MEMBERSHIP

You may possess only a small light, but uncover it, let it shine, use it in order to bring more light and understanding to the hearts and minds of men and women.

Our Members

Membership in our church evolves naturally as visitors become regular attendees, build friendships in our community, resonate with the principles of Unitarian Universalism, participate in programming and committee life and realize a wish to invest their energy, talents and resources.  Our Wednesday evening UU discussions allow newcomers to our faith community to learn about Unitarian Universalism in a comfortable small group setting, facilitated by our Minister.

Governing Board

Our Board of Trustees conducts church business in a democratic process aligned with our principles of Unitarian Universalist faith and our By-Laws.  Our Church Council fortifies the process of team-building, task-sharing and healthy communication.  Regular spiritual and leadership retreats deepen relations and renew spirit.  Members are encouraged to participate in those aspects of our church life that best meet their needs and allow opportunities for individual growth and community service.

Committees

• Adult Ed / Social Action
Our purpose is to foster, support and coordinate the ongoing education of adult members of our congregation and larger community relative to our Principles of Faith; encourage the community to affect the political process on issues of social conscience, and to serve as a congregational catalyst for implementing the Resolutions as approved at annual UUA General Assembly.  We also support the efforts of independent church groups having an educational or social justice component.

• Buildings & Grounds
Our responsibility is to care for and maintain the church building and grounds.  We attend to what enhances the worship experience and building use for members as well as how the space may be better utilized by the larger community in order to further the church’s vision statement.

• Caring
The Caring Committee cares for and about the members of our society.  We assist the minister with pastoral care by letting the minister know when a member might find it helpful to talk, or would like a visit at home/hospital/ nursing home.  With permission, we alert members of the congregation about those in need or would like visitors, flowers, or a telephone call.  Cards of caring, joy or concern are sent.  By use of a telephone tree, we contact each member monthly or as requested, when we have important society news to share.

• Denominational Affairs
We provide a liaison between the congregation, the UUA and the district.  We discuss denominational concerns and issues, promote education on UU General Assembly resolutions, foster an understanding of and commitment to our responsibilities as a member-church of the Association of UU congregations and prepare a pool of members to be delegates to the GA & district meetings.

• Finance
We are comprised of the Church Treasurer, immediate past Treasurer, Canvass Chair/Co-Chairs, Endowment Committee Chair and other interested parties.  We oversee all Church financial affairs, including the annual operating fund, capital fund and endowment.  We coordinate fundraising activities to support these funds; the annual pledge canvass, general fund-raising activities and solicitations, capital fundraising and planned giving.

• Membership
Our main purpose is to welcome visitors and strengthen relationships among new and older members of the church community.  We help visitors feel at home in our church community, introducing them to members during Sunday coffee hour and inviting them to Circle Suppers, pot lucks, church events and programs.  We send Information Packets on Unitarian Universalism, our church community and a Newsletter to visitors who complete a yellow Visitors Card.  Our biannual New UU Class helps interested visitors understand how the church works, investigate their personal theology and learn more about UUism.  Our Mentoring Program helps integrate new members into our community.

• Committee on Ministry
One of our main functions is to hear members’ concerns, comments and compliments regarding all aspects of worship in the church.  Our purview includes ‘ministry’ in all forms, by the settled minister and others.  We meet monthly with the minister to discuss these and other issues.

• Music
We are comprised of the Music Director and other interested parties.  We are responsible for enhancing the church’s music program above and beyond what is offered during Sunday services, including planning music for special services and developing a concert series.

• Communications
We promote the benefits of our offerings inside and outside of the church (programs, building, staff & worship experience) with church brochures, vision statement, press, Website, Signs, Mass Bay District Link, e-mail, Interfaith e-mail.

• Religious Education
Our goal: to provide excellent, informative and nurturing lifespan religious education for church members, friends and their families.  Through a variety of activities, (class time, drama and worship), adults and children work in intergenerational or age specific groups to develop personally and to explore UU principles.

• Worship
Our mission is to provide assistance, support and good counsel to the minister regarding worship; provide high quality and meaningful services aligned with our UU principles when the minister is not in the pulpit, and to enrich the overall worship experience at the church.

• Council
This working group of Committee Chairs strives to match talents to tasks, nurture leadership skills and serve as a vehicle of communication for setting the calendar for our church year.