Church Council: meeting in a minute | March 25, 2025
Church Council gathered on March 25, 2025, for their recent meeting, covering a range of important updates and decisions. Here's a quick summary of the key points discussed:
Financial stability + green initiatives: Marybeth Shea delivered the finance update, noting the ongoing consideration of solar power as part of the Green Church Initiative, as included in the Strategic Plan. The Solar Task Force is prioritizing energy efficiency, with Gregg McBride collaborating with an HVAC contractor to identify improvements.
Linden Ponds Community Church (LPCC): A warm welcome was reiterated for the Reverend Dr. Barbara Therese, who began serving at LPCC this month. Due to Dr. Therese’s dual standing in the PCUSA and UCC, a previously offered retirement benefit was not needed, leading to an adjustment in her compensation package. The June Breckenridge bequest was utilized to top off the LPCC Opportunity Fund as a one-time contribution.
New Nursery School (NNS) updates: The NNS is requesting a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for staff. Finance Committee has asked NNS to consider this for next year's budget, which will be approved next month.
Staffing progress: Leanne Walt provided an update on staffing searches:
Part-time Administrative Assistant: Out of 84 resumes received, the search led to 18 screening calls, 9 first-round interviews, and 2 second-round interviews. We're excited to announce that Maryanne DeMatteo has been hired for this role! Maryanne brings over 20 years of experience, including 12 years at Boston College in their Business Services and Facilities Management Departments.
Music Minister: The search team has narrowed down a strong pool of 15-20 candidates. So far, there have been 4 Zoom interviews, and 3 candidates are scheduled for live auditions, with more potentially to come. Candidates will be auditioned on both piano and organ using the same pieces of music, and sight-reading will be part of the audition. The search team emphasizes the importance of finding a candidate whose faith aligns with UCC Norwell.
Events policy: The council discussed and unanimously approved an amendment to the UCC Norwell Events Policy. A copy of that policy is available upon request.
Summer worship plans: Following positive feedback from last summer's survey, there was a discussion about summer worship. While most enjoyed Wednesday evening worship, a minority did not feel strongly about having dinner beforehand. Given Karen's departure, the council discussed returning to Sunday worship for Summer 2025 as the new Music Minister is introduced, with a potential return to Wednesday worship for Summer 2026.
Strategic plan update: Council received an update on the Strategic Plan. Growth remains a key focus. A particular discussion centered on the Youth Group. Between 2009 and 2016, our youth group involved 50-60 kids. Brianna Whitcher noted that many who have graduated feel the church hasn't reached out to them since high school. A suggestion was made for a UCCN Youth Group reunion to encourage reconnection. In the coming months, council will be focusing on updating progress and prioritizes of the Strategic Plan, with council members assigned in teams of 2-3 to review each of the five goals. These teams will meet before the next council meeting to identify action items and report on how and when to move forward.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 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!