2024 Annual Meeting Minutes
Unity of Tustin
14402 Prospect Ave.
Tustin, CA 92780
2024 Annual Meeting
March 17, 2024
Opening: Craig Steven Phillips led the opening prayer.
Welcome Call to order: Connie Carter called the meeting to order at 1:03pm.
Roll Call/Quorum: The roll call was conducted for all current board members: Marisela Velasquez-Pinney
(Secretary), Kim Manning (Treasurer), Bruce Baird (Member at Large), and Connie
Carter (President). Kathy Andrews was absent. A quorum was present.
Call for Motion to Approve Agenda: The Board of Directors’ proposed agenda was approved unanimously.
Approval of Minutes of 2023 Meeting: The 2023 Annual Meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
President’s Report: Connie Carter:
Highlighted accomplishments include SMT, WFUO, FEMA Grant, YFL, SGM,
In/Outreach, MGOC, Community Service, Preschool, and thriving ministries/community.
Our prosperity consciousness and faith helped retire mortgage debt, increase numbers
and unity, and strengthen our focus on important matters. This success is due to
leadership’s skills and our commitment to spiritual growth and shared divinity.
Ministers’ Report: Shara Moscinska:
Provided an update on the Integral Ministry Practice and SMT. Discussed the
achievements and changes regarding We Free Unity $33k Circle, We Space
Development, Spiritual Cooperative for 2024, We Legacy Unity and Vision and
Affirmations. She also noted that we are now in our third year of coaching to become an
Integral Ministry. Her belief is that the coaching program, spiritual ministry team,
collaborative board leadership, and community engagement support stability, peace,
creativity, and health at UOT, allowing us to embody our spiritual principles collectively.
She explained the core concept of Integral Ministry. Ended her presentation with the
Unity blessing.
Treasurer’s Update: Kim Manning :
We ended last year with a net income of $8,169, which includes depreciation. Income:
Total Revenues $747,295; Expenses: Total Operating Expenses $771,292; Other
Income/Expense: Net Income $8,169. Our balance sheet from December 2023 shows
$133k in cash, including We Free Unity income, and a negative due to FEMA money
owed by the state. We paid off the $89k mortgage at the end of February without
touching our investments. For the 2024 budget, we increased our offerings by 8%, from
$333k last year to $357k this year. Stock donations are slightly higher than last year.
MGOC Shared services budgeted $17k income.
MGOC: Steve Stoeckel & Kim Manning:
Kim introduced the MGOC board members: President Steve Stoeckel, Vice President
Doug Anderson, Secretary Sandra Schoonover, Treasurer Kim Manning, and Members
at large Irene Lara, Rev. Shara Moscinska, and Connie Carter. She also presented the
2023 Financial Summary report.
Introducing New Board Members, Election Committee Nominee, and Outreach Update: Marisela Velasquez-Pinney
Election Committee/Nomination for Election Committee- The members of the
Election Committee were announced: Rev. Shara Moscinska, Marisela
Velasquez-Pinney, and JonClaud Pinto. The Election Committee oversees the board
elections to ensure all vacant seats are filled by qualified candidates. JonClaud Pinto,
the Election Committee Chair, requested nominations for the 2025 Election Committee
Chair. Gary Godshall was nominated and approved by acclamation.
Introduction of New Board Members- The new board members were invited to speak
on the platform and share their thoughts.
Outreach report – UOT participated in two community events in 2023: Dino Dash and
OC Pride Fair. These events helped connect us with the broader community and share
our message and mission. There is a committee dedicated to identifying outreach
opportunities to engage local cities and neighborhoods. The 2024 Tustin Parks &
Recreation annual Event Schedule was shared to outline potential participation
opportunities for UOT. An invitation was extended to individuals interested in outreach,
noting the need for assistance to ensure successful engagement.
Youth & Family Life Update: Erin Hostetler:
Celebrated 75 years of Unity of Tustin and planned for the next 75. Noted increased
engagement from parents and families finding their spiritual home at UOT. Discussed
adopting an evolutionary purpose statement and integral ministry model. Ended with a
prayer, sharing intentions.
Rev. Blair Update:
Expressed gratitude for the SMT and 4 years of collaboration. Shared that we recently
completed the Grief Recovery workshop. Upcoming is a process called Non-Violent
Communication, which addresses communication skills. This process focuses on
identifying our needs through our feelings. This approach promotes effective
communication and deepens relationships. Additionally, he is studying a book called
“The Abundance Project” by Derek Rydall. The SMT is also exploring ideas for Fall
Spirit Groups. Concluded with a reminder that we are part of the interpenetrating Spirit.
Bookstore Report: Bruce Baird:
Kay was recognized for her role as volunteer manager of the bookstore. An update was
given about moving the future bookstore/welcome center to the library room, with
inventory liquidated at a discounted sale. Proceeds will support the bookstore/welcome
ministry. A meeting of former bookstore volunteers is scheduled for April 2.
Spirit Groups Update: Kathy Andrews:
Presented remotely via video, she is the outgoing vice president of the church board,
now transitioning to Spirit Group Program Leader. Her goal is to ensure continuity in this
vital program. She outlined her new role, discussed the value of Spirit Groups, and
shared participation data.
Conscious Conversation/Q&A as the Beloved Community, facilitated by Mary Jeanne Hawes –
Zelda Benson asked Treasurer Kim Manning about stock donations.
Zelda commented to Marisela Velasquez-Pinney on the Orange County Pride parade,
happening on October 5. Last year’s turnout was great.
Joe Hill inquired with Treasurer Kim Manning about church group investments.
Patty suggested combining Spirit Group funding with the bookstore.
Susan addressed the grounds team regarding the Koi Pond in site 5.
Marty Beery noted that the Reiki Ministries were not mentioned in recent updates.
Joe (?) acknowledged Susan Zack for her 12 years as Director of Hospitality.
Closing Prayer: Craig Steven Phillips :
Craig expressed his gratitude to Connie Carter for her dedicated service, followed by a
closing prayer.
Adjournment: Connie Carter adjourned the meeting at 2:25 pm.
