Annual Report 2001 - 2002

Contents

Warrant

Nominating Committee Report

Deaths

Memorial Gifts

New Members

200th Anniversary
Adult Education
Buildings and Grounds
Denominational Affairs
Hospitality
Human Services
Membership
Music
Religious Education
Renovation Steering
Welcoming Congregation
Womens Alliance
Worship
Board of Trustees
Parish
Visiting Group
Social Action
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish
Committee on Ministry/Sabbatical Leave
Historical
Finance

Current Year
Results for 2000-2001 Fiscal Year
Proposed Operating Budget - July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003
Canvass Report

WARRANT

The Proprietors of the Pleasant Street Church and the members of the First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist in Newburyport, MA are hereby notified to convene for their Annual Meeting in the Parish Hall on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 at 7:30 PM, it being in the bylaws as amended, there and then, to act upon the following articles.

Article 1: To act upon the reports of the officers and committees.

Article 2: To act upon the 2002-2003 budget recommended by the Parish Committee.

Article 3: To act upon the recommendation of the Nominating Committee for the election of officers and chairpersons.

Article 4: To act upon the recommendations of the Renovation Steering Committee to approve the Building Renovation Project including: project scope, commitment of funds, authorization for the Parish Committee to borrow funds, and project administration

Article 5: To act upon any other business which may legally come before the Parish.

Nominating Committee Report

Position	Candidate	End
Parish Committee	Eric Goodkind	June-03
	Nancy Kidd	June-05
	Bill Zarakas	June-05
	Russ Meade	June-05
Parish Clerk	Peg Nicol	June-03
Treasurer	Maura Perkins/Stan Cecil	June-03
Auditor	Matin Madden	June-03
Moderator	Florence Mercer	June-03
Trustee	Susan Ricker	June-05
Adult Education	Rebecca Jordan	June-03
Building Chairperson	Peter Erickson	June-03
Denominational Affairs Chairperson	Steve James/Kathy Seidel	June-03
Finance Chairperson	Lynn Kettleson	June-03
Hospitality Chairperson	Marilyn Archibald/Lucy Lockwood	June-03
Human Services	Alicia Raddatz	June-03
Membership Chairperson	Bettina Turner and Jane Nocera	June-03
Music Chairperson	Todd Herrmann	June-03
Religious Education Chairperson	Amy Weickert and Lucy Lockwood	June-03
Welcoming Congregation Chairperson	Sandra Horn	June-03
Worship Chairperson	Cynthia Raschke	June-03
Ministry Committee	Laura Roberts	June-06
Social Concerns Committee	Pat Hurzeler	June-03
GA Delegates	Alexander Mezey	June-03
	John Mercer	June-03
	Alec White	June-03

Deaths

The following members and friends of the First Religious Society have died since the last Annual Meeting (May 30, 2001):

Eleanor Bailey
Hope Bradshaw
Pemberton Minster
Philip Stern
Edith Rice

Memorial Gifts

Funds were donated to the Church during the fiscal year 2001 in trust by or in memory of:

Eleanor Bailey
Janet Corrigan
Robert Fraser
Margaret Gayden Morrill Wilkins

New Members

Since our last Annual Meeting we have welcomed 20 persons into the membership of the First Religious Society.

200th Anniversary Committee

Harold Babcock was the fifteenth minister of the First Religious Society when an important milestone was to be recognized in the life of this church - the 200th anniversary of the building of the Meetinghouse. A 2001 celebration committee was formed in 1999 and co chaired by Rochelle Perry-Platine and Elizabeth Kray. With a number of ideas and responses from a congregational survey and a healthy budget, the celebration centered on historical, educational, social, and spiritual aspects of the church. There were many wonderful activities the first half of the year that were outlined in last year's annual report.

During the summer of 2001, "The Meeting House Revels" performed four times during Yankee Homecoming Week. This production, written and directed by Stacey April Fix, incorporated the two hundred years of human history of the Meetinghouse and the three hundred years since becoming a parish. It was extremely successful thanks to the hard work of many, many individuals and the cast ranging in ages from six to eighty-nine. With its unique stage, historical content and creative song and dance, it was the beacon that brought many to our church during Yankee Homecoming. The Newburyport News wrote: 'It is, in sum, a standard by which re-enactments will be measured for as long as there are those interested in recreating the past for appreciation of the present" and "The First Religious Society has provided us with a unique opportunity to appreciate their presence and their contribution - this splendid community of communities since 1635 will continue to find ways to breath life into the past - ancient and recent - so that we can better appreciate the roots which continue to nourish us as we make our own way." We couldn't have said it better!

After a brief respite, the first service of the fall honored the Reverend Thomas B. Fox. The entire congregation participated in a flower communion by placing fresh flowers in an archway placed in front of the pulpit. After the service, the congregation caravanned to Maudlsey State Park just like the parishioners of Fox's time. Everyone enjoyed an afternoon of food, fellowship, games, and hayrides sponsored by Rebecca Robertson and Leanna Sorcar of the Worship Committee. This wonderful event to celebrate the return to church may become a tradition yet again.

Professor Kimberly Patton, Associate Professor at Harvard Divinity School, was the guest speaker on September 23rd. Her thought provoking sermon, "Windows, Icons, and the Light of Heaven" discussed the significance and symbolism of church windows. John Mercer's two sonnets, "Nineteen Century Glass" and "Devotions: For Ben Stone" were wonderful additions to the service.

On September 30th, the Meetinghouse was rededicated. The congregation gathered on that brisk and windy day in Market Square, the site of the first Meetinghouse, to hear a brief history delivered by the Reverend Harold Babcock. The entire congregation then processed to the Pleasant Street Meetinghouse as had been done two hundred years past, singing "Forward Through the Ages." The Reverend Bert Steeves led the responsive reading "A Place of Meeting." Liz Kray and Rochelle Perry-Platine joined the two ministers for the unveiling of the granite plaque that was made to honor the occasion. The congregation sang the 200th anniversary hymn and then gathered outside to collect their wishes for the future on strips of paper, which were burned in a releasing ceremony. Once again the Hospitality Committee sponsored a lovely reception in the Parish Hall complete with the obligatory "Birthday Cake."

The Membership Committee, chaired by Bettina Turner, hosted the "Ghosts from the Past" party on October 27th. The Parish Hall was transformed into a ghostly wooded cemetery decorated with gravestones and a gallery of questionable ancestors. Guests of all ages came dressed as "Ghosts from the Past." There was storytelling and games for the children, fabulous food for all. The evening concluded with circle dancing under gigantic festive lanterns to the music of an intergenerational ensemble.

Bert Steeves graced the pulpit again on October 28th and gave an inspiring sermon about our Unitarian roots, "Looking Back to See Ahead." In this sermon he reflected on the past to enlighten where we are and why we are.

Lance Wisniewski coordinated the production of a video, which includes the "Meeting House Revels" performance, and highlights of the year's festivities to wrap up the yearlong celebration. At this writing it is still in production but it is hoped to be completed soon.

The 2001-year events ended having fostered fellowship and unity not only within the First Religious Society, but also with the greater Newburyport Community. We are grateful to all who helped and dedicated themselves to this endeavor during the past year. It would not have been nearly as successful with out all of your help and we thank you! The motto of the celebration was "We wish to Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, and Dedicate Ourselves to the Future." This mission was gratifyingly accomplished. Our dream is to have it continue to guide us. In 1901, at the 100th anniversary celebration, Nathan Withington sent his greetings to the "friends of one hundred years hence." The present congregation sends greetings to those of you who will celebrate the next milestone in the history of the First Religious Society.

Respectfully submitted,

Rochelle Perry-Platine and Elizabeth Kray
Co-Chairs

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Adult Education Committee

This was a successful year of renewal for the Adult Education Committee. The Committee began 2001 without a chair or members. At year-end, we have an active membership, meet monthly, have sponsored several new programs, and are planning many more.

Programs
The First Religious Society continues to offer a broad range of adult education programming. New programs offered by the Adult Education Committee this year were:

The Spiritual Ramifications of Grief,
New Testament Video Series,
TheNewUU,
The Open Book Group.

In addition to programs sponsored by the Adult Education Committee, the First Religious Society continues to provide a number of programs on an ad hoc basis:

Parents as Resident Theologians,
Play Readers,
Men Can Read Too,
Women's Book Group,
Harold's Series.

Goals for 2002-2003
Improve Current Program Support. For 2002-2003, the Adult Education Committee will seek to provide more support to programs that are not sponsored by the Committee. The Committee intends to compile and produce a catalog of all programming offered by the FRS, coordinate publicity for programming, and offer budgetary support, as necessary .

Survey FRS Adult Education Needs. In the spring of 2002, we will conduct a survey of the FRS community to assess needs and preferences for adult education programming.

Curriculum Mapping. Based on the results of our survey, we will consult with the UUA to align the FRS's needs for new programming to UUA curricula.

Offer New Programs. Based on the results of our survey, for 2002-2003, we will offer new programs. Initial proposals for new programming are these:

Speaker Series,
Yoga,
Mediation,
Afterwords,
Covenant Groups.

Budget
For 2001-2002 the Adult Education Committee was allocated $500, of which no money was spent. For 2002-2003, Committee requests the same $500 allocation. We expect expenses related to curriculum purchase and printing of publicity materials.

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca Jordan, Chair

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Buildings and Grounds

At the time of this writing, we find ourselves at a most interesting juncture between the old and the new. The old: care and preservation of this historic Meeting House and the new: planning for the future needs of our growing church community ,,,a community which has come to rely upon these facilities in ever increasing ways…a response, perhaps, to these ever uncertain times.

Vinny Wood and Roy Tattersall have taken care of much of the maintenance of those things that we all notice when they need to be fixed, and often take for granted when in good order. Roy has watched over the contractors and staff who paint, roof, plumb, heat, mow, plow, clean and electrify. Vinny, as our in-house contractor has assembled another portfolio of restoration projects this year. Included are extensive repairs to the belfry, repair to rotted exterior windows, window restoration behind the "art gallery", sistering of failed floor joists in the vestibule, rebuilding pew #55 (destroyed by wood borers), disassembling and rebuilding 20 steeple light fixtures and more….much more.

Personally, I am thrilled with the level of participation and expertise of our entire committee. Bob Thurlow: Budget and financial reports, Greg Garnache: Condition surveys, Barry Kray: PC Liaison and Scribe, Jim Kidd: Fire suppression systems, Peter McNamee: Technology…and always room for one more if you care to join the committee!

And now, the most needed and ambitious project in more than two centuries stands before us.

The Building Committee strongly endorses renovation of the lower level of the church for classrooms, offices and community space. Also included will be accessible restrooms and narthex, fire protection systems, and landscaping. In anticipation of approval of this initiative, the Building Committee has reduced our budget projections for next year by $12,000. This long overdue and much needed, project has been waiting in dormancy since the Meeting House was completed in 1801. After years of struggling over how to use limited space and where to gain access to the lower level of the church, the solution finally presented itself. Hidden from view, below two double width windows at grade, facing the side yard, are rubble stone "knock-outs" built into the foundation, allowing access from what will become a sunken terrace adjacent to the building on the North. Those Yankees who founded this building knew that there would be a use for the ample space below the main floor of the church…it only took two hundred years to see the need and complete the project.

Following an interesting and inclusive design process which was directed by the Renovation Steering Committee, and architect Andrew Sidford ( a design which, even now, will allow for further refinements) the architectural drawings are ready to commence construction.

On May 29 we will gather at the annual meeting…caring for the past and planning for the needs of the future. An historic vote will be taken. Please lend your support to completion of this worthwhile project.

We thank-you!

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Erickson, Chair

DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

The Denominational Affairs Committee seeks to keep the Congregation informed of denominational concerns (Unitarian Universalist Association, Massachusetts Bay District) and make recommendations to the Parish Committee as necessary.

The major goal of this year has been to reconstitute the committee (last annual report 1999). Related goals accomplished include: scheduling of regular committee meetings, beginning corresponding reports to the congregation, review and distribution of Denominational Affairs (DA) incoming mail, creation of an annual DA activities timeline, and establishing a volunteer list. The Committee completed a congregational survey regarding Directives for General Assembly Action on seven Study/Action Issues. Resource people have been contacted and materials gathered for a Denominational Affairs informational display and member recruitment table at the upcoming Garden Coffee Hour and Committee Sunday sponsored by the Membership Committee. A meeting for our delegates to GA 2002 in Quebec City has been scheduled for June.

Discussion and/or preliminary work has begun on the following goals for next year: Denominational Sunday Worship Service (guest Speaker) in October, Fundraiser for Partner Church in fall as well as providing more information in general about the Partner Church Program, Consideration of membership in the International Council of Unitarian Universalists, Increasing awareness of denominational current issues as well as resources/benefits, and Planning for GA 2003 in Boston (last held here in 1978).

The same co-chairs will continue next year. The Denominational Affairs budget includes memberships dues to the UUA and MBD.

Our delegation to General Assembly , Partner Church Program, UU Service Committee, and UU Affiliate Organizations are all supported by the budget of this committee which seemed appropriate. Increases in dues and a re-projection of fundraising goals will be reflected in next year's budget.

Benefits of membership in the UUA include: Availability of consultants ( This year Wayne Clark in Finance and Liz Strong in RE assisted FRS ), UU World magazine, UUA website (news, resources for committees and members etc.) educational curriculum for children/youth/adults, publication of flyers/pamphlets about Unitarian Universalism and a variety of related topics, support for our district. Benefits of MBD membership include: District Link Newsletter, MBD Website (Access district services and resources), and a variety of local chapter groups including (Ministers Association, Administrators Association, RE Team, Musician's Network, Leadership Resources Council (District Consultants).

We thank the FRS administration for providing excellent support, explanations, and structure and hope for continued proactive questions and reminders.

Respectfully submitted -- Kathy Seidel and Steve James

Hospitality Committee

Vicki Dyer recruited and coordinated Coffee Hour hosts and hostesses again this year. Our crowds have continued to be large, but by having two families as hosts, they seem to be accommodated by our beverages and snacks (if not by our available space). After three consecutive years of making phone calls and shopping trips to stock the kitchen, Vicki will be resigning from her post this year.

The Hospitality Committee ended the last church year with one 200th Anniversary event, a very well-received Strawberry Shortcake Coffee Hour on Father's Day. We also planned and hosted a special coffee hour to mark the end of the 200th Anniversary celebration in September. In addition to our usual Christmas Cookie Exchange, we also put on special coffee hours for Martin Luther King Sunday and Merrimack Valley District Sunday, when joint services were held in our church.

We were pleased to support the Annual Canvass/Capital Campaign by providing food and beverages for all the training sessions this spring.

We found this winter that almost all the teaspoons in the church kitchen have disappeared. The Women's Alliance has generously replaced them for us.

The May Breakfast, this Saturday, May 4th, raised approximately $500 for the church. As a fundraiser, it was slightly less successful than the previous year, but it served as a fun way of bringing our community together for a few hours of eating, chatting, and waiting on each other. Members of the Hospitality Committee are looking at ways to allow more people to take part, now that spring Saturday mornings are so tied up with organized sport activities. One option under consideration is a Sunday brunch.

The last event we'll be organizing this year will be the Potluck Supper prior to Annual Meeting on May 29th, but we will also be actively participating in Committee Sunday on June 2nd.

Our new Chairmen (once elected at Annual Meeting) will be Marilyn Archibald, Hospitality Committee, and Lucy Lockwood, Coffee Hour Coordinator.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Verret-Speck, Chairman

Human Services Committee Activities

Throughout the year

Salvation Army Dinners

Various members organized the food preparation and serving for five dinners at the Newburyport Salvation Army, providing about 40 individuals with a much-needed hot meal.

Pettingill House and Turning Point, Inc

We have been collecting canned goods, towels, bed linens and personal care items for the above local organizations throughout the year instead ofhaving date-specific drives. These drives have been very successful. However, it is difficult to estimate the quantity of items delivered.

Knitting With Eileen

Eileen Fitzgerald offered knitting workshops every other week throughout the year to Church members in exchange for food donations to local pantries. Materials are provided courtesy of donations from Classic Elite Yarns and Betty Pike. Invitations to join the workshops were also extended to Turning Point and the Women's Crisis Center.

Steeple Weekly Minutes

Following each Committee meeting, we have forwarded our minutes to the e-Steeple Bi-Weekly to keep the Church membership informed and also to encourage greater participation.

Fall/Winter 2001

Guest At Your Table

At Thanksgiving, Alicia Raddatz and Eileen Fitzgerald organized Guest at Your Table box contributions to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee totaling $2110.26. Once again, we will qualify for the "Vision of Justice Banner Society Award" because more than 20 per cent of our members are now U.U.S.C. members. We will also qualify for the James Luther Adams A ward given to congregations for annual line item budget contributions equal to at least one dollar per member. Our membership also supported the UUSC by purchasing $214 worth of holiday greeting cards.

Community Service Food Bank Drive

During the holidays, church members contributed to the Newburyport Community Services Food Bank by filling a number of boxes with basic food items.

Meals on Wheels

Alicia Raddatz researched volunteer opportunities with Meals on Wheels and presented the program to the Church membership.

Ringing the Salvation Army Bell

Also during the holiday season, Betty Pike and other church members helped the Salvation Army fundraising efforts by ringing the bell.

Spring 2001

American Cancer Society: Daffodil Sunday

Barbara Burnim organized church members' contributions to the American Cancer Society by purchasing daffodils for Daffodil Sunday during March and by making direct contributions. A total of$538 was raised exceeding last year's sum.

Hollingsworth Family

At the suggestion of Ann White and Ann Verret-Speck, the Human Services Committee will take on the Church's program with the Hollingsworth family. Eileen Fitzgerald wrote a letter to Lue Bertha introducing the Committee and describing the transition. A disposable camera was also sent so that pictures could be used to re-acquaint Church members with them.

Walk Against Violence -The Women's Crisis Center

Church members contributed over $1,133.00 to the Women's Crisis Center, a local agency providing support services to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Despite the inclement weather, approximately 15 adults participated in the walk in Newburyport on April 28th.

Summer Camperships for Turning Point, Inc

Alicia Raddatz volunteered to work with Young Church to raise funds for summer camperships that are offered to children living in both the Safe Recovery and Mainstream Housing Programs.

Garden Coffee Hour and Committee Sunday

The Human Services will participate in Garden Sunday scheduled for June 2nd. Posters will be displayed describing the Committee's various activities and projects in the hope that greater participation will follow.

Respectfully submitted,

Eileen Fitzgerald

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee has been meeting regularly on the first Sunday of every month .This past year we have focused on the following tasks and special events:

Recruiting Committee Members
Throughout the fall we recruited six new members for our committee. In the months before, we had been seriously shorthanded and had difficulty attending to more than the most urgent tasks. The new members input and energy has been a great boost in the second half of the year!

Events
The main event our committee sponsored last fall was the "Ghosts of the Past" party at the end of October. This family centered event included a fall harvest dinner in the parish hall, followed by a family folk dance with live music upstairs. We had a caller who also led some of our very own musicians, including children and teens, in playing dance music. We also offered a period of games and storytelling for children. This evening was our contribution to the 200th anniversary celebration year. It was well attended and the feedback we received was very positive.

Our committee also organized two Circle Dinners, in October and March. We continue to offer "Family Circle Dinners" and "Adults only Circle Dinners", as there has been demand for both. We plan to continue these community building favorites and possibly incorporate new ideas, such as themed Circle Dinners.

There was no Midwinter Party this year. We committed instead to help with a final 2001 Celebration event, which was to replace the party. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, this event could not be held as planned.

Our final event this year is a "Garden Coffee Hour and Committee Sunday" on June 2, the day our minister returns to the pulpit after his sabbatical. All committees and many social groups within the church will represent themselves with the goal to inform and educate community members and friends, and to possibly recruit new members. If successful, we hope to make this festive and informative event a regular institution at least once every year.

Regular Tasks and Projects
The Membership Committee maintains the Visitor's Table in the church vestibule and has been responsible for staffing it every Sunday. We continue to assist the minister in planning New Member Sundays several times a year.

In addition, we introduced "color-coded" silver mugs at Coffee Hour to be offered for newcomers, visitors or the shy that signal to the regulars "I am new and would like to be approached". It appears that this low-key approach has been working.

We will include the organization of Coffee Hour under the umbrella of our committee starting in September, as this seems to fall within the realm of Membership activities.

Outlook
Beyond maintaining our established activities and events, we will focus on new ideas aimed at integrating new or potential members into our community and ways to connect existing members and friends with each other. We will continue to communicate our activities and plans to the administrator via e-mail on a regular basis, and to the church community through the newsletter and announcements at church services.

We recently decided to go to a co-chair system for our committee, with the idea that one year's co-chair will become the following years chairperson. Our nominees for the next church year are Bettina Turner and Jane Nocera.

Our budget remains the same. This year we have not used all our funds, and the rest reverts to the church.

Respectfully submitted,

Bettina Turner

MUSIC COMMITTEE

While the full Music Committee met only twice this year, we have been very busy through subcommittee work related to Barbara Owen's upcoming retirement, which is effective at the end of this church season. Barbara came to us during the early 1960's. Newburyport and The First Religious Society have certainly changed a lot over these almost 40 years, and yet Barbara has adapted to these changes all the while leading the church music program to a level of excellence recognized in this community and beyond. Barbara is part of the fabric of our church family and our history. We gratefully acknowledge her dedication and wish her a happy and healthy retirement!

Retirement Party
Please join us in celebrating Barbara's retirement on Sunday, June 2, 2002 at 4 pm in the Parish Hall! I want to thank the Retirement Party Planning Subcommittee for all their work organizing an exciting afternoon filled with memories, tributes, and surprises. This party planning group has been chaired by Bob Allison and Nancy Sullivan and includes Beth Cawley, Todd Herrmann, Ruth and Blake Hughes, Claudia Keyian, Marge Killam, Rochelle Perry-Platine, Mary Rizzo, Forrest Speck, and Jean Wilson.

Music Director and Organist Search
The other busy subcommittee is the Music Director Search Committee chaired by the former Music Committee Chair, Robin Lawson. The committee was organized in the fall, reviewed alternative organizational models for the position, and assembled a job description, which was widely disseminated. Numerous well-qualified candidates have applied for the position, been interviewed, and a subset auditioned with the search committee acting as a small chorus. If all goes as planned, the new director will be announced before the end of this church season. Many thanks to Robin and the search committee composed of Stan Cecil, Hannah and Sue Creed, Mike Fosburg, Todd Herrmann, Blake Hughes, Alicia Raddatz, Forrest Speck, Mona Straubel, JoAnne Vose, and Jean Wilson.

Youth Choirs
Claudia Keyian continues to do wonderful work with the youth. The Young Church and Teen Choirs each number about 15 members. Special thanks to Mark Snelling, Joan Carroll, and JoAnne Vose who stepped in to assist with musical leadership while Claudia was away taking care of her mother during the fall.

Adult Choirs
We thank the faithful senior choir members for leading us week after week with hymns and anthems, as well as the UpFront quartet for their periodic vocal contributions. In the fall, as part of the church's 250th anniversary celebration, both groups participated in a special concert of American music, which raised over $300 for the capital fund campaign. In addition, the 76th Candlelight service was a beautiful celebration of the holiday season and yet another tribute to Barbara Owen's musical leadership.

Concert Series
Once again this year, Jean Wilson organized the Music Festival 2002. We enjoyed Beethoven piano and violin sonatas performed by Lois Shapiro and Nicholas Kitchen; the Ensemble Chaconne with baroque flute, viola da gamba, and lute playing music from the court of Frederick the Great; and music for organ and trumpet by Musica Tricinia. Jean will be joined by Barbara Owen next year in planning next year's series.

Sanctuary Space
Now that we are proceeding with the capital improvements for space needs, the Music Committee is reactivating its proposal (discussed in prior Annual Reports) for larger platform space in the sanctuary to accommodate the piano to be permanently placed upfront. Our architect will be doing at least two design drawings with cost estimates over the summer to be shared in an upcoming congregational meeting.

Please continue to let us know about how the music can enhance your experience in this church!

Respectfully submitted,

Todd Herrmann, Chair

Religious Education Committee

The year was another busy, productive, rewarding year for the RE committee. Working closely with the Director of Religious Education, Julie Parker Amery, we accomplished a great deal this year. This year's members included: Harold Babcock, Rochelle Perry-Platine, Rae Mathieu, Donna Johnson, Lucy Lockwood, Kathy Seidel, Cori Thurlow, David Turner and Amy Weickert, chair.

The RE committee got terrific support from the youth group sub-committee made up of Junior Youth Advisors Gen Gootkind and Stephanie St. Peter, Senior Youth Advisors Eric Gootkind, Traci Gere, and Ted Stedman, as well as David Turner, Amy Weickert, and Julie Parker Amery. In addition, an RE subcommittee was formed to create and manage the annual holiday pageant; the subcommittee included Barbara Tolley, Lucy Lockwood, Rae Mathieu, Rochelle Perry-Platine and Leanna Sorcar. A Youth Sunday planning committee included Donna Johnson, Kathy Seidel, and Alicia Raddatz.

During the year, the young church classes K-7 focused on the following curriculum for the terms:

Fall -- Continuing study of the history of the First Religious Society
Winter -- World Religions
Spring -- Interdependent Web

The 8th grade and Up were involved in an original curriculum program, entitled Life Rhythms and Soul Songs, which studied international music during the first half of the year. David Turner and Amy Weickert led the group with active support of many church members to introduce the teens to musical lyrics, rhythms, and sounds from around the world. Jeff Nelson, a Unitarian Universalist from Boston and a producer for the WGBH Public Radio show, "Sound and Spirit," visited many times and led the group through varied sessions of music and discussion. In addition, John Mercer held a terrific series of lyric-writing workshops for the teens who were particularly interested. During the second half of the year, the teen group focused on development and organization of their YRUU Service, also with the theme of international music, which was held on April 28 and received wonderful reviews!

The annual holiday pageant theme this year, Yuletide Traditions, continued the year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of the church building. It offered a joyful and interesting look back at many early American traditions and past pageants at our own church.

The Nursery Cooperative continued to be a well run, warm and welcoming place for the very young in our church, under Lucy Lockwood's great leadership.

The junior and senior youth groups or YRUU were active this year. Stephanie St. Peter and Gen Gootkind led the junior youth group with such activities as a bake sale, helping at the Salvation Army and a trip to Boston. The senior youth group, under the leadership of Ted Stedman, Eric Gootkind and Traci Gere were also active with discussion groups on Sunday mornings, a winter hike and ski weekend, and the annual YRUU service which the youth developed and presented in April.

Teacher trainings and teacher discussion breakfasts were held throughout the year to discuss issues and share ideas. Julie also ran several parent breakfasts, which were successful in connecting parents and discussing goals, challenges and ideas on raising children in a Unitarian Universalist home. One breakfast featured a program by Rev. Liz Strong, the MBD RE Coordinator. Julie continued to wrote and distribute the "Young Church News," which highlights upcoming events, class activities, and volunteer efforts in the young church.

We hosted MLK Sunday and Association Sunday this year. The young children were wonderfully entertained on those particular Sundays by Tony Toledo, a local storyteller.

Space continued to be challenge for the young church this year, with classes moving around to accommodate various activities, age levels, and class sizes. The RE committee actively supports the work of the renovation committee to expand the church classroom and young church worship space. In addition to lending our positive voice, we hope to support the efforts with fund raising next fall, earmarking any proceeds toward the proposed renovation.

We established a new discipline policy for young church participants. Created by Julie, the policy and a young church covenant was approved by the RE committee and will be distributed to all teachers and parents with their young church registration in the future.

A safe congregation committee is currently being formed under the direction of Julie and Steve James. The committee will establish guidelines and policies to ensure the overall safety of our church community.

The RE committee organized and distributed a young church survey to all members of the church. Results will be reviewed at an offsite retreat this summer and provide good information for setting a renewed vision and goals for the RE program in the future.

Church class composition:

Preschool	21
Kindergarten	14
1st	16
2nd	9
3rd	12
4th	11
5th	13
6th	7
7th	9
8th and up	20

Teachers and volunteers this year:
Many thanks go to our Young Church teachers and youth group advisors for the 2001-02 year. They have brought warmth, creativity, and energy to their work. Our program could not exist without them!

David Archibald	Fiona Kelbrick	Mindy Sheehy
Kathy Beal	Maureen Kemmerer	Leanna Sorcar
Deb Blagg	Brian Kologe	Anne Spraker
Judith Bliss Welch	Barb Kresge	Stephanie St. Peter
Jessica Brown	Merryl Maleska-Wilbur	Ted Stedman
Nancy Crochiere	Rae Matthieu	Debbie Steeves
Peter Cullinan	Kelly McNamee	Bob Thurlow
Diana Denning	Sue Moses	Cori Thurlow
Vicki Dyer	Andrea Petras	Barbara Tolley
Suzanne Egan	Brooke Petrucelli	David Turner
Kim Gallagher	Alicia Raddatz	Lynn VanEtten
Traci Gere	Patricia Reeser	Terri Walsh
Eric Gootkind	Laura Roberts	Amy Weickert
Gen Gootkind	Cindy Schartman	Nancy Whilton
Brant Hardy	Kathy Seidel	Kathryn Williams
Cecilia Healy	Russ Seidel
Donna Johnson	Ellen Foley Sheehy

The RE chair for the coming 2002-2003 year will be Lucy Lockwood, with active support of the committee. Amy Weickert will continue to serve in an advisory role on the committee, during Lucy's transition into her first year of the RE chairperson (a two-year term). Julie will be on maternity leave in the fall, and efforts are underway to organize a maternity-leave committee to cover her responsibilities during her absence.

Respectfully submitted,

Amy Weickert, Chair, RE Committee

Renovation Steering Committee

As the membership is well aware, to say that there has been a great deal of activity regarding the renovation of our historic Meeting House and Parish Hall this year is an understatement. In every sense of the word this activity has been the culmination of over 10 years of hard work by a number of very dedicated people.

In this culminating year, work has focused on the detailed design of a project which best meets the needs of the Parish at a cost we can afford, planning and executing the financial and fundraising efforts essential to making the design a reality, and communicating all aspects of the project and the fundraising to the membership. All of that work has been done by three main committees.

Renovation Building Committee - under the untiring leadership of Peter Erickson, assisted by Barry Kray, this committee has spent untold hours:

• Directing the efforts of our project and landscape architects to bring the conceptual sketches approved by the membership to full blown construction drawings and plans.
• Seeking the detailed advice of structural, mechanical and acoustical engineers to ensure that the planned renovations in no way negatively affect the physical soundness and appearance of our beloved Meeting House, or the serenity of the sanctuary within.
• Working with the prime contractor and his subcontractors to ensure that the project can be completed with the highest level of quality, on budget and on time.

Finance and Fundraising Committee - this committee has directed both the highly visible and less visible aspects of finding the ways and means to make the project a reality. Specifically:

• Research of and preliminary negotiations with local financial institutions to determine the best ways to carry the costs of the project during construction and pledge collection, as well as provide for any long-term financing which might be necessary.
• Planning and execution of a combined Annual Canvass and Capital Campaign, including setting the goals, recruiting, training and coordinating dozens of canvassers and ensuring that every member and friend is reached personally.

At this writing the Annual Canvass is on target and the Capital Campaign is slightly behind. Follow-up efforts are underway, and it is our hope that both of these essential efforts will be fully successful. All of this work has been ably led by Howard Fairweather, for Finance, Lynn Kettleson, for the Annual Canvass, and John Mercer for the Capital Campaign.

Communications - With the dedicated leadership of Nancy Crochiere and assisted by Rochelle Perry-Platine and Amy Weickert, this committee has kept all of us informed and engaged. Their efforts have included:

• Regular updates of the web site with important project information
• Development of the bulletin board display in the Parish Hall
• Design and production of an informative and engaging Canvass brochure which was described as the best he had seen by our consultant at the UUA, Wayne Clark
• Preparation for a parish input session on the access between the first floor and basement levels of the Meeting House

The leadership of each of these Committees came together last spring as the Renovation Steering Committee and were joined by Bill Heenehan, Chair, and Anne Verret-Speck, Treasurer. The Steering Committee has been responsible for: Coordinating the activities of all of the Committees

• Developing, through consensus, direction for critical aspects of the work of individual Committees
• Hosting and facilitating the Parish Input session on the access between levels of the Meeting House
• Preparing warrant articles and motions, and the supporting presentation, for the Annual Meeting
• Developing the structure, and control and oversight processes for the execution of the project

As Chair of the Steering Committee, I would like to express my sincere thanks and congratulations to these able, dedicated and hardworking leaders of our Church. The membership could not have been better served, irrespective of the final outcome.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Heenehan
Chair, Renovations Steering Committee

Welcoming Congregation Committee

The Welcoming Committee met regularly this year and spent a major portion of the meeting times deliberating our purpose and commitment as a welcoming parish. Many hours were spent reviewing goals and objectives and evaluating past projects and programs with the focus on how best to serve the parish and the community.

We have explored several subjects and have many program ideas that will direct our energies this coming year. Additionally we are working hard to reach out to new members and find ways to maximize participation in our important work.

On May 5, 2002 we presented a very successful and well attended program featuring, E.J. Graf, famous author, scholar and journalist who discussed "marriage, a social history in the context of the very contemporary issue of same-sex marriage."

The committee nominated and elected Sandra Horn as the chairman for this year and Anita Wright, as secretary.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra Horn
Anita Wright

WOMENS ALLIANCE

June 2001 The year began with our annual meeting picnic held at the Whittier birthplace in Haverhill.

October A tea honoring past officers was held at the lovely gazebo where we were the guests of Bea & Paul Day. Music was provided by the talented and generous Bob Allison.

November We were treated to a fascinating talk by Bettina Turner on her education in Germany.

December Our Christmas luncheon was held at the Seaside Eatery in Seabrook.

February 2002 The Chosen Few, NHS's very special choral group sang. Our own Josh Babcock and Whitney Vose are members of that stellar group.

March Newburyport's Mara Clark portrayed Clara Barton.

May Martha McManamy, a Friend, spoke on Quaker history in our area.

June The annual meeting picnic will again be held in June at the Whittier Birthplace.

Alliance gifts to the First Religious Society and others include the following:

Annual pledge	$4,000
Joslin Camp	$25
Music Series	$75
Hollingsworth Family	$50
Xmas Wreaths	$50
Red Cross following 9/11	$200
Clara Barton Camp	$25
120 teaspoons
Flowers for church

Respectfully submitted,

Betty Pike

Worship Committee

The committee's most notable accomplishment of this year was the planning and coordination of the Church Picnic and Flower Service in celebration of the Anniversary year and in honor of Reverend Fox's tenure here. We could not have accomplished everything we did without the assistance of Rochelle Perry-Platine, and the dedication of Leanna Sorcar. Should the church wish to make the picnic and flower service an annual event, I will be happy to outline what needs to be done for a coordinator.

Once again we coordinated clean-up Sunday. Roger Hatch is a key figure in identifying and coordinating some of the bigger special projects we get done on that Sunday, and I hope he can do that again this year.

Presently the committee is somewhat fragile. The sabbatical committee has ably filled the pulpit for the rest of the church year, and the worship committee has three commitments planned and a fourth in view; "

• Fill up the roster of the chalice lighters "
• Coordinate the clean-up Sunday "
• Get the new hymnals dedicated and presented to the church "
• Call up the Sunday flower Donors past with thanks, and a gentle reminder if they haven't paid and Flower Donors Present with directions of how to pay; and also with thanks.

This leads to the budget, which is bleeding a little. Some of this is due to higher expenditures for the anniversary picnic. If the picnic is to become an annual event, it needs to have about $300-$400 earmarked a year for expenses; $150 for ice, drinks, watermelon, cups, paper, etc., at least $150 for hayrides, and at least $50 donation to Maudsley.

I hope to stem loss in the flower budget this spring, and I suggest that a future worship committee make the flower arrangement more flexible and personal, i.e., ask for home gardeners to bring in their beautiful squash for a Sunday harvest arrangement.

One of the functions Harold has served in attending Worship Comm. meetings is to make us aware of shortages, such as the need for more hymna1s. This might be something an administrator could do.

Our transition plan is to identify a cluster of friends who might take over the worship committee. I feel that if people can look forward to seeing friends it can make committee work more enjoyable. I am happy to report that Cynthia Raschke from the Sabbatical Leave Committee will be taking over the committee next year; I think she will bring some of her cohorts from Sabbatical Leave and will bring enormous energy; I will stay on the committee to make sure that the transition is smooth.

The worship committee chair will fill out a meeting form for our last meeting of the year, the clean-up Sunday meeting.

Insofar as the renovation is concerned, the Worship Committee can operate at a minimal level as a lady's altar guild, in which case the renovations have little impact on the committee, or it can operate as a producer of special worship services such as a Passover seder supper, Maundy Thursday celebrations, or Beltane celebrations, sharing different currents of UU worship with the larger religious society. In the latter case the renovations will have more impact as it provides us with more space to serve varied elements of the church community.

Respectfully submitted

by Rebecca Robertson

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees is pleased to present its report for the fiscal year to end June 30, 2002. Because of the timing of the submission of this report, it covers the period from July 1, 2001 through April 30, 2002.

The Endowment Fund actually consists of commingled assets of various trust accounts for the benefit of the First Religious Society. The total value of the Endowment Fund as of April 30, 2002 was $1,683,268 ($1,627,058 in invested assets plus $56,210 in an outstanding loan to the Society). The largest portion (approximately 60%) of the value consists of unrestricted gifts, which may be used for general purposes of the Society. Of the restricted portion, 24% of the total is held for the benefit of related charities and organizations (Swasey and Orphan's Funds and the Women's Alliance). The remainder is for the maintenance and painting of the Society's buildings. An assumed rate of 5% income is distributed quarterly to the beneficiaries. During the ten-month period through April 30, 2002, the net amount distributed from the fund was $91,925.52.

The market value of the Endowment Fund was $1,854,077 on June 29, 2001, which included $97,084 earmarked for the capital campaign. The account is invested for long-term growth in various stocks and bonds, and managed by a member of the board of trustees. Approximately 89% of the fund was invested in stocks at the beginning of the fiscal year, and approximately 11% was invested in bonds. The investment performance of the fund was minus 12% during the current ten-month period. During the same period, there was a 12% drop in the S&P 500 Stock Index.

In addition, a Capital Campaign Fund has been established. Assets are being gathered in anticipation of a large building renovation project. To date, the balance in this account is $125,475, all held in cash. As previously noted, the Endowment Fund has an outstanding loan of $56,210 for this purpose.

Drafted by Maura Lawton Perkins, Treasurer for the Board of Trustees

5/16/02

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Parish Committee

This has been a challenging and rewarding year for the First Religious Society of Newburyport, Unitarian Universalist as we make the changes that will help us to grow from a small to a midsize congregation. We are blessed with talented and dedicated members who have been willing to offer their time and expertise to help us make this transition, and we have made much progress this year. The position of Parish Administrator that we inaugurated last year has gradually evolved into two positions, Parish Administrator and Administrative Assistant. Joyce and Dolores Ortiz experimented with optimal allocation of hours and responsibilities between the two positions. When Joyce's family situation led her to resign in September, a search for a new Administrator brought us the services of our own John Mercer. The dynamic duo of John Mercer as Administrator and Delores Ortiz as Administrative Assistant has provided enormous support and stability for the successful functioning of our primarily volunteer-run organization.

Most of the work on the search for a new Parish Administrator and the production of job descriptions for both that position and the Administrative Assistant position was done by the Human Resources Committee. This committee has evolved from a standing committee to a sub-committee of the Parish Committee which has now expanded to include others members with an interest and/or expertise in human resources. The committee has been working on developing a personnel manual, job descriptions for all employees, clear and logical reporting relationships and equitable benefits packages.

The Parish Committee has also been working with the Parish Treasurer, the Chair of the Finance Committee, and the Board of Trustees to ensure that our financial and accounting practices are sound and professional. This is extremely important to support the continued growth of our Parish, especially as we embark on our exciting Renovation Project with its associated Capital Campaign. We have made a great deal of progress this year and we are in a good position to provide active, careful oversight for all Parish activities.

Thanks to the leadership of our Administrator we have had three successful Parish Council Meetings, which have helped us to define the purposes and goals of our committees and to identify areas where change or rejuvenation are needed. A strong and vibrant program will ensure that we can readily assimilate new and existing members into the life of the Society.

It has been enormously satisfying for me to serve as Chair of the Parish Committee this year. The energy and dedication of the members of the First Religious Society is enormous. This is an exciting time for us all and we are rising to the challenges that are growth presents us in very constructive ways. I leave the position confident that we will not only get bigger, but also better.

Respectfully submitted,

K.C. Swallow
Chair of the Parish Committee

Visiting Group

The Sabbatical Leave Committee set up the Visiting Group to perform some of Harold Babcock's pastoral duties while he is on sabbatical. The Group has been operating since January 1, 2002. Thirty volunteers jointed the Group, and 25 came to a training session held January 29th.

I, Florence Mercer, coordinate the Group's activities by checking the patient list at Anna Jaques every day, listening to each week's Joys and Concerns, and receiving calls about parishioners in need. I then call volunteers who might be available to provide the service needed. I also call Linda Labaree when a card would be helpful. Linda makes the cards from scratch and writes a personal message on each one. Bert Steeves visits people in the hospital once a week and at home when he can. Stan Cecil coordinates the volunteers from the Retired Guys Out to Lunch, who have been very helpful.

Here are some Group statistics. Of the 30 volunteers, only five have not visited anyone. They tried but were unsuccessful due to circumstances beyond their control. Volunteers from the Group have visited at least 22 parishioners, some more than once. Linda has sent cards to 22 parishioners. Volunteers have given 14 rides, some for extended times and distances. They have delivered six meals and helped one person with groceries and errands.

The Visiting Group could dissolve on June 1 when Harold returns, but many of the volunteers would like to continue this kind of work. I will meet with Harold to see what form the lay ministry will take.

Respectfully submitted,

Florence S. Mercer

Social Action Committee

The new Social Action Committee (constitutionally the "Social Concerns Committee") grew in size and activity during the past year. A "Quik Survey" of the congregation indicated that ecological issues, including global warming, were of top concern to members. The committee then planned an Earth Day Program, given by the Reverend Fred Small. Fred's talk "Wake Now My Senses: The Religious Imperative of Earth Stewardship" educated, inspired, and motivated all who attended.

The committee members decided to launch an "eco-plus" focus next year. We will work on the greening of our own meeting house, on bringing important legislative and demonstration events to the attention of members, and on joining together to attend events. We are organizing car pools to the state house on June 11 to support the regional Climate Change Action Plan signed by all the New England governors and eastern Canadian premiers. Religious Witness for the Earth (www.religiouswitness.org) is sponsoring this event, the "New England Call for Climate Action, Prayer and Witness in Boston."

Further on the front, we will bring many more social issues to the attention of the membership. Join us or contact us about your passion. If your concern is controversial, that's OK. In the words of Martin Luther King,

"There is nothing more tragic in all the world than to know right, and not to do it."

Helpful links to web sites related to our mission can now be found the church web site (www.frsuu.org) under Social Concerns Links on the home page.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat Hurzeler

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish

The Annual Meeting of the First Religious Society of Newburyport Universalist Unitarian was convened at 7:55 PM on May 30, 2001 in the Parish Hall on Pleasant St. in Newburyport.

After a delay occasioned by the lack of a quorum, the Moderator, Florence Mercer, opened the meeting and read the warrant. She recognized Rev. Babcock, who gave the Minister's report.

Article 1
Rev. Babcock read the names of members who were deceased since the last annual meeting and asked for a moment of silence. He thanked the staff, the choir and, the chairs of the committees, both outgoing and returning. He also offered special thanks to Bob Smart who served on the Committee for Ministry for six years, to the Space Needs and Comprehensive Planning Committees, to John Mercer for his work on the Auction and on the web site, and to Rochelle Perry-Platine and Liz Kray for their work on the 2001 Committee.

This year we have over three hundred members enrolled in the First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist, and our Young Church enrollments are also up. We have had a balanced budget. The Partner Church program continues to grow and we have continued the tradition of the Clean-up Sunday.

On the first Sunday of the new church year we will have a reenactment of the dedication of the Meeting House.

The Award for Outstanding Church Service was presented to Louise van Bokkelen.

Article 2
The proposed budget included a 20% increase for the minister, and a 14% contribution to a retirement fund for the employees. The Teen Choir was funded by an anonymous donor this year, but it has become so popular that it was included in the proposed budget. We have enjoyed some savings from converting to a Steeple Biweekly. A question about the low amount budgeted for the Director of Religious Education was answered by the explanation that the expenses have gone down. The proposed budget was passed unanimously.

Article 3
The report of the Nominating Committee was made by Valerie Hogan. In addition to the recommended slate published in the annual report, candidates for delegate to the General Assembly included John Harwood, Cori Thurlow, Rochelle Perry-Platine, Betty Pike and KC Swallow. The recommendations of the Nominating Committee were passed unanimously.

Article 4
A list of members who have ceased to participate in the First Religious Society was read and a motion remove them from the list of active members passed unanimously.

Linda Fuller, the outgoing Chair of the Parish Committee, made an oral report. She thanked everyone for their support and hard work and mentioned the highlights of a successful year.

A motion to adjourn at 8:32 passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

KC Swallow
Clerk

Committee on Ministry/Sabbatical Leave

Committee on Ministry Members: Harold Babcock, Ex Officio, Dorothy Fairweather, Chair, Stan Cecil, Linda Fuller, and Susan Ricker

The Committee on Ministry met in the fall 2001 to carry out its regular responsibilities to provide a communications channel between the minister and the membership, seeking to hear concerns without judgement and passing them on to the minister or the membership. The primary topic of discussion was the Minister's sabbatical scheduled which commenced January 1, 2002.

The Committee on Ministry and Reverand Babcock selected members of The Sabbatical Leave Committee which included Dorothy Fairweather, Chair, Vicki Dyer, Florence Mercer, John Mercer {Advisor); Maura Perkins, Max Russell, and Cynthia Raschke.

The task of this committee was to ensure proper coverage of all of the minister's duties in his absence. The Committee was formed in the May 2001 at which time it laid the groundwork for the sabbatical and started to contact a few potential guest speakers.

As it planned for the sabbatical, the Sabbatical Leave Committee essentially replaced, temporarily, the Committee on Ministry. The committee began meeting regularly in September 2001. The initial meetings were joined by Harold Babcock and Bertrand Steeves, Minister Emeritus. Reverand Steeves offered to preach on three Sundays, and also offered to take on the responsibility of organizing a number of other Sundays. The Committee, with suggestions from Harold, Bert, and other members of the congregation, took on the task of inviting speakers and organizing the services for the period of January 1, 2002 through May 31, 2002. Twenty one Sundays needed to be filled in Harold's absence. A schedule of the final scheduled is attached.

In addition to selecting speakers to fill the pulpit, the committee appointed, among its members, point persons to be responsible for opening the church at 8:00 am on each Sunday, putting out the chalice and candles, making sure the flowers were in the church, opening the parish hall office, bring the Orders of Service from the Parish Hall to the Church and also bringing glasses of water for the speaker(s), checking on heat, and turning on the sound system. The point person was also responsibile for introducing the speaker, announcing the Joys & Concerns, and making sure the church and parish hall were properly locked when the service and coffee hour were over.

Another responsibility assumed by the committee and headed by Florence Mercer was the Visitation Committee which has made visits to hospitals, home visits to ill and shut in members, and arranged for flowers and get well/sympathy cards to be sent to those in need. This committee will continue to operate as a regular committee after Harold's return.

Respectfully submitted,

Dorothy Fairweather, Chair

Finance Committee

Current Year

The Finance Committee is pleased to report a successful year for the church in terms of operating results. Results of the first ten months (July 2001 through April 2002) of the fiscal year (reported in detail on following pages), show us operating with a year-to-date operating surplus of $23,000. However, after accounting for our plan to contribute two-thirds of steeple rental income to the endowment, with planned contributions associated with this first ten months totaling $23,528, the net cash surplus to date is about zero.

Looking ahead at the expected income and expenses for the remaining two months of the fiscal year, we do anticipate ending the fiscal year within the budget approved at the May 2001 annual meeting. Our projections show total income of $367,000, total expenses of $349,000, total endowment withdrawal for painting of $10,000, and total planned contributions of steeple rental income to the endowment of $28,000.

The reasons for this outstanding performance are many and include:

• Pledge and non-pledge contributions are strong, which likely reflects the high level of commitment we all feel for our church community;
• Fundraising events, such as the annual action, rummage sales, book sale, May Breakfast, and Candlelight Service, were strong sources of income;
• Steeple rental to Verizon and AT&T has provided a valuable source of income;
• Endowment income remains a reliable source of funds;
• Committee chairpersons have done an outstanding job of managing expenses relative to their budgets.

It should be noted that we have been able to cover significant expenses associated with maintaining our buildings, including painting, roofing, and the furnace. With the exception of painting, the full amount of these costs were covered by our operating budget. Of the $20,000 withdrawal approved at the May 2001 meeting for the purpose of painting, we anticipate using only about $10,000.

Our challenge for the remainder of the year is to make sure we all fulfill our pledge commitments. Through the end of April 2002, pledge income is $150,200, which is about 6% lower than it should be by this time of year.

Also reported for the current year are the income and expenses through April 2002 that are associated with the building renovation project. Shown are total income of $30,290 and total expenses of $63,710. These expenses have been covered by the approved loan from the endowment. More details on the building renovation project may be included elsewhere in the annual report outside of the Finance Committee's report.

Proposed Budget for 2002-2003 We are able to present a balanced budget for July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003. Details of the proposed budget follow this overview.

Results for 2000-2001 Fiscal Year

Also presented are the actual operating results for the July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001, which was not available at the time of the May 2001 annual meeting. These results show total income of $ 363,121 and total expenses of $ 324,299, with an operating surplus of $38,800. Of this amount, $16,500 were contributed to the endowment and $19,000 were carried over as unused Hale Foundation grant income.

Thank you to all who have contributed so much time and individual effort to making this such a successful year!

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Ricker
For the Finance Committee

Proposed Operating Budget - July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003

Summary
The proposed budget for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, presented in detail on the following pages, projects total expenses of $370,358. This represents a 6% increase over the total expenses budgeted for the current 2001-2002 fiscal year. Also shown is projected income from contributions (both pledge and non-pledge) of $227,600, which is 9% higher than income from contributions budgeted for the current fiscal year. Contributions remain our largest source of income, representing about 60% of our funding sources.

We are proposing a balanced budget, which represents a major accomplishment for the First Religious Society. Budgeted investment income from the endowment to be used for operating expenses is limited to the prudent amount recommended by the endowment's Trustees.

Some highlights of the proposed budget include:

• Increased salary of 2.5% for all staff;
• Improved employee benefits, in the form of long-term disability and life insurance for all eligible staff;
• Continued funding for a 14% retirement fund benefit for all eligible employees;
• Implementation of the annual retirement benefit for the current Music Director;
• Increased funding for the redefined position of Music Director;
• Increased level of funding for the Social Concerns Committee;
• Continued provision for full payment of UUA and Mass Bay District dues of $46 and $15 per member, respectively;
• Funding for developing design alternatives and preliminary cost estimates for replacing the current platform in front of the alter;
• Planned contribution to the endowment of portion of income from steeple rental;
• Provision for contingency expenses of $3,300, to account for unanticipated expenses that may occur over the year.

Please note that there will also be much financial activity associated with the building renovation project. The budget for this project is being managed separately from the regular operating budget of the church. The initial source of funds for this initiative was provided by a special vote of the membership in April 2001, where a loan was approved from the endowment. Additional sources of funds will likely be committed at the Annual Meeting of May 29, 2002.

Canvass Report

This year presented the church with a once-in-a-generation challenge -- an annual pledge drive in a very tight but improving economy combined with a very aggressive and ambitious capital campaign. Our annual funds will allow us to achieve the goals of a five year plan, the hiring of a new music director, providing more staff benefits, revitalizing adult education and continuing sound fiscal management policies. The Capital Campaign to be raised over three years will fund a renovation that will provide much-needed space for the Young Church and for administrative offices, will provide for handicapped accessible restrooms in both the church and Parish Hall, and finally will provide for the installation of fire-suppression systems.

As in past years, the pledge drive is continuing and will likely not be completed by the end of this fiscal year. In fact, we may again (as we did last year) conduct a mini-canvass in the fall to connect with new members and complete some visits from this year. At this date, we still have to hear from about 79 parishioners, and because of that, we are confident about exceeding our goal of $198,150.

We have received pledges from 176 friends and members of our church with a contribution level of $176,545 giving $1,003 average pledge and $600 median pledge. The average is an increase over last year's $966, and the median is the same as last year's $600.

• 19 pledges are new this year.
• 72 pledges were increased over last year's pledge amounts.
• 38 pledges are at the new higher Sustaining or Benefactor Level, including four pledges that are new to this level.
• These sustaining pledges totaled $99,525 or well over one-half of all pledge dollars.

Our consultant has counseled us that churches can expect their annual campaigns to remain flat or decrease during a capital campaign. Thanks to the generosity of two donors, this year we had a matching program that promised more than $35,000 in matching funds to be paid to the capital campaign for each new dollar pledged to the canvass. It is our belief that this helped in the good performance toward our annual pledge goals. To date, that matching fund accounted for $23,329, including 38 increased pledges and 19 new pledges.

Gift range	Target # of pledges	Actual # of pledges	Target $ of pledges	Actual Pledge Dollars
Sustaining Level
Above 5000	2	3	15000	22500
3000 - 4999	7	9	28000	29900
2000 - 2999	9	9	22500	20300
1500 - 1999	10	17	17500	26825
General Level
1,250 to 1,499	16	6	22000	7850
1,000 to 1,249	18	17	22500	17690
750 to 999	21	14	18375	11266
500 to 749	35	48	21875	26644
300 to 499	53	25	21200	8500
Less than $300	50	28	10000	5070
TOTAL	221	176	198950	176545

The Capital Campaign has presented more of a challenge. Our goal was to raise $1.39 million over three years. We have received pledges and gifts totaling $745,552 from 139 friends and members; the average pledge has been $5,364 and the median pledge $1,350. We still have 80 calls to complete, as well as some calls to local funding sources. This campaign will also continue through the summer. We will re-contact new additions to our church community over the next two years as well as to be open to increases from those who have already made a commitment.

Respectfully submitted,

John Mercer and Lynn Kettleson