How Our Church Works
committees

Here is a partial listing of our committees. As our needs change, so does the activity level of these volunteer groups.

During 2007, we began a dynamic & fascinating reorganization of our church volunteers and administration. Currently we have four Councils to assist in communication throughout the committee level: Ministry, Facilities, Programs and Finance.

These Councils are basically the committees with common interests meeting together to improve communication throughout the church volunteer force. And every meeting is bringing about a new understanding of how best to organize our activities, so expect to see more revisions on this page!

Our Councils consist of the following committees:

Ministry Council /
Preaching for Parishoners
Ministry Committee
Religionous Education
Music & Choir
Sunday Support Services
New Membership Development
Website

Facilities Council / Brenda Young & Pamela Twycross-Kent
Decor
Church Environment
Routine Repair
Cleaning
Technology
Major Repairs & Improvements

Programs Council / Mickey Tannehill
Cadre of Caring
Social Concerns
Campus Ministry
Archives
Church Life
Interweave
UU-UNO
Denominational Affairs
Adult Programs
Library
Lay Worship
Women's Circle
Current Events Lunch
Men's Lunch

Finance Council / Tammy Ulrich
Administrator
Renters
Finance
Church Treasurer
Canvass/Financial Continuity
Fund Raisers
Endowment Fund
Capital Campaign

A quick browse through our monthly newsletter or calendar will reveal many opportunities for newcomers to explore. One of the easiest is to join in the Coffee Hour held after Sunday Services each week. We welcome you!

  • ART WALL
    This is a special area at the rear of the church on which to display works of artwhich complement the purpose of our religious community. This space can be used to enhance seasonal events, all church events, or significant community events through the dramatic use of paintings, photos, writings, and other objects of art. Displays are coordinated through the chairperson.
  • REPAIR & CLEANING
    Our building is actively used by ourselves and many outside groups and therefore requires attention to be sure it is properly maintained, comfortable and welcoming. This committee coordinates church volunteers with particular skills, and contracts with outside professionals when needed. Spring and Fall "Fix-up" dates are typical activities. If you have skills in carpentry, painting, plumbing, wiring, or in organizing others, join us. All are welcome.
  • CHOIR
    Our choir enriches our sunday services as well as other special events. Rehearsals are on Thursday at 7:30pm & on Sunday at 9:30am. If you enjoy singing, you are welcome to join us.
  • CHURCH DECOR
    This group of volunteers ensures that our facilities will remain attractive as well as functional, with proper bulletin board space, arrangements of furniture, and general decor.
  • CHURCH LIFE
    Arranges a variety of social events designed to stimulate a sense of community within the church. For example, the annual Christmas Party, and Spring Dinner; Area Dinner Parties.
  • SUNDAY SUPPORT SERVICES / COFFEE MINISTRY
    When formal church services are over, we congregate in the Emerson Room to discuss personal concerns or to simply be with others over a cup of coffee or tea. This is an important part of our Sunday morning experience. A new member will meet everyone by being the "coffee person" for a Sunday or two.
  • CRAFT GROUP
    We will again sponsor our own Fine Arts & Crafts Show in November 2008.
  • CANVASS / FINANCIAL CONTINUITY
    Special responsibility is to assure that the church can continue to operate on a firm financial footing which allows for growth - for religious education, for music, for community outreach, for social concerns, for denominational awareness and support, for building and grounds accessibility and maintenance and for competent ministry. This committee oversees the annual canvass and provides the opportunity for new members to make contributions immediately.
  • DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS
    Keeps the congregation informed of continental, district and local meetings, conferences and functions of our denomination, and encourages attendance at these events.
  • EVENSONG
    Usually on the first Friday evening each month, members and friends gather for a pot-luck supper at 6:30pm followed by a brief spiritual service of Music, Prose and Poetry at 7:30pm. Please see our monthly newsletter for more details.
  • GARDEN
    From seasonal blitzes to weekly weeding, this is a committee dedicated to keeping the acreage around the church beautiful. Time flies when you are swapping stories with each other.
  • INTERWEAVE
    To insure that our congregation remains open and welcoming to gay and lesbians, and to their concerns and needs, (i.e. services of union conducted by our ministers as requested) we have formed a special committee which adheres to the principles of our denomination's Welcoming Congregation Program. Meetings of this committee are publicized in our newsletter and are open to anyone interested in ensuring full acceptance of gays and lesbians in all phases of our church's friendly life.
  • NEW MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
    An active group of new and old members whose sole purpose is to be sure that members, visitors and friends of our congregation find warmth, friendship and ways of becoming a part of our church and its many activities. This committee's mission is to attract new membership and encourage & nurture relationships within our community.
    Functions as first contact with church for all visitors by providing name tags, signing of the visitors book to allow for mailing of church newsletter, answers questions about many of the activities of the church and directs visitors with children to religious education area. Stop by the Welcoming Circle any Sunday after the service to chat with us.
  • MEMORIAL GARDEN
    Set in the middle of our church lawn is a beautifully landscaped Memorial Garden for the use of our members and special friends. Names of the deceased are inscribed on an interior wall in the solarium.
  • MEN'S LUNCHEON
    On the first Thursday of every month all men are invited to get together for lunch and discussion. It's a time for sharing ideas about church life, community and world events, and personal joys and concerns.
  • MINISTERIAL ADVISORY
    Our committee on ministry functions as a connecting link between the ministers and the congregation to ensure that ministers and congregation find their church life fulfilling.
  • NATURE PRESERVE /CHURCH ENVIRONMENT
    Our property includes a large undeveloped acreage in the back of our building beyond the parking lot which responds to the work of caring hands to make it useable and accessible for church use and special outdoor activities.
  • NURSERY
    For babies and young children not yet ready for religious education classes we provide a nursery during church service and coffee hour. If you have need for this service ask at the visitors' desk or one of our Sunday greeters saying hello at the front door.
  • PARKING
    Most of our regular Sunday morning services simply require that we park in the rear of the church maintaining lanes and proper distances between vehicles. Occasionally we have a need for more rigid parking. For these occasions members of this ad hoc committee make certain the maximum number of cars can be parked in the space we have.
  • RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
    This committee recommends to the Board of Directors the person to be hired as R. E. Director. They also plan with the R.E. Director the curriculum and special events for the church school year. It maintains its own financial records and purchases items it deems necessary. It assists newcomers visitors in placing their children in the proper age group. A prospectus is available and is used to enlighten all parents and church members as to the philosophy, purpose and goals of religious education in a free church atmosphere. For a look at our Youth & Family activities, please see our RE Calendar.
  • UUSC/SOCIAL CONCERNS
    This committee works in conjunction with our denomination's social concerns channels through linkages with our UU-UN Office and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, (UUSC). In addition it provides education on and active cooperation with a variety of local social agencies. This committee networks with the Western New York Peace Center, the Council of Churches and other outreach social agencies and organizations in the committee. Members generally volunteer to take on a variety of different projects. This committee is open to any one who is interested in this way of expressing their religious concerns and convictions in accordance with our UU principles. Meetings are well-publicized and activities are varied.
  • WOMEN'S LUNCHEON
    On the third Tuesday of every month all women are invited to gather for lunch and conversation. Come and share your personal joys and concerns as well as ideas about church life and the larger community.
  • WEB SITE
    While generally it is two people who maintain the site, congregational techies & brainiacs (as they are affectionately referred to) are often called upon to assist.

    Our monthly newsletter or calendar will reveal many opportunities for newcomers to explore.