The team discussed accelerating merger milestones, launching the branding process with an outside firm, communication plans for the congregation, facilities updates timed between a June soft opening and a September grand opening, investment/foundation transition steps post-vote, governance and job description progress, a community fundraiser, and upcoming conference recognitions.
Branding and Identity Plan
- Immediate priorities: name reservations, domain acquisition, and initiating work with an external design team introduced by Chris; the budget has already been allocated.
- Process and scope: expect roughly four different look-and-feel options based on the name, history, and core themes; the team can interact more or less to contain budget; down-select to a final logo, colors, and branding guidelines.
- Possible deliverables include branding guidelines, logo, colors, and optional assets (e.g., letterhead, signage, tables) depending on selections.
- Timeline: branding work to span a couple of months; April was cited as a likely timeframe for completion of core brand assets; the website depends on final logo/colors and can proceed quickly once those are set.
- Governance touchpoints: add a March agenda update on branding progress; once the logo is approved, share it with the facilities team for alignment on physical applications (e.g., exterior cross treatment).
Communication and Vote Cadence
- Shift from months of preparation to a brief “10 days of life” sprint, with votes and decisions coming quickly.
- Congregation sentiment is not expected to be stressed due to ongoing communication.
- A message will go out tomorrow to give dates, places, and planning details so members are not surprised.
Board Packet and Job Descriptions
- Board packet: limited actionable items; acknowledge receipt and approve the packet as presented.
- Job descriptions: Carrie, Dave, and Samantha are interviewing, editing, and refining staff job descriptions to ensure accuracy prior to “re-unionize,” so the team knows what exists and what is needed.
Foundations and Investment Transition
- Interviewing investment firms is planned post-vote.
- Context: there are two new foundations with new purposes and five-person boards each; they will choose their investment firm.
- Action needs: board training and board insurance; begin meetings with investment firms after formation.
Merger Timeline and Milestones
- Official completion is multi-stage and “nebulous”: (1) cabinet approvals, (2) proper filing of paperwork, (3) money processing. The merger is “done” when the last of these occurs. Targeting as soon as administratively feasible (no firm commitment “before June” due to potential state or filing unknowns).
- Worship milestones: soft opening in early June; grand opening in the fall (September).
Facilities and Signage Planning
- Work window: plan to use the summer (June–September) to execute signage and main facility changes.
- Cost/quality emphasis: recognize legal fees and long-lived signage (potentially ~25 years); engage professionals for branding-informed design and fabrication/installation (branding team to lead design; signage companies to produce and install).
- AP project in the sanctuary: this transition may provide a “window of grace” to complete the project.
- Facilities team guidance: proceed with preliminary walk-throughs and planning, but hold off on permanent changes until branding guidance is available and summer work begins.
Governance, Ministry Ideas, and Recognition
- Post-vote and once officially approved for business, the new board will set direction for mission, vision, and resource allocation.
- Pending initiatives awaiting board consideration include:
- LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, plus) fellowship group (from Robert, Mark, and choir members) to provide a safe spiritual community.
- Samantha’s nonprofit feeding program pilot.
- At least three additional ideas were raised to Chris, all deferred to board decision-making.
- Conference recognition: at the senate assembly in June and the annual conference, the process will be recognized (not voted on). Presentations are being prepared.
- Media and music: Brandon will assemble a five-minute documentary-style video; the music program plans a commissioned piece now that a church name exists for the grand opening on Sunday.
Logistics and Scheduling
- Leaders review calendars and text availability to cover upcoming dates of informational meetings; Sunday is the only option for some; March 1 was identified for on-site vote.
Next Steps / Action Items
- Branding: finalize name reservations/domains; engage the design firm; review four options; down-select to final logo/colors/guidelines; add March branding update; share approved logo with facilities team.
- Communications: send congregation notice tomorrow with key dates and places of informational meetings.
- Administration: Continue refining employee job descriptions (Carrie, Dave, Samantha).
- Foundations: post-vote, seat five-person boards; arrange board training and insurance;
- schedule meetings with investment firms; plan for proper fund placement
- Facilities: plan summer execution (June–September) of signage and facility updates; hold off on permanent changes now; conduct preliminary walks only; pursue professional signage design/installation aligned to new branding; consider AP project completion.