October 2021
The CVUU Board of directors met Thursday, October 21, 2021. Board meeting minutes are typically available upon request from the CVUU Board Secretary (Lauren Furey) or Congregational Administrator (Susie Gullixson), approximately 30 days after the date of the Board meeting. The Board meets every month on Zoom during COVID-19 circumstances. The meeting is usually on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. The meeting is open for congregants to observe. Congregants who want to present something to the Board must notify CVUU Board President Steve Ciganek prior to the meeting, so it can be included on the agenda. The following is a synopsis of pertinent items. The next Board meeting is November 18, 2021.
Reverend Viola – The Worship Services Committee has decided the last outdoor service will be October 31, 2021. This is due to the increased likelihood of inclement weather and colder weather going forward. The virtual service will begin at 11:00 AM, beginning November 7, 2021. This will make it easier when in-person services resume indoors, since two services may be scheduled, and one of the services will be an 11:00 AM service. To take advantage of the benefits of becoming a 501(c)3 organization, CVUU needs to file for 501(c)3 status. Susie Gullixson is prepared to file for this status, which costs $600. CVUU will file for 501(c)3 status. CVUU will be encouraging congregants to use Amazon Smiles when making purchases from Amazon. A portion of those purchases is donated to CVUU.
Director of Religious Education (DRE) Paul Greggs – Attendance for Religious Education is improving. On Sunday, October 17, 2021, CVUU youth were joined by four participants from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula (UUFP). The Trunk or Treat event is scheduled for October 30, 2021.
Treasurer’s Report Mark Pryor – Contributions for August are down $8K compared to September 2020. Year-to-date contributions are up almost $10k compared to last year. CVUU is $10k ahead of budget contributions for YTD. Personnel costs are down overall because CVUU does not currently have a Music Director on staff.
Memorial Garden Planting – The Board recommends that donations be accepted to cover the cost of planting the Memorial Garden.
Development of Stewardship Committee Staffing – The Board is looking for strong candidates and recommendations for the Stewardship Committee. Ed Welp will serve as the Board representative for the next Stewardship Committee.
Building Council/Program Council – David Kidd – Building Council and Program Council are continuing to improve communications. Robyn Thomas is doing an excellent job as Chair of Building Council. The Board desires all committees to work in covenant with each other to further the mission and vision of CVUU.
Robyn Thomas has ordered replacement Black Lives Matter sign, to replace the one removed from the monument sign.
Software for CVUU Task Force – Tracy Navarra- Davis – Major categories for software requirements have been identified: Member data, Finance data, Organizational Charts, CREC, CVUU Calendar, Sunday Services, Newsletter Production, and Other Major Categories.
Johns Brothers Security System – Leo Bevon solicited bids from vendors for a new Building entry system to include all three main entry doors. The Johns Brothers proposal was accepted.
Word on the Street – A visitor had good comments about the overall presentation quality of the weekly virtual services. The CVUU Courier has been an excellent source for information regarding what is happening at CVUU during COVID-19 circumstances. Representatives from Virginia Interfaith Power and Light (VAIPL) and Congresswoman Elaine Luria’s office visited CVUU on September 30, 2021, to hear about the environmental initiatives that CVUU has undertaken in the building and on the grounds. VAIPL gave CVUU a framed poster in recognition of their work. CVUU was made aware of grant opportunities by staff from Congresswoman Luria’s office.
Board Bouquets: The CVUU Board of Directors would like to award Board Bouquets for the following:
Doug Throp and Bob Williams for briefing and leading tour for VAIPL and Representative Luria’s office.
David Kidd and Robyn Thomas on efforts to coordinate Program and Building Council activities.
All CVUU congregants and visitors for continued participation in the life of the CVUU congregation during the pandemic.
Gwen Towe for her continued participation in CVUU activities from her new home. Gwen was instrumental in initiating the CVUU virtual services during COVID-19 circumstances.