September 2025 Board Meeting

Splinters from the UULansing BoT meeting, Wednesday 2025 September 24

·  Solar Panels support
Since last meeting’s commitment to proceed, the solar panel project (overall cost ca. $165K) has already received donations of over $100K from church members supportive of the earth-friendly message and utility cost-savings this investment will reap.

·  Steps Toward Strategic Planning: In preparation for budget discussions, the board is assembling a small ad hoc committee to meet weekly. They will identify church needs, priorities, and costs to enable strategic planning for maintenance, improvements, and new directions. Proposed representatives from grounds, stewardship, finance/fundraising, RE, and board include Ed Busch, Evy Jackson, Bob Lovell, Knowlan Randza, Byron Vorce, with Ralph Putnam as chair. This group seeks broad congregational input (see newsletter message). THANK YOU to those who have already responded with your valuable ideas and priorities.

·  Board Retreats: Three more retreat dates this fall have been scheduled to accelerate the process of strategic planning and congregational communication.

·  Financial Picture: Church treasurer Ralph Putnam presented a financial summary at the Second Sunday information session (14 September); the link can be found here: Sept 14 Information Session. Though stretched thin by unanticipated costs such as roof and electrical repairs, the current financial picture appears on track, with high hopes for the current pledge drive to enable all our dreams.

·  Small groups: The ideas, thoughts, stories, and wishes gathered in the small group discussions are being compiled for board discussion. The resulting themes will be distilled and summarized for congregational discussion soon. Again, THANK YOU to all in the groups who gathered, and we really DO want to know what YOU think, and how you want to be engaged!