Reports

UUCE 2004-2005 ANNUAL REPORT

The Annual Report for 2004-2005 has been divided into four sections Board of Trustees, Worship and Shared Ministry, Programming and Administration. Each section contains reports from many of the staff, committees, councils and teams who perform the work of our church in those areas. Thanks to all who have volunteered at UUCE this year.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dan and Kathy Hislip, Co-Presidents

The Church Year ’04-’05 was a busy and productive period for the Board of Trustees. There was a great deal of work conducted in both regular monthly and special meetings. The primary focus of all the time committed was the finalization of a new governance policy, which will be presented to the entire congregation at the Annual Meeting. Other highlights include the creation of the Executive Team, including job descriptions and supervisory requirements to ensure proper feedback. The Board also redefined the financial positions of the Church, splitting two positions into three, to enable performance by the individuals holding the jobs and, hopefully make recruiting easier. The Board created and appointed a standing Nominating Committee which facilitated filling positions throughout the church year and created the slate of nominations for the next church year.

Other areas in which the Board was involved during the last year include its work in monitoring the Strategic plan to ensure its progress by both commitment of people and funds, as well as its monitoring of the year’s Budget and its contribution to the emphasis and funding for next year’s Budget. The Board created task forces to address the feasibility of adding a Second Service and to research the issues involved in building out the Third Floor. The Board also created a Personnel Subcommittee to work for proper terms and conditions for our employees, as well as ensuring fairness and parity in the salaries paid to them by the Church.

The Board spent a great deal of time this year addressing issues surrounding the cell tower, including fielding new offers from third parties interested in assuming the lease with Cingular and negotiating with Cingular in their attempt to renegotiate the present terms of the lease.

The Board also reviewed all of the policies of the Church in an attempt to decide where responsibility (Board or Executive Team) for administering the policy in the future lies. In addition, the Board adopted several new policies including the Board Communications policy and the disruptive behavior policy. The Board is presently considering a new gifting policy and is starting to become more strategic in its viewpoint.

On a personal basis, the Co-Presidents were extremely pleased and grateful to work with such a dedicated and focused group of Trustees. We were saddened by the loss of Susan Stafford as Secretary in the fall and were elated by Debbie Prebys’ assumption of the position. In addition, we thankfully appreciate the contributions of the two departing Board members- Lydia Larrabee and Alice Macy- and look forward to the continued contribution of the rest of the Board- Kevin Webster, Elizabeth Olson and Mitch Kremer. Finally, Dan is most grateful for the faithful service of Kathy who is resigning as Co-President to take a position on the Executive Team.

Respectfully submitted,
Dan and Kathy Hislip
Board Co-Presidents


WORSHIP AND SHARED MINISTRY

MINISTER
Dan Brosier

This was another busy, bustling, energetic year. When asked by people how the church community is doing I use the word “thriving”. There is energy being generated through new programs, new members, and new ways of organizing ourselves. We are doing well—of course there are still plenty of areas that need more work and attention, but overall we are doing well.

Some of the highlights of the past year include:

• We had a full year of our Sunday morning childcare with Sharon and Debbie offering a quality program from 9 – 12:30.
• We held our first Prairie Fest with the second now in the works.
• We have a new website. Many people find their way to the church through it and comment on how good ours is.
• We now have wireless internet access.
• The high school group is active—having fun and doing community service.
• We raised between $900 – $1,000 for Tsunami relief.
• The church was recognized for its participation in the Green Tag wind power program.
• The funds raised through pledges came in higher than budgeted helping to give a surplus at the end of the year.
• The Religious Education youth helped build a new stepping stone walkway to the play structure.
• The Service Auction exceeded it goals for fund and fun raising.
• The creation of the executive team to handle the day to day operations of the church.
• Change of governance allowing the Board to focus on the big picture.
• The church became a participant in the Adopt a Highway program.
• Planning began for the completion of the 3rd floor.
• A Second Service Taskforce was created to investigate the possibility of going to a second service.
• Women Cooking for Women was born.
• The Worship Committee is expanding the number of summer services.
• A worship survey was completed.
• A Program Council was formed to facilitate and coordinate the formation and continuation of church based programs.
• We are creating a new Member’s Picture Directory that will be available to members through our website.
• An Interweave chapter was formed.
• The Worship Committee provided some exceptional services.
• We got a new used copier which does just about everything, and we have a service contract for it.

The past year was marked with a loss as well. During that time long time members Eddy Lund, Arvid Molitor, and Colleen Connelly passed away. They are missed.

CARE TEAM
Shirley Wolin, Team Leader

This is the second year for the Care Team of our church. We meet at the church every other month, on the first Tuesday at 11:30. We started out with new leadership, Shirley Wolin replaced Alice Macy as the Care Team Leader. Alice remains an active member of the team. Debbie Prebys, Kay Kummerow, and Bob Jackson resigned because of other obligations.

Esther Hermann and Pat Pecho have been added to the team which also includes Kathy Hislip, Helen Maxwell, Linda Porter and Bonnie Schwank.

This year we started sending a letter to new members and friends that introduces the Care Team, along with a survey that asks what kind of help they would want in case of emergencies, and what kind of help they would give. We have created a calling tree to contact members in emergencies who do not have e-mail.

Throughout the year the neighborhood coordinators have been sending out cards, plants and flowers to members who are in the hospital, have lost a loved one, have had a baby and other special events. The team has assisted with two memorial services, organizing food for after the service or in the home, and other services that were needed by the families.

We have available two new items for our medical equipment loan program, a nebulizer compressor for respiratory illness and a large wheelchair, which will be kept at the church.

COMMITTEE ON THE MINISTRY
Susan Anderson, Chair

The members of the committee during 2004-2005 were: Susan P. Anderson (chair), Leslie Sawyer, Laurie Kiesewetter, Joe Masonick, Kathy Underwood, and Dan Brosier

The committee developed a mission statement that reads as follows:

The mission of the Committee On the Ministry is to nurture and strengthen the ministry of the church by:

1. Maintaining healthy relationships involving staff, committee and congregation
2. Clarifying roles and priorities of staff
3. Reminding the church community of its mission and covenant
4. Working with and advocating for the Minister and DRE regarding continuing education/professional development
5. Assisting the church community in the continuing development of leadership (lay, staff and ministerial) by providing educational opportunities
6. Supporting the Minister and DRE as needed

COM has worked to fulfill this role by:

1. Providing new chair training in the fall of 2004
2. Assisting the Developer/Presenters of the Fall Leadership Retreat
3. Use of Ministry Opinion Survey to assess how to best assist the Minister and DRE
4. Improving prominence of UUCE Mission and Covenant
5. Selection of candidates for summer’s Leadership School
6. Offering a “Group Dynamics” workshop for staff
7. Working with the Minister and DRE to develop professional/personal goals

HANDBELL CHOIRS
Margot Cusimano, Director

Handbells at UU Church of Elgin have completed another successful year - three choirs adding to the musical atmosphere of the church.

Unichords - 12 people participating, meets every Sunday morning 9AM to 1O;30AM in the west side of Rm 203. Rang for 7 Sunday services including the two All Music Sundays; and for the Sunday worship service of the Central Midwest District of the UUA in Arlington Heights. Capable of ringing music from Level One to Level Six.

Barn Bells One -10 people participating, meets every Wednesday evening 7:45 to 8:15 in Rm 203, rang for 7 Sunday services including the two All Music Sundays plus Christmas Eve. Capable of ringing music from Level One to Level Two Plus.

Barn Bells Two - 5 people participating, meets every Wednesday evening 6:45 to 7:15 in Rm 201, Rang 4 times this year including the two All Music Sundays, Christmas Eve and Mother's Day. Capable of ringing Level One music.

There are 28 people from the church participating in the Handbell choirs ranging in age from 6 to 69 yrs old. We use 41/2 octaves of Malmark Handbells and 3 octaves of Malmark Handchimes.

This year, all of the expenses for the bell program were for purchasing of sheet music and new mallets. We voted not to participate in the Illinois Spring Ring this year because the date was so close to the performance in Arlington Heights for the UUA.A Polish Bell Party will be held at a future date in the summer to polish the bells and eat grilled Polish sausages. This party is open to anyone in the church who is interested in shining up a bell or two. -Margot Cusimano - Bell Diva

WORSHIP COMMITTEE
Karen Olesch-Williams, Chair

The members of the committee during 2004 - 2005 were: Karen Olesch-Williams (chair), Susan Stafford, Susan Anderson, Elizabeth Olsen, Elise Wall, and Dan Brosier.

In the fall of 2004 the committee set the following goals:

I. Conduct a worship survey to help us plan future services centered around congregational needs.

II. Add additional summer services for 2005.

III. Plan and conduct nine lay-led services during the regular year and five summer services. Last year we led seven regular services and five summer services, so the amount of lay-led services has increased.

I. Worship Survey – successfully completed and the results are attached

II. Additional summer services are on August 28 and Sept 4, 2005

III. The committee coordinated and led the services on:

• June 27 – Personal Stories from Iraq led by Susan Stafford
• July 11 – Building Community through Personal Stories led by Karen Olesch-Williams
• July 25 – Walking Meditation led by Karen Olesch-Williams
• Aug 8 – Poetry and Music led by Elise Wall
• Aug 22 – Art of the Soul led by Susan Anderson
• Oct 10 – Growing up UU led by Susan Anderson
• Nov 7 – On Going to Heavens and How the Heavens Go led by Eric Prebys
• Nov 28 – Gratitude for a Standing Mixer led by Elise Wall
• Jan 2 – Your Brain on Religion led by Karen Olesch-Williams
• Jan 30 – Jazz Theology led by Susan Anderson
• Feb 20 – Spiritual Kindergarten led by Elise Wall
• April 3 – Biography of a Dress led by Karen Olesch-Williams and Susan Anderson
• May 1 – This I Believe led by Elise Wall
• May 29 – Honoring Our Soldiers led by Karen Olesch-Williams

Other accomplishments:

• Reviewed increasing times for meditation in the service.
• Identified our role in the Strategic Plan—specifically gathering information to understand what the congregation wants when it says “greater diversity” and “more spirituality.” (This is ongoing).
• Developed a collection of “emergency services” in case Dan or a guest speaker cannot make it on a Sunday.

PROGRAMMING

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Kathy Underwood

This has been a year of looking ahead. With our enrollment back up after a slight decrease last year, plans are under way for the future: in particular, the finishing of the third floor space.

Accomplishments this year were:

• Continued to maintain all records regarding the RE program
• Provided teacher training and support, including the purchase and maintenance of supplies and books
• Continued the “Today in RE” announcement in the order of service, as well as monthly columns in the Unichord
• Helped visitors and new students feel welcomed in our program
• Coordinated three nature hikes
• Served on the Third Floor Construction Committee as well as the Second Service Feasibility Task Force
• Continued facilitating the Chicago Area religious Educators group
• Completed one year as president of the district’s Liberal Religious Educator’s Association
• Supported the efforts of the youth advisors and the youth group
• Coordinated five summer sessions
• Recognized volunteers in the order of service, the newsletter, and in services
• Maintained communications with parents, children, youth, and volunteers
• Maintained financial records
• Coordinated one intergenerational service
• Served as a member on the district’s newly-formed Congregational Growth and Development Council
• Attended the District Assembly, including Professional Days
• Completed training as a consultant for the district in regards to religious education
• Continued organization and maintenance of the church library

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COUNCIL
Trish Dean, Chair

Religious Education Council Chair: Trisha Dean

Director of Religious Education: Kathy Underwood

RE Council Members: Mila Brinker, Stan Forrester, Jennifer Briggs, Ann Kremer, Debbie Prebys, and Amy Schmidlin.

The religious education program serves children and youth from birth through high school in five classrooms and a nursery. There are 63 children and youth registered in the program. There were 11 regular visitors during the year. We had 15 teachers and have used volunteers as teacher assistants. Two professional childcare workers staff the nursery.

Our goals for this past year were:

1. Develop ways to help children and youth strengthen their connections to each other and the church community.
2. Include activities that emphasize our Unitarian Universalist principles and the connection of our faith to the church community.
3. Increase children and youth’s involvement in the church through participation in the worship services, and by presenting and sharing of classroom experiences.
4. Identify and implement at least one social justice activity for each class during the year.
5. Contact parents at least twice during the year regarding their child’s/children’s experience in the RE program.
6. Find innovative and successful ways to attract teachers and assistants.
7. Develop a teacher’s assistant schedule in order to increase parental involvement and awareness of classroom activities, and support our Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy.
8. Provide a safe environment for children and adults in our church.

Goals 1, 2 and 8 were met. Goals 3, 4, 5, 6,and 7 were partially met. All goals will be reviewed and new ones made for the next church year at the RE Council retreat in June.

Work Accomplished by the RE Council:

• Recruited fall and spring instructors to teach RE curriculum
  
• Developed safety policies for building safety, personal safety, and classroom safety
• Wrote and adopted an REC Covenant
• Chose curricula to reflect the theme of Judeo Christian Heritage
• Conducted an evaluation of the RE program
• Included “Kudos” in the Unichord to recognize those contributing to the RE program
• Organized a fine arts programs at all levels January 30 and February 6
• Offered and organized the Secret Friends program in February (February 13 was the final meeting of “friends”)
• Helped create a program for the Winter Intergenerational December 19
• Developed the RE budget for 2005-2006 year and submitted it to the Finance Committee
• Held an Easter Egg Hunt March 27
• Held a Birthday Potluck celebration on April 24 with a “May Day” theme
• Recognized teachers for the fall and spring semesters
• Encouraged youth to help as greeters
• Began implementation plan for the Sex Abuse policy

Ongoing RE Council Projects

• Discussing ideas for managing growth issues such as class size, space for RE activities, child care for younger children, second service, and information for visitors
• Planning Teacher Recognition Ceremony at the end of the year
• Supporting the RE program with adequate resources and insuring that the DRE is given sufficient hours to perform her job

YOUTH GROUP
Bob and Anne Bedard, Leaders

The youth group has had over thirty different teenagers come to our church this year. Our largest outing had over twenty youth to participate in the Guiness Book snowball fight. We have tried to vary our activities between service, education and fun. Educationally, we visited a synagogue and Greek Orthodox church. Service outings included work at Burnidge Woods and visiting a local nursing home to talk with residents. Fun outings included a lock-in at the church, participation in the world’s largest snowball fight, laser tag and pizza outings.

We have tried to have a large trip each summer that combined our objectives. Last year we went to an environmental camp. This provided knowledge about land preservation. The youth helped create trails and mulched an obstacle course. They also rock climbed, caved, hiked, and did a challenging high ropes course.

This year, we had hoped to visit an Native American reservation in South Dakota for service and education. It did not look as if we would have the necessary funding in time, so this idea has been set aside.

We have had a few fundraisers over the course of the year. These have not been too successful. Our biggest financial burden comes as a result of our growth. It is difficult for us to transport large numbers of youth with a fleet of minivans. We have been renting large passenger vans at a very good price, but this still adds up. When the youth assist on a service project, we like to treat them to a meal. This also comes from the youth account. The youth group is in need of funding from the church.

On a personal note, the fundraising projects that raised the most money a year ago came as a great sacrifice to Annie and me. We can’t afford to do this in the future. I hope that the congregation understands our needs and appreciates the incredible energy the youth bring to our church.

GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES
Kathy Hislip, Coordinator

The Groups and Activities Program consists of:

Groups:

• Race Discussion
• Interweave
• Book Discussion
• Covenant Groups:
  • Spiritual Inquiry
  • Intentional Living
  • General Discussion
  • Newcomers

Activities:

• Quilting
• Circle Suppers
• Ethnic Dining
• Biking
• Family Activities (Biking, All Church Potluck, Camping, Ice Skating)

It has been an exciting and productive year for the groups and activities programming of the church. Several new groups were formed and participation has continued to grow. A new programming policies and procedures guide was developed and put in operation this year. The procedures streamline and clarify how to begin a program and the policies ensure that information is communicated in several avenues and that all programming aligns with the church’s mission, vision and principles. Copies are available in the church office. In conjunction with Religious Education and Social Action, Groups and Activities conducted a survey of interest and participation of the church community. Plans are being made to act on the information received in the survey.

SOCIAL ACTION COUNCIL
Andrea Schmidlin, Coordinator

The Social Justice Committee at UUCE no longer exists, per se. We now have a Social Action Counsel, chaired by Andrea Schmidlin. There were several Social Action programs which were run by various Program Leaders during the 2004-2005 church year.

Supporting The Larkin Center Creekside Home
Program Leader: Roberta Nauman

We continue to support the residents of the Larkin center Creekside Home. This year we again sponsored a Giving Tree at Christmas, and we have had three get-togethers with the girls at the home. In addition, we provided funding for an outing (a play) and Equine Therapy.

Supporting The Interfaith Food Pantry
Program Leader: Henny DuBois

We donate non-perishable food items, toiletries and baby needs every month during our church year to the Interfaith Food Pantry located at the First Congregational Church of Elgin. Church members and friends of the church are reminded to bring donations on our Pantry Sunday (the first Sunday of the month) or any time during the month in the Unichord and through e-mails.

Crop Walk
Program Leader: Kevin Webster

Again this year, UUCE had several walkers participate in the annual CROP Walk Against Hunger. Numerous members of the congregation supported the walkers, and our church raised several hundred dollars in support of this cause.

Collecting Computer Ink Cartridges
Program Leader: Henny DuBois

We are pursuing having church members and friends donate their spent ink jet and laser printer cartridges to the church. Acceptable cartridges, ones that can be recycled, are sent to CKA Associates for money for our church. Church members and friends are reminded of our efforts via e-mail.

Women Cooking For Women
Program Leaders: Laurie Kiesewetter, Andrea Schmidlin & Kathy Hislip

A very exciting new program began this year – Women Cooking for Women. On the first Friday of each month women gather to cook, converse, and donate to a cause or project that supports women. We rotate between global and local causes in order to educate ourselves to the plight and concerns of women everywhere. This year, we raised over $1,000 for causes including Mukhtaran Bibi’s schools, The Community Crisis Center, Heifer International, and the Larkin Center’s Creekside Home.

Race Discussion Group
Program Leaders: Jameel Abdur-Rafia and Andrea Schmidlin

Another new program this year is the Race Discussion Group, which began meeting in February. This group meets every other week to discuss issues of race relations in our society. Several members of the group will be attending a Workshop on Communication & Racism sponsored by New Garden Community UU Church in Chicago.

GREEN SANCTUARY
Elizabeth Olson, Chair

Committee Members for 2004/2005: Elizabeth Olson, chair, Dave Segel, Mary Alice Masonick, Dan Brosier, Jack Berry, Alice Macy, Joe Masonick, Day Waterman

Goals:

• Maintain funding of wind energy through sale of green tags (tradable renewable energy certificates) equal to 100% of our church’s electricity use and expand green tag sales to include individual households
• Increase awareness of and action toward green investing
• Involve youth in “green” action
• Create multiple “opportunities for action” for the church community
• Continue to promote individual and collective practices designed to reduce global warming

Accomplishments:

• Accreditation as a Green Sanctuary by the Seventh Principle Project of the UUA was achieved in June, 2004
• Significant participation by the congregation in letter writing campaigns, the 1-2-3 Program, CFL purchasing and fair trade coffee ordering
• Honored by Interfaith Power and Light for supporting the development of wind energy in Illinois with a banner-“This Congregation Powered by the Wind”
• Church property was certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation
• Assumed responsibility for litter pick-up along the 1.5 mile stretch of Highland Ave through the Adopt-a Highway program.
• Created a new Green Sanctuary display in honor of Prairie Fest 2004

Activities:

• Held monthly committee meetings
• Offered sermons reflecting respect for the interdependent web of life
• Submitted monthly Green Corner articles in Unichord newsletter
• Provided ongoing environmental information center in Fellowship Hall including collection for recycling used batteries
• Focused on global warming issue:
• Created climate change display and information
  • Sponsored “1-2-3 Program” to encourage individuals to take action
  • Offered compact fluorescent light bulbs for sale
  • Hosted Clare Butterfield (of Faith In Place) as pulpit speaker
  • Began second year of green tag sales for the church and added sales to homeowners
• Held letter-writing campaigns to legislators and the EPA on current issues:
  • Climate Stewardship Act
  • Open Space Referendum
  • IDNR Budget Cuts
• Members of church youth group helped collect prairie seeds at Burnidge Woods Forest Preserve
• Campaigned for the Kane County Open Space Referendum, which passed in April 2005
• Added chocolate bars to the list of fair trade/organic/shade grown products for sale in Fellowship Hall on a weekly basis
• Offered installation of a programmable thermostat at the Service Auction
• Reduced temperature setting for when church is unoccupied
• Offered recycling opportunities:
  • Collected used household batteries throughout year
  • Collected used greeting cards after winter holidays
• Posted Procurement and Re-usables Policies in kitchen for reference by congregation
• Organized Elgin group of shareholders in Community Supported Agriculture farm
• Held two Adopt-A-Highway clean-ups along Highland Ave. one in October and one for children 10 and older on May 1st.
• Networked with area churches:
  • UUSJ Environmental Task Force
  • Illinois Interfaith Council on Climate Change
  • Outreached GS program to churches in Central Midwest District
• Served on Prairie Seed Team for Prairie Fest held in October 2004 and planned for October 2005
  • Helped recruit and host speakers
  • Collaborated with RE to train junior high youth to demonstrate ground water contamination process, including methods of prevention
  • Sold fair trade coffee, tea and hot chocolate at the Fest
  • Set up a GS display about the committee’s work
• Assisted in the church’s native landscaping efforts

ADMINISTRATION

AESTHETICS TEAM
Mila Brinker, Team Leader

Our aesthetics team members are Mila Brinker, Linda Porter, Kathy Hislip and Jim Burnidge.

This past year was spent discussing and making decisions on the following:

• Commissioned artist/member Lisa Kerpoe to create an art cloth of world religions for foyer.
• Purchased 3 new cushions for "kids corner" in Fellowship Hall.
• Purchased fabric for tables for first floor.
• Discussed Christmas decorations.
• Discussed placement of "stuff swap" table.
• Discussed art donation policies.
• Sorted and thinned third floor stored art work.
• Moved tables from under coffee counter to front closet.
• Made curtain for front closet.
• Framed and hung one world religions poster in kitchen.
• Worked with Trent Sherrell to help design closing song words to be printed outside of sanctuary.
• Strengthened Chalice table.
• Obtained price quote for replacing flooring in first floor bathrooms.

BUILDING TEAM
Andy Carey, Team Leader

Listed below is an overview of the tasks accomplished by the Building Team during the year (May 2004-2005). The activities or items described below are grouped according to the room/rooms in which the project took place.

Entry Foyer:

• Curtain rod installed at closet

First Floor Classrooms, Offices, and Kitchen:

• Rack installed to hang easels and paper on.
• Doors adjusted and planed to close properly in Dan’s office and church office.
• New lock installed on kitchen door.
• New window cranks on child care windows.
• Frozen water line in childcare bathroom resolved.
• Leak at furnace intake in Dan’s office repaired.
• Two furnaces cleaned and serviced. New igniter needed on one of the furnaces installed.
• Coat rack installed in childcare room.

Second Floor:

• Heating issues resolved.

Third Floor:

• Serviced three furnaces (cleaned and replaced air filters).
• Caulked leaking furnace vents of roof.
• Replaced broken heat link in ductwork for second floor heat.

Routine Tasks:

• Changed batteries in exit signs in church.
• A special thanks to Jim Porter and Norm Wilkinson for their assistance throughout the year (frozen water line help, light bulb replacement and general maintenance)

CANVASS COMMITTEE
Joe Masonick and Rusty Winchel, Co-Chairs

Canvass 2005, “Tending Our Roots; A Prairie Revival” focused on strengthening the one of the basic roots of the health of a church; the financial support of the programs and ministry of UUCE. The committee goal was to show the financial support required to maintain our current ministry, to expand key programs and to ask the members and friends of UUCE to fund our church at that level.

Unichord articles and announcements during Sunday services were used to call attention to the “programs based budget” approach to church funding, key items increasing the financial needs of the church and to set expectations for the upcoming campaign. The Canvass Brochure, focusing on the important roll UUCE fills in many of our lives, was mailed early in February to inform members and friends of the upcoming campaign.

Canvass 2005 kicked off with a “UU Revival” on February 27. The service offered inspired exhortation to fund our church, great music and passionate testimonials from several congregation members on the benefits from having given generously to the church.

A Canvass Committee Sponsored “Garden Party” lunch followed the service with an opportunity both to socialize and for the canvassers to begin to contact the members and friends of UUCE.

As of April 12, 2005, the pledged financial support for UUCE stood at approximately $120,000 for the 2005/2006 fiscal year. While short of the goal to reach $150,000 in pledges for the new fiscal year, this is still over a 9% increase from the previous years pledge. Our thanks to all who helped make this achievement possible!

The Canvass Committee has a strong group of committed members; most having served multiple years working to help finance the ministry of UUCE.

• Leslie Sawyer
• Paul Anderson
• David Briggs
• Dennis Schwank
• Joe Masonick
• Rusty Winchel

In addition, Cheren Waller works as an ad hoc member of committee supporting the Garden Party activity of the Canvass. Tim Davis contributed greatly to the campaign this year acting as an independent sounding board for ideas and committee direction. Linda Porter is the Executive Team liaison to the Canvass Committee providing thoughtful insight and logistical support to the team. Jackie VanDeWarker provided the lists, labels and back-office support to keep the committee on schedule.

Many other members of the church volunteer their time to support the face-to-face canvassing activity so critical to the success of the committee. Those generous members include:

• Donna Askins
• Kim Cecil
• Margo Cusimano
• Tim Davis
• Dan Hislip
• Kathy Hislip
• Bob Jackson
• Lydia Larrabee
• Alice Macy
• Rhonda Merritt
• Mike Moutrie
• Elizabeth Olson
• Jim Porter
• Linda Porter
• Doug Pratt
• Carol Schoengart
• Todd Underwood
• Mila Brinker
• Andy Carey

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH COORDINATOR
Linda Porter

2004-2005 was another year of growth and change for our church community. Some of the activities that have occurred to foster community, enhance leadership and encourage growth were:

• The creation of a Programming Council and the approval of new guidelines and policies for creating groups in our church. This has resulted in more programming and more opportunities for people to get involved.
• The change of organizational structure to a permission giving model which empowers staff and church leaders to make decisions within limitations set by the Board under policy governance.
• A team approach to getting much of the work done at our church, under the guidance of the newly formed Executive Team.

This is the final year that I will be serving as Community Development and Growth Coordinator. My position was a three year commitment. Thanks to all of the church members, leaders and staff who have worked along with me to build and grow our church community.

ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE
Jim Porter, Chair

The Endowment Committee consists of the following individuals:

• Jim Burnidge - Treasurer
• Jim Porter - Chair
• Carol Schoengart - Secretary

The Endowment Committee oversees the endowment trust funds of the UUCE. At the close of the 2004-2005 fiscal year these funds amounted to $28k and are invested in three instruments:

1. First Community Bank CD $18,000
2. Old second National Bank CD $ 5,000
3. First Community bank Money Market Account $ 5,065

During the FY 2004-2005 $1,600 was contributed to the endowment fund. Most of these contributions were memorial gifts given in memory of deceased family or church members.

Interest earned by the Endowment Fund is contributed as income to the UUCE Church Budget. During FY 2004-2005 the fund was able to donate $188 towards church expenses. As we all know interest rates were extremely low during this period, which resulted in very low earnings for the Endowment Funds portfolio. Rates have recently begun to increase and we anticipate that the Endowment Fund will be able to contribute $450 toward the church budget for FY 2005-2006.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Alice Macy, Chair

The Finance Committee oversees the financial affairs of the church, including the review of monthly statements, insurance, the Annual Canvass, fundraising, IRS reporting of payroll taxes, and the development of the budget to submit to the Board and congregation.

Members of the Finance Committee were Dan Brosier, Henny DuBois, Rhonda Merritt, Eric Prebys, Dennis Schwank, and Alice Macy, Treasurer and Chair. Betsi Waldron served as Financial Secretary, assisted by Pat Pecho.

HOSPITALITY TEAM
Cheren Waller, Team Leader

1. Requested volunteers to greet, make coffee & clean up on church Sundays
2. Assisted in making coffee, putting out snacks and clean up after church
3. Provided snacks & drinks for coffee hour and the nursery
4. Assisted with the Service Auction, Garden Party and New Members Receptions in January & May
5. Coordinated the New Members' BBQ
6. Worked with other committees to coordinate after church activities (i.e.- bake sales for Anderson Animal Shelter, quilting bake sales, etc)
7. Greeted, made coffee, drinks and put out snacks and completed clean up during the summer church services

LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS TEAM
Members of the Landscape and Grounds Team are Suzanne Hanifl, Sheena John, Mary Alice Masonick, Jim Porter, Linda Porter, Kathy Underwood, and Janine Vanko.

Activities of the committee were as follows:

• Prairie – The prairie beside the cemetery was burned by the Pingree Grove Fire Department early April. We will cut the remaining prairie in late spring. It will be burned in 2006. Plants from Kane County will be planted in the burned area in May.
• Meditation Garden – A lilac bush was planted in the Meditation Garden in honor of Colleen Connelly. New grape vines will also be added to the garden.
• Labyrinth – The Earth Wisdom Labyrinth was herbicided, weeded, and mulched by the Youth Group in late summer. They did a great job and as a result the weeds are down this year. Three people have agreed to be caretakers for the Labyrinth – Kathy Underwood, Norm Wilkinson, and Janine Vanko. They will continue planting native grass and flowers on the berm in 2004-2005.
• Maintenance – Maintenance of the church grounds is an on-going process. Mowers for 2003-2004 were Paul Anderson, Tim Davis, Carl Deitrick, Mitch Kremer, Joe Masonick, Jim Porter, Todd Underwood, Janine Vanko and Norm Wilkinson. Garden caretakers were Dan Brosier, Mary Alice Masonick, Carol and Sherman Ovelmen, Jim Porter, Linda Porter, Kathy Underwood, Norm Wilkinson, and Janeen Vanko. In addition, the professional services of Carmen Rodriquez Landscaping were used to assist with landscaping efforts and maintenance. This professional maintenance was partially funded by Paul and Susan Hanifl and overseen in part by Sheena John. We encourage members and friends to join us on workdays which are announced in the Unichord, Sunday Worship Order of Service and at uus@uuce.org.
• Other Activities: 1) Labels were installed on or in front of all trees and bushes donated to the church by members and friends. 2) The stepping stone path to the playground was completed and grass sown between the stones. 3) Jim Porter, Norm Wilkinson and Mary Alice Masonick continue to lead efforts to clear weeds and invasive plants from the fence line. 4) Additional bushes were planted on the berm in front of the back fence line. 5) We will begin an experimental rain garden in the area behind the out building where the water table is high and it frequently floods in the Spring. 6) A red maple tree was planted in honor of Eddy Lund and a sugar maple was replaced.

MEMBERSHIP TEAM
Linda Porter, Coordinator

As of April 15, 2005, we have gained 17 new members. We were saddened to lose two long time members of our church, Colleen Connelly and Arvid Molitor. In addition, two member families moved away from the church this year – Lisa Kerpoe and Steve Ortman and the Stafford/ Landauer family. Due to these changes in our church community and the resignation of three more members our membership total remains steady at 150. We have continued to have a record number of visitors to our church and many of our church services were at capacity of 80% or 130 people present.

We continue to welcome and integrate visitors and newcomers to our Church through:

• Sponsorship of the Welcoming Team, which welcomes and offers information about our church to visitors. Welcoming Team members include Kathy Hislip, Kerry Lantau, Edythe Nagler, Jim Porter, Linda Porter, Kevin Webster, Phil and Sandy Webster, and Shirley Wolin
• Special events such as the New U classes taught by Dan Brosier, the Annual Newcomer BBQ, a New Comer Covenant Group and the New Member Ceremony and Reception
• New member interviews to evaluate our membership efforts and learn more about newcomers to our church

In addition, we connected regularly with the Care Team to ensure that the needs or our current members are being met; and with Programs and Activities Committee to help sponsor activities which are open to all our members and friends. The new Membership Coordinator for 2005-2005 is Pat Pecho.

PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM
Kathy Hislip, Team Leader

During the last fiscal year, the Public Relations Team grew in size and in outreach. The team included Todd Underwood, Kevin Webster, Linda Porter and Kathy Hislip throughout the 2004-2005 church year. Betsi Waldron, David Briggs and Sheryl Spence joined the team in April.

The specific itemization of various approaches to PR by the team include the following:

• Publicity regarding the Prairie Fest
• National Public Radio advertising
• Weekly Newspaper articles
• Yellow page advertising
• Mailings to real estate transfers
• Expansion of the Web site
• Tracking of how people find us

The team is now coordinating a comprehensive marketing and publicity plan as well as attending to the publicity of the upcoming Prairie Fest II.