Dear Members and Friends,

Benjamin Franklin did what he called “moral bookkeeping” every night just before hopping into bed. He would review the day and note anything that he had done that fell short of his ideal. He would then give himself a grade for the day’s behavior. We busy people today probably would not take the time for such an exercise. It is, however, as we face the New Year, a good time to remember and review the past year. No life is all preaches and cream, and life has a way of sandpapering us as we go through our daily routines. It is a good thing to go into the depths of our soul and hold a dialogue with our deepest selves. As I do this, I look out into the bare trees, which in their bone honesty require me to be honest with myself. In these deep inner dialogues there is the temptation to put a positive spin on all that we did in the past. We remember and review what we have done and said. In this process we try to be honest with ourselves, but there is always the lingering temptation to paint a flattering picture of ourselves.

Present: Francie Porter Snyder, Dorothy Long, Lisa Dalgleish, Jim McConnell, Joanne Johnson, Chris Sirotiak, David Sarra, Emily Hecht
Absent:  Janice Zerfas

I.    Call to Order– Francie
    A.    A meeting of the Berrien Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Board of Trustees, was held December 11, 2011. The meeting convened at 9:05 am, President Francie Porter Snyder presiding, and Lisa Dalgleish, secretary.

II.    President’s Report:
    A.    Religious Leader Contract—Jim’s signature needed

III.    Secretary’s Report—Lisa  
    A.    Approval of minutes: Motion was made by Chris, and seconded to approve the minutes of the October and November meetings. Motion carried.

IV.    Treasurer’s Report – Dorothy
    A.    Dorothy to breakout ‘sign’ and ‘parking lot’ under Building Improvements; no concerns at this point.
    B.    Target requested for Auction income; budgeted for $5000