Leadership Council Update: Strategic Plan in Action
How your Strategic Plan is taking shape at Venice UCC
Last year, members of our congregation and Leadership Council spent time dreaming, listening, and planning together as we developed our Strategic Plan. This summer, we are continuing that work by turning ideas into action. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, we wanted to share a glimpse of what is happening and where we are headed together.
In the coming weeks, Leadership Council members will be meeting in small groups to further develop goals and objectives that support our shared vision for Venice UCC. What might that look like? It could mean developing a facilities plan, planning a Blessing of the Animals service, creating children's activities that connect with weekly worship themes, building new community partnerships, strengthening our digital presence, and much more.
Here are a few of the things currently underway:
Legal Support: One of the goals identified during our Council retreat was to establish a legal resource for the church should questions or challenges arise. We have now retained attorney Jordi Riccardi for that purpose. We also continue to have access to pro bono legal resources through the United Church of Christ, particularly as we review and update our bylaws and policies.
Improving Communication: We are making great progress toward establishing Zoom as our church phone provider. This system will allow direct calling and text messaging with Pastor Barb when needed and should make communication much easier for everyone. Stay tuned for updates!
Welcoming New Staff: We are delighted to welcome Natasha and Marguerite to our church family. After spending time learning from Barb Quinn and several Council members involved in our website, app, livestreaming, and event calendars, they are already becoming an important part of our ministry team. We look forward to the fresh ideas and creativity they will bring to our weekly and monthly communications.
Policies and Preserving Our History: Several groups are working on important policy updates, including a Records Retention and Archiving Policy and revisions to our Facilities Use Agreement. Once these policies are finalized, we hope to involve volunteers in reviewing and preserving some of the rich history of Venice UCC.
Stewardship and New Members: The Finance Team has begun planning this year's Stewardship Campaign, and the Vision Team is partnering with Finance to help introduce our approach to stewardship to new members. New Member Sundays have already been scheduled, and we look forward to welcoming those who are considering making Venice UCC their church home.
Technology and Worship: Our Technology Team continues to work on improving the quality of our livestream experience, especially sound reception. If you regularly worship online, please let Gary know how things are working from your perspective. Your feedback helps us continue improving this important ministry.
Mission and Care: Mission Moments have been scheduled for the third Sunday of each month in the coming year, helping us stay connected to the ministries and organizations we support. At the same time, our Care Ministry Team has submitted a proposal focused on strengthening connections, support, and care throughout our church family.
As always, thank you for your support, prayers, ideas, and willingness to serve. Together, we are building on the strengths of Venice UCC while preparing for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Whether you are enjoying the summer here in Venice, spending time at a second home, or traveling the world, we wish you safe travels and look forward to staying connected with you.

A Note of Appreciation for Barb Quinn
At the March Leadership Council meeting, a letter of resignation from Barb Quinn was shared, noting that she will be stepping down from her role as Office Assistant effective May 31. We are grateful that she will continue to serve our church in her valued role as Music Director.


The Leadership Council extends its heartfelt appreciation to Barb for her willingness to step in and serve during a time of need. Her commitment to ensuring the continuity of our church’s daily operations reflects a deep sense of care and dedication to our congregation.


During her time in the office, Barb quickly expanded her knowledge of administrative responsibilities, developed efficient organizational systems, and became highly proficient in managing The Connect and other office technologies. Her efforts were instrumental in keeping our operations running smoothly.


In addition, Barb has been a welcoming and familiar presence to both members and visitors. With her longstanding connection to our church, she has played an important role in maintaining relationships across our congregation—especially with those who are less connected through digital means.


On behalf of the Leadership Council, we offer our sincere thanks for Barb’s faithful service and dedication. We look forward to celebrating her and presenting a token of our appreciation. Please watch The Connect for upcoming details.


If you are unable to attend, you are invited to share your words of thanks through Sharon Leidheiser, who will be coordinating messages and contributions.


(Fire Alarm Donations, Council Retreat, Bylaws Review Committee, and Pastor Relations Committee, Technology Info)

Fire Alarm Donations:
As of now, we have received $12,600 in donations. We are half-way to our goal of obtaining $25,000 to replenish our Endowment Fund.
Council Retreat:
Leadership Council did not have a November or December Council Meeting.  Instead, we held a retreat on November 17 & 18 hosted by FL Conference Facilitator Neal Watkins.  The goals were for us to join together and identify VUCC strengths and weaknesses, and share our thoughts on our main goals and objectives moving forward.
We were to have a follow-up with Neal Watkins on December 16 but that did not occur.  We will attempt to reschedule the conclusion with Neal.  In the meantime, Council will revive the momentum we experienced in November at our January Council meeting.
Bylaws Review Committee:
Our Bylaws Review Committee members: Barbara Quinn, Helen Markus, Jane Chittick and myself met several times since our last Annual Meeting to revise the grammar/sentence structure and align the format of our document.  The Final Draft is on our Leadership Council Drive, which you can review here.
Pastor Relations Committee (PRC):
At our Annual Meeting, a motion to revisit the membership of the Pastor Relations Committee was passed.  At our April 2026 meeting, we will vote on the membership change.
The Pastor Relations Committee may consist of five members: the current Moderator, one other Leadership Council member, and three members of the congregation at large (one or two may be from the Pastor Search Committee)
The PRC has been meeting every month, and the members are Gary Leidheiser-Chair, John Bartel, Marianne Dickson, Toni Yahres, Barbara Talmage, and Maria Groody-Moderator.
Just as a refresher, this committee exists to support the Pastor as well as church members in their relationship with the Pastor.
Technology Info:
There have been changes to the APP and website.  Leadership Council will begin short, five minute updates to alert members of progress, during Fellowship Time.  Please stop in for coffee and hear the news!