Church Council: Meeting in a Minute | April 29, 2025
Church Council met on April 29, 2025. This recent Council meeting had important updates and decisions. Here's a summary of the key points discussed:
Council business + financial health: The financial report showed that as of March 31, 2025, income and expenses for UCC Norwell and Linden Ponds Community Church are on track with budget projections. A new copier will soon be leased, replacing the previous one that was 20 years old!
The New Nursery School (NNS): Director Kim Foster presented the NNS 2025-2026 budget, which was unanimously approved. The school is doing well, with full classes and a waiting list for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Key highlights include:
3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for staff in the upcoming year, unanimously recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by vote of Council.
The next academic year will include extended hours and lunch options to meet parent demand for longer school days.
Continued receipt of a grant (now $4,900 for the year), which helps keep tuition competitive without increases for this year or next.
Even with the approved COLA, the school remains profitable.
Racial + Social Justice Ministry Team (RSJMT) announces "Rise up for love + justice:” A representative from the RSMJT shared plans for a "Peaceful stand out: Rise up for love + justice" on the front lawn of the church. This event will take place on June 8 from 12-1 pm, coinciding with Pentecost and Children's Sunday. The theme is "Stand up and use your voice," focusing on positive messages of faith. Other area churches will be invited to participate. The proposal was unanimously approved.
Strategic plan updates: The moderators assigned council members a small group to review progress on our strategic plan goals and action items. The following reports were presented:
Growth (Jen Bretsch and Alex Neefus):
Inquired as to status of 10-hour-per-week pastoral care pastor to allow Leanne to focus more on community outreach, as included in strategic plan. With Peter now on board, this action item is tabled.
Discussion focused on the potential development of a Stephens Ministry Program to invigorate and strengthen pastoral care ministry.
Planning/Church Center identified as high priority to advance internal communications
Children & Youth Ministry (Susanne Adams and Kyle Bray):
Discussion was not to develop a new model for Sunday mornings (as currently written in Strategic Plan), but to build upon the current model. Priority: communication, planning, and organization
Calendar for entire program year should be developed
Prioritize support and instruction for Shepherds on Sunday mornings
Ministry to and Among the Congregation (Nick Crichton, Brianna Benedict, Don Spradlin):
Looking at ways to increase participation from the 30-50 year old demographic, while acknowledging that this age group often has significant demands on their time.
Consider consolidating ministry teams with similar goals to avoid overstretching volunteers and focusing on what the church does well.
Increase opportunities for adult faith formation
Resources for Ministry (Wendy Bawabe & Marybeth Shea): I
Review role of the Past Moderator as Chair of the Finance Committee
More clearly align staff support with Ministry Teams
Pair 5-year Capital plan developed by Scott MacPherson with financial plan
Action item of generating additional revenue streams not a priority, noting fiscal health and increase in assets in the past 3-5 years
Action item of purchasing a church van was discussed as a "nice-to-have" rather than a "need-to-have"
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, May 29, 7:00 PM, UCC Norwell Library.
Please note, these are not official meeting minutes. These are highlights intended to inform and emphasize the collaborative spirit driving our church community forward in an inclusive manner. Official meeting minutes are available by request. For further details, check back in to this blog and our weekly newsletter. Keep an eye out for future meeting updates, briefly!