Treasurer's Report to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley on February 9, 2014, outlining the challenges of the next few decades.

1. “Transforming the world,
and changing ourselves”
Treasurer’s Report to the
UU Church of Berkeley Congregation
February 9, 2014

2. UUCB Financial Advisory
Council
Mac Lingo Larry Nagel
Maryann Simpson Grace Ulp
Sara Roberts Ira Nelken
Lynn Hammond Jo Maxon
Jenni McLean Ralph Nelson

3. Purpose of the UUCB Financial
Advisory Council
increase transparency in financial
matters at the church,
increase the general level of financial
knowledge of the membership, and
insure church members’ financial
concerns are identified and addressed.

4. If we have any hope of transforming the world
and changing ourselves, we must be
bold enough to step into our discomfort,
brave enough to be clumsy there,
loving enough to forgive ourselves and others.
Prayer for Living in Tension by Joseph M. Cherry

5. Financial Results through
December (6 mos)
Revenues under $54,000, primarily in pledge
revenue
Optimistic forecast (+5% over previous year)
Less pledging this year than last (down 5%)
Expenses underrunning $29,000
Projected year end deficit reduced to
$15,000, due to various actions already taken
by Coordinating Team

6. A balance sheet to die for....
No debt – buildings and 9 acres of land, plus Freestone
Endowment worth $1.5 M
$523,000 for building investments, plus $288,000
more in pledges
An extraordinary music program, with a newly
leathered organ
Human capital within and outside our walls
“An active and dynamic partner” (immigration, CCISCO,
GRIP, Read Aloud, UU Legislative Ministry, UU Service
Committee, climate change)
6 community ministers and seven affiliated ministers
Professional family ministry

7. We are a long way from a
financial catastrophe
Or are we?

9. Monthly New Members
UUCB 2002 - 2013

10. Nearly 70% of our revenues
come from our members

11. Where are we spending $1 M?

12. UUCB Expense: FY 2008/9-2012/13

13. UUCB Expense: FY 2008/9-2012/13

14. We have controlled expenses
Primarily by controlling the salaries of our
employees
Over half who work at least 20 hours per week do
not meet minimum UUA recommended salary levels
Cost to bring everyone to at least minimum is
$44,000/year
Cost to bring everyone to at least mid-point is
$173,000/year (40% of that co-ministers)
We have no source of funds for the additional
$200 K - $250 K/year to invest in our buildings once
the current capital funds are used

16. A 2020 Scenario that works?
400 members with a modest increase in pledges
and plate contributions
No building reserve or investment in buildings
beyond 2013-14 capital funds
Modest reduction in employee hours to make up
for health care increases, min salary increases
One called minister
Reduction in hours church open
Fewer paid section leaders
Limit childcare

18. A 2030 Scenario that works?
310 members with a modest increase in pledges
and plate contributions
No building reserve or investment in buildings
beyond 2013-14 capital funds (15 years)
25%+ reduction in employee costs
One called minister
30% reduction in hours church open
No paid section leaders or children’s choir
Limited childcare

19. Turn around membership and pledging trends
Come up with additional source of funds to
cover building investment
We don’t have to go there

20. What you can do
Pay your pledge by June 30!
If you haven’t made one, please do
Invite a friend! [even without Barbara and Bill]
What would happen if every member brought one
first time visitor once/year? Lynn Hammond
We would more than triple the number of first time
visitors, and could add as many 60 new members
Don’t be afraid to try something new
Talk to Paul Hudson and Lonnie Moseley!

21. Monthly First Time Visitors
UUCB 2002 - 2013

22. Have the hard conversations
Are we willing to develop part of our
land?
Do we belong on this hill?
Are we willing to experiment with
how we do “church”?

23. The capital campaign “bought” us
3-5 years to address the trends
that otherwise could make leaving
a necessity instead of a choice
Are we willing to stay at the table
over the next few years to make this
an “engaged and sustainable”
community?

24. If we have any hope of transforming the world
and changing ourselves, we must be
bold enough to step into our discomfort,
brave enough to be clumsy there,
loving enough to forgive ourselves and others.
May we, as a people of faith, be granted the
strength to be so bold,
so brave,
and so loving.