Heard It at Council (Sept. 2012)

September 11, 2012

The first Council meeting of the fall opened on a bittersweet note. We celebrated our beloved former Associate Minister Quinn Caldwell’s call to serve as the next pastor of Plymouth Congregational, United Church of Christ in Syracuse, NY. At the same time, our thoughts were with the families and friends of those who lost loved ones eleven years ago during the tragedies on September 11, 2001.

After a time of prayer, Council quickly turned our full attention to matters pertaining to the church building. Project AIR Team members Sean O’Donnell and Roger Burke reviewed the findings of the 2011 Systems Review that Council had previously authorized. The report confirmed that our most pressing need is the update of the HVAC system. Only one boiler is online, and it is problematic. Our 75 year-old steam pipes need replacing. For the safety of both the building and the people in it, the Project AIR Team strongly endorses extending sprinkler protection throughout the building. Old South Church’s telecommunications system (phones and computers) needs to be brought into the 21st century. In addition to these pressing matters, our Vision for the 21st Century asks the building to accommodate a growing congregation, burgeoning programs and mission by optimizing every inch of our space (including a renovated undercroft and basement with access from updated elevators, and refitted facilities).

The needed building upgrades promise to be costly. Trustee Daniel Bergstresser outlined the financial implications for Old South Church in the coming years. An operating deficit is projected this year. Pursuing Project AIR will exact a very heavy toll, both on the endowment and on our annual operating budget, impacting our ministries and outreach.

Despite these stark realities, there are options for Old South Church to explore as our leaders face the challenges ahead. During the fall and winter both Council and the members will have the opportunity to discuss our future and come to an agreement about how to proceed. Moderator Mark Schueppert called for Council members to consider these matters carefully over the coming months.

Finally, Karen Hand was pleased to report the Associate Minister Search Committee has scheduled interviews for four candidates for the church's two available positions. On that note, Rev. Nancy Taylor closed the meeting with a word of prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Kate Silfen, Clerk