Dear Friends,
In what has felt like a cold, dark, and at times lonely season, we know we are moving through it together as a Foundry community. Next month will mark two years of living in this season of the Covid-19 pandemic and Foundry’s move to first virtual and then hybrid worship and engagement.
It has not been easy, but thanks to the leadership of Foundry’s Reentry Implementation Task Force, clergy and staff, and other key leaders, we continue to adjust as needed to keep our community safe. And thank you for your continued engagement with Foundry and adjusting with us. The Board appreciates the gifts of everyone’s presence at Foundry, whether in the sanctuary or online, as we work to help our congregation thrive.
Below are updates about current Board work and what is coming up:
What We Have Done
- Thanks to the generosity of our congregation and the hard work of the Stewardship Team, chaired by Lorea Stallard and Dan Vock, the Stewardship campaign led to 396 commitments totaling some $2.21 million. On January 27, the Board, with the support of the Finance Committee passed an operating budget that meets Foundry's cash operating expenses of $2,880,705, with total estimated revenues of $2,881,003.
- The Board voted to proceed with a proposal from GreenGen to upgrade Foundry's physical infrastructure to improve energy efficiency. Once fully deployed, these building improvements will result in significant energy savings that over time allow us to recover the costs of the improvements. The improvements will be financed by modifying our existing mortgage loan.
- Again, thanks to our congregation's generosity, Foundry ended 2021 with an operating surplus in excess of $100,000. This surplus will go to further build Foundry's reserve funds.
- At the January meeting, the Board also approved the charter for the newly established Religion and Racial Justice Committee. We are excited that this Board committee will carry through the work started by the Journey to Racial Justice and help ensure the racial justice goals become embedded at Foundry.
- The Board completed the Senior Pastor’s review. We remain grateful for Pastor Ginger’s leadership at Foundry.
- In December, the Board approved four 2022 Foundry strategic priorities: 1) Rebuild and re-establish community connection; 2) Deepen Foundry’s focus on equity, inclusion, and core social justice issues within the Foundry congregation; 3) Deepen Foundry’s focus on equity, inclusion, and core social justice issues in the broader community; and 4) Strengthen Foundry’s congregational connection with stewardship.
What We Are Working On
- The Nominating Committee is working to identify people to serve on the Board and Board Committees. As there are many ways to serve at Foundry from the Board to ministry teams, the Nominating Committee plans to survey the congregation to help identify people’s talents within our community and connect with opportunities.
- If you are interested in serving on a Board committee or want additional information about open opportunities, please reply to this email to be connected with the right people.
- The 2021 audit is under way. The Audit Committee will work with the Foundry staff team to ensure a smooth process.
What We Will Be Doing
- District Superintendent Green will be with the Foundry Board at the beginning of our February meeting. He will lead a brief Charge Conference to approve clergy salaries for 2022.
- The Board will be considering a capital budget during the February Board meeting thanks to work by the Finance Committee, Facilities Committee, and Foundry staff.
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 February Board meeting will take place on Feb. 22 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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