Free Congregation Newsletter – June 10, 2009
Dear Members and Friends June 10, 2009
Just once a year the Free Congregation trims the mainsail that advertises its open invitation to the world – to come and experience free thought in religion and experience the warm embrace of like-minded seekers and explorers – and calls an all-hands-on-deck meeting – THE ANNUAL MEETING – to conduct some necessary business and to recognize its new members and its hard-working volunteers. Of course, that doesn’t mean that our doors will be locked, so if you’re not one of us (yet), don’t hold back from seeing what we’re about on this special Sunday.
And for those of you who are members, we need you to come out in force, both to show the world that we not only do, but mean, business. And to exercise your rights and responsibilities as members by participating in our democratic processes: most notably, electing a Board of Directors and approving the next year’s budget.
We’re also asking those of you who do come, to bring along something nice for the snack table. The only ones exempted from this are those who have joined the congregation between June 08, 2008 and 10:00am on June 14, 2009 – because, frankly, we’re doing this at least in part to honor you. (Of course you’re free to bring something if you want!)
This also means that anyone who would like to add his or her name to the “new members list” for ’08-’09 is more than welcome to do so prior to Glen Johnson’s bringing down the gavel to start the meeting on Sunday – estimated time for that is about 10:13am.
Child care will be available for this Sunday’s meeting.
The Budget for 2009-10
At its meeting on Tuesday, June 9, the Board of Directors approved a 2009-10 budget to present to the congregation on Sunday, June 14. This budget totals $52,469, which is a 20% reduction from the 2008-09 budget. 38.5% ($20,219) of this budget total would be financed from Endowment withdrawals, compared to 44.5% ($29,253) last year.
Most of the reduction comes from cuts in staff compensation: $25,760 (2009-10) compared to $34,813 (2008-09). Andrew Kerr’s and Michael Whaley’s hours will be trimmed a little more than 25%. The idea of hour-reductions was initiated by Andrew and Michael in recognition of the unhealthy discrepancy that persists between our annual operations budget and our non-endowment revenue.
Summer Child Care: What Are Your Needs? Let Us Know asap, Please!
There is no R.E. over the summer, and at present there is nothing in place (and no money budgeted) for child care on Sundays during the summer, but the Board is weighing options. One is arranging well in advance to have one or two adult volunteers supervise outdoor activities; another is to ask those parents with children (age 8 and under?) to pool resources to hire someone like Bonnie and/or Lizzie to provide supervision. If there is convincing evidence that the need is as great (or almost as great) as during the congregational year, we can take the matter up at the annual meeting this Sunday.
Upcoming Programs, Events, Meetings
Sunday, June 14, 10:00am – Annual Meeting of the Free Congregation
Sunday, June 21, 10:00am – 3rd Sunday Free Thought Forum – Join Andrew Kerr in a rare Free Thought Forum appearance as he explores the Evolution vs. Intelligent Design & God debate… with unique insights and surprising results.
Sunday, June 28, 10:00am – 157th Frühlingsfest Celebration and Picnic at the Freethinkers’ Cemetery on Slotty Road – Andrew Kerr’s talk will be “On Happiness: Can We Have It, Can We Keep It?” and Reece Donihi will treat us to a special exhibit of photographs.
Community News and Events
At the River Arts Center
“Small Town Midwest” – The opening for this juried show of photography is from 4:00-7:00pm on Thursday, June 11, at the River Arts Center, 105 9th Street, Prairie du Sac. The show is presented by the Center for Photography at Madison, for which Free Congregation member Reece Donihi serves as President. (One of Reece’s juried photos is attached.) The show is juried by Ida Wyman, formerly of New York City, who now makes her home in Madison. Ms. Wyman has been a photojournalist since the 1940s. She has worked for Business Week, Life Magazine, This Week, and other major publications. Her photographs are in many collections and galleries around the country.
