The Board met on February 11, 2025, and discussed the following issues:

Creating our mission statement. Following up on our 1:1 meetings with the congregation, the Board discussed what had been achieved thus far in conducting 1:1 meetings with the congregation. This project is ongoing. A suggestion was made to give interviewees the conversation questions prior to meeting with them.

Trust Fund and transfer to the United Church Fund. Kris Felbeck, Treasurer, gave the following report: 

The United Church Fund (UFC) is a UCC fund which manages 1,150 church portfolios. The Investment Subcommittee of the Finance Committee investigated three possible funds and chose UCF. The size of our Fund is about average for the funds they manage. We have approximately $550,000 invested in two mutual funds which meet our screening criteria and hold 60% stocks, 40% bonds. Each year when setting the budget, 5% of the Trust Fund is allocated as income for operating expenses based on the balance as of September of the previous year. In the past, other amounts have been withdrawn for other purposes, after a congregational vote. At times the percentage figure has also varied. The Fund is largely made up of memorial gifts.

Ways to prepare our staff and congregation for potential encounters with ICE. The Board discussed the need for additional information and resources to ensure the safety of those persons who enter our building and choose to worship within our building.

Global Refuge. The Board agreed to sign a letter drafted in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, supporting refugee resettlement. First Church signed this letter as a faith organization. Global Refuge will send the letter to President Trump, Secretaries Rubio and Noem, and members of Congress. 

Linda Valerian, Moderator