ANNUAL REPORT 2003-2004

Minister’s Report
Introduction
It’s been two years since we produced an “annual” report. Two very productive, active, creative, and sometimes chaotic years. Our membership has continued to grow. We added 94 new members in the last two years and a large herd of youngster has increased our Religious Education program many fold. We’ve run out of space. Our programs have multiplied. Our staff has grown. Our budget has increased, as has our giving. More and more people are involved in every aspect of our congregation. We’re experiencing the kind of growing pains and challenges that are typical of a congregation changing size from a smaller “pastoral” church to a larger “program” church. It is a wonder and an amazement to me to gaze into our sanctuary on most Sunday mornings to see every seat filled, often back to the kitchen counter. Even more amazing, and fulfilling to me, is the sound of your glad greetings, your enthusiastic singing, and your deep sharing. I am honored to serve this wonderful religious community as your minister.

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Programs
The shift from a smaller sized congregation to a larger church has meant that we offer more programs that give more people a chance to be in many small groups. Groups that are organized around interests, affinities, and projects. A glance at this report from every area of the congregation will make it clear how many more things are going on in the church.

Perhaps the most meaningful to me has been the establishment of the Shared Ministry Groups. The Steering Committee began meeting with me in October, 2002 to draft a plan, a process, and a procedure. It took most of the Fall. Meeting almost every week we created a brochure, a schedule, and a training. A curriculum was designed to encourage connections and conversations and to provide people with real experience in covenanting, service, and spiritual deepening. A group of 13 highly qualified members were invited to be facilitators. They were trained by me with support from the Steering Committee and over 100 people signed up to be part of those first groups. Evaluations confirmed that the program was enthusiastically received. In our second year of the program, more facilitators were trained and the groups met for 12 sessions, almost a whole church year.

This fall, based on evaluations from participants and facilitators, we offer the program in two 8 week semesters. One began in the fall and goes through the holidays, and one will begin in late winter and go until June 2005, meeting every other week. The Steering Committee are now members of the national UU Small Group Ministry Network which gives us access to topics and the sharing of information. My deep appreciation and thanks to the people who have given so generously of themselves and their leadership to make this valuable program work!

Our Worship Program
Our two Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am continue to draw increasingly larger attendance. The Worship Associates program has worked to deepen our worship experience by insisting on quality and excellence. They meet every other month to critique the services, to practice the art and craft of creating worship, and to plan for upcoming services. Their fine work and their deep commitment made it possible for me to take a three month sabbatical, January to April 2004, knowing that the worship life of the church was in good hands. Our Summer services (one only at 10 am from mid June to early September) are also planned and led by Associate teams and give the congregation a chance to experiment and to enjoy a less crowded service experience. Summer service attendance has increased each year.

Another exciting development is the addition of a Family Service between services the first Sunday of each month. Candee is responsible for this new service and it is already a beloved addition.

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The Music Program
The near loss of Tom Sears early in the Fall of 2002, was personally, one of the most difficult periods of my ministry here. He had been a candidate for a job at another congregation in town, a half time job that paid a salary of $25,000, plus benefits. As Tom considered their offer, I was pulled between my hopes for him to be able to grow in his profession and my anticipatory grief. When Tom decided that his 9 years of work with us and with the choirs he has grown and developed, plus his personal theological leanings called him to stay with us, I was overjoyed! It became very clear that he was long overdue for appropriate compensation. The congregation rose to the challenge and created an internal grant for the January to June bridge budget and the board got busy on becoming a Fair Compensation congregation which moves toward UUA standards for all staff.

Tom has developed a wider and wider music program in these last two years. It involves a large number of people in four different choirs. The Sanctuary Choir, with about 40 members, sings twice a month at both services. The Chamber Singers, a sub set of the larger choir with 12 members, has a wide repertoire of mostly unaccompanied music and they perform with Byrdsong, an early music group of instrumentalist. The Chalice Choir gives people who can’t commit to the rigors of the Sanctuary Choir a chance to learn the basics, build community, and perform a few times during the year. Then there’s the Spirit Choir, formerly called the Kids Choir, that has been evolving with Lynn Smith’s dedicated leadership.

The music program includes a yearly Soiree (aka, All Congregation Talent Show), a variety of special concerts that raises money for the church, and two all Music Sundays each year. Last year, for the first time, we were treated to a very special service that included a small orchestra and the full choir. Very High Church!

The bonding and community building that has developed over time is a joy to see ---and to receive! I feel blessed to work alongside Tom and Lynn and appreciate the many people musicians who give so much to our music program. This past year the program attracted a $5,000 anonymous gift to further develop and deepen its work.

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Life Long Religious Education
Our Religious Education Programs for children, youth, young adults, and adults have grown tremendously over the last two years. The children and youth program now has over 150 registered and serves over 100 families. The number and variety of programs offered to adults has also grown to include several book groups, poetry groups, affinity groups, forums, and the popular Shared Ministry Groups. A glance at Religious Education Director Candee Cole’s report gives you a sense of what an amazing program we offer our young people. It also involves over 40 adult volunteers who share the religious education of our most precious resource, our children and youth. These adults share their gifts of respect, talent, and commitment to our kids. Perhaps the greatest gift is to themselves as they grow a safe and caring intergenerational community that will continue to support our young people as they head into the world. More and more of our kids stick around now and find a place for themselves as young adults in our church life where they can contribute in their turn. Jennifer Sorenson, for instance, is now on our staff as lead child care provider. Amber Alexander is also teaching in our program and her baby, Emily Grace, was dedicated this fall.

Candee and I, as the congregations only full time program staff, work together very closely to bring quality and excellence to our programs. She contributes her enthusiasm, creativity, fine singing and story telling talents and her 13 years of experience. She’ll be taking a well deserved 3 month sabbatical in January, 2005.

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The Wars
Our nation’s wars on Iraq & Afghanistan slashed through the last two years. It has cut deeply into our individual and collective spirits. It is a constant drumbeat in the background that requires attention and soul searching. For some, the sorrow, anger, and anxiety is difficult to bear. And for those in the congregation who have loved ones directly affected, it is sheer agony. The overall economic downturn and draconian cuts in basic services caused by increasing military costs fueled financial fears and caused many to worry about their future. We saw an increase in church attendance, similar to the 9/11
response as people sought out a place of warmth and spiritual safety. As we moved into an election year many in the congregation are geared up for a difficult fall. Constitutional amendment 36, banning same sex marriage brought the board and congregation together to defeat it. While keeping our eye on the importance of issues we continue to provide a welcoming and calming place that refuels our spirits for the hard work of creating a just and peaceful world.

Our Staff
Our congregation is blessed with a terrific staff. Each of them brings dedication, talent, and teamwork to their specific work areas. The program staff, Candee, Tom, and myself enjoy supporting and integrating each other’s program areas and will be able to do even more mutual planning next year. We are blessed with a support staff, Kim Harris, Church Administrator, Lynn Smith, accompanist and children’s choir director, and Jennifer Sorenson, lead child care person, who “get it”. This fall, as our custodian of four years, Tina James, moved on to go back to school, we added Josh Cady, half time custodian, who is working out well. Each of them contributes to the ongoing work of the
congregation in ways that make, even with their limited hours, everything run smoothly. It means a great deal to me that the board and congregation has made a commitment to compensating each of them fairly. The care and feeding of a good staff team supports the larger mission of providing a liberal religious home and a variety of programs for our ever expanding “beloved community”.

The 2002-2003 church year saw the development of a Volunteer Office Team that has significantly freed Kim to increase her productivity. Norma Landy has assembled an excellent and responsible team. Keeping it all in the family, Al Landy researched and advised us on the purchase of a much needed new copier. The new copier has made it possible for us to do the newsletter in-house and greatly improved almost every office function. The old copier, Good Girl, or G.G. for short, was put out to pasture to live out the rest of her days at a quiet non profit. The new copier is known as Clever Girl, or C.G. for short, and she is indeed clever. She even knows how to collate and staple.

Church leaders have been incredibly dedicated this year. I particularly want to thank the executive board, John Wagner, Anita Cowling, Ken Ross, and Jean Weick for not only their work these past two years, but for their continued commitment as a team. Our board continues to work on structure and efficiency while still having fun. Countless hours have been poured out by many other volunteers to craft budgets, handle building and grounds work, teach, lead groups, create worship, write articles, maintain a web site and e-mail lists, work for justice, advise the youth, prepare pledge statements, raise money, make food for the hungry hoards and fund raise.

The Gallery turned a tidy profit and gave us some wonderful art experiences.

The Music Committee put on two great events, the Soiree and the Spring Concert.

The Nominating Committee gathered a stellar slate of candidates for the board.

The Membership Committee helped 94 new members settle into community with us.

Our newly forming Leadership Council began to open its wings and will take full flight this year.

Two poetry groups formed and our WomenKin journal is richer than ever.

Our Web and e-mail groups, guided by our skillful webster, Martha Osgood, are the envy of other UU congregations.

Stewardship Campaigns. We are healthy and bursting at the seams!

And that health and growth is the major work ahead.

A few questions:

~ How will we provide the space needed to continue offering programs to the present community and those who would join us?

~ How do we better use our existing space?

~ How will we present in depth information to the congregation about the four suggestions of the Growth Options report and bring those findings to the congregation for discussion and action?

~ How will be fully inhabit our calling to be a congregation of generosity and abundance?

These all important issues are currently being looked at by the board, the Leadership Council, and by every program area. This fall we invited a UUA Consultant to help us assess our growth needs. He met with the leadership of the congregation and was available for an informational meeting with the whole congregation at the end of the weekend visit. He has followed up with a full written report to the board which will help guide their future work and the work of those who will be appointed to carry the vision forward.

We are at an exciting turning point in the history of our beloved community and I am totally committed to our shared future. Thank you for allowing me to serve you. It am honored to be your minister.

Respectfully Submitted, Carolyn Colbert, minister
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Board of Trustees

This report covers some highlights of Board work for the past two years, which include many accomplishments as well as a few frustrations.

From the beginning, in June 2002, the Board agreed that we needed a task force to facilitate the next step following the Growth Options Study which was created by a task force headed by Gil Osgood. This has been a major, but slow, ongoing effort currently spearheaded by Patrick Phillips. It has been determined that we need outside (UUA) consultants at this stage, and Patrick Phillips is working on this.

In June 2003, the new Board realized that we had to get the entire congregation involved. Over 100 members attended the Mission/Visioning Workshop on October 25, 2003. We all generated a lot of positive energy, and a good time was had by all. Even with this general guidance, further progress has been slow. We worked on a Mission Statement that was approved by the congregational at the Congregational Meeting on June 6, 2004.

The Board oversaw and supported the excellent Fall 2002 Bridge Canvass (for the January-June 2003 budget) that was ably organized by Kay Crider and Ellen Pinney. These folks also ran the big canvass for our first full July-June fiscal year, July 2003 - June 2004. Balancing the budget has been a challenge and we’ve been greatly assisted by the super Fundraising Committee, chaired by Patricia Christgau and Ruthie Manley. The Board also formed the F.O.C.U.S. Task Force (Financial Oversight, Canvass, Underwriting, and Strategy) to lead the effort to close a significant income deficit in fiscal 03/04. This group provided congregational education on budgetary needs, conducted a successful special giving campaign, and encouraged additional fundraising activities.

A big reason that the July 2003 – June 2004 budget was so challenging is that on March 13, 2003, following a February Workshop on Fair Compensation with Rosemary Duffy, the Board committed itself to pursuing fair compensation for our staff. This involves complete benefit packages: salary, retirement, etc. As part of that, our Choir Director Tom Sears has been added to the regular staff. The ad hoc Budget Committee received major help from the Personnel and Finance Committees.

The building and grounds are the purview of the Facilities Council, but the Board has also helped, authorizing an additional small classroom for the RE Program that was constructed in the breezeway in the summer of 2003, funded by donations and the Future Expansion Fund. Key to the success of this project were Jake Walsh, Vern Cedarlund and Karen Gaffney.

For several years it had been acknowledged that the church needed a new sign. The Facilities Council forged ahead on this project determined to have the new sign installed by the end of 2003. But stakeholders needed to be brought into the process. There were also delays getting permits. Thanks to diligent efforts of Ann Fuller, David and Sally DeCou, Ed Zack and Jim Kayser, the sign was installed in mid-March and a sign dedication was held on April 25, 2004. A flower garden at the sign was added by Jane Wagner.

With the church bursting at the seams with membership growth, adequate space to accommodate congregants on Sunday mornings--particularly during the second service--has become an issue. Therefore, the Board initiated a task force consisting of Sunday morning stakeholders to explore options to relieve the crowding. They include Carolyn Colbert, Candee Cole, Pam Dillehay (chair of the RE Committee), Tom Sears, Lynn Smith (children's choir and pianist), Dianne Watson (Music Committee), and Judy Sawyer (Board member). Many suggestions have been made, but none have been implemented yet. The task force will convene again on June 15 to make specific recommendations for action by September.

As part of the quest to better utilize the sanctuary space, a task force was formed to select new (preferably narrower) sanctuary chairs. We also realized the need for new chairs, as the old ones are falling apart, one by one. Linda Anson, Jack Stevens and Judy Sawyer coordinated the search and selection process, and the congregation voted for a suitable chair, but the one selected will not alleviate the space problem. However, a fund has been created for future chair purchases.

Thanks to a lot of fine planning by our Minister, the Rev. Carolyn Colbert, and the stellar efforts of the Worship Associates, R. E. Department, and others who continued with Sunday services in her absence, we survived her two-and-a-half month sabbatical in the winter of 2004.

Ken Ross, Secretary of the Board
with Judy Sawyer and John Wagner
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Caring Committee

The Caring Committee of the church has worked steadily during the last two years to address emergent needs of the congregation. Some examples of what volunteers have been doing include:

Providing needed household goods to a family that had been displaced
Taking meals to several families when someone was ill or recovering from surgery.
Helping older members pack and move to new home situations.
Taking groceries to a homebound member.
Provided rides to doctor’s appointments
Provided ride to church services and events
Provided support and respite care for families of sick members
Provided emergency child care for a single mother
Made hospital visits
And more.

Because one of the members of the committee moved out of the area, and because the remaining two had other demands on their time, the committee ended its existence at the end of 2003. It was felt that all the new groups that had formed within the church, especially the Shared Ministry groups, could fill the role that the Caring Committee had filled. The list of active volunteers was given to the Shared Ministry groups.

There is a possibility that the organization will re-appear in the Spring of 2004 in a new incarnation.

Submitted by Carol Wotton
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Committee on Ministry

The Committee on Ministry consists of 4-5 members who meet with the minister regularly, on average once a month, to assess the health of the congregation and the success of ongoing programs. The committee discusses with the minister (in absolute confidence) troublesome areas in the life of the congregation that the minister or any member of the committee may wish to raise. Once a year the Committee on Ministry submits a recommendation for ministerial compensation to the Board.

During the fiscal year 2003-2004 the committee met at regular intervals throughout the summer and fall. Plans for Carolyn Colbert’s three-month sabbatical leave (January – March) occupied much of our discussion during this time. Members of the committee attended a Saturday workshop of ministerial sabbatical leaves led by a representative of the PNWD in December. The committee did not meet between January and March while Carolyn was gone, and met only once this Spring to make a recommendation to the Board on ministerial remuneration for the coming fiscal year.

On a final note, this committee needs 2-3 new members. An ideal number would be 5. Those remaining on the committee include Laura Adams, Jack Stevens, and Dianne Watson. We will be meeting in July to discuss possible new committee members.

Submitted on behalf of the Committee on Ministry
George Carrol
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DRE Advisory Committee

The DRE Advisory Committee was established in the Fall of 2001 "to advocate for and be counsel to the DRE." We meet once a month (currently the 2nd Tuesday) and as needed to work toward this goal.

The committee currently consists of Kay Crider (Chair), Alex Trotter, Jane Ganter, Sheryl Bernheine and the Director of Religious Education, Candee Cole. Members fill staggered terms in an attempt to maintain continuity and productivity.

This year we are working with the DRE to monitor progress toward reaching the goals established during the DRE job performance evaluation completed last year. In addition, we have drafted a budget for the DRE salary and benefits package and are working with the Personnel Committee to present this proposal to the Board. We will also be working with the Board to assist in the negotiation of the DRE's two year contract set for renewal by September 1, 2004.

Sheryl B.
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Endowment Committee

The Endowment Fund Committee is comprised of three Endowment Fund Trustees. Ken Colwell has moved away and Martin Sage has been appointed to join Barbara Greenley and Monica Frank to serve as Endowment Fund Trustees.

The Endowment Fund is held in an account at Schwab, separate from all other accounts of the church.

The value of the Endowment fund 1/1/2003 was $47,290.86.
Interest and Dividends for 2003 were $1134.90.
New gifts totaled $5000.00.
Money Market value increased $3448.54.
The value of the Endowment fund 12/31/2003 was $56,874.30.

Given the uncertainty of the market and low interest rates we are primarily concerned with the preservation of capital at this time. In the coming year we plan to develop a mission statement to inform and educate the congregation about all types of planned gifts and bequests that can benefit the Church and its work via the Endowment Fund.

Facilities Council

Members: Dave DeCou, Jack Stevens, Chuck Wagar, Jim Kayser, Ann Fuller, Ed Zack

Successes: Our major success was the creation and installation of a new church sign, which took nearly ten months to complete. Another success was the organizing and cleaning of the mechanical room downstairs. In addition, the main entry doors to the Sanctuary, and the transom above, were replaced as were the doors to the storage room off of the Sanctuary. The storage room door fronts were covered in vertical slats to match the wall.

Challenges: Our efforts to remove non-essential items "stored" outdoors at church and to move essential items, that sit outside, to storage indoors was our biggest challenge and continues to be. An ad hoc committee that was formed to complete this task (Fanchon Blake, Eddie Black and Ann Fuller) has done good work on this.

Future Plans: We have recommended to the Board (April 2004, attachment #2) that the storage shed (which is used entirely by the Religious Education Program) be removed and a completely new, larger shed be put in the same location. The current shed has a leaking roof and is sliding off its foundation.

Submitted by Ann Fuller, FC Communications Coordinator, and Ken Ross
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Finance Committee

The UUCE Finance Committee’s primary role is to monitor our month-to-month income and expenses in light of the budget adopted by the congregation. We strive to provide general input to the Board of Trustees on financial matters, and to alert the Board to any financial discrepancies between the budget and actual income and expenses. The committee plays a role in the process of developing a budget to be presented by the Board to the congregation for approval, but the committee isn’t part of the annual canvass nor of planning fund raising activities. We focus our energies primarily on creating the budget and monitoring expenses for the duration of the fiscal period.

This was the first “church year” fiscal year under our recently amended bylaws, which now specify a July 1 through June 30 fiscal year. For many years previously, our fiscal year was the calendar year. The church enacted a six month transitional fiscal period (the “bridge budget”) from January 1, 2003 through June 30, 2003 immediately prior to the fiscal year just ending.

Our financial records from previous years reveal seasonal variations in expenditures and income. For example, end-of-year tax issues combined with the end of the pledge commitment period appears to increase contribution levels in December. Similar seasonal influences affect purchases of religious education materials prior to the new church year each fall. The committee monitors our income and expenses throughout the year, paying particular attention to monthly fluctuations between budgeted amounts and actual income and expenses.

The committee wasn’t sure how these historical patterns might change with the new fiscal period. This uncertainty about the validity of our month-by-month historical experience framed our oversight of a budget predicated on approximately $23,000 more in pledges than the amount committed by the congregation during the annual canvass (pledge drive), held in the spring for the first time in 2003. (Previous January-December fiscal years were based on pledge drives held in the preceding October and November.)

After some concern as the year unfolded, the committee was relieved when we ended the fiscal year in the black, with $3,209 more income than expenses. “Fundraising” was a particularly encouraging budget category, exceeding our budgeted expectations by almost $6,000. The Fundraising Committee deserves much credit for the positive outcome of this fiscal year. Both total income and total expenses were below budgeted amounts. But expenses fell farther below budget than income, leaving us with a slight surplus for the year.

Our bylaws and policies dictate that any surplus funds at the end of the fiscal year be transferred into the Reserve Fund, which is retained for financial emergencies such as a year-end deficit. The fiscal year-end left us with $3,724 outstanding on our internal loan, borrowed from our savings to cover a previous year-end budget deficit.

Below are some 2003-2004 fiscal year highlights (numbers are rounded to the nearest dollar).

Total budget: $249,547.
Actual total income: $242,339
($7,208 under budget)
Actual total expenses: $239,129
($10,418 under budget).
Budgeted “Pledges and Gifts:” $227,125; actual “P&G:” $215,937
($11,188 under budget)
Budgeted Fundraising: $8,132; actual Fundraising: $14,118
($5.966 over budget)
Various expense subcategories:
Payroll: $2,783 under budget
Administrative: $2,312 under budget
Facilities: $2,498 under budget
Programs: $2,824 under budget

Truman Grandy, Finance Committee Chair
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Fundraising Committee

After meeting with the board of Trustees in early ’03, Fundraising was given the go ahead to undertake three major events:

A Yard Sale (My Favorite Things) -September '03
A Live and Silent Auction -January, '04
An Earth Day Event (Earthy Arts)--April '04

The Yard Sale was broad in scale, involving most of our members and friends as well as the outside community. There was an impressive team of workers who helped the core fund raising committee. Publicity was limited. Penny Dolan of Copper Penny Antiques helped with pricing and took a Victorian dresser that did not sell to her shop on consignment. We are disappointed that she has not properly displayed the dresser. Her negligible attempts to sell it thus far have failed to bring results. Ruth Duemler coordinated the book sale portion of the event. Net Income $2,454.38. Evaluation: Response from the congregation was overwhelming. Of the three events, the Yard Sale was the most labor intensive. To my sense, the church resources will not sustain a yard sale every year. It results in burnout. Not only our committee but other coordinators have said the same. We recommend doing it every other year.

The Auction, greatly aided by a UU computer program and the computer expertise of Jason Dommasch and Martin Campbell, was a success on all levels. Participation was high as was the quality of donated items. George Carroll and Dianne Watson were auctioneers, with LisiSanders-Agterberg, Diane Wooldrige and Candace Nelson, costumed scribes. JudySawyer joined the team during the event, and was all around support. John Crider's piano playing during the first half of the evening enhanced the party mood. Members contributed gourmet foods and child care was provided. Net Income $5,163.91
Evaluation: Auctions like these are FUN! They're lots of work. We depended on our members and friends this year and hope to reach out to a larger audience in future. Records provided by the program allow for excellent follow up, as important as all other parts of the event. We agree that the Auction should be an Annual event. We learned a lot and a complete evaluation, with specific ways to improve the features, is with the large white notebook in the office. Samples of all necessary papers can be found there, along with the program disc. Two very savvy computer people, willing to network their hardware, are essential to the efficiency of the program.

Earthy Arts, a unique first-time event, was our most artistically rewarding and least financially successful event. Planned to celebrate Earth Day, in keeping with the UU Seventh Principle, the event relied on donations of plants, art exhibits in the Gallery, music, poetry and dance. Joyce Salisbury and Kathleen Dillon read poems from Womenkin and Paul Schultz and Michael Mattick from "Earth Prayers." John Crider, piano jazz, and Dawn Cypress, interpretive tap dance, both friends of Ruthie Manley, were guest performers. Lisi Sanders/Agterberg with Christie Brunson performed an interpretive dance and August Sabini played saxophone and sang. UU artists and two artisans from Saturday market exhibited their work. They were: Don Durland, Betty Ehrlich, Bob Hall, Anne Hohenemenser, Myles Knebel, Ruthie Manley, Fred Masarie, Martin Sage, Shane Travis Schaeffer, Gen Smith, Bill Tracy and Linda Yaeger. Child care was provided and, again, members and friends donated food. The number of plants, shrubs, and flowers donated was astonishing. Net Income $831. Evaluation: The "first time" aspect of the event and the fact that it was necessary to charge a modest admission contributed to low attendance. While about 100 people attended the auction, perhaps 50 people attended Earthy Arts. The intent was to create a seamless flow of music and entertainment within a Sea of Green and earth related arts, yet the emphasis fell, understandably, on the music, poetry and dance program. Suggestions we've heard for improvement are: advanced ticket sales, a full dinner, a shorter program, and that we advertise in the community. Finally, none of these events could happen without extraordinary volunteer contribution. There are so many we aren't able to list them all here without the risk of omitting someone. Six volunteers provided kitchen food and wine service and cashiers for each event. Daniel Blades must be singled out as one who helped consistently with physical, mental and moral support through all three events. Kim Harris rose to the occasions with alacrity. Bulletins, posters, signs and her assistance in general were vital to the success of the events.

Total Income Three Events $8,449

Our committee undertook the events earnestly and graciously, spending months in the planning and presentation. Ruthie Manley, Patricia Christgau, Lisi Sanders/Agterberg and Michael Mattick, with help from Evelyn McConnaughey on Earthy Arts.

Beyond the above, there were several other events during the year where income was dedicated to the General Fund A special thank you to all those who coordinated and contributed to these financially rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable events.

The Music Committee
Broceliande Concert 80.00
Darrel Grant Concert 1,371.00
Acchord Concert 48.60

Judy Sawyer with Sylvia Taylor, Barbara Greenley and others
December Holiday Sale
1,061

Bonnie Phipps and her Shared Ministry Group
May Science Factory/ Planetarium Program 800.00

Music Committee
June Choir Concert (estimate) 700.00

Jean Weick has final figures on other events. They include: The Brown Bag, Burrito Bash and Thai Lunches and May book sale. Income from the Bible Study Group and the Coffee Store is still coming in. Added together these come to approximately $1600, to date.

Grand Total of Fundraising (apx) $14,000

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History Committee

A History Committee was formed in the spring of 2003 with the charge of organizing our archives and bringing our history into the life of the church in preparation for our 100th anniversary in 2009. The committee has been meeting on the first Tuesday of every month and conducting a work party on the second Tuesday of the month.

We have completed an initial sort of our historical materials into decades and have begun to go back through to carefully catalogue our holdings. Kathy Dillon has done research on our church in the archives of the UUA in Boston and in the Andover-Harvard library's collection of papers of Unitarian ministers. We have started a history column in the newsletter and have begun displaying some of our historical photographs after church on Sunday. The window from our former church at 11th and Ferry is being repaired and refurbished and will hopefully be installed somewhere in the church later this year. We are making plans to conduct interviews of long-time church members. There is an expert on archiving and cataloguing in the Spokane UU Church whom we hope to have visit us sometime this year. Eventually, we will work on writing a detailed history of the church.

The History Committee currently consists of Kathy Dillon, Eve McConnaughey, Joyce Salisbury, Jack Stevens, Bob Taylor, George Towe and Gil Osgood. Ann Fuller and Lori Ten Brinke also served on this committee for a time last year.

Submitted by Gil Osgood, History Committee
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Membership Committee

Members:
Julie Aspinwall-Lamberts, Suzanne Eckerson, Ruthie Manley, Lorna Baldwin, Jim Ellison, Christine Purtell (2002-3), Barbara Berry, Jeanne Flink, Suzanne Reynolds (2002-3), Rachel Cummings (2002-3), Ann Fuller, Harlean Richards (2002-3), Hilary Dearborn, Norma Landy, Sylvia Taylor,Jane Wagner (2002-3)

Successes:
The committee has enjoyed several important activities or milestones during this period. The committee:

~ had a significant increase in the number of people attending Newcomers’ Orientation sessions.
~ experienced a 16% increase in new voting members (from 265 to 308).
~ sent 146 follow-up “welcome” notes to all visitors who signed the roster at the greeter’s table (Ann Fuller). We believe this connection helped create the increase in orientation session attendance.
~ created a new group of 32 ushers under the leadership of Jeanne Flink.
~ prepared an ushers’ training guide (Jane Wagner).
~ conducted an ushers’ training session (Jane Wagner and Jeanne Flink).
~ clarified the definition of “voting member” (i.e., one who pledges money or time).
~ continued as an active, involved group with a new chairperson (Julie Aspinwall-Lamberts).

Challenges:
The challenges faced by the committee are not new…nor are they unique to this group. Our challenges include:

• keeping pace with our rapidly growing membership.
• increasing the Membership Committee’s diversity in terms of age, gender and ethnicity.
• maintaining new members’ interest and participation in UUCE groups and activities.
• maintaining clear parameters for the committee’s role and responsibilities.
• ensuring that the workload within the committee is balanced.

Future Plans:

• create and maintain a database of members’ interests and talents.
• create and maintain a system to obtain information from new members for posting with their photographs.
• gather feedback from attendees at Newcomers’ Orientation sessions.
• address member retention issues, concerns, and strategies.
• attend a regional membership conference to gather strategies for member recruitment and retention.
• host a “thank you” gathering for ushers.

Submitted by Julie Aspinwall-Lamberts
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Men’s Group

The Men’s Group of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene is open to all men. In order that everyone can participate, we are divided into three groups, the open one meeting on Tuesday night. Currently the other groups are closed to new members. Our meetings are very informal with little ceremony, no officers and few rules. One rule we have maintained: what is said in the group stays in the group. This allows us freedom to express ourselves more openly. We light a "Confidentiality Candle" to keep ourselves reminded of this trust level.

Being a man today is a curious existence. Sometimes easy, often confusing. Many of us were brought up to believe we must be self-reliant and that we don't need anyone else. The opportunity for men to meet with other men can have some significant payoffs. Most of us who have participated in our Men’s Group a few times find that other men share our concerns and questions, and that other men have experienced
our sorrows. We help each other in times of trouble, share our joys, explore our feelings. Close friendships have grown up among us.

We are not anti-women! Indeed, we commonly discuss our relationships with women --wives, lovers, daughters, mothers, sisters, and women in general, seeking to enrich our lives and those of women. We try to understand women’s viewpoints. We have had serious discussions on feminist issues and how they affect us and other men and women.

Our Men’s Group was started in the early 1980's and has been meeting regularly since. Always we have been a support group for men, seeking to understand men, discussing anything of interest to us. Attendance has been as few as one and as many as two dozen.

Submitted by Jack Stevens
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Music Committee

This has been a year of growth for the music program at UUCE. A new choir has been added, a complete Mass was sung to the accompaniment of a small orchestra, a gift of song was presented in an outreach offering to the larger community, and the annual traditions of the Music Soiree and Spring Concert continue to be strong.

The Chalice Choir was formed this year to offer a venue for those who want to sing but do not have the experience or time to commit to the Sanctuary Choir. We meet the first three Mondays of the month for 75-minute rehearsals and sing three services per year. Conducted and accompanied by Tom Sears, the Chalice Choir is a lively group of 11 women. I would like to see this group grow to 16 singers.

In December 2003 the 45-member Sanctuary Choir sang Schubert's Mass in G for Music Sunday. A small orchestra of five string players was hired from the U of O music school to accompany the choir. It was an exciting opportunity for us, and the presentation was very well received. This was the first major work our choir has done and we look forward to making this a tradition. The cost involved may require special funding.

In March 2004 the 12-member Chamber Singers offered a gift of song to Sheldon Oaks, Sheldon Park and Farmington Square retirement centers. A 30-minute program of music, ranging from Gounod's "Ave Verum" to "On the Sunny Side of the Street," was presented. We have been wanting to make a connection with the larger community and this outreach was both fun and heartwarming. Appreciation is due the Chamber Singers who volunteered their time and effort to bring this about.

The Music Soiree has become an annual tradition involving the entire church community. Held in April, the 25 acts involve over 77 performers. Musical presentations, dance, poetry and magic are all represented in this intergenerational talent show. The event is free and originated as a "payback" to the generous individuals who contributed to the Music Booster's Program started by Heather Lynn.

The Kid's Choir, directed by Lynn Smith, started strong in September with 20 members but since January has struggled with attendance. Currently averaging a different group of 6 singers at rehearsals has made choosing repertoire difficult. Lynn is talking with the parents to evaluate the problem. The Kid's Choir sings for the Family Worship service, the Xmas pageant and, for three Sunday services during the year. This group consists of children ages 5-9.

Even with four choirs there are Sundays when a choir is not singing. Thankfully, we have three pianists who volunteer their time to play on these occasions. Dorothy Clark, Lynn Smith and Jean Weick all deserve our appreciation for contributing to the music at UUCE.

The music program has expanded and requires a good deal of time to prepare for and oversee. Given a perfect world, it would be my primary employment. The biggest challenge I face is not becoming overwhelmed and experiencing burn-out. This said, a wish list for next year might include the following:

1. a chairperson for the Music Committee
2. an occasional potluck dinner for choir
members
3. an expanded list of member instrumentalists
4. a recorder ensemble meeting bi-monthly
5. a choir trip to England

With the schools cutting back their music programs, the church is an opportune place to fill this need. A strong music program is an attractive feature of a growing church.

Tom Sears, Director of Music
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Nominating Committee

Nominating committee members: Joyce Thomas, Truman Grandy, Charlotte Writer, Jeff W., Martha Osgood

The committee was surprised and delighted to find more generous, dedicated members willing to make time and talent commitments to the church as Board members than perhaps were available in previous years. We had a surfeit of talented people for both the Board positions and the Nominating Committee, and we felt a responsibility to consider all the candidates we discovered. Since the number of positions was so limited, our decisions were made surprisingly difficult.

While we were aware that any Nominating Committee needs to proceed with delicacy and tact, there are areas in our process that appear to have inadvertently caused some hurt. We have listened carefully to the suggestions made in this area and we are reviewing our processes in relation to those comments / especially in the areas of how to notify the people involved of our decisions before those decisions are announced in public. We will pass along to the next Nominating Committee and to the Board all that we have learned. Procedures:

1. Announced the opening of nominations (UUpDate, newsletter) and requested that those interested contact a Nominating Committee member

2. Consulted all Board members and the minister and DRE about talents and skills sought for the next Board, including asking them to suggest names of people to contact

3. Created job descriptions, including time/attendance requirements names to consider for the open positions strengths the current Board might need

4. Considered criteria beyond the basic eligibility requirements from the Board Policies (which were: term limits, no conflict of interest positions, encouraged to consider current, eligible at-large members of Board) plus skills regarding the changes that are happening in UUCE regarding growth problem-solving styles balances in gender, age, parental status, and longevity Board Retreat weekend attendance experience with Robert’s Rules and UU church boards, ours or others

5. Brought names to the committee meeting - As we began asking these first sets of names, we realized that more folks were interested in positions on the Board than had been interested in previous years; we would have to decide how to make decisions and choices.

6. Gathered interview questions from previous years and added or changed a few.

7. Formally invited a limited number of people, whose talents and skills we were unfamiliar with, to be interviewed

8. Made difficult choices.

9. Reported to the Board.

10. Presented the slate

Board Continuing Board
John Wagner – Pres
Anita Cowling – Veep
Ken Ross – Secy
Jean Weick - Treas
At-large: David Bockoven, Karen Gaffney, OlgaTurner, Patrick Phillips, Judy Sawyer, Nancy Bell

New Nominating Committee
Kurt Engelmann, Truman Grandy, Linda Sage, Janine Stewart, Charlotte Writer
Mid-year, Ann Fuller was appointed to complete the term of an at-large Board member who resigned.

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Office Administrator

We retired our old faithful copier “GG” (Good Girl) and brought in a new copier, and she is quite impressive! We’ve named her “CG” (Clever Girl) due to her many features and dependability. We’re now able to run the monthly newsletter hands-off, which saves the administrators time to attend to more important duties.

The scheduled year has been busy with church events and meetings. All of the committees have been scheduling their events regularly, and in turn, the event will be set up, if needed, and have heated space. Thanks to our Custodian who sets up the event and church member, Edwin Zach, who sets up the heating by using the weekly church calendar.

The church office has been running well. Our Office Volunteers fold and collate the Order of Service weekly. When extra work comes in, we’re able to call our Office Volunteers at a moment’s notice. We want to thank our Office Volunteer Coordinator, Norma Landy and our Office Volunteers, Jane Lund, Kathy Persinger, Elizabeth Albrecht, Jeanne Flink and Conrad Groesnick, for their helpfulness.

We have a team of Newsletter Helpers that come in monthly to fold the newsletter. Our Newsletter Helper Coordinator, Darelle Baker reminds all our regular newsletter volunteers monthly with an e-mail reminder notice. Also, Darelle, makes sure the mailing is processed correctly, due to the strict procedures requested by the post office. We want to thank our regular newsletter crew who fold and label approximately 500 newsletters every month and deliver the newsletters to the post office, Darelle Baker, Bob & Sylvia Taylor, Conrad Grosenick, Barbara Greenley, Dirk Ten Brinke, Jane Lund, Dorothy Van Allen, Phyllis Peara, Chuck Adams, and Joyce Salisbury.

This has been a great year. We can thank the great open-communication we continue to have with our Minister, Carolyn Colbert, Candee Cole, DRE, Tom Sears, Music Director, Tina James, Custodian, The Board, the Committees, and the entire church community.

Submitted by Kim Harris
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Office Volunteers

Members: Norma Landy, Jane Lund, Elizabeth Albrecht, Kathy Persinger, Conrad Grosenick, Connie Newman, and Jeanne Flink

Primary Responsibility: To be available to assist Kim Harris, Church Administrator, in her office duties/tasks. To fold the Order of Service bulletin for every Sunday throughout the year.

Activities/Successes:
• March, 2003, the volunteers met together at Norma's house, with Carolyn Colbert, to become acquainted, to discuss our responsibilities, scheduling concerns, and possible future tasks.

• July & August,2003, the volunteers manned the church office for an hour, three times a week, for the two weeks that Kim was on vacation.

• Several times throughout the year Kim called for assistance to help with folding mail, addressing and stuffing envelopes. Jane Lund was especially helpful during these times.

• All the volunteers have been especially responsible throughout the year in making sure that the Order of Service was ready for each Sunday's service. Only one Sunday was missed (and this due to a family emergency).

Challenges:
• Being available for further projects as Kim's duties and responsibilities increase.
• Maintaining/Increasing the number of volunteers.

Note: Carolyn has asked if we might be interested in being available every Sunday morning to man the phones before the church service (8:30), and/or between services (10:00 or 10:30) which would assist the office staff in getting their messages when they are away from the office. Almost all of volunteers have not been enthusiastic about taking this on.

Future Plans:

Submitted by Norma Landy, Office Volunteer Coordinator
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Personal Reflections

The congregation continued to be enriched by the Personal Reflections tradition in 2003-04, during which nine members stood at the pulpit to share brief essays on their spiritual journeys. They are the latest among more than 160 people who have presented Personal Reflections since 1983.

This summer, I will compile the 17 reflections presented over the last two church years into a Vol. 13 booklet, available for purchase beginning this fall. Proceeds from book sales go to cover printing costs, with any additional dollars forwarded to the General Fund. We will explore printing the new volume on the church's new copier machine rather than going to a commercial printer. We are nearly sold out of the Vol. 12 booklet, after a press run of 60, and I anticipate a Vol. 13 press run of at least 75. One copy of each volume is on file in the church office, and I keep several copies of each.

I believe those members who shared reflections in 2002-03 and 2003-04 have "raised the bar" in terms of essay quality and honesty. Each is a role model to other members who may someday be asked to share a reflection. The tradition is important in teaching that our church is a place where it's safe to be real, and provides a strong sense of connection within a growing congregation.

In soliciting contributors, I strive for a balance between men and women, young and old, longtime members and "newbies." I seek individuals who are active in the church in some capacity. My first criterion is to invite any board member who has never given a reflection -- so that members can better know their elected officers. Each summer I ask those individuals who’ve given a reflection in the previous year to suggest the names of other members they’d like to hear from. Each fall I place an item in the church newsletter asking ALL members to forward any names, including their own. I also confer with Carolyn on possible recruits.

Reflections were presented this church year by Patrick Phillips, Jane Wagner, Peg Gearhart, Bill Tracy, Kurt Engelmann, d. maria, Judy Sawyer, Mavis Thomas and Fred Masarie. Reflections in 2002-03 were given by Karm Hagedorn, Linda Anson, Eldon Haines, Anita Cowling, George Carroll, Vern Cedarlund, Dianne Watson and Jennifer Sorensen.

The wealth of insights and experiences contained in the Personal Reflections was evident in January when Worship Associates Kathy Dillon and David Bockoven led a service on diverse truths by tapping into the annals of past volumes. Laurel Fisher gave an "updated" version of her reflection, which she first shared in 1984.

It is a privilege and honor to oversee this grand tradition.

Jeff W., Personal Reflections coordinator
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Personnel Committee

Members of the Committee:

Betty Hosokawa, Chair
Chuck Adams
Mary Brau
Kevin Lane-Cummings
Jack Stevens

Much of the work of this committee this year focused on updating and expanding the Personnel Manual. Samples of other UU church Personnel Manuals were collected and utilized to revise ours, as needed, or to add relevant sections that were not currently a part of ours such as one on the use of church computers. We also recommended the expansion of benefits for benefits-eligible staff in the area of holidays, vacation and sick leave. That work is now finished and the revised version needs to be approved by the Board.

The work on the goal of becoming a “Fair Compensation” church continues. Because of our inability as a church to meet our original five-year plan compensation goals, a member from the Personnel Committee was asked to participate with the Budget Committee in building budget goals for this coming fiscal year and prioritizing personnel expenses within that budget. We experienced an unexpected 40% increase in our health benefit contract for this coming year. Because of the limited amount of time available prior to the renewal date, we agreed, at the request of the employees covered, to renew our current contract. Next year we anticipate working with our agent to allow for a longer review and selection period in order to compare carefully several options.

The other project of this committee was to develop a personnel evaluation process. As the primary supervisor, it is essential that the minister be involved in the process. The minister was on sabbatical for several months; this project will get completed during the coming church year.

Sadly, Kevin Lane-Cummins, a member of our committee, resigned because his wife has finished her graduate degree and they are returning to Seattle. We will greatly miss his contributions!

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Religious Education

End of June 2004 statistics:

166 registered children and youth
Number of Children Enrolled ages 0-10: 122
Number of Middle School Youth ages 11-13: 23
Number of Youth Enrolled ages 14-18: 21
2003 Summer Attendance: Ave. 18 children ages 0-11 per Sunday (Ave. was 17 in 2003)
2003 Fall Attendance: Ave. 73 children and youth per Sunday (9:00 – 23 and 11:00 – 50) (Ave. was 80 in 2002)
2004 Spring Attendance: Ave. 67 children and youth per Sunday (9:00 – 23 and 11:00 – 44) (Ave. was 75 in 2003) The drop in attendance is attributed to the fact that last year was a popular curriculum year...World Religions, as well as the fact that more people come back to church during times of crisis.
Campus Group Mailing List: 18
Total # of volunteer teachers and assistant teachers for Fall and Spring: 50 (Includes three OWL teachers)
Total # of paid child care workers (for Sundays, regular meetings and occasional events): 8

Success & Highlights for the Year
Sr. Youth and Middle School Groups Growth and Strengthening – The Sr. UUth group was bursting at the seams at the beginning of the year because many new families with teens moved into the area or group members brought friends. We had 20 youth on the mailing list and 12 attended each week in the Fall. Amy Nadolski was added to the youth advisor team of Patti Hansen and David Pebworth. The numbers chilled out at the second term, with busy lives taking over! The group worked out a system of having group members sign up to lead a worship or a discussion a couple times per month, laying the groundwork for more intellectually stimulating sessions. More is planned to happen in the Fall of 2004.

The 11:00 Middle School group had great attendance this year and seemed to really enjoy being together. However, the 9:00 group continued to struggle with attendance on Sunday. There was a lot of transition in the 9:00 advisor teams. Fortunately, there were many opportunities for bonding throughout the year and many youth from both groups participated and bonded. The advisors organized activities and outings such as a pizza and room decorating party, a trip to the haunted corn maze, tubing at Willamette Pass, a trip to the Middle School conference, and a field trip to Greenhill Humane Society.

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Coming of Age (COA) – Our first COA program was in 2000. We try to offer this program every other year, but were not able to get it funded in 2002. This year we worked with a budget of $800 plus fees from families. We started with 7 youth and ended the program with 4 in 7-9 grade. The youth participated in a leadership retreat, ropes/challenge course, mentorship program, mini-projects, writing credo statements and an over-night vision quest. The program ended with the youth being honored at our big Celebration Sunday service where they shared their statements of belief. Laura Adams coordinated the program.

Classroom completed and Room 5 improvements done! With much work by Jake Walsh, Vern Cedarlund, Karen Gaffney and many others, the new classroom was completed by the first day of classes. The Middle school delighted in their new space, and the room is great for adult meeting space as well. During the completion of the new room, work also was done to give Room 5 some much needed improvements. New carpet and tile was chosen for the room, and doors were modified to allow these improvements.

Continued increase in R.E. enrollment and new families: We have registered about 18 new families since July 2003. Over 50 welcome packets were mailed to visiting families throughout the year.

Campus Ministry: Campus ministry struggled with attendance this year in spite of the fact that two leaders came forward to help create programming for young adults from age 18-25. Rian Heriot and Jan Dubofsky helped to organize events and plan and lead a worship for the whole church. Average attendance was about 4-5 people this year. Both Jan and Rian attended a regional campus ministry conference in California. In addition, Rian attended GA this year as a delegate of the church and as a young adult representative. Both coordinators are moving on with their lives this year, and new coordinators will be recruited.

UU Identity Curricula Offered – The curriculum this year was both vibrant and exciting. K-5th grade participated in time machine rides each month where a member of the church would come to the classes dressed as a famous UU. The children built time machines (“Imagination Machines” in the Kindergarten room), and used weird space music and a strobe light in their travels. Time machines were made of hardware and found objects from Bring recycling. The groups also studied one of our 7 Principles each month, worked on community service projects and explored developing good character.

Community Service Projects—The children and youth worked on the following projects this year: Collecting needed items for Willamette Wildlife, Cascade Raptor Center, and Greenhill Humane Society. The Warm Wear Give-Away was expanded this year to include camping supplies and health and beauty aides. The middle school and high school youth were visited by the United Way volunteer coordinator. Cards were made for Caring Committee use within the church, a photo album was created for the church school by the 4-5th grade class. A decorative quilt was made for the church by the 3rd -5th grade at 9:00. Flowers were planted, middle school went on a garbage pick-up walk to Tugman park, the playground was raked in the Fall and a bookmark project was created by our younger class, to give bookmarks to visitors and new children as a welcome gift. The youth began helping with the UU Coffee store, selling fair trade coffee. The K-5th grades took a field trip to Cascade Raptor Center with a check for $77 raised by the 9:00 Firekeepers.

High School Community Service Hours – Two youth worked some of their community service hours for International High School in the program. Aubree Johnson put in 40 hours supporting Candee, doing childcare, filing and sorting the RE shed. Erik Faulk put in about 15 hours working on a youth group brochure and helping with the Halloween party.

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Our Whole Lives Program for K-1st and 4-5th grades—For the first year ever we offered these two classes. About 8 children and their parents participated in each program. The 4-5th class was offered as a once per week class, and the K-1st was offered as a week long day camp in the summer. Judy Shaw, Karen Austin and Peter Powers led these groups. The 4-5th grade class also included a parent support group each week.

Full Curriculum Team Recruited— This year we recruited many talented people to help put together next years “Peace and Social Justice” Curriculum. Joyce Cedarlund, Judy Shaw, Susan Goes, Lisa Rutledge, Leslie Sabini, Pam Dillehay and Elaine E. will all be working through the summer on philosophy, lesson plan searches, resource searches, lesson writing and over-all development of a pillar curriculum for next year that includes “Community Building,” “Positive Body Image,” “Diversity,” ”Peace,” and “Ecology.”

Childcare-Lead Transitions—Our childcare-lead Alicia left at the end of summer and we hired member Peg Gearhart to work that position. Peg needed to leave the position, and we held an official search. We hired Jennifer Sorenson, long-time member and attendee of the R.E. program. Jennifer has taken this job very seriously and has created a loving and fun room for our
young kids to play in!

RE Committee Retreat in Waldport—the RE Committee participated in a very fun and informative retreat. The retreat was facilitated by Anita Cowling, former RE chair and board vice-prez. The committee identified a fabulous list of 2-year goals for the program...and of course bonded with new members!

Whole Church Big Events and Big Undertakings

Summer Program—Dr. Seuss—The 2003 summer program was coordinated by Nannette Graves and Aubree Johnson. Each week the children explored a different Seuss story and the messages behind it. They worked toward the grand finale of a Dr. Seuss Circus that they put on for the congregation on the final day. They served pop corn and drinks, had amazing acts, jugglers and even lion taming!

4th of July Party at Linda Yeager’s Farm (2003) – Our second party was another big success, although Linda has said she would like to NOT host next year! There was still great music, hay rides, amazing food, games, and of course the parachute. Oh, and tug-o-war!

Teacher Training Meetings and Orientation – Head teachers met the first night for some activities around R.E. philosophy and spirituality. The teachers and assistants met for a full-day training on Saturday, from 9:00-3:00. We talked about behavior, lesson planning and developmental information. They watched a video on UU History, and were led in a workshop on “Brain Gym,” a yoga-like practice to help your brain be prepared to learn, but also is used to calm and center. Many make-up orientations had to be given this year as we did not have everyone recruited and many people were still out of town.

Family Services – Family services continued throughout the year. The UU Kids Choir performed at each service. Each month’s topic was about helping others.

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Halloween Party– 200+ people attended this party that included a Haunted Forest put on by the Haunted House planning committee. The forest was a great place to have the haunted house and we will do this again next year. Also new this year was a “Pumpkin Memorial Garden” placed out in the playground. This was a place for people to carve and dedicate a pumpkin to a loved one. It was very meditative and touching. All pumpkins were lit with candles and had special notes attached telling the observer of the dedication. The party again included carnival games, yummies, Day of the Dead Altar, a moment of silence to remember the dead, cakewalks, fortune telling, storytelling, and the pocket lady.

Advent Garden – Beautiful as ever, and slightly improved by Nannette Graves and family. The family took on the event and added some of their own touches! Amy Raven provided live harp music. Families with young children were invited to come early and others to a later time.

Child Dedications—Two child dedication ceremonies were offered, one at Christmas Eve and the other at Mother’s Day.

“Do You Want to Hold the Baby” Pageant—The newest pageant by Joyce Poley was both beautiful and well received. And of course the music was addictive! Characters were played by many ages...preschool through adults! A stage was borrowed from the local elementary school and was much appreciated.

Mission Vision Workshop—An unexpected and unbudgeted event...We held a mission and vision workshop for the congregation to start thinking about who we are as a group, and about space issues. Many lists of hopes and dreams were created. Simultaneously, a rich and fun program for children was offered downstairs with visiting storytellers and musicians, lots of crafts and games. Childcare workers were hired for the event. The youth were away at their conference, but we did some pre-work with them before they left in order to include their input.

Mitten Tree and “Winter Wear Giveaway” – Gloves, hats, mittens, coats and other warm clothes were collected Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. New this year: collecting blankets, sleeping bags, cots, and personal care items. There was a huge response from the congregation! The Middle School group organized the items and planned the “Warm Wear Give-Away” at 1st Place Family Center, a program for homeless and low-income families through St. Vincent de Paul. Over 25 families chose items for themselves and their children, and the youth and advisors provided cookies and hot cider.

Easter Egg Hunt- We gave away over 100 eggs this year! We continued with the idea of more creative prizes inside and less plastic. A great team of people took this event on from the RE Committee this year. Donna Atkinson, Julia Fishwick, Mariah Mantis and Daphne Mantis all brainstormed cool prizes, helped coordinate egg-making and stuffed the finished eggs!

Youth/Young Adult Sunday held during Celebration Sunday—A big undertaking was our canvass Sunday where we celebrated YOUTH. We held the RE Committee’s “Sunny Sunday,” the Bridging Ceremony and the Coming of Age ceremony at an hour and a half service on May 23. Two youth Bridged, Aubree Johnson and Erik Sorenson. The youth received a chalice, a book of poetry and resources from the young adult office at the UUA. 50 children participated in the activity program that was led by eight people who are not part of the church community, so that members could attend this special event.

Graduation and Teacher Appreciation - 49 kids are slated to move into new class groupings in the Fall! Children were given a gift from their teachers and a certificate. Middle School youth entering high school were given a journal inscribed by the leaders. The teachers and assistants were also honored on this day with a small gift and appreciation from the congregation. A picnic with hot dogs, ice cream and cake was held downstairs after the second service.

UU Kids’ Choir – With the continued loving commitment of Lynn Smith and Sally Diehm, the UU Kids’ Choir had about 10 children. The children performed at several services, and each month at the Family Service!

Babies, Babies, Everywhere—This has been the time for babies. Over the last year and a half we have welcomed Emily (Amber Alexander), Zoe (David Bockoven and Eunji Parks), Aidan (Rich and Sonja Margerum), Torin (Julie and Adam Campbell Kaswell ), Luka (Heather and Jeff Blakeslee), and Kate (Sherri and Matt McDonald). WOW!

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Things to work on next year

Pre-Service Childcare for Young Children— We have created a proposal to the board to begin offering pre-service drop off to children age 5 and under, to help open some chairs in the service. Candee is recruiting teachers and assistants that are able to arrive early enough to greet the children and begin their program 30 minutes earlier than the rest of R.E. We hope to try this out through the Fall to see how it works.

Space Improvement – We did meet most of this goal by completing the new classroom, giving Room 5 some improvements and working on the R.E. shed to create more storage area. However, we need to continue to improve the other classrooms and restrooms...their floors, walls and windows. The horrible condition of the floors in the basement, and the walls cracking and door frames swelling and shrinking, communicate unwanted messages to visitors as well as those of us who work/volunteer in the space weekly. The floors continue to be the most noticeable issue right now. I hope to improve Room 3 with new flooring and to continue to work toward making the restrooms more comfortable, warm and clean.

DRE Sabbatical— Much energy will go into preparing the church and program for the first DRE sabbatical. Candee will be taking three months in 2005 (January, February and March). Several volunteers from the community will be handling the many aspects of the DRE’s job...including maintaining monthly family worship, supporting teachers, hosting the district O.W.L. training, maintaining an RE presence in the service, plus other needs.

Parent Classes and Community Building – We hope to offer family activity nights at least twice over this next year. We may also try to revive the family camping trip idea that was started a couple of years ago. A parent class may be offered if appropriate leaders are found.

Jr. High and Sr. High OWL – Our congregation will be hosting the OWL trainer training of the Jr. High and High School modules in February. We hope to send a female participant for Jr. High and a male leader for the high school leader.

Youth Adult Committee – We continue this goal for the third year. We would still like to start a group of youth and adults that would meet quarterly to work on issues and projects that relate to the youth group such as issues, policies, trips, fundraisers, special projects, etc… We would like to see more youth participation in all areas of the church...such as participating on committees, and on the board.

Youth to General Assembly—We have included in the budget for next year a scholarship to help send a youth and sponsor to GA. We continue to try to get youth to leadership developing activities as it furthers our movement, benefits our congregation, and most importantly, develops strong skills in the individual youth.

Long term program goals
RE Assistant—As our program grows, the more we will need to consider further paid support. An R.E. Assistant would support the DRE on Sunday morning with direct work in the classroom, office work, answering the phone, plus much more.

Youth Advisor Job Expectations - Candee will be meeting with the adult advisors and the youth to brainstorm ways that the group can be supported that fosters growth and organization. A “job description” and list of expectations and duties for youth advisors will also be created.

UU Summer Day Camp—Candee will explore the option of offering a UU day camp in the summer of 2006. The camp experience would help kids stay connected to their UU identity and be a fun place for UU kids to gather for engaging summer activities.

Submitted by Candee Cole, DRE
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Safe Congregation

Board policy states that "The Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene is committed to promoting a safe and welcoming environment supportive of personal and spiritual growth. This church recognizes the right of its ministers, employees, contractors, members, and guests to have an environment free of interpersonal violence such as harassment and abuse. Violations would include abuse or harassment of a physical, psychological, or sexual nature." The Safe Congregation Committee is charged with investigating any incidents of this nature. We are happy to be able to say that no claims of abuse or harassment have been reported to us during the 2003-4 church year.

The membership of this committee consists of the minister (Carolyn Colbert),
a Board representative (currently Anita Cowling) and three at-large members serving three years terms. The term of Gil Osgood expired at the end of 2003, and he was replaced by Dennis Reynolds who was also selected to be the new convener of this committee. The other two at-large members are Joyce Thomas (serving until the end of 2004) and Larry Cummings whose term expires at the end of 2005.

Submitted by Gil Osgood,
former Safe Congregation Committee convenor
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Shared Ministry Group Steering Committee

In the spring of 2004, the Shared Ministry Group (SMG) program completed its second year of existence. Conceived of as a vehicle for deepening the spiritual connections between members of the church and strengthening the bonds between church members, the church and the broader community, the SMG program was expanded from a term of 4 months and 8 sessions in 2002-2003 to a term of 9 months and 12 sessions in 2003-2004. A registration fee of $12 per participant was added to make the program financially independent. Tuition waivers were granted to individuals with financial difficulties to maximize member participation.

For the 2003-2004 season, seven groups were formed that accommodated a total of 70 people. Most groups met in the homes of participants, but one group met at the church and was provided with childcare arranged by the Director of Religious Education, Candee Cole. Providing childcare greatly facilitated the participation of church members with small children.

Group meetings were led by facilitators--members of the church trained specially by the Reverend Carolyn Colbert for the program. The facilitators met monthly with the SMG Steering Committee to share and problem-solve. Reverend Carolyn Colbert led these meetings when she was not on sabbatical; Kurt Engelmann led these meetings when she was on sabbatical.

As part of the program, the groups completed service projects for the church and/or the broader community. These service projects included the Mars Party at the Planetarium, the Burrito Bash luncheon, Sunday coffee, and painting the picket fence. The projects provided substantial proceeds to the church's general fund.

The spiritual connections of church members have been broadened and deepened by the program, as manifested by the atmosphere among church members at Sunday service and other times. The challenges ahead for the program center around the program's ability to become sustainable. The new Steering Committee, which will include Reverend Colbert, Gil Osgood, Betty Hosokawa, and Sarah Hendrickson, will examine various aspects of the program to ensure that it will be sustainable and fit in with the rhythm of the church and its members lives.

Submitted by Kurt Engelmann
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Social Concerns

The year began with a January meeting discussing topics for the year on taxation, campaign finance reform, unemployment, the war in Iraq and health care. The immediate concern was the passage of Measure 28 to insure community support for schools, disabled services, health care and safety programs. Literature was distributed on Sundays at the Social Concern's table in the Social Hall.

Church members were encouraged to attend peace vigils protesting the war in Iraq every Wednesday at the Federal Building from 4:30pm-5:30pm and also at Springfield's bridge with a potluck following at the McCormack's. Many more came to the special Saturday events with signs and flags waving for a peaceful settlement. Several families in our church had members and close friends in Iraq. They were in our thoughts and prayers as we protested the war.

Springtime brought our concerns for planting crops and supporting our local farmers. We joined "That's My Farmer" at the Methodist Church to learn about Community Supported Agriculture and how as individuals we could purchase shares and invest in what they produced. Supporting local farms will provide continuing fresh produce for our markets and eliminate the costly and wasteful transportation and keep family farms; and it tastes so much better!

Following summer services social concerns had 2 programs. Sylvia Gregory introduced Ventura and Monica Alas of Teosinte, El Salvador. Monica's parents were massacred by death squads. It made us remember the number of death squad leaders trained at the School of Americas that we continue to urge our elected members of Congress to shut down. Monica and Ventura graduated from the University of El Salvador and now teach in rural El Salvador. Sylvia also told us about the Women's Empowerment Partnership which she founded to develop programs so the widows and children could improve their lives.

Barbara Kellogg of SEIU presented a program on tax distribution, income inequity and plans for raising revenue for Oregon. There was a $3.2 million shortfall and that has now increased. We need an update.

We co-sponsored a Health Care For All-Oregon forum on covering the uninsured and the medical care crisis. Moderator Claude Offenbacher led the discussion with Senator Bill Morrisette, AFL-CIO Lynn Marie Crider, Dr. Gary Young, AHEC Barbara Grigsby, Edward Winter, Marc Shapiro, and Jessica Bradley. This was part of Cover The Uninsured Week, a national program.

Submitted by Ruth Duemler
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Stewardship Committee

In the Spring of 2003, the Stewardship Committee organized and facilitated an every-member-and-friend canvass. A training of canvassers was conducted by a PNWD representative and church members and friends were contacted for face-to-face meetings in order to obtain pledges and forge new relationships. The general theme of the canvass was “Passion Vision Will” to reflect our church’s drive and vision to accomplish our long-range plan for fair compensation for staff.

A canvass kick-off dinner and dance was held to start the canvass process. Announcements and Stewardship testimonials were made in church, and newsletter articles were published prior to and during the canvass. A confirmation and thank you letter was mailed to each pledging household, and follow-up letters and pledge cards were mailed to those who did not fill out a pledge card during the canvass process. A major-donor party was later held to raise additional funds.

As of April 30, 2004, the total amount pledged or donated by identified members and friends was $225,219. Of this total $211,808 was recorded on pledge cards from 230 pledging households; an additional $6,725 in gifts (separate from pledges) was raised at the major-donor follow-up event, and an additional $6,686 was donated by identified members and friends who chose not to fill out pledge cards. This total amount of pledges and gifts was a 13% increase over the previous year, in which the total pledges were $199,777 from 210 pledging households. Comparing information from official pledge cards only, the increase was 6%. The monetary goal for the canvass set by the Board and Budget Committee was initially $240,000, a 20% increase over the previous year. This amount was later reduced mid-fiscal year to $225,000.

The church has made tremendous strides in increasing its financial support from members and friends in the past few years. Since 2000, when the canvass raised $148,412 from 208 households, there has been an overall 43% increase in pledges to fund our church’s long-term goals of fair compensation, fully funded programs and financial stability.

Kay Crider, co-chair
2003-2004 Stewardship Committee
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U.F.O. (Unitarilist Fun Organization)

The UFOs (Unitarilist Fun Organization) was formed in 2002 as an intergenerational group dedicated to building community within our church through service, socializing, and physical activity. Since that time there have been 60 Circle Suppers, which allowed a lot of people to get to know one another on a more personal level. We have also added “Movie Circles”, a fun way to share food and films. Drawing on our kitchen skills, our group members volunteered to run the kitchen for both the 2003 Canvass Party and the 2003 Halloween Party.

Our group has been volunteering once a month at Food for Lane County since December of 2002. This is a “come if you can” activity that allows participants to drop in when time allows without having to make a permanent commitment. We have helped divert literally tons of food from the landfill. The food is repackaged and distributed to the hungry all over Lane County.

Our group also coordinated the 2003 holiday canned food drive with the monthly All Church Potluck hosts.

Our group also organized two 4th of July picnics for the whole congregation at Yeager’s farm in Pleasant Hill. Money for the bluegrass band and incidentals was raised through church luncheons.

Hikes are offered once a month through the UFO Group. Hikes of varying length and intensity are offered so that most everyone can participate. We have also lead snow shoeing trips for the past two winters.

There are now 132 people who have requested to be on the UFO Group e-mail list. Not all of these people have actually gone to events, but we do have a pretty good cross section of adults participating. Our biggest challenge is having enough volunteers to regularly staff the UFO table between services. We want to be there to greet new people and give them a way to get involved in the church.

In terms of future plans, we will continue to organize Circle Suppers, hikes, and volunteer at Food for Lane County. The Yeagers are going to take a break from hosting the picnic this year. There is a possibility of joining with the Corvallis and Salem congregations for a joint picnic some time this summer. We will also investigate the possibility of adding another community service volunteer activity for the fall.

It should summarize your successes for the past couple of years, challenges, and plans for the future. If you would like to look at our last (2001-2002) Annual Report, contact Kim Harris, our church administrator.

Submitted by Diane Wooldridge
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Webmaster’s Report

1. Website
The website has been redesigned since our last report, and renamed. We now have
a domain name: www.uueugene.org. The site now includes pages for Home page with directions, sermon topics, welcome message; the Calendar, a next month's calendar in progress, and a newsletter page.

A finances page with Canvass information and the lite budget; Endowments; Growth options; President's letters; and a current pledge card to download as a PDF.

The gallery pages include previous InnerSpace gallery presentations, information on the Choirs, how to contribute to the WomenKin literary journal, and examples from the two ongoing poetry workshop groups.

The Religious Education pages include DRE reports, RE curricula and contacts, RE teacher and aide handbooks, a page on how to help children's fears about war, a description of the OWL program, and a very small youth page. The Adult programs pages include SMGs, orientation classes, adult book and RE discussions, etc; Caring committee; Men's group; Singletarians; SMGs; UFOs; Women's groups and Sister circles; and Young adults.

The "About Our Church" pages feature administrative pages such as the overview of the Board and various types of committees; a complete committees page where committees, their mission and contact people are listed; Bylaws and several types of policies pages (safe congregation, personnel, non-board, rentals, Sabbatical); a Committee Handbook, Board meeting Minutes collected by their years; a description of the duties and methods of the Nominating Committee. There are also pages for various committees themselves, such as the ecology/environment committee, the History committee, the Publications (PR) committee, the visioning process and the raw data from that process.

The UUism and Visitors pages include a sample sermon by a guest UU minister, a collection of links to news items featuring UUs in the United States and Canada. There are pages of quotes relating to UU values, and a short theology of UUism, a history of UUism and a short version of our local UU history. Newcomers are addressed regarding what they can expect, a list of links to other Oregon UU congregations is available, and there is a page of links to local websites that will help out-of-towners learn more about the demographics and resources of the Eugene/Springfield area. And there is a page explaining what our church has agreed and what being a Welcoming Congregation means.

2. Listservs
During early 2004, our Internet Service Provider (EFN) lost the listserv computer,
and all the subscribers. We rebuilt the list of subscribers. UU-News is the announcements listserv, with 340 subscribers. The webmaster creates a ten day calendar "UUpDate" in lieu of a weekly print newsletter for the subscribers of this list. Subscriptions are automatic for church members, and folks can opt out if they wish. UU-Chat is an active, friendly discussion listserv with about 45 subscribers. UU-Share, run by Monica Frank, is an extension of our Joys and Concerns on Sunday mornings, with about 40 subscribers. Biz-UU is meant for church member discussions with Board members, and Minutes of the Board Meetings are sent to this listserv. There is also a Board list where the Board may discuss issues or clarify items, but this is not where decisions are made. The UFOeugene list on yahoogroups.com is run by Diane Wooldridge and features photos of the various outings that the Unitarilist Fun
Organization participates in.

The ISP has now been sold to EPUD, and we expect the service and mission of the new ISP to reflect that of the old. With a domain name, if we have to move to yet another ISP, our website address can be carried with us with no downtime.

3. Future plans
Our webmaster since ~1998, Martha Osgood, is always looking for better ways to make the website more useful to members, to prospective members, and to the general public. She visits other church websites, other UU websites for ideas; she is a member of various UUA sponsored listservs on topics of interest to the local church--ordinary UU lay leaders in churches around the country discuss their problems and successes on these lists. Currently we are considering more photos, simplifying the pages we do have, and training more backup people for the lists and website management.

Submitted by Martha Osgood
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Women’s Alliance

The Eugene Women's Alliance is the local representative of the continental UUWomen's Federation. Current membership is 12 --participation 16-18. Alliance is one of several UUCE women's groups fitting under the umbrella of the Community of Unitarian Universalist Women. CUUW includes W&R activities, Sister Circles, special program offerings, and classes focused on women's concerns, theology, and spirituality.

The Women's Alliance meets at the church on the second Friday of each month. All interested persons are invited to join in the sharing, discussion, and an always fabulous potluck lunch. This year the group has been exploring the momentous changes being undertaken by the continental UUWomen's Federation and discussions of articles from the UU World. Individually, the members continue to be very active in church affairs, programs, and activities. In March of 2003, the Alliance presented the UUWF Clara Barton Award to member Marj Smith, now living in Salem, in recognition of her more-than-forty-years contributions to this church, the UUWF, and the larger community in Eugene. This March, the Alliance sponsored a Sunday evening program by the Rev. Dr. Dorothy Emerson of Medford, MA, focused on the crucial role UU women have made throughout U.S. history in peace-making efforts.

The Alliance offers kudos to the Eugene church for their use of the stunning UUWF "Phoenix Rising" chalice on the cover of this year's UUCE Directory.

Submitted by Kathleen Dillon, President
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Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene
www.uueugene.org