Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is responsible for conducting the legal affairs of the Society. It oversees the activities and performance of the Minister and the work of all other committees responsible for personnel administration. It is responsible for all property and financial resources of the Society, including current operating funds and investment funds. Each year it presents an annual operating budget to the Society for approval and then manages that budget during the year.

The Board is made up of a chair, past-chair, vice-chair, treasurer, and no fewer than three members at large. All members are nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected at the Annual Meeting. The Chair and Vice-Chair for a term of one year, the Treasurer for three years, and the at large members for staggering three years. The Chair and Vice-Chair shall be eligible for election to no more than one additional year.

Pledge Drive Committee

The Pledge Drive Committee organizes and carry out the Society's annual pledge drive in a timely manner, including establishing an annual pledge drive goal, educating the Congregation about the financial needs of the Society and reporting results of the pledge drive. They shall communicate and consult with the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees in establishing the annual pledge drive goal and reporting the progress and outcome of the pledge drive. There shall have at least three members on a staggered three year term and all nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected at the Annual Meeting.

Property

The Property Committee maintains all property and buildings, and makes recommendations to the Board for staffing. It consists of three members elected by the Society to serve three-year staggered terms. At least three member and at least one member is nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected at the Annual Meeting. Each serving a three year staggered term.

Finance

The Finance Committee reviews the annual operating budget and quarterly financial statements and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees. It also makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees on the investment of funds and provides advice and assistance on financial issues of importance to the Society. In addition, the Finance Committee provides direct support and oversight to the Treasurer.

The Finance Committee consists of no fewer than three members: the Treasurer of the Society, who may not be chair of the Committee, one member appointed by the Board of Trustees, and  at-large members elected at the annual meeting to serve three-year staggered terms.

Ministerial Relations

The Ministerial Relations Committee meets periodically with the Minister to discuss the relationship between the Minister and the Society, to ensure open communication between the congregation and the Minister, and to act as a sounding board for the Minister. It consists of three members serving three-year staggered terms. One is appointed by the Board of Trustees,  one is appointed by the Minister, and one nominated by the Nominating Committee and elected at the Annual Meeting.

Nominating

The Nominating Committee prepares a slate of candidates for election to open positions at the annual meeting. It consists of three members appointed by the Board of Trustees who serve three-year staggered terms.

Personnel

The Personnel Committee is responsible for the employment of the church staff — except the Minister — including advertising for positions, maintaining job descriptions, and negotiating terms and agreements relating to compensation and employment status. The Committee solicits input from other appropriate committees.

The Personnel Committee consists of three members serving three-year staggered terms. One is appointed by the Board of Trustees, one is a representative of the Finance Committee, and one at-large member is elected by the Congregation.

Program Council

The Program Council consists of the chairs of all committees responsible for the various programs in our church. The Program Council shall facilitate the development and coordination fo chruch programs by coordinating the Church calendar, providing for leadership development and training, enhancing intra-church communication, initating, advancing or modifying programs and activities, ensuring that committee leaders have the information and resources needed to carry out their function, and otherwise assist in achieving the objectives of the Society as directed by the Board of Trustees.

Current committees and task forces include:

Caring

Also affectionately known as the “Casserole Ministry,” the Caring Committee works with the minister to provide care and support for congregation members in times of need. This includes rides, food, visits, and support at all levels.

The chair is appointed by the Program Council, and other members are appointed by the chair. Many others in the congregation help out on specific projects.

Director of Religious Education Relations

This small committee works as a communication network between the Director of Religious Education (DRE) and the congregation. They are problem solvers, and advocates and perform the annual staff review.

Hospitality

The Hospitality Committee plans and oversees the Sunday Social Hour, Circle Dinners, and other group activities that promote fellowship among our church community. They welcome new commers and guests and intergrate them into further participation and membership of the Society.

The chair is elected a the annual meeting. Other members are appointed by the chair.

Fundraising

This committee organizes special fundraising activities to support our church programs. Their primary activity is the annual church auction.

Worship

This committee acts as an advisory committee to the Minister in planning, executing, and evaluating the Sunday worship service, including the presentation of music or special programs. It also plans and executes occasional lay-led services.

The chair is elected at the annual meeting. Other members are appointed by the chair.

Ombuds

This subcommittee provides support to members, volunteers, and staff dealing with conflicts within our church. Members are appointed by the Program Council.

Religious Education

Children & Youth: The Children’s RE Committee is responsible for planning and overseeing educational programs for our children.

Adult: The Adult RE Committee plans and oversees regular offerings for the congregation. Check the calendar for their programs and times.

Social Justice

The Social Justice Committee helps FUUSE understand its role as a religious community in fostering ethical and just relationships within the congregation and the larger world. They helpcoordinate the congregation’s social responsibility activities.A few task forces and initiatives have started under their banner including the following.

Green Sanctuary Task Force: This group helps our church community implement a program supporting the Seventh Principle Project of the UUA. A Green Sanctuary is defined as "a congregation that lives out its commitment to the earth by creating a sustainable lifestyle for its members as individuals and as a faith community."

Groundwater Task Force: This group is working on protection and awareness of water resources, especially in our area. Projects include the Save Our Groundwater/USA Springs conflict.

Outreach Task Force: This is a meaningful way for FUUSE members to connect, support, enrich, and gift to others beyond the walls of this church through our service, spirit and contributions.

Welcoming Congregation: This subcommittee worked to defeat the proposed Constitutional Amendment aimed at excluding same-sex couples from the legal equality represented by civil marriage.