First Unitarian Universalist Church

Rev. Dr. Carol Hepokoski, Minister

A Rainbow Chalice, symbolizing a Unitarian Universalist welcoming congregation.
A Welcoming Congregation

1727 Walden Lane SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55902     (507) 282-5209

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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.
Communication & Technology
This committee focuses on how we communicate with the church committee and with the wider world.  Additionally, this group maintains the church website and the church computers.
Publicity, Editing Advisory Subcommittee (a C & T Subcommittee)
PEAS is charged with offering upon request advice regarding copy editing and media publicizing of events which have been approved by the Program Council.
 
 
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.
Endowment (a Finance Subcommittee)
This committee oversees and manages the investment and distribution of Endowment Funds.
 
 
 
 
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.
 
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.
Hospitality and Growth Council
This council facilitates the development of a congregation that welcomes guests, guides persons who have an interest in becoming members, and provides an atmosphere of hospitality and fellowship to, new members as well as all members, in their various stages of personal spiritual development.
The Council works with the following committees:
Fellowship a committee of the Hospitality and Growth Council
This committee coordinates a variety of opportunities for community gatherings and activities. All members and friends are encouraged to be involved in planning, organizing, and participating in events, that are open to the entire congregation. This committee, with the Hospitality Committee, sponsors the NEW MEMBER Receptions twice a year.
Hospitality a committee of the Hospitality and Growth Council
This committee focuses on welcoming guests to the church and introducing them to other members and friends. It sponsors "Get Acquainted Sundays" once a month, where guests can learn more about the church. It is responsible for scheduling Greeters, Guest Table welcomers, Ushers and Coffee Hosts. The committee also maintains the pamphlet rack in the lobby for members and friends.
Guidelines for:
Membership a committee of the Hospitality and Growth Council
This committee encourages and supports persons who are interested in becoming members of the congregation. They work with the Pastoral Care/Membership Coordinator in planning information sessions for persons who want to know more about the benefits and responsibilities of membership. They help New Members become involved in the activities of the church. The committee works with the church administrator in updating membership records and coordinates the arrangements necessary for a pictorial 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
The Council works with the Director of Religious Education and Minister 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
Members of the committee help mentor new teachers, design curriculum, and organize special events.
Adult Religious Education
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..)
 
 
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
Coordinates social justice activities. SJC activities are of five main types: education; service/charity; witness (speaking out on issues); advocacy (seeking change through legislation, for example); and community organizing. All task groups endeavor to address most if not all of these types of actions. All task groups are open to all members and friends of the church. Task groups include the following:
  • Poverty
  • Racial Justice
  • Health Care Reform
  • Social Justice Discussion Group
  • International Justice
  • People with Disabilities
  • Environment
  • GLBT Allies

Task Forces & Other Groups

 
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..)
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