Committees Overview

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is responsible for all legal and financial 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 nine members each serve 3-year staggered terms. It includes a chair, past-chair, chair-elect, treasurer, and secretary. Contact: Dave Szarmach, chair.

Board of Trustees Committees

Canvass

The Canvass Committee organizes and conducts our annual every-member canvass, and then summarizes and reports results to the Board and the congregation. Co-chairs are appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve two-year staggered terms. Other members are the Minister, two at-large members of the Society, and representatives from the Board and Finance Committee.

Facilities

The Facilities 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.

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 five members: the Treasurer of the Society, who may not be chair of the Committee, one member appointed by the Board of Trustees, and three at-large members elected at the annual meeting to serve three-year staggered terms.

Membership

You too could wear a name badge with a blue ribbon meaning that you are part of the friendly Membership Committee. They welcome newcomers and guests during Sunday services and other FUUSE activities and help to get them connected into our church community.

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. Two are appointed by the Board of Trustees, and one is appointed by the Minister.

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. One member is chair-elect, one is current chair, and one is past chair.

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.

Strategic Planning

The Strategic Planning Committee takes a long-range look at the needs of our Society and makes recommendations to the Board.
 

Program Council

The Program Council consists of the chairs of all committees responsible for the various programs in our church. It is currently chaired by the Minister and meets periodically to share information and coordinate calendars, plans, and budgets. It may create or dissolve committees and task forces to help our church pursue its mission and goals.

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.

Fellowship

The Fellowship Committee plans and oversees the Sunday Social Hour, Circle Dinners, and other group activities that promote fellowship among our church community.

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.

Music and 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 help coordinate 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.

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