About Our Board

At High Street Unitarian Universalist Church, our Board of Trustees embodies our UU principles of democratic process, service, and stewardship. The board provides leadership, guidance, and support for our congregation, ensuring that our shared vision and values are reflected in decisions that shape our community.

They meet regularly to:

• Oversee church programs and initiatives, keeping our mission and values at the heart of all we do.
• Support the minister and staff, offering guidance while encouraging self-care and well-being for all.
• Plan and coordinate events that foster connection, learning, and service within our congregation and the wider community.
• Maintain and care for our shared spaces, ensuring they remain safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.
• Communicate with the congregation, sharing updates and inviting participation, honoring our commitment to transparency and inclusion.

This section keeps you informed about the board’s work and highlights how your leadership, planning, and care help our church thrive. It’s part of our UU commitment to community, accountability, and nurturing a spirit of generosity and collaboration.

Board Corner Updates

The board met on April 16, 2026 to share updates and plan ways to strengthen our community.

Meeting Overview

• Time: 7:00 PM – 8:12 PM
• Attendees: Marie Holliday, Amy Sumpter, Trinity Martell, Spencer Ault, Beth Van Houtte, Jim Scott. (The Minister was absent on holiday).
• Key Discussion Points & Committee Reports:
• Financials: The Treasurer reported $117,000 in pledges so far.
• Canvass Report: Canvass documents and call lists were emailed to the board. The “do not call” list will be updated by Debra. If needed, the board will divide up the call list via email between the finance team, Kim Lynn’s team, and the board.
• Search Team Report: The latest search round yielded no results. The team is exploring a potential shared ministry arrangement with a Statesboro, GA congregation, as well as a guest speaker who showed interest.
• Security & Safety Updates:
  • The office has a new pin lock; board members need to text Spencer a 4-to-8-digit code. The High Street door lock was also reinforced with a metal plate.
  • Plans are underway for a 4-to-5 camera security system and an HVAC security cage.
  • Emergency light batteries are being replaced, and entry door chimes will be installed this month.
• Old Books Management: A formal book sale is not planned anytime soon. The Men’s Breakfast group will move the books to the sanctuary, where parishioners can browse them with a donation box available for the next two Sundays (Motion passed). Remaining books may be offered to local shops (Gottwals, Golden Bough, or a shop in Warner Robins).
• Policies & Procedures: Trinity is coordinating with Gaye and Bertram on updates, and Beth will send over procedure recommendations.
• Property & Communications: Efforts are underway to revive the property’s roses.
• Board Thank Yous
  Appreciation was extended to several guest speakers, Spencer (for security and groundskeeping), Lindsay and Beth (security collaboration), Johnny Davis (kitchen sink repair), the Easter egg hunt volunteers, Sage Circle, Tucker, and Mike.
• The board entered an executive session before adjourning at 8:12 PM.

The board met on May 21, 2026 to share updates and plan ways to strengthen our community.

Meeting Overview

• Time & Attendance: The meeting called to order at 7:00 PM and adjourned at 9:02 PM.
• Attendees
  included Marie Holliday, Amy Sumpter, Trinity Martell, Arlen Goff, Spencer Ault, Beth Van Houtte, Jim Scott, Bertram Tulloch, Rev. Amanda Schuber, Lori Johnson, Paula Del Rio, Mary Lou Ezell, Hetty Jardine, and Mike Hazlett.
• Committee & Officer Reports
• Newsletter & Communications
  • Format: Moving to a monthly newsletter format focused on board updates, thank-yous, member highlights, and the search committee.
  • Additions: Will feature columns for the President and Treasurer, plus a link for members’ questions and concerns that can be emailed to the board.
  • Deadlines: Submissions are due by the 18th of the month prior, with distribution scheduled by the 25th or the first Sunday of the month.
• Approvals
  • Hiring: Officially approved hiring Mary Catherine Wiley as Assistant Pianist for one Sunday per month (funded via guest speaker savings).
• Minister’s Report
  • Pastoral Care: Reminded the board to share names of anyone needing a call (Marie gave suggestions).
• Financials & Canvass Report
  • Financial Standing: The church is in a good place. Discussed the end of the fiscal year budget.
  • Giving Trends: Overall giving has increased by 41% over the last two years. While individual giving units are down, the amount given per unit is up.
• Search Team Report
  • Status: No candidates were received at the end of the April cycle. The team will follow up with Christine at UU at the end of May.
  • Next Steps: Exploring a partnership with Statesboro, GA, following up with an interested past speaker, and having Tina check with her cohort.
  • Timeline Note: Rev. Amanda advised that responses may slow down through June and July due to the General Assembly and summer vacations.
• Security & Safety
  • Maintenance: Bringing the locksmith back to address a previous issue.
  • Team Growth: The team is looking to add Trinity to the safety committee, leveraging her degree in risk management and insurance.
• Old Books Project
  • Progress: The first set of books was given to the congregation, and the remainder went to the Friends of Houston County book sale. The room is now entirely clear of books.
  • Next Steps: Seeking volunteers to move the remaining cases down; Centenary has requested them for their “no sale yard sale.”
• Policies & Old Business
• Policies & Procedures
  • Trinity and Bertram need to regroup to update these, with Beth assisting on security procedures.
• Board Thank Yous
  Appreciation was expressed to:
  • Speakers: Beth Collins, Keli Underwood, Rev. Tina Clark, Rev. Misha Sanders, and Rev. Bob Bledsoe.
  • Security & Facility Work: Beth, Spencer, Charles, Lindsay, and James Oakley (front door work).
  • Events & Logistics: Beth, Hetty, and Vanessa (Flower Communion); Vanessa (Children’s Story slides); and David Hensley.
  • Care & Admin: The Care Team (for Judy and Barbara) and Hetty (Auction Committee minutes).