Registration for our Massachusetts Bay District Annual Meeting is now open!
Our Annual Meeting will be held on April 23rd, 2016 at the First Parish in Lexington.
This will be a historic meeting in which we will vote on dissolving the district. We hope to have over 75% of our member congregations represented for this historic vote. Check in with your congregation about becoming a delegate, and please plan to join us!
Below are a few Frequently Asked Questions about dissolving the district. Click HERE to read the full list of FAQs. Please look for more information about these proposed changes to our District structure throughout the spring, including upcoming spring webinars where you will be able to connect with MBD board members.
Q: How does dissolving the district fit with what's happening elsewhere in the country?
A: Dissolution is part of a suite of options being considered by districts across the
country. As districts begin to understand the effects of regionalized staffing, stewardship
and linkage, each is considering how to help build connection and expand ministry in
keeping with its own local ethos and context. Districts in two regions have dissolved and
moved toward two different models of regionalization. In 2013 the former districts of
Central Midwest, Heartland, and Prairie Star voted to dissolve and form one regional
board within the MidAmerica Region. The Southern Region is comprised of the former
Florida, Mid-South, Southeast and Southwest districts. Regionalization in the south
began with the creation of an Elders program of lay leaders who consult and connect
congregations. After dissolution of these districts, the program was moved to the region
along with the stewardship function.
There have been no reductions of Regional UUA staff to date. Service delivery and
communications have reportedly improved. Increases and innovation in ministry are
expected to follow after adjustments to new conditions are absorbed and integrated.
Some districts will likely continue to exist for reasons of geographic location, or financial
restrictions presented by large restricted endowments. However, it is reasonable to
anticipate that our associational governance structure will continue to evolve as we gain
a better appreciation for and command of its gifts.
Q: Will there be a change to the services that congregations receive?
A: No. In fact, the services to which you are referring are already being provided by our
New England Regional staff. The regionalization of UUA staff means that the same
services are available to congregations, including support for ministerial transitions and
consultation with regional staff, particularly in the areas of conflict transformation, justice
ministry, and religious education. The Learning Congregation workshops that began in
our district are now offered across the region, which means that you can choose to
attend an offering in a neighboring district when that is more convenient.
Q: Where will Mass Bay District's assets go?
A: With the exception of the Woburn Fund, all assets currently owned by the Mass Bay
District will be transferred to our UUA. Financial assets (savings and investments) will be
held in restricted funds for the purpose of funding the New England Region operations
and programming. These assets include money market accounts, certificates of deposit,
UUA Common Endowment Fund holdings, and the like.
These restricted funds will be safeguarded and/or appropriately invested by the UUA in a
manner that balances opportunities for growth as well as reasonable availability for use.
This fund can be used to offset expense overruns, legal fees, and other costs incurred
by the UUA on behalf of the region.
One of our primary assets is the Woburn Fund from when our congregation in Woburn
dissolved, the endowment of which was restricted for use in supporting MBD
congregations. Income from that endowment has historically been awarded through
grants to congregations and UU organizations within the Mass Bay District. The Mass
Bay District board is currently investigating options for how the Woburn Fund could be
handled in the future in a way that honors donor intent, accountable decision-making
structures. This is legally and technically complicated, and the exact structure of future
use of Woburn Fund money may not be resolved by our annual meeting and will be part
of the due diligence of the MBD board in the process of dissolving.
In faith,
The Massachusetts Bay District Board of Directors
