Dear Friends,
As we near the end of a year that has had its share of challenges but also plenty of hope, we are grateful for you and everyone in our vibrant, widespread Foundry community. We successfully transitioned back to in-person worship and events in September (with many thanks to the Foundry staff team and the lay leaders who orchestrated the return), so now Foundry is navigating a new stage as a hybrid community as we worship together both in-person and online.
In preparation for another potentially tumultuous year, the Foundry Board is working now to lay the groundwork for a strong year. Here’s the latest update on the Board’s work:
What We Have Done
- To continue our work toward becoming a more anti-racist congregation, the Board approved the Journey to Racial Justice goals and objectives and created a Board committee to help ensure the racial justice goals become embedded at Foundry.
- We participated in the 2021 fall Charge Conference on Oct. 23. Along with other congregations in our area, we gathered to hear updates from the last year and to affirm Foundry’s clergy candidates.
- Ahead of the Annual Conference, Board members met with Foundry clergy candidates to affirm their candidacy. We are grateful for Foundry members who have heard a call to ministry and continue to support them, and we particularly celebrate the commission of Chet Jechura as a provisional elder at Annual Conference.
- The Board held a fall retreat in September where we discussed our strategic priorities and plans to update them for the next year. We are working to approve the update during our December meeting.
- At the Finance Committee’s recommendation, the Board approved contracts in September to continue our work with Nonprofit Accounting Solutions for financial support and Citrin Cooperman for Foundry’s audit.
What We Are Doing
- Working with the Finance Committee and Foundry staff, the Board is planning the 2022 budget. The Board is following these priorities as we shape the budget:
- The budget should prioritize core ministries and new investments should be clearly linked to Foundry’s strategic priorities.
- The budget should be balanced or result in a surplus.
- The budget should strongly favor working towards replenishing operating reserves to levels that are in line with Foundry policy.
- The 2022 budget should incorporate the monthly debt service payments on the mortgage loan, which financed the balance of the Mission Possible improvements, and other capital needs
- To fund the budget, our stewardship campaign goal is $2.4 million, and we are grateful to every Foundry member or family who has made a pledge to help us reach that goal. If you have not already made a pledge, please consider making a pledge before the campaign ends on Nov. 21.
- At the recommendation of the Finance and Facilities committees, the Board approved moving forward with a proposal to make necessary updates to the Foundry building and improve its energy efficiency. We are working to identify the best way to fund these vital improvements by either increasing Foundry’s existing mortgage loan or using the PACE energy financing program.
- We are preparing the Senior Pastor’s annual review.
What We Will Be Doing
- The Nominating Committee will soon begin work to identify new Board members whose terms are ending in July. We also are looking for new members to join Board committees, especially the Personnel and Facilities committees.
- We will be reviewing plans for more formalized approach to capital budgeting.
- We look forward to the Advent season at Foundry. Please check the Foundry website our Facebook page for updates on programming options.
Please know this list does not describe all of the Board’s and its committees’ work. You can get information on Board activities by reviewing Board meeting minutes, which are available on request. Board meetings are open, and anyone who wishes to attend is welcome to join us. The December meeting will take place on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place in person or via Zoom; please reach out for the Zoom link.
If you have questions about any of these items, please contact a Board member. Thank you for your engagement in our Foundry community.
Amanda Peterson Beadle
Karin Berry
Ann Brown Birkel
Paula Blair
Bill Ellett
Nick Jessee
Allison Kramer
Todd Mullins
Brian Walker
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