Caring Committee

Monthly volunteers coordinate care for members who experience losses or medical problems and acknowledge special events in the life of congregants such as births and marriages. The monthly coordinators enlist the help of members of the congregation who have expressed interest in providing assistance to others.

Denominational Connections

An individual or small group keeps our congregation connected with the Unitarian Universalist Association by informing us of conferences and new programs. If members choose to attend the Prairie Star District Meeting (a meeting of UUs in our region), or the General Assembly (national meeting of UUs), there may be some financial support from the committee. May contribute to outreach of Unitarian Universalism in the larger community.

Fellowship

In order to build community among the congregation this committee coordinates a variety of opportunities for fellowship. Many members and friends may be involved in suggesting and organizing events.

Finance

The financial well being of the church is the focus of this committee. They work with the Treasurer and Records Administrator to monitor the church's financial investments and expenses for the church, staff and committees. They help with the annual pledge drive and create a budget for the Board to approve, based on the financial support promised during this drive.

Endowment (a Finance Subcommittee)

This committee oversees and manages the investment and distribution of Endowment Funds.

Stewardship (a Finance Subcommittee)

The on going vitality of this church depends on the generosity and commitment of members. The year-long Stewardship focus on financial and program support culminating the Annual Canvass campaign is the primary focus for this group.

Membership

The committee is concerned with visitors, friends and members of the church. The primary function is to attract new members to the congregation and welcome them once they have joined. The committee is responsible for scheduling greeters, organizing new member orientation sessions twice a year, ordering pamphlets for visitors and members, and organizing efforts for a picture directory every few years.

Memorial Garden

Responsible for the ongoing upkeep of the Memorial Garden, preparing the garden for Committal Services and adding new memorial plaques as needed.

Ministry

To strengthen the quality of ministry within the congregation, this committee supports for the Minster and serves as a communication channel between the minister and the congregation. Periodically, it provides insight to congregational feelings through a survey.

Nominating

The committee nominates candidates for Board officers, directors, and nominating committee members, and presents the slate to the congregation at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation in June.

Property

The committee is responsible for the upkeep of the church building and grounds. Members coordinate property workdays, arrange for church maintenance, and make sure the custodian and volunteer Sextons are aware of building use and needs.

Design (a Property Subcommittee

This committee is concerned with the beautification of the building -- internally and externally. This group helps decorate the building throughout the year.

Exterior/Grounds (a Property subcommittee)

This subcommittee organizes property workdays each spring and fall, and ensures the exterior and grounds are well cared for.

Volunteer Sextons (a Property subcommittee)

These volunteers are the daily "caretakers" of the church building. They ensure that the building is secure, safe, ready for functions, and, in general, make our church building a home for all of us.

Religious Education Council

The Council works with the Director of Religious Education to organize the religious education programs for all members and friends. The Council has subcommittees concerned with children's youth and adult religious education.

Children's Religious Education (a RE Council Subcommittee)

Members of the committee help mentor new teachers, design curriculum, and organize special events.

Adult Religious Education (a RE Council subcommittee)

This subcommittee offers religious education courses, workshops, and other adult programs throughout the year. Events are open to members and friends of the church. The group welcomes ideas for courses and volunteer facilitators. (Learn more about this committee..)

Covenant Groups (part of Adult RE)

These small structured Groups meet regularly for several months to share experiences around an important topic, with brief readings to set the mood or spur recollections. They serve the purpose of nurturring personal and spiritual growth. (Learn more about covenant groups..)

Youth Leadership Team (a RE Council subcommittee)

The team of seven youth, advisors and the Director of Religious Education. They generate and respond to program ideas for classes, events, and activities involving youth within our congregation, the Prairie Star District and the Continent.The team works to integrate youth involvement with new and existing lifespan education programs in our church and community.

Religious Services

The committee works with the minister to plan and carry out Sunday morning services. They coordinate ushers, readers, audio technicians, and other aspects of each service. They also plan lay-led services and summer services in the absence of the minister.

Social Justice Council

The council seeks to put into practice the social, environmental, justice and human relations' beliefs of the UU church. They address issues of peace, justice, race, children and the environment in the community and in the church. Activities include informational forums, fund-raisers, an ongoing food drive, and volunteer work in the community.

Interfaith Hospitality Network (a Social Justice Committee Task Group)

This subcommittee works with volunteers from the Congregational Church, UCC, to host homeless families through the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Activities include recruitment of First UU volunteers for "Buddy Weeks" with the Congregational Church.

Community Food Response (a Social Justice Committee Task Group)

The UU church organizes volunteers to participate in this city wide, second harvest program, to rescue and distribute prepared food to those in need.

Task Forces & Other Groups

Technology Task Force

This group will explore and pursue ways in which technology can improve communication for the congregation, and productivity for our staff. They will explore changes necessary to our website to offer church calendars and newsletters on-line.

Clara Barton Guild

The Guild meets monthly for fellowship, education, and fundraising that benefits our church community and the greater Rochester community. (Learn more about the guild..)