Erosion Repair Contractor Meeting — Saturday, 7 April 2012 at 12:00 PM

On 22 March 2012, the Board voted to accept the proposal by Ronald G. Carlson Inc. for the work to control the growing erosion gully which has been threatening the sanctuary foundation.

The successful bid is a proposal for a collection box to be located where the collapsed sidewalk segment was, which will then feed water into an open topped concrete flume (basically, a shallow, open topped concrete lined trough) that will run down the slope to an outflow near the bayou.

Additionally, a concrete curb will be cast in place on the lawn side of the sidewalk along the northwest side of the sanctuary to contain and control the run-off of water from the roof downspouts. Due to the soil character and steepness of the slope the work will be almost entirely hand labor.

Mr. Carlson has agreed to come and discuss the project in detail with board members and all interested parties on Saturday, 7 April 2012, at 12:00 PM.

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Building and Grounds Work Day — 17 March 2012

 Please join us this Saturday (17 March 2012) from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

We will undoubtedly have a lot of guests this Sunday and will want our church home to look its very best! Plenty of tasks inside and out — suited to all ages and abilities.

It’s also a good chance to work side by side with your All Souls friends and get to know them better.

If you have a shovel and you’re not afraid to use it, or … even if you’re currently unable to use it but you don’t mind if someone else does, please bring it on Saturday. Thanks!

Short-Term Capital Fund Drive for Collapsed Sidewalk Repair

Last Sunday (26 February 2012), a congregational meeting was held to inform members of the status of the collapsed sidewalk adjacent to the north side of the sanctuary.

Sidewalk Hole

The sidewalk’s collapse due to erosion necessitated meetings with engineers and contractors to determine action needed not only for initial repairs, but also preventive measures.

The engineers recommended repair of the sidewalk, construction of appropriate drainage systems to divert rainfall away from the sidewalk, and replacement of gutters on the sanctuary.  Because erosion is a continuing problem, a topography map and erosion report on the entire church property is necessary.  The engineers assured the building and sanctuary are structurally sound, but warned that the initial repairs begin within 30 to 60 days to prevent more serious problems.  Initial bids indicate the cost will be up to $30,000.

After significant discussion, the congregation voted in favor of allowing the Board of Directors to contract for up to $30,000 for the necessary repairs and reports, that a short-term capital fund drive be held to raise the necessary funds, and that no work begin until all funds needed have been actually received.  It was reported that if each family donate an additional 20% of its annual pledge for 2012, the $30,000 can be raised.

Letters will be sent to members asking that they submit their pledge by 18 March 2012 and that actual payment be made by Easter Sunday (8 April 2012).

[Submitted by Laurie Lyons — All Souls Treasurer and Capital Fund Drive Chair]

17 March 2012 Building and Grounds Work Day (Date Change)

The regular monthly Building and Grounds work day will be Saturday, 17 March 2012, instead of the regular second Saturday date of the month.

The date has been changed to avoid a conflict with the Enneagram Workshop on 9-10 March 2012.

Board and Council Meeting — Tuesday, 21 February 2012

This Tuesday (21 February 2012) at 6:00 PM we will be having our monthly Board and Program Council Meetings.

These meetings are open to all members and friends of the church. However, if you wish to speak at the meeting, you must contact Virginia Villarreal (Board Secretary) to get on the agenda.

Emergency Congregational Meeting (26 February 2012)

From:  Virginia Villarreal (Board Secretary)

To:  All Members, Inactive Members, and Friends

In accordance with the Bylaws of our church, I as Secretary of the Board, hereby announce that All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church will hold a special congregational meeting on Sunday, 26 February 2012 at 12:30 PM in the sanctuary.

On the Agenda:

  • Discuss the problems facing the maintenance and state of the building.
  • Discuss the options we may have for the future of the building.

Please make every effort to attend.  All active members should attend this meeting or give their proxies to those who can.

Inactive members and friends of the church are invited and encouraged to participate, but bylaws stipulate that only those members who have been active 30 days or longer may vote.

We must have a quorum.  Childcare provided.

Worship for Sunday, 11 December 2011

This Sunday at our 11:00 AM Worship Service, Rev. Barbara Jarrell will be in the pulpit, the All Souls Choir will sing, and the service will feature special music from Buddy Flett and Tim Brogan.

Stay afterward for the year-end Congregational Meeting.  And don’t forget the Bake Sale.

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2012 Stewardship Campaign

This year’s stewardship drive has already surpassed last year’s and promises to be even better — thanks to Stewardship Chair Robert Smith, the dedicated stewards who have taken the time to have vital conversations about what the church means to its members, and of course, thanks to you.

We are still waiting on a number of pledges we know will come in, so if one of those happens to be yours, please take a quick moment to cross this one item off of your growing December list.

Such a small, simple act of filling out a form, and yet you know how much it means to your own spiritual sustenance and to the continued presence of a liberal religious alternative in our community.

Lost your form? Not to worry. Check your mailbox on Saturday and Monday and you should receive a new one, so fill it out and bring it with you to church on Sunday or drop it in the mail. If it crosses in the mail with the one you just sent in, thank you, and please disregard the new one.

Thank you for your continued support of our faith community.