No second minister for now

Here are some comments from Joyce Falkin:

I would like to offer some observations and suggestions on the current situation.

I do not think a case has been made for a second full time minister at this time. Financing an interim minister at the expense of music programs, religious education and the livelihood of a competent, loyal employee of 30 years does not sit well with me. I think we need to preserve the good things we already have, to the extent that we can within a balanced budget. We need to achieve a sound fiscal position before taking on further obligations. We’ve drawn down the endowment fund too far, with only token replacement. Our church needs repairs we cannot afford to make. Maintenance deferred is more expensive maintenance. We need to live within our means.

So, I suggest: from the shortfall, subtract the expenses of the proposed interim minister, subtract the identified potential administrative savings, then add in a salary for a 20 hour pastoral care position. Whatever number that leaves us with-a much diminished shortfall, I think- divide between religious education and the music program, any changes to be determined by the respective directors. Leave Lambert as is, and hope that he chooses to remain with us. Ideal? No.

I further suggest that this next year be a year of remedial action and vastly improved communication among board, staff and congregants. I believe there is some discontent in the congregation as evidenced by declining pledge units, decreased attendance, and outright leaving of the church. How else can people make a point? Being listened to is not the same as being heard.

Some other suggestions:

1. Define membership and its obligations. Pledging should be a requirement of membership. I was appalled last year when I learned that approximately 1/3 of our “members” had not pledged. This year the number of pledge units has decreased further. That needs to be addressed. As for those who are mia, exit interviews at this point are a bit like locking the barn door after the horse has been stolen. I do think they should be attempted, very carefully. Perhaps after these measures are taken we will learn we are not, after all, a BIG UU church—only a wannabe. That is not the end of the world, in my book.

2. Put as much effort and time in bolstering and nurturing our current membership as is being expended on attracting new members. Do not construe this as being critical of Martha Winslow. She does an excellent job. New members –pledging new members- are a good thing. I am simply saying there needs to be another leg under the membership stool, dedicated to the care and nurturing of present membership. We could hire two interim ministers and not compensate for the loss of Jean Brown. We can’t even afford one. But we can-must-afford a part-time person who is smart, warm, empathetic, hardworking (for little compensation!) and effective to be sure that those who need attention receive it. I don’t think this person has to be and ordained minister. It could perhaps be a social worker, perhaps someone from Hartford Seminary, etc. This person would chair the Care Committee and its’ good works, make pastoral calls and supplement the senior minister’s work in that area.

Re-cultivating a relationship with the church among those who have drifted away is really self-serving. People so served would, I believe, become more supportive of the church, both financially and otherwise. Happy, satisfied members who feel the church is meeting their needs will bring in new people.

This is way too long. Still have more ideas-some from other people- if anyone is interested. None of these problems are without remedy. We can do better.