October 20th, 2022
Lisbet White, Gene Pusateri, Louisa Berger, Carole McWilson, Lanore Jones, Judy DeGenova, Tim Raridon, Rev. Joseph, and Lindsay Sinkovich were present. Gene O’Brien was welcomed to speak on behalf of safety in the church and Kathleen Hogue was welcomed to speak on behalf of continuing plans for RE.
Securing our finances-Due to many factors, our current financial situation is in need of a serious boost.Adecline in pledges paired with continued inflation have left the church in need of financial support to maintain and to improve the life of the church and the greater community. With the continued monthly losses, we must act now to sustain a rich inheritance going back 130 years since the church’s founding in 1892. While we understand that many in the Mahoning Valley are also struggling financially, we ask that you step up to give what you can, so that we can sustain and pay forward the legacy of UUYO.
What is UUYO worth to you?-Given the dire, but not impossible state of our finances, the agenda included a prayer session. During the prayer, Rev. Joseph asked each person at the table to take a moment to think about the impact that UUYO has had on their life and to share what makes UUYO valuable to each person. While each person differed slightly in what they brought to the table—a common thread was woven deeply in that each person’s reflection discussed how they had found a community to which they truly belonged and found resounding acceptance.Another point surfaced during the prayer: the fact that UUYO is the only church of its kind in the Mahoning Valley. Without the presence of UUYO, those of the Unitarian Universalist faith would have quite a distance to travel to attend other UU churches in Kent, Cleveland, or Pittsburgh. For a great many of our congregants, this weekly travel would not be an option. As we enter pledge season, I ask you to consider what UUYO is worth to you, and to pledge accordingly as you are able.
Growing membership-Hand in hand with securing our finances is growing our membership. The group brainstormed ways to reach more deeply into the community and one suggestion was to make a concerted effort to reach untapped potential at Youngstown State University. Lindsay volunteered to inquire about permissions to hang flyers and distribute other materials at YSU promoting UUYO. Carole suggested that we welcome friends to join us at church as an “each one, reach one” style campaign, but with a more robust approach than in the summer.Any and all suggestions for growing membership are highly encouraged. Please reach out to lindsay.sinkovich@gmail.com or any other members of the Board, if you want to share your thoughts.
Church Safety- Gene O’Brien spoke on behalf of continued church safety measures. To maintain safety and to manage disruption, we will continue to lock the Illinois Side door at 10:50 am; entry will be from the front double doors and the handicap entrance.
Promoting Religious Education-Despite a series of setbacks, Kathleen Hogue continues to build the RE program into a thriving entity. Kathleen, along with the group, have decided to put off hiring an assistant at this time given the budget constraints. Please join Kathleen for (2) upcoming events. First is the Youngstown Trails of Treats at Wick Park on Saturday October 29 from 4-7pm. Second, UUYO will be sponsoring a Trunk or Treat on Monday, October 31 starting at 5:30pm.As always, volunteers to assist Kathleen are greatly appreciated. Please connect with her if you are interested: dre@uuyo.org
Respectfully submitted, Lindsay Sinkovich, Trustee