The following members were present:  Gene Pusateri, Lanore Jones, Tim Raridon, Louisa Berger, Rev. Joseph Boyd, Judy DeGenova, John Shartle, Lisbet White,  and Carole McWilson.  

We all checked in and lit the chalice.  

Consent Agenda  The minister’s report, the minutes of the August meeting, and the financial report were accepted as submitted.  

Ongoing Business 

New Chalice – Lanore reported that we are waiting for the wording for the dedication plaque.

Partnership – Lanore reported that Linda Mohn is accepting the names of people who would like to be mentors for this partnership. 

Sanctuary Accessibility – Liset has contacted 2 other contractors, Murphy and Brock, to get estimates for modifying the seating in the sanctuary.  She will forward the details to them.  

Outreach Workshops – Melissa Smith and Lola Lewis attended the first workshop,  Randy Cox and Sarah King attended the second workshop.  Louisa suggested that we ask Kathleen to attend the third.  

Pledge Drive – Lisbet reported that it seems we are moving toward a year-round pledge model., using computer and mail notification to remind people to renew their pledges.  Lanore and Sue Anzellotti will work on continuing the traditional pledge drive model as well.  Rev. Joseph asked about what the next step will be.  

Generative Discussion

Getting together in person

The question still looms –  how will we work toward having services in the sanctuary again.

*  As long as the weather is nice, Rev. Joseph is open to having  hybrid zoom and outdoor services.  

*It is very important to remember that our tech team is composed of volunteers.

* It was proposed that we could use automated messages ( phone and/or text) to notify folks if the outdoor service had to be cancelled at the last minute. 

* UUA requires ventilation of the sanctuary in order for us to go back indoors.  That is not feasible in our sanctuary.   

*There was much discussion about what the best course of action would be.  Perhaps we are putting our energies in the wrong direction.  

*It was suggested that we focus on social gatherings to be held outdoors – story nights, movies, game nights, concerts.

*** John moved that we keep the services virtual and supplement with outdoor social opportunities for us to gather in person.  Lanore seconded.  Motion passed.  

Religious Education

Kathleen has worked very hard to be in contact with the parents of our children.  There has been very little response.  Perhaps she needs our assistance in getting RE off the starting point.  The question arose – how can we direct her energies to make better use of her many talents?  

One way would be to focus on RE for all ages and adult education.  Another way would be to ask her to plan some of the outdoor social activities.  

New Business  

• Carole and Lanore have scheduled a meeting with Third Space Action Lab for September 23. This will be an introductory meeting.
• John has had thoughts about how to use his experience as a prison warden to achieve social justice in our area.  He sees a lot of racial bias in the criminal system.  Gene suggested he might contact former Judge Patrick Kerrigan, director of the Oakhill Collaborative.  The board encouraged him as we felt his experience is very valuable.  
• Gene would like to hand out “In this house, we believe…” flyers at the Youngstown Flea.  This idea received unanimous support.  The next Youngstown Flea is October 9.  

Housekeeping

The next meeting will be October 21 .  It is planned to be a zoom meeting at this time.  Roles for the next meeting are:

Facilitator – John

Process observer – Gene

Secretary – Judy

Bits from the Board – Tim

Thank UU’s – Lanore

Thank UU’s to be sent to :

Roger and Marguerite – cleaning and weeding the flower beds

Kady – Beautification of our gardens

Kathleen – working toward successful RE program

Diana Mason – stepping up to be worship assistant in October.  

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.