Governance
Churches are made up of committed people, and committed people get things
done by organizing like-minded people to get a job done. Very often at First
Church, there at plenty of opportunities to work together on committees, or on short, but
meaningful projects.
Much of the work is done without meetings,
via phone or email networking. At the risk of turning people off with
"committee work", here is a list of some of the many committees that keep
the mission of the church alive through action.
The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees, on behalf of the Congregation, has charge of the
real and personal property of the Church, conducts all the business affairs
of the Church, and controls the administrative affairs of the Church
consistent with the Constitution and By-Laws.
Committees
The Finance Committee is responsible for the preparation of a
recommended budget, the selection of the Director of the All-Church Canvass,
and the coordination of any other fund-raising campaign.
Sub-committee:
Canvass Committee
The Nominating Committee
makes known by written notice the list of
nominees for the positions on the Board of Trustees to be elected at the
Annual Meeting following.
The Religious Education Committee guides the program of the
Church School and is responsible for the selection of the teaching
personnel.
The Adult Religious Education Committee
provides educational
programs that stimulate religious questioning and spiritual discovery and
facilitate development of a personal religious philosophy. Adult Religious
Education programs include seminars, courses of study, book/literature
reviews, presentations, discussions, and adult community events.Sub-committee:
Forums
The Denominational Affairs Committee encourages individual and
group participation in denominational affairs, such as assisting fellowship
groups, attending area conferences, and considering annual resolutions of
the Unitarian Universalist Association. It provides liaison with the
Unitarian Universalist Association, and any other Unitarian Universalist
area organization with which the Church has affiliation. It also provides
liaison with other religious community organizations.
The Membership Committee provides for the orientation of members
and friends and for the reception of new members.
The Church Services Committee provides for ushers, floral
arrangements, and coffee fellowship. It keeps the attendance record and
arranges for hospitality on special occasions.
Committee responsible for:
Bookshop
The Music Committee provides music for the Church services as
needed, maintains the Church’s musical instruments and its music library,
and serves to coordinate other musical services. Sub-committees:
Adult
Church Choir, Children's Choir
The Building and Grounds Committee has charge of all matters
pertaining to the repair, maintenance, custodial care, furnishing and
decorating of the building and landscaping of the grounds. Sub-committee:
Vision 2020 Committee
The Building Use Committee
assists the Board in formulating and
executing policy regarding renting, leasing, or the unpaid use of the church
building by outside groups or individuals.
The Communications Committee plans and executes advertising as
authorized by the Board of Trustees; prepares articles on all Church or
general programs or events for newspapers, Unitarian Universalist
publications, and other outlets; and assists organizations and committees
within the Church in publicizing their event. Sub-committee:
Web Site Committee
The Social Concerns Committee
is responsible for the study of
vital social issues and advises or informs the Congregation on matters of
general social concern, and may encourage the Congregation to take action
with respect to such matters. Sub-committees:
Welcoming
Congregation, How Open the Door, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee,
Habitat for Humanity, Responsible Consumption, Journey Toward Wholeness,
Refugee Support, Homeless Support
The Planning Committee studies the long-term future needs of the
Church from the standpoint of finance, physical facilities, personnel,
programs and organizations.
The Worship Committee coordinates with the Minister in planning
Sunday Services, and, on Sundays when the Minister is not in the pulpit, has
responsibility for the Sunday Service.
The Ministerial Relations Committee
serves as a support group for
the Minister and as a communication channel between the Congregation and the
Minister.
The Personnel Committee
is responsible for evaluating the
performance of personnel paid by the Church for the purpose of obtaining
evaluations of performance to be considered in recommending changes in
salaries.
The Caring Committee
coordinates the caring network and helps the
Congregation care for one another and stay informed of members’ needs.
The Summer Services Committee initiates planning for summer
services.
Life Groups Committee establishes, encourages, supports, and
coordinates small groups in response to the needs and/or desires of Church
members. Sub-committees:
Greater Meanings Discussion Group,
Playreaders, Parenting/Adoptive Parents, Social Activities, Wednesday Brown
Baggers, Meditation Group
Other Information
The Endowment Fund Trustees administers the endowment fund.
Fiscal Year:
The fiscal year of the Church shall be April 1
through March 31.
Official Meetings: The regular Annual Meeting of the
Congregation is held in the month of April each year, and additional regular
meetings are held in October and January.
|