UUSM - Getting Involved - Committees & Councils
Committees & Councils
Committees and Councils are the groups that do the work of our church on a
long-term basis. They tend to have regularly-scheduled meetings, require an
ongoing commitment from volunteers, and attend to things like establishing policies
and procedures, planning and coordinating major events, and keeping the church's
many administrative functions running smoothly. Explore membership in one of
these groups if you are already a church member and would like to gain a deeper
understanding of and make a deeper commitment to the inner workings of our congregation.
Administration
Contact: Melanie Sharp
Supports and makes recommendations to the Church Administrator regarding office
management, facility use and oversight of the sexton. Oversees the management
of the office, computers, equipment, policies, and use of facilities by inside
and outside groups.
Building (Expansion & Renovations)
Contact: Carol Kerr
Long-term, temporary committee working on plans for construction of a new
building and the remodeling of our sanctuary, Forbes Hall and our existing building
across the alley. Requires architectural knowledge, construction know-how, and/or
understanding of local zoning and permitting regulations. Interior designers
also welcome.
Camp De Benneville Pines Weekend
Contacts: Marv Pulliam, Sharon Damerell
Organizes the annual church weekend at the UU camp, Camp de Benneville Pines,
in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Capital Campaign
Contact: Ron Crane
Charged with funding the building and renovation project. Needs people who
enjoy raising money, don't mind asking for it, and have ideas for how to get
it. "Bean counters" welcome, too!
Denominational Affairs
Contact: Carol Agate
Connects our congregation with the wider UU movement across North America.
Design and Decor
Contact: Ellen Boag
Assures the overall beauty of the buildings; oversees interior design and
decorating.
Dining for Dollars
Contact: Helen Burns
Plans and coordinates annual fundraising auction of themed
meals donated by church members. Recruits donors/hosts for meals being auctioned.
Ernie Pipes Lecture Series
Contact: Leonard Adler
Plans and presents annual speakers in this ongoing lecture series.
Faith in Action Commission
Contact: Charles Haskell
Develops intergenerational projects that involve congregation members in social
action and social justice efforts. Component programs include the Peace &
Civil Liberties Committee, Interweave, the Economic Justice Initiative, Hunger
Initiatives, the Women's Alliance, the Unitarian-Universalist Service Committee
(UUSC) liasion, the UU-United Nations Office (UU-UNO) liaison, the UUA Study/Action
Group, the FIA Speaker Series, the FIA Bulletin, and RE Social Justice Sundays.
Finance
Contacts: Ofelia Lachtman
Develops annual church budget and administers church finances, with approval
of the Board. (Requires long-term participation, as well as financial experience
or broad experience in church affairs.)
Gallery Wall
Contact: TBA
Arranges monthly art show for the Gallery
Wall in Forbes Hall, along with a reception for the featured artist.
Investment
Contact: Edward (Ed) Field, Jr.
Manages the investment of our endowment and reserve funds, to grow our savings.
Requires financial know-how.
Long-Term Planning
Contact: Pat Wright
Ad-hoc task group appointed by the church President. (Not currently seeking
new members.)
Ministry
Contact: Ann Gustafson
Works with the minister to assure a quality ministry for our congregation;
acts as a liaison between the congregation and the minister. Committee members
are appointed by the minister and the church Board.
Music
Contacts: Peter Van den Beemt, Bronwen Jones
Works with the minister and music director to make sure music programs at
the church meet the congregation's needs. Includes choir participation, planning
choir events, and proposing possible guest musicians for Sunday services. Also
includes oversight of the childrens' choir, and other musical events and activities
at the church.
New Member Dinners
Contact: Helen Burns
Organizes quarterly social programs for new members.
Newcomer Orientation
Contacts: Judith Meyer, Ofelia Lachtman
Sponsors a monthly orientation that provides information on UU history and
philosophy and governance of our denomination and congregation.
Nominating
Contact: Kathy Cook
Nominates people to serve on the church Board and nominating committee. Includes
leadership development activities. Committee members are elected by the congregation.
Personnel
Contacts: John Fels, Pat Parkerton
Develops personnel policies, oversees annual evaluation of staff personnel,
and participates in the recruitment of new staff.
Pilgrims Feast
Contact: Melinda Ewen
Organizes annual Thanksgiving potluck dinner for the congregation, held on
the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Planned Giving
Contact: Ron Crane
Promotes to church members the advantages of participating in the planned
giving program established by the UUA.
Pulpit
Contact: Sue Bickford
Meets monthly with the minister to discuss the Sunday morning services, including
the overall flow, how music relates and occasionally, themes for the services.
Also helps coordinate speakers when the minister will not be present, and hosts
the services for outside speakers.
Religious Education Council
Contact: Janet Goodwin
Coalition of our five Religious Education committees (Social Justice, Curriculum,
Worship, Youth Activities and FUUN Events), which oversees the church's religious
education programs for children and youth. (Volunteers needed for all five committees.)
Stewardship
Contact: Jacki Weber
Oversees member development from a financial perspective, conducting the annual
pledge drive, overseeing planned giving and working in concert with the Finance
Committee to ensure the overall finanacial health of the church.
UU Service Committee (UUSC) Liaison
Contacts: Phyllis Gabriel
Under the auspices of the Faith in Action Commission, connects us with the
program and activities of the UUSC worldwide.
UU UNO Envoy
Contact: Eleanor Eagan
Under the auspices of the Faith in Action Commission, supports and advocates
for the United Nations, through affiliation with the UUA's UU-UNO office.
(NOTE: To reach the contact person for any of these groups, see your church
directory or contact the church office at office@uusm.org)
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