communicate with each other and with

the congregation. Most notably the Membership committee is using the system to track newcomers

and communicate and follow-up with visitors. A number of members are using the system to pay

their pledges, as well as paying for other events. While there are still many additional functions we



can use the system for, it’s widely seen as a success. Harry Wolin, our treasurer, took on the

monumental task of recreating our website using the UUA WordPress template. The site looks

incredible. It provides us with relevance and a better way to communicate our activities and message

with the community. Big thank you to Harry! If you haven’t yet, please take a look at

http://1stuupb.org/.

Submitted by Nickie Albert

Adult Programs

The Adult Programs committee consisted of Dick Hattwick and Richard Palermo.

The committee’s sole responsibility was to organize the Teaching Thursday programs. Twenty-two

programs were presented during the period running from the third week in September to the first

week in April. Presenters were a mix of members of the congregation and outside speakers.

Programs were a mix of formal presentations, workshops and one sing-along. Details regarding the

individual programs were provided to the congregation by means of a monthly newsletter.

Submitted by Richard Palermo and Dick Hattwick

Building and Grounds

The challenge for the Building and Grounds Committee this year has been in balancing the needs of

an aging facility with normal upkeep and on-going maintenance costs. The AC units serving the

Emerson Building (4) are aging, along with other systems in the building. The units serving Ministers

Hall, the Channing Room (large RE room) and Margaret Fuller Room (Thrift Shop) were replaced

this year. We expect that AC units for the Office and the Nursery and Olympia Brown Room (Teen

room) can limp along for another year or two, but that may be optimistic.

Our Sanctuary AC presents another issue. It is slowly leaking Freon and we are getting close to the

limit on how much can be replaced. We have included another replacement shot in the 2017-18

budget, even knowing that it’s not an environmentally sound solution. Ideally, the unit needs to be

replaced. We are also replacing the Sanctuary fluorescent lights with LED bulbs as the others burn

out.

We dodged Hurricane Matthew in fall, although our Sexton, Willie Nelson, had the Sanctuary shades

in place and the shutters secured for the Emerson Building. However, the front a (nd patio doors of

Ministers Hall and the office door and front window remain vulnerable to wind damage. We would

like the Board and the Congregation to consider shutters for these areas. (Estimate $4000). These

would likely be covered as capital expenses rather than operating budget expenses, but they would be

significant expenses nonetheless.



Earlier in the year, the Village of North Palm Beach notified us that our trash enclosure was not

adequate and they required an immediate fix in lieu of a citation. We negotiated to put in a partial

chain link fence, with a gate for access by the Village trucks. The sea hibiscus (Ben’s Godzilla Tree)

on the west side of the dumpster conceals the area from the street to the west, however that, too,

created additional expense because it was encroaching on a neighbors yard. The reported expenses

over budget include additional Sexton hours for trimming the hibiscus and on-going maintenance of

our palm trees, thereby eliminating the cost of professional landscaping of $25 per tree. (Have you

ever counted the number of palm trees on our campus?) Lawn fertilizing will be an additional

landscape expense this year ($150). Cleanup and vine removal on the patio ficus tree will be around

$500.

Our irrigation system requires on-going monitoring and we are searching for an irrigation company

to take over the task. Right now, we need to upgrade our pump wiring (est. $200-$500). Current

wiring is inadequate and, if not replaced, will shorten the life of the pump.

Back to the building interiors: The roof leak in the Margaret Fuller Room has been fixed and the

room has been freshly painted. Currently it is set up as a small group meeting place, however with

the additions of curtains, a comfy chair or two, and a bookcase (currently empty), it could be used for

so much more. We might even consider renting it for private counseling space, tutoring programs,

seminars. We need income and it needs to be used.

When the new AC unit was installed in Ministers Hall, we needed to cut out a wider door. Henry’s

ingenious solution to replacing the door was to make it a shelving unit that can swing open to access

the AC. Ben will be moving the AV equipment from the utility closet to its new home on the shelves.

The Karaoke equipment will be right there for whenever the spirit moves you.

Maintenance of the floors in the Emerson Building and the carpet in the Sanctuary should be done

at least annually, but we’ve limited maintenance the last few years due to budget issues. Our Sanctuary

carpet is getting old and will probably need to be replaced in two to three years. Meanwhile, we will

schedule cleaning per budget ($800) for September, 2017 and, if it requires a second cleaning before

the end of the fiscal year, we will hope that our operating budget will cover it. Similarly, the floors in

the Emerson Building get heavy use. A thorough annual cleaning, stripping and two-coat waxing is

a minimum requirement, which we have included in our proposed 2017-2018 budget ($2000). We plan

to schedule a thorough cleaning for September, 2017, however, if we expect to earn rental income

from our facilities, we may have to include an additional professional cleaning.

We want to thank our Sexton, Mr. Willie Nelson, and others who have helped in one way or another

to keep our building and grounds in shape. Your pledges make it possible.Buildings and Grounds



Child and Youth Programs

The year started off with Jennifer Hommel having fairly recently come on as Director, with much

enthusiasm. Attendance continued to be sporadic. During September and October, many hours of

work on Jennifer Hommel's part as well as the children, youth and parents, were put in including a

sleepover to hold a fall festival, which included pumpkin carving, food, games, and activities for the

congregation.

The continuity of the program was hindered by the fact that the committee structure was not clearly

defined as well as having the Director on unpaid sabbatical over the summer and into November and

then resigning in December. Rebbeca Peets then took over as Coordinator/Teacher. Youth have

continued to assist in the nursery most Sundays if needed and at least two congregants have assisted

as teachers: Ako Johnson, Sr. and Jennifer Kass. Jennifer Kass has shown interest in the

Director/Coordinator position. The program will need significant support going forward.

Submitted by Suzanne Schluter and Maria Cristina Gonzalez-Lopez

Communications

1stUUPB communications encompasses, in addition to direct email and the Sunday Order of Service,

the 1stUUPB web page, the 1stUUPB Facebook page, the JAM Facebook page, the 1stUUPB Breeze

site, Google Drive, the eBeacon, the JAM newsletter, From 635, and Salt Air.

During the year, the 1stUUPB newsletter, the eBeacon, was moved from Constant Contact to

Blogger.com, which is a more attractive, free and accessible site, and is now available online 24/7.

There is no longer a deadline for submitting material for the eBeacon. All material, including graphics,

should be emailed to the 1stUUPB office. If possible, please avoid submitting material in .pdf format

as it adds another layer of complexity to our online offerings. Many thanks to Bob Crowe who for

many years supplied us with the weekly eBeacon newsletter, and before that, published the Beacon

with Betty Crowe, the snail-mail congregational newsletter. (eBeacon editor: Larry Stauber)

The JAM News has been a monthly email from the Justice Action Ministry to the JAM mailing list.

(Editors: Judy Bonner, Brian Johnson). Future editions will be consolidated into the eBeacon. With

our two newsletters moving to new platforms, Constant Contact is being dropped as an online

provider.

The new 1stUUPB web page, using the UUA-supplied template, is a thing of beauty. Thanks is due

to Harry Wolin who spent many hours transitioning the web page to the new location and format and

has been adding to it since. Again, we commend Bob Crowe who designed and maintained the old

website for many years.

The 1stUUPB Facebook page has been representing our Congregation online since April 2009. During

that time thousands of textual articles about 1stUUPB and UUism in general have been posted, as

well as tens of thousands of graphics, mostly about 1stUUPB events. With a current following of 662

“likes”, our main Facebook page has the potential to reach thousands more. “Liking”, “Sharing”,



commenting on and re-posting our Facebook posts help reach more readers. Larry Stauber is the

admin for the 1stUUPB Facebook page. The Rev CJ McGregor shared admin responsibilities until

recently. Editors include Bob Ashmore, Brian Johnson, Bruce Holden and Sarah Wilson.

The Justice Action Ministry Facebook page has been in operation for far less time and has fewer

“Likes”. We expect it to grow in the future. That page became necessary to serve the growing needs

of our justice ministry projects and to lessen the burden on our main Facebook page. (Admins: Larry

Stauber, Judy Bonner, Brian Johnson)

1stUUPB also participates with UUFBR and others in maintaining and contributing to the Climate

Action Coalition Facebook page, and with other Cluster congregations in maintaining and

contributing to the UU FL SE Cluster Facebook page. (1stUUPB admin: Larry Stauber)

This year, Breeze, a multipurpose church management software, was established, thanks to the efforts

of Harry Wolin and Nickie Albert. We expect Breeze to be essential in tracking many aspects of life

at 1stUUPB.

From 635 was started as an independent online site for messages from our minister and has since been

expanded to messages from the BoT president. The Communications Team is considering moving

From 635 to the new 1stUUPB web page.

Salt Air was established as a 1stUUPB online sermon archive. The Team is also considering moving

Salt Air to the web page.

The 1stUUPB Google Drive site was established to hold 1stUUPB documents that were not easily

postable elsewhere (like .pdf’s). Google also provides other cost-free services that 1stUUPB utilizes.

The 1stUUPB website has a small annual cost associated with it, which is covered by a member’s

contribution. Breeze costs $600 per year. All other 1stUUPB online sites are currently cost-free.

1stUUPB’s outreach could be enhanced in the future by judicious use of some minor funding for the

1stUUPB Facebook page.

Submitted by Larry Stauber, for the Communications Team

Décor

The décor Committee had a quiet year. The Fuller Room was painted using donations from the

Committee Fair. The room is nearly finished and is being used for meetings at the present time. There

are plans to freshen the paint in mre rooms. The committee gives a big Thank You to Ben Juhl who

has been very supportive. Members include janet Fryman, Kathe Bannigan, Diana Colardi, Ako

Johnson, Nickie Albert, Suzanne Schluter, Karen Wolin, Carol Baxter and June Kleeman.

Submitted by June Kleeman



Justice Action Ministry

Chair: Judy Bonner, Core Team: Barbara Hatzfeld, Dick Hattwick, Judy Kraft, CJ McGregor

The Justice Action Ministry (JAM) is the unit of our congregation which encourages and supports

social justice education, activities and projects.

“ALL MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE AN ACTIVE

ROLE IN JUSTICE ACTION ISSUES. SOME ARE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN JAM GROUP

PROJECTS. OTHERS CONTRIBUTE INDEPENDENTLY IN THE SPIRIT OF THE UU

SEVEN PRINCIPLES.”

The Justice Action Ministry (JAM) has met most Third Thursdays at 4:30 in the Channing Room of

Minister’s Hall.

Our monthly Justice Action Ministry (JAM) newsletter was published at the beginning of most

months. We now have a JAM Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stUUPBJAM/ Please

join!. We encourage each of you to choose a focus area that speaks to your heart and contact the

leader to ask how you can help. If you wish to lead a project which is not listed please see one of the

core members for a form. We strongly suggest at least three committed members for each focus area.

Policy for time sensitive issues which come up between official meetings: “The JAM Chairperson

sends an email to Board members and all individuals on the JAM Project Leaders Email List and asks

for a response by a specific date. The chair would then act in accordance with the recommendations

of those who reply.”

Current Focus Areas

1. Educational presentations, films: Leaders: Wayne Johnson and Dick Hattwick

On the third Saturday of the month at 12:30, Wayne and Dick showed a relevant film, often on racial

issues, followed by a discussion.

2. Environmental/climate change: Leader: Ramsay Laing

We partnered with the Mothers Against Murder Assn. (MAMA) to design an outreach plan in West

Palm Beach that educated 100 residents about projected climate impacts and documented their

adaptation concerns and opinions about priorities. We will work with our community partner to have

information that was gathered in the diverse community included in the civic input into adaptation

planners. http://reacttoolkit.net/index.php/west-palm-beach-florida/ We also held a major Climate

event on January28.

3. Family Promise: Leader: CJ McGregor

The congregation successfully hosted families who are homeless for three one-week stays this year.

We've also collaborated with other churches offering volunteer support enabling them to host their



weeks with families. We continue to collaborate with Family Promise and hope to name a Coordinator

for this project from our congregation.

4. Food Sufficiency: Leader: Bob Ashmore

We filled baggies with lentils, rice, freeze dried veggies and sea salt, sufficient to feed five or six, for

children and their families in need of nutritious meals. We've provided roughly 10,000 meals to the

Palm Beach County Schools Title I unit which then distributed the packages to children and their

families with an emphasis in the Glades area where there is substantial food insufficiency We gathered

three times during the year to package this food. We also made weekly donations to Lake Park Food

Pantry. We are looking for a volunteer to manage and promote this.

5. Grants: Leader: Chris Strain

Mission: To meet pressing social action needs in our local community not currently being met. For

the past several years the Justice Action Ministry of the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of

the Palm Beaches has authorized a limited number of grants from funds raised by dedicating the plate

collection on the third Sunday of each month. This year $5566.34 was raised for general awards and

$544 in a dedicated collection for Emergency Medical Assistance. The grants of up to $500 were

awarded to not for profit organizations or individuals that addressed pressing needs in our local

community. Organizations with budgets under $250,000 received first priority. Each grant application

was submitted by a member or friend of our Congregation who has direct knowledge of the need

described. The member or friend who submitted the application is responsible for providing

documentation that the money was spent appropriately.

1. Adult Day Treatment Program for Developmentally Disabled Adults 2. Center for Family Services

3. Child Protection Team of Palm Beach, Inc. (CPT) 4. Club 100 5. De Porres Place 6. First UU

Feeding Our Community’s Children 7. Hope 4 Mobility 8. LGBT Youth Pride 9. Mothers Against

Murderers 10. P.E.A.C.E 11. Prisoner Art 12. Emergency Medical Assistance Inc.

6. Harriet Glasner Justice scholarships: Leader: Sam Irwin

An anonymous donor has pledged $100,000 to support a ten-year justice scholarship project .We

award scholarships annually up to $5000 each for a total of $10,000 The scholarship may be used for

GED, a private or public college, university, or trade school. Need and social action activities are

major considerations for awards. We awarded 9 scholarships and 1 GED this fiscal year for a total of

$11516

7. People Engaged in Active Community Efforts (P.E.A.C.E): Leader: Barbara Hatzfeld

[email protected] P.E.A.C.E (People Engaged in Active Community Efforts) is an

organization made up of congregations from throughout Palm Beach County. 1stUUPB is a member.

Founded in 1991, PEACE uses the power of large numbers of organized people to solve critical

community problems.



The three problems for this year are: Homelessness-there are 3,750 homeless children in Palm Beach

County The Health Care District reports that 8,000 homeless people accessed their clinics last year.

Arresting our children for first time misdemeanors must stop! Because of PEACE, 200 fewer children

were arrested last year. However, over 300 children were eligible for civil citations, but were arrested

instead. Everyone deserves the dignity that an ID provides. Because of PEACE’s work to get our

sheriff to accept consular IDs as valid identification, 156 fewer immigrants were taken to jail last year

for the sole offense of driving without a license- saving their dignity and $780,000 in unnecessary

incarceration costs. On April 3, 2017, PEACE will hold our Nehemiah Action Assembly to ask our

Public officials to continue solving problems. Feel free to contact Barbara Hatzfeld, Team leader, for

further information.

8. Racial Justice: Leader: Judy Bonner On Jan 29, 2017, our Congregation voted to support the Black

Lives Matter Movement as stated in the UUA 2015 Action of Immediate Witness.

http://www.uua.org/statements/support-black-lives-matter-movement Judy attended a Race

Forward conference in Atlanta. Sadiqa attended a Black UU conference in New Orleans. Nine

participants read and discussed the book Witnessing Whiteness over a period of 13 weeks. More than

20 congregants marched in the MLK parade. We are in the process of joining SURJ (Showing up for

Racial Justice) http://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/about

9. Mothers Against Murder Association: Sylvia Ansay Mission: To assist parents or guardians of

murder victims and to provide quality programs for youth that will turn them away from violent acts.

This organization counsels grieving families who have lost a member to murder. When the mothers

are ready the group brings them to speak to prisoners about the damage the murder does to survivors,

including children too young to remember a slain parent. We are partnering with them in several areas.

10. Sanctuary campus: Larry Stauber On Jan. 29, 2017, our congregation voted to declare our grounds

a sanctuary for those currently eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protection

who would seek refuge and safety from deportation.

Some Ongoing Activities:

Fair Trade: Sylvia Ansay UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee): Judy Bonner

Marketed “on the Side of Love” Tee shirts. Promoted UUSC membership

Some Yearly Events;

Collections for school supplies and other causes in cooperation with Youth program, International

Day of Peace Sept. 21, Soup lunch near Thanksgiving with proceeds to charity, Holiday collections,

MLK Parade, Gay Pride Parade

The Justice Action Ministry team is pleased to announce that Ramsay Laing will be our team leader

beginning May 1, 2017. Ramsay brings many skills as well as passion to the position. We welcome her

enthusiastically.



Membership

Chair: Gary Evans

Committee: Gail Burwell, Janet Fryman, Brian Johnson, Dorie Maxwell, Betsy Shipley.

Membership: Currently, we have 118 members. During the past year we added 6 new members and

lost 13 members, primarily due to people moving out of the area.

Activities: We created a Membership Display board in the entry way to Ministers Hall to highlight new

members with their photo and biography, and to have an ongoing presence to offer Membership

information and materials to visitors and groups. Betsy Shipley took the lead on this project. Brian

Johnson organized the biographies. We fully integrated our committee’s work into the Breeze software

and use the tool to communicate with visitors. Brian Johnson did a terrific job with the data input and

organization of the information. We created a Google Docs site for all of our Membership documents

and artwork so we have all of our materials in one place, for collaboration and posterity. Richard

Keelan, who was a committee member for most of the year, was instrumental in the Breeze project

and the Google Docs project. Orientation sessions were successfully conducted in November and

March as planned and are now structured, semi-annual events. We had about ten visitors at each

session, with good participation by committee chairs and board members. The sessions received

excellent reviews. Dorie Maxwell organized these events and fine-tuned our template of speakers and

topics. We rewrote the by-laws related to Membership issues and submitted to the Board to review

and offer to the congregation to approve at the annual meeting. Dorie Maxwell led this effort to

update our Membership guidelines and create the Member Emeritus status as an option for the Board

in the future. We removed the back row of chairs from the center section to allow more room for CJ,

and committee members, to greet and talk to visitors. This was one of many details we arranged to do

our best to be welcoming to visitors and make that first visit warm and welcoming. We refined our

visitor welcoming process to make certain that we followed up on the visit of each person that lives

in the area, and input their information into Breeze to make certain that we can communicate with

them in the future. Richard Keelan left our committee and Gail Burwell joined us, a new member who

jumped right in to assist with our events and programs.

Future Plans: We will continue to offer Orientations on the first Saturday in March and the first

Saturday in November. We will continue to schedule two New Member Recognition Services each

year. They will be held on the 4th Sunday in March, and the third Sunday in November in coordination

with the church calendar. The committee will continue to meet once a month on Mondays for the

convenience of the majority of committee members throughout the year.

Submitted by Gary Evans



Music and the Arts

Co-Chairs: Ken and Lynn Pernezny

Committee members: Bruce Holden, Vangie Gruen, Henry Gruen, Joe Suhrbuhr

Activities:

• Provided assistance/advice to music director with regard to music for Sunday services.

Examples include: providing repertoire resources; information on historical congregational practices;

serving as song leaders; vocal/instrumental performance assistance as requested.

• Assisted music director in establishing an instrumental ensemble to provide music at selected

services.

• Organized and led a music-based Sunday service.

• Continue to explore methods to increase participation/interest in choir.

• Coordinate with Sanctuary Services group.

Small Group Ministry

“Circles of Caring and Sharing” Program Coordinator: Chari Campbell Facilitators: Bob Ashmore,

Jim Myer, Mary Rubeiz, Caren Haeusser, Suzanne Schluter, Richard Keelan

The SGM Program, a UUA program, is Ministry in a small group setting. The Steering Committee

was form in 2002, and we began offering small groups here in the Spring of 2003. We currently have

four groups that meet once a month, with eight or nine members per group. SGM Groups differ from

other groups in that there is more intentional sharing, with the emphasis on integrating the spiritual

and the intellectual. Small Group Ministry represents a different level of commitment; there is a

covenant that goes with it: to create a safe space in which to explore issues that are spiritual from a

UU perspective. The intent of the program is for SGM Groups to provide ongoing ministry to its

members and to provide a connection with the minister. A goal of SGM is to foster understanding

and acceptance of the various religious languages that UU’s speak; another goal is to foster service to

the congregation and to the community.

The SGM Handbook and the one page flyer/ registration forms, which describe the program, are

available on our congregation’s Web Page, in Ministers' Hall, and in the church office. The Handbook

describes the purpose and policies of the SGM Program. Posters with a brief description of SGM and

a list of sample topics are displayed in Minister’s Hall. Our one page registration form and a letter of

invitation to join SGM are included in new member packets, distributed by the congregation's

Membership Committee.



We acquired two new facilitators this year: Caren Haeusser and Suzanne Schluter. Caren is replacing

Mary Rubeiz and Suzanne is replacing Richard Keelan. Mary and Richard are moving out of the area,

and we will greatly miss them and strengths they contributed to the program. The SGM Facilitators’

responsibilities include leading groups, participating in monthly peer supervision meetings,

communicating the program's goals to prospective SGM members, placing members in groups (using

geographical and other relevant considerations), selecting session topics, and helping to identify and

train new facilitators. SGM members continue to share that they appreciate the opportunity to get to

know other members and friends of the congregation on a more personal basis than is possible in

other group settings. SGM welcomes new members all year long. Please contact the program co-

ordinator, the minister, or any SGM facilitator if you would like more information about the program.

Sanctuary Services

The Sanctuary Services Group (SSG) is composed of five committees which reflect the five elements

of our mission: Speakers, Music, Ushers, Flowers and Logistics. During the 2016-17 congregational

year we have had a full-time minister, thus the Speakers Committee had little to do. With the expected

departure of the Rev CJ McGregor from 1stUUPB at the end of April, that has changed radically. Our

mission for the 2017-2018 congregational year will be to fill every Sunday slot, starting in May and

going forward until a new minister arrives. Should that not occur during the year, the SSG is fully

prepared to fill the pulpit every single Sunday throughout the year. Our intention is to minimize the

cost of pulpit supply. Thus our goal for May through November (low season) is to employ one paid

appearance for every four Sundays. For December through April (high season) our goal will be two

paid, two unpaid. We are making good progress toward our goals. The Speakers Committee is grateful

to the 1stUUPB BoT for adjusting the rates for paid speakers so that we’re now competitive with

other local UU congregations. (Members: Larry Stauber, Pat Knight, Bob Ashmore, Betty Crowe)

This year the Music Committee has been fortunate to count on Peilin Ko as our music coordinator.

Her music skills are quite apparent on Sundays and she has gone the extra mile in support of our

services. As 1stUUPB’s music needs are year round, we would like to extend Peilin’s contract so that

we don’t have to constantly be chasing music accompaniment for 1stUUPB’s summer services.

Throughout this year, the Music Committee has presented excellent Sunday service music programs,

both vocal and instrumental. There’s every reason to believe that that high level will be maintained

during the coming year assuming we’re able to retain Peilin. (Members: Ken and Lynn Pernezny)

The Ushers Committee has had very good cooperation from the membership so that it’s a rare Sunday

that we don’t have volunteer ushers. (Member: Barbara Hatzfeld) The Flowers Committee supplies

beautiful flower arrangements for every Sunday service. (Member: Margaret Robson, plus a variety of

contributors.) The Logistics Committee is made up of Candles (Suzanne Schluter), Chairs (Larry

Stauber) and Tech Support (Ben Juhl and Barbara Hatzfeld). For chairs and general maintenance,

we’ve had good assistance from our sexton. We’re also grateful to June Kleeman whose artistic eye

has helped beautify our Sanctuary. Logistics is one of those “invisible” committees that few notice,

but without its members, the Sanctuary and the Sunday service would be sorely lacking.



The SSG hopes to continue with the current group of volunteers. However, more help is always

welcome. So if you care to lend a hand, please contact any one of us. We’ll be happy to welcome you.

Submitted by: Larry Stauber, Sanctuary Services Group Coordinator.

2017 NOMINATIONS

The Nominating Committee is pleased to present candidates for the 2017-2018 Board of Trustees,

the Endowment Committee and the Nominating Committee, as follows:

Board of Trustees:

President: Paul Ward (2018)

Vice President: Pat Knight (2018)

Treasurer: Harry Wolin (2018)

Assistant Treasurer: TBD

Clerk: Coleen Conway (2018)

Trustee: Bruce Holden (2021)

Returning: Janet Fryman (2018),Bob Ashmore (2019), Nicki Albert (2020),

The Endowment Committee

Coleen Conway (2021)

Kathe Bannigan (2022)

Returning members: Richard Hattwick (2018), Bob Shipley (2019), Richard Palermo (2020)

The Nominating Committee

Chari Campbell (2019)

Returning members: Jim Meyer (2018), Nancy Clements (2018)

The following are biographic sketches of the candidates:

Paul G. Ward – Candidate for BoT President



Paul joined 1stUUPB in 2010 to support his need for community on his occasional visits to a

recently purchased condo on Singer Island. Having sold their home in Putnam County, New York

in 2013, Hilary and Paul have now made Palm Beach County their home and enjoy living by the

beach. This Unitarian Universalist Congregation supports Paul's spiritual journey. He grew up in a

strict religious sect in England and, since leaving that congregation at 19 years old, remained

unattached to any church. Paul is a Doctor of Philosophy with a focus on organization and

management with a leadership specialty. He is a University of Phoenix faculty member, teaching a

graduate class on leadership and mentoring students on their doctoral dissertation journeys. He is

also a management consultant advising organizations on major change and is the principal owner of

2Young2Retire, an organization founded by Marika and Howard Stone. He is the founder and

president of Future Shapers Florida, LLC, coaching leaders and bringing executive peer groups

together to deepen their understanding and practice of conscious leadership. Conversations that

matter are important to Paul. He serves as chair of the Board of Directors for the Mental Health

Association of Palm Beach County. Paul has been 1stUUPB president for the past year, has

previously served as vice president, clerk and Membership chair, and coordinates the Men’s Group

activities. It is an honor to be invited to serve a second year as president of the Board of Trustees.

For additional insights into Paul’s life, please visit www.drpaulward.com

Patricia Knight – Candidate for BoT Vice President

Pat has a B.S. in Art from the University of California at Berkley and Los Angeles. She has worked

in public and private schools in St Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands and has extensive experience in

advertising and media work. Pat joined Ethan Allen in June 1990, and spent the next 26 years in

sales and design. Since joining 1stUUPB over 20 years ago, Pat has been an active participant and

was part of the original group that started and ran the Thrift Shop. Now that she has retired, she is

looking forward to increasing her participation in the mission of our Congregation.

Harry Wolin - Candidate for BoT Treasurer

Harry retired to Palm Beach County following a 40-year career serving in leadership roles at rural

hospitals and healthcare organizations in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. He graduated with a BA

from Knox College in Galesburg, IL and received his Masters with Honors in Health

Administration and Planning from Washington University in St. Louis. Harry serves as the

congregation's webmaster, is a member of the 1st UUPB Mens’ Group, and the Food Gang. Harry

has a strong background in finance and prior experience serving as a church treasurer. He also

currently serves as president of his condominium association, and is a member of the Rotary Club of

Lake Worth.

Coleen Conway – Candidate for BoT Clerk

Coleen has been a Universalist/Unitarian since approximately 1998, when she began attending

1stUUPB. She moved to the Atlanta area in 2005 but never really connected with the Atlanta UU

congregation. She moved back to South Florida in 2005 to be closer to her son (and

granddaughter). She also has two older sons who live in Atlanta and Colorado. She returned to



1stUUPB in 2015 and became a member in 2016. She attended San Diego State College, majoring

in Business, and has also taken several paralegal courses. Having worked in the legal field for over

40 years, she is currently employed as a legal assistant in a Palm Beach Gardens law firm which

specializes in Trusts and Estates.

Bruce Holden: – Candidate for Trustee

Bruce has been attending the 1stUUPB since moving to Florida in 2000, and became a member in

2009. He was the co-music director here at 1stUUPB for two years, and can still be found playing

piano, singing, occasionally subbing for and otherwise working with the current music director. He

and his wife Marty are dual residents (not snow-birds) spending part of their time in Schenectady

NY. Snow bird is not an appropriate term for Bruce as he is often here any time during the year,

even summer. Bruce has served on church boards and committees and condominium boards. He is

a retired middle school and high school history teacher.

Colleen Conway– Candidate for Endowment Committee

See bio above.

Kathe Bannigan - – Candidate for Endowment Committee

I grew up and raised my family on Long Island, NY. I have a BA in Mathematics, a Paralegal

Certificate and a Certificate in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design in NYC. I worked in

all of these fields over the years, mostly for law firms. I had my own antique and interior design

business as well. Finally, I became a licensed real estate agent for two years before retiring to Florida

in 2007. I have been a member of 1stUUPB since 2008 and have held several positions therein. I

served as Administrative Chair, Finance Chair, Co-Chair of the Thrift Shop and have been a trustee

on the Board of Trustees for the last two years. My term as trustee will end this fiscal year. I have,

for some time, been interested in joining the Endowment Committee and hope to become an active

participant within that group. 1stUUPB, being the only religious organization I have ever been

actively involved with, means a great deal to me. I would like to see it grow and thrive and to that

end, I am willing to devote my time in hopes of reaching that goal.

Chari Campbell – Candidate for Nominating Committee.

During my first year here, in 2001, Reverend Rex asked Bob Ashmore and me to join the Steering

Committee for Small Group Ministry. I have co-ordinated this program for the past 15 years, an

experience that has allowed me to draw from my background and training as a school counselor and

counselor educator, and continues to be my most gratifying role in the congregation. I have also

served as Hospitality Chair, Adult Program Chair, Communications Task Force member, and

Leadership Development Task Force Chair. Additionally, I served as Clerk and later as President of

the BoT. I have served on and chaired the Nominating Committee three times, and look forward to

serving in this capacity again.



BUDGET

To: 1st Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches

From: Harry Wolin, Treasurer

Date: April 11, 2017

Subject: 2017-18 Budget Proposal

Executive Summary

Given the uncertainty of the proposed bylaw amendment, your board has developed two budgets

for the congregation’s consideration. Each is developed with breakeven bottom lines, presented to

the congregation with the finance committee’s and board’s support and approval.

The “Amendment Passes” Budget is balanced through borrowing from the endowment while the

“Amendment Fails” Budget is balanced through a series of expense reductions which are detailed

below.

The Budget Process

I chaired our 2017-18 stewardship campaign. In addition to myself, the committee included Bob

Ashmore, Carol Baxter, Janet Fryman, Henry Gruen, Ben Juhl, Pat Knight, Dorie Maxwell, Jim

Meyer, Bob Shipley and Paul Ward. The committee kicked off the campaign at a potluck luncheon

supported by our members & friends. A large percentage of the congregation submitted their

pledges at, or immediately following the luncheon. Follow-ups were held in an attempt to reach

those who were unable to attend the luncheon.

Estimation of our expenses started with committees looking at their areas of congregation life. I

communicated with all of our Committee Chairs to get their thoughts on their financial needs for

the coming year.

Upon compilation of our data, the Finance Committee (Harry Wolin, (chair), Richard Hattwick, &

Jim Meyer) met to review the data and develop the budgets which were presented to the Board. At

their meeting April 11th, the Board reviewed, discussed and approved both budgets.

Last year the congregation approved a deficit budget with its intent to develop programs to eliminate

the gap between revenues and expenses. Although the gap was reduced, it was not eliminated. In

taking this approach the congregation used most of its working capital to address the planned

deficit. Therefore, maintaining a breakeven position is required due to our inability to cover deficits.

The Board will continue to seek ways to reduce expenses wherever possible and will consider all

options regardless of which budget is approved. Any congregation approved loan from the



Endowment Fund will only be transferred to the operating fund on an as-needed basis. Funds will

not be transferred if they are not required.

The Details

Stewardship - Overall projected giving for the year is similar to last year. This year, we received very

strong support from our membership. Pledging from current members increased in excess of

$12,000 above last year’s giving. Additionally, $8,700 has been pledged by individuals and families

who did not pledge last year. Unfortunately, there are 13 members who are no longer part of our

congregation and 13 who have not yet returned a pledge.

The “Amendment Passes” Budget

• Assumes that the congregation approves the proposed amendment to borrow money from the

Endowment. As presented, it is proposed that we will need to borrow $40,000 during the fiscal

year,

• Assumes that a new full time minister is recruited to begin serving our congregation on a full

time basis beginning September 1,

• Assumes annual compensation for the new minister at a level comparable to what we were

paying Rev. CJ,

• Includes $10,000 for recruitment and relocation expenses,

• Does not include a salary increase for staff,

• Maintains programs at their current levels with the following exceptions:

• Includes $20,000 for the replacement of our Sanctuary HVAC,

• Includes increased funding for floor care than was provided in prior budgets,

• RE is a total unknown. I received no meaningful input and at the current time, there is no

specific plan in place.

The “Amendment Fails” Budget •

• Assumes that the congregation rejects the proposed amendment to borrow money from the

Endowment. In this scenario, the budget is balanced through a series of expense reductions.

The Finance Committee and the Board spent considerable time discussing the “best” approach

to achieve this. Specific proposals that have been approved and are presented as part of the

budget for the Congregation’s consideration include:

• End the search for a full-time minister,

• Reduce RE funding by 50%,

• Eliminate all payment for Summer Music,

• Eliminate funds for carpet cleaning and floor scrubbing,

• Increase in the Sunday Service budget.

• Eliminate donating one of our monthly plate collections to the grant program, • Reduce

staffing. As presented, ministerial support is reduced to slightly above 50% of last year’s level

(call it half time), the Administrator’s compensation is cut in half, and the Sexton’s

compensation is reduced by 25%











1stUUPB Proposed By-law Amendments, 2017 – Approved by the Board of Trustees

Proposed Existing (2015)

Endowment Fund

12.4 Permanent Endowment Fund – The Permanent Endowment Fund is designed to insure the long- term future of the Congregation. This fund may be spent only if all of the following three criteria are met: 12.4.1 The expenditure is approved by a favorable vote of 60% of the Board of Trustees at a legal meeting and with a quorum of thirty percent (30%) of the Congregational members and approved by a favorable vote of 51%. 12.4.2 The maximum amount that can be spent or committed in any fiscal year shall be equal to four percent of the amount in the account on December 31 of the preceding calendar year. For calculation purposes, the amount in the account on December 31 of the preceding year shall include bequests made to the Permanent Endowment Fund in the preceding calendar year even if the bequests have not yet been deposited in the account. 12.4.3 The value of the Fund at the beginning of a calendar year is greater than a threshold value indexed upward or downward by inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index starting at a value of $300,000 on January 1, 1998.

Proposed addition to the Proviso:

• The Board is also authorized to borrow up to a total of $180,000 from the Endowment Fund during the fiscal years 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21 to support the appointment of a full time minister. This is in addition to the four percent. Repayment of the loan would begin during the 2021-22 fiscal year at a rate to be agreed by the congregation at the 2021 Annual Meeting.

Proviso:

• The Board is authorized to borrow up to $100,000 on a one-time basis only during the fiscal years 2007- 2009 from the Permanent Endowment principal to pay for replacement of the roof over the south building and other capital expenditures and/or operating expenses in excess of the four percent of the amount in the account on December 31 of the preceding calendar year, as required in 12.4.2. above.

• The terms upon which the funds are borrowed from the Permanent Endowment will be set by the Board. It is permissible to structure the loan so that no payments are required for up to two years with no interest accrued during that time.



ARTICLE 4 MEMBERSHIP

4.1 Qualification - Any person sixteen years of age or older, and who is in sympathy with the stated vision of the Congregation, may become a member of the Congregation upon satisfaction of the following requirements:

4.1 Qualification - Any person eighteen years of age or older, and who is in sympathy with the stated vision of the Congregation, may become a member of the Congregation upon satisfaction of the following requirements:

4.1.1 Completing and submitting a desire to join form with contact information.

4.1.1 Signing the Membership Book in the presence of and witnessed by either the Minister, the President or the Membership Chair.

4.1.2 Completing and submitting a pledge card and making a financial contribution of record to the Congregation

4.1.2 Signing a pledge card and making a financial contribution to the Congregation,

4.1.3 Signing the Membership Book in the presence of either the Minister, the President, or a member of the Membership Committee.

Old 4.1.3 to be removed and rule added to 4.3 4.1.3 The failure of a member to sign a pledge card and make a financial contribution to the Congregation for two successive years will result in automatic termination of membership.

4.2 Voting - All new members shall become eligible to vote twenty (20) days after they complete the membership process.

4.2 Voting - Voting privileges shall commence with membership.

4.3 Youth Membership - Membership will be allowed at age 14 for youth who have attended the “Coming of Age” curriculum.

4.3 Termination of Membership - The Membership Committee may recommend and the Board may accept the termination of membership of any member by reason of written resignation, permanent removal from the area, lack of contribution of record during the previous fiscal year, or death.

4.4 Resignation - Withdrawal from membership may be accomplished by submitting a resignation in writing to the Board. The effective date of such resignation, if not specified in the request, shall be upon acceptance by the Board.

. 4.4 Member Emeritus - The Board of Trustees may deem a longtime member a Member Emeritus if that person: a) has previously been active in involvement and generous in stewardship, b) ceases active participation or pledging due to extenuating circumstances, c) still resides in the greater Palm Beach area. Members Emeritus may be reinstated as regular voting members at any time they resume the requirements of voting membership.

4.5 Friends – Persons wishing to participate regularly in the Congregation’s functions and make a financial pledge or contribution of record but choose not to become members

4.5 Friends – Persons wishing to participate regularly in the Congregation’s functions, but who do not wish to become members of the Congregation, may receive Congregation



may be included in the directory as Friends of the Congregation.

communications and be included in the directory as Friends of the Congregation. They shall not be included in the count of members for the annual pledge to the Unitarian Universalist Association or to other denominational affiliations.

ARTICLE 7 ELECTIONS

7.1.1 Only members in good standing as of 20 days before the annual meeting or a special meeting shall be eligible to vote at these meetings.

7.1 Voting - At the Annual Meeting, members shall be elected to serve as President, Vice President, Clerk, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. Voters shall also elect one member of the Board of Trustees and one a member of the Endowment Committee and fill any unexpired terms on the Board or Endowment Committee. In addition, three (3) members will be elected to a Nominating Committee as provided in Article 7.3.

7.1.1 Only members in good standing as of March 1 shall be eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting, and only members in good standing as of the first day of any month in which a Special Meeting is called shall be eligible to vote at that meeting

7.2 Terms - Officers, Trustees and Endowment Committee members elected at the Annual Meeting shall assume their offices on the first day of May. The President and Vice President may serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms; other officers and trustees may serve for no more than four (4) consecutive years, and Endowment Committee members no more than five (5) consecutive years. After the lapse of one year, officers, trustees and Endowment Committee members may be reelected to their former position.

7.3 Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee shall consist of three members who will each serve a staggered three year term. At each Annual Meeting, the Congregation shall elect one member to serve a three year term on the Nominating Committee. Committee members may serve a maximum of one (1) three-year term. The three elected members shall designate one of their number to serve as chair of the committee. Should a vacancy occur on the Committee, it shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by a member

7.3 Nominating Committee - At the Annual Meeting, the Congregation shall elect three members to serve on the Nominating Committee. Committee members shall serve staggered twoyear terms of office as hereinafter described. Initially, two members shall be elected to serve for two years and one member shall be elected to serve for one year. In the alternate year, one member shall be elected to serve for two years. In all subsequent years members standing for election shall be elected to two-year terms. The three regular elected



appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Trustees. Proviso: During the initial period following the enactment of this bylaw at the 2017 Annual Meeting, the Congregation shall elect three members to the Nominating Committee. Elected members shall designate, from among their number, members to serve for the initial one, two, and three year term of membership on the committee.

members shall designate one of their numbers to serve as chair of the committee. Should a vacancy occur on the Committee, it shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by a member appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Trustees.

7.3.1 No member may be elected or appointed to the Nominating Committee unless the member shall have been a Voting Member for three consecutive years immediately preceding the member’s election or appointment. The names of candidates for election to the Committee, whether self nominated or nominated by another member or the Nominating Committee, must be submitted to the Clerk not later than twenty-five (25) days prior to the date set for the Annual Meeting. In addition to its responsibilities as set forth in Article 7.3.2, the Nominating Committee shall actively solicit the membership for the names of candidates willing to stand for election to the Committee at each Annual Meeting.

7.3.2 It is the responsibility of this committee to give consideration throughout the year to possible candidates to serve as officers and trustees of the Congregation. At least twenty (20) days prior to each Annual Meeting, the Nominating Committee shall give to the Clerk the names of, and background information about, one (1) candidate for each office, trusteeship and Endowment Committee membership to be filled. Any other person wishing to become a candidate for election at the Annual Meeting can do so by filing with the Clerk, not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting date, a petition signed by at least ten (10) members of the Congregation.

7.4 Election Procedure - Voting shall be by written, secret ballot only in the event of more than one (1) candidate for each office and/or more nominees for trustee, Endowment Committee member, or Nominating Committee member than there are vacancies to



be filled. In a contested election, the highest number of votes cast shall determine who is elected. Ties in voting shall be resolved by immediate run-off election. Cumulative voting and proxy voting are not to be allowed.

7.5 Vacancies - If vacancies occur among officers, trustees and Endowment Committee members during the course of the year, they shall be filled by the Board until the following Annual Meeting when the unexpired terms will be filled by the procedure as set forth in 7.3.2 above. At the annual meeting, members appointed by the Board to fill vacancies will be eligible to be nominated to complete that unexpired term.

7.5 Vacancies - If vacancies occur among officers, trustees and Endowment Committee members during the course of the year, they shall be filled by the Board until the following Annual Meeting when the unexpired terms will be filled by procedure as set forth in 7.3 above.

.



Declaration of Conscience

At this extraordinary time in our nation’s history, we are called to affirm our profound commitment

to the fundamental principles of justice, equity and compassion, to truth and core values of

American society. In the face of looming threats to immigrants, Muslims, people of color, and the

LGBTQ community and the rise of hate speech, harassment and hate crimes, we affirm our belief in

the inherent worth and dignity of every person. In opposition to any steps to undermine the right of

every citizen to vote or to turn back advances in access to health care and reproductive rights, we

affirm our commitment to justice and compassion in human relations. And against actions to

weaken or eliminate initiatives to address the threat of climate change – actions that would threaten

not only our country but the entire planet – we affirm our unyielding commitment to protect the

interdependent web of all existence. We will oppose any and all unjust government actions to

deport, register, discriminate, or despoil. As people of conscience, we declare our commitment to

translate our values into action as we stand on the side of love with the most vulnerable among us.

We welcome and invite all to join in this commitment for justice. The time is now. Add your

name or the name of your congregation/organization by filling in the information

http://connect.uusc.org/l/103112/2017-

0117/gpgn2?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_co

ntent=CORRECTION%3A+Sunday+Webinar+on+Solidarity+%26+ Sanctuary+i