Church Council: Meeting in a Minute | August 27, 2025
Council business + financial health:
Steve Burke and Emily Mathews have been incredibly dedicated to the conversion and migration to Church Center.
Statement of general activities and income projects an expected possible deficit of ~$35,000 by year’s end in line with the strategic plan vision.
building expenses are higher
utilities costs have risen substantially;
office expenses are higher with the upgrade of devices, the engagement with Wireguided, and greater tech security for the church
significant staffing changes have increased the costs, though going forward the budget for salaries should be more stable.
In several ways, the Financials and Treasurer’s Report reflect alignment with and fruition of the Strategic Plan.
Church Center update:
Directory is live, and giving via church center is also live
As we go into program year, all registrations and groups will be on CC
During stewardship, all pledges will go through CC
Director of Communications update:
HRC has reviewed and accepted Emily’s new title and job description
Safe Church policy revision:
Last update was pre-pandemic (2018)
Overview helps to make clear what changes were made
The biggest change was the language around church mission trips that include overnight stays
Trips over 90 minutes drive away should include van transportation
Committee was very careful to include updates that are achievable and that youth ministry can hold themselves to
Church Center will facilitate sharing of safe church policy and digital covenant
Strategic Plan prioritization:
Based on feedback and input from members of council, priorities are as follows:
2.2: Increased use of technology to enhance communications
4.2 Be an active presence and voice in furthering social justice and equity
5.1 Support lay development, enhanced communications and resources for church school
6.1 Youth ministry programming for teen engagement
7.1 Increase opportunities for relationship-building among parents and families in the congregation
The Moderator team is working on further communication to the Congregation with more detail about these 2025-2026 Strategic Plan priorities.
Summer Comment suppers:
Overall attendance was strong, and people expressed a real thirst for having these conversations, and wanting more opportunities to connect with people face to face. Noise in fellowship hall was a challenge. Some suggestions were made to change such as having them hosted in peoples’ homes. Andy shared that the topics, prompts and conversations were apt and rich.
Ministry Team Fair:
New layout: Use space in the narthex and in fellowship hall to set up the tables. Meg encourages people to participate; each year this gathers people into teams where they are now thriving
Ministry Team information now available on Church Center
Homecoming call list:
Andy requests that all Council members call the members on their list in order to extend an invitation to Homecoming. The list is live and linked in the agenda. Calling has a big impact on bringing people in, so please let Andy know if you are unable to make your calls.
Next Council meeting: Tuesday, September 30, 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!