Dear Members and Friends,

This week, I am sharing highlights from the Board’s December meeting.

• The Property Disposition Task Force announced that a second prospective buyer has expressed interest in purchasing the church property. A letter of intent is being negotiated. The first prospective buyer continues to express interest in the property, and its letter of intent is still pending, but negotiations have slowed. Our realtor, church attorney, and the Board are exploring this second option. We hope to share additional information soon.
• The Mission Development Team reported that 34 members and friends are participating in the mission discernment small groups, which begin meeting in January. Each group will be facilitated by church members who have been trained for this work. The groups will explore five topics over a five-week period:
  • Listening. How have we been feeling about our congregation during the past 6 – 12 months?
  • Reflection.  How have we been treating each other?  
  • Vision.  How do we want to treat each other?  
  • Transformation.  What can we do to shift the congregational culture so we more consistently treat each other in ways that will transform our congregation?   
  • Accountability.  How will we hold ourselves and each other accountable to the vision of the transformed church?

Thanks to everyone who has agreed to participate in this important work!  

•  The Music Task Force submitted to the Board a request for approval of a job description and contract for an interim pianist. The Board will act on this request soon.
• The Ministerial Search Committee reported that it has begun the search for a developmental minister. The Board authorized the Committee to use the following developmental goals in its search:
  • Develop a shared vision and core purpose for this church.
  • Right-size the governance, volunteer expectations, and budget for a smaller congregation with a future-oriented vision.
  • Dismantle racism and other oppressions in our own systems at Paint Branch.
  • Develop strong and transparent systems of communication, decision making and feedback.

Last summer, the Board chose the first goal as a priority for this church year.

• The Stewardship Committee outlined its plans for the upcoming pledge campaign. A Town Hall meeting will be held on Sunday, February 11th, at 10:00 am via Zoom. February 25th will be Commitment Sunday.  
• The Board granted a request from the Tech Team to create a job description for a Tech Support Specialist, and approved funding that position  

The next Board meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 7 pm.

As always, feel free to contact the Board at bot@pbuuc.org.

See you in church!
Leo
Board Chair