Members in Attendance: Tom Bandoni, John Burnham, Charlie Beckers, Coles Mallory, Mary Alice Smith, Eleanor Elmer, Peter Schoenbucher, Piper Padillia, Miki Ohlson

Tom Bandoni agreed to be the process observer.

Minutes: Coles Mallory moved to approve the minutes of the August board meeting. Tom Bandoni made the second. The minutes were unanimously approved.

Focus on the Big Picture: The five goals of Channing’s strategic plan have coordinators except for goal number two. This goal is in need of someone to oversee its implementation. The four other coordinators agreed to provide reports to the board. Goal #1 will report in October. Goal #3 will report in November, Goal #4 in December and Goal #5 in January. A November retreat is being planned for the board and Church leaders concerning the Strategic Plan Agenda.

Presidents Report: Mary Alice Smith put a request for a Craft Fair organized by Christine Jenkins before the board. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the building fund. Coordinating the event will take place with Amy Freedman and Alison Kates. Tom Bandoni proposed we approve the craft fair request; Peter Schoenbucher gave the second. The board approved this request.

The board discussed the Yankee Magazine fundraiser requested by Barbara Russell Willett. More information is needed before the board is ready to vote on this issue.

Approved & Unfunded List: The property chair Coles Mallory circulated the Approved and Unfunded list for discussion. The most pressing issue for the church is the repair of the roof valleys. Volunteers will implement the condition survey. A revised list of projects for estimated repairs of $10,000 or less will be consolidated for the October meeting. A suggestion to have a contact person for each large repair was made.

The minister’s report is attached.

Treasurer’s Report: Peter Schoenbucher submitted the 2003-year end Budget for approval. After a discussion John Burnham moved the board approve the report from the 2003 fiscal year-end budget from the treasurer. Charlie Beckers made the second. The Finance Committee has met with the Property Chair. The Finance Committee has made a commitment to leave the money committed for property intact. Peter Schoenbucher made this motion before the board:

VOTE: With respect to the $25,000 unrestricted bequest to Channing Memorial Church currently anticipated from the estate of Jean Braman, I propose that the Board approve the appropriation of that bequest specifically for the Property expenditures subject to the discretion of the property committee.

John Burnham gave the second for this motion. After some discussion this motion was approved unanimously.

The Budget planning process was discussed. The Finance Committee oversees the budget and works on planning the canvass. It is important this year that Church members feel ownership as Church members. A Congregational Meeting may take place in November to help begin laying the groundwork for next years budget. A Budget Visioning Meeting was suggested for 7pm on November 4th.

Committee Reports:

A new person is needed for the property committee as Arthur Chapman has asked to be relieved of his obligation. Betsy Leerssen has agreed to assist until a replacement is found. Betsy will be working with Sea Rangers as their lease ends October 31st.

Sheri Lussier has agreed to work with Kathy Murillo as assistant pledge secretary.

The Nominating Committee will appreciate information regarding new members and current members with interests and skills that may benefit board/church committees.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by John Burnham; Charlie Beckers made the second. The meeting was adjourned at 8:47.

Respectfully submitted,

Piper Padillia, Clerk