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>>> Why I Am a Unitarian Universalist: by First Unitarian Young Adults >>>

Committees

Committees are at the center of the life of the congregation. Committees make things happen.
Committees are where we move from talking about doing to doing.

200th Anniversary Steering Committee

In anticipation of our 200th Anniversary, the Board will charge a new committee with planning and overseeing the celebration of these important Bicentennial dates:
    2017 Founding of the Church
    2018 Completion of the Sanctuary
    2019 Baltimore Sermon delivered by
        William Ellery Channing

Access

In addition to continuing its work to make church facilities accessible to all, the Access Committee promotes the integration and participation of every person, regardless of disability or limitation, in every aspect of church life.
Contact: Access

Architectural and Historical Review

There is much history to be preserved, archived, organized, and even discovered in the records of our historic church.
Co-Chairs: Valeri McNeal and Julia Lehnert

Beacon Newsletter

Send articles to: Editors


 Diana Karr, Editor-in-Chief

  


Doreion Colter, Production Chief

Buildings & Grounds

Plans and undertakes repairs and improvements in an
architecturally sensitive manner that respects the historic and aesthetic values of the church and assures that church programs continue to thrive and grow.
Chair: Judy Mayer

Communications - Electronic

In addition to its publications, First Unitarian provides members and friends with Happenings, a weekly e-mail update that includes calendar items, announcements, items of general interest to UU's, and Member to Member, a vehicle for members who have a need and members who might be able to help. We also manage this website, offering visitors in depth information about our church and our denomination.
Contact: Doreen Rosenthal

Denomination Affairs

Provides information to the Church concerning the work of JPD (regional UU organization) and UUA (national UU organization) including notice of JPD workshops and meetings, and information about General Assembly and other national and regional meetings.
Chair: TBD

Elder Circle Steering Committee

Plans and hosts a yearly event to gather the elders of the church (those who have been members 25 years or longer and those who have been long-time UU’s who are now members of First Unitarian) together for the purpose of fellowship and celebration.  Events include the opportunity to gather reminiscences of the Church, to share information about current initiatives, and to benefit from Elders views about the future of the Church.
Chair: Catherine Evans

Emergency Preparedness Planning Task Force

Develops plans and processes to implement in case of an emergency or catastrophe affecting the church, its members and/or the community. Its secondary purpose is to develop plans and processes for the Church’s response to local and distant emergencies or catastrophes.
Chair: Linnea Anderson

Fest Committee

Plans and executes three seasonal worship services (Spring Fest, First Fruits, and Winter Fest) each year. There is overlap between this Committee and the Worship Committee. Fest planning includes open calls for participants to bring in all those who are interested in participating.
Co-Chairs: Mike Franch & Alice Lium

Finance Committee

Brings together representatives of the various committees that have to do with church finances (Fundraising, Investment & Endowment, Stewardship) for purposes of oversight and planning.
Chair: Clare Milton

Fund Raising Projects

Bookstore: Doris Singer & Joyce Ohl
Christmas Bazaar: Doris Singer
Can Recycling: Vernon Rey
Thanksgiving Offering: Catherine Evans
Contact: Catherine Evans

Gardening

Maintains Carolyn's Garden, our beautiful garden along the Charles Street wall named in memory of Carolyn Tyson
Chair: Valeri McNeal

Housekeeping

Supports the sexton by helping to maintain the cleanliness and order of the church facilities. Additional volunteers are sought for specific cleaning projects/days through prior publicity.
Chair: TBD

Hospitality

Plans and prepares refreshments in support of church events, especially after worship services or in connection with special events such as Union Sunday, the Cultural Series, or the Auction.  Additional volunteers are sought for specific events.
Chair: Helen Szymkowiak

Investment & Endowment

Manages the financial assets of the church to preserve the value of the principle, obtain capital appreciation, and secure the growth of future income as is consistent with safety. Strictly observes donor instructions regarding preservation of principle or application of principle or income. Employs professional advice or funds management from outside sources as needed.
Chair: Clare Milton

Leadership Council

Composed of Committee Chairs, Ministers, and Board representatives; Promotes the Ministry of our church by serving as a conduit for information, planning, coordination, and support among the Board, committee leadership, and members. Committee Chairs can access report forms here.
 

Membership

Helps engender a healthy, thriving congregation for the church and a sense of belonging and stewardship for each individual member. We are especially looking for people to work at the Welcome Table, a great way for new members to meet people. Visit Membership page.
Chair: Bill Irish

Ministry

The Committee on Ministry is a standing committee with oversight responsibility for the ministry of the congregation. The committee promotes and facilitates the relationship between the ministers and the congregation, receiving, investigating, and responding to matters affecting the relationship between the ministers and the congregation. It provides support to the ministers consistent with its duties.
Chair: Dorothy Critcher

Money Counters

 These trusted people count our Sunday offerings and prepare the weekly bank deposit
Chair: Bill Irish

 

Music

The Music Committee assists the ministers, the Music Director, and the Worship Committee in the ongoing development of a comprehensive music program.
Chair: Sally Wall

Nominating

A Standing Committee  composed of five members, serving two-year staggered terms. Prior to each Annual Meeting, the Committee submits a list of nominees and other candidates for each open seat on the Board of Trustees (including officers) and for each open seat on the Nominating Committee. Contact: Nominating

Peace Church Task Force

Explores ideas and processes related to establishing First Unitarian as a Peace Church.  Investigates  the concepts related to the designation of Peace Church and other churches that have become Peach Churches. Communicates regularly with the Board and the Congregation on their work.
Chair: George Tyson

Personnel

Provides the Board and staff with information regarding policies and procedures for employees
through a Personnel Manual; Interviews prospective employees; and makes salary recommendations during the budget process. Chair: Nancy West

Policy Task Force

Creating a comprehensive policy handbook for First Unitarian – identifying areas in which policies are needed, gathering policies that exist, and drafting policies for the consideration of the Board in areas where policies are needed and none exist.
Chair: Catherine Evans

Religious Education - Adults

Plans Journeys of the Mind and Spirit, an array of classes, discussion groups, and forums for adults.
Contact: Adult Religious Ed

Religious Education -
Children and Youth

Plans and implements classes and activities based on the values we honor - religious pluralism, social justice, reason, and compassion. There are many opportunities for involvement either on-going or for a single event.
Chair: Idalee DiGregorio

Social Action Clearing House

First Unitarian's Social Action Clearinghouse (SAC) initiates programs and supports congregation members and community organizations working for social justice and peace. SAC programs include Change for Change, which contributes half the undesignated Sunday collections to nonprofit organizations enhancing the quality of life in Baltimore, and the annual Baltimore Social Action Awards: Celebrating Beacons of Hope in Baltimore and the World.  The SAC encourages advocacy for national, state and local policies that align with UU principles, and Co-chairs: Dick Humphrey and Paul Sturm
 

Stewardship

The Stewardship Committee educates the congregation about the need for financial support of the Church by its members and the opportunity that this gives to bring our lives in harmony with our values. In collaboration with the Board, it develops and directs the annual canvass program, which secures pledges from the members of the congregation at levels adequate to support the mission of the church. It also develops materials to support the stewardship, canvass and fundraising activities.
Chair: Michael Nutt

Ushers

Ushers greet everyone who comes to services and try to make visitors feel welcome. We hand out programs, distribute hearing devices and Braille hymnals to those who request them, take up the offering, and provide assistance as needed during the service. We are a diverse group of men, women, and youngsters dedicated to facilitating the worship service experience. This is one of the easiest ways to volunteer at our Church. Paul O'Brien is head usher. Usher Coordinator is Pat Montley

Weddings and Unions

Assists members and guests with coordination of clergy, music, and other ceremony elements to create the wedding or holy union service of their dreams. Contact: Lauri Cebula-Seaboch

Worship

Fosters the spiritual growth of the congregation by providing opportunities for participation in the planning and leadership of worship; In collaboration with the ministers, fosters year-around worship experiences that touch the mind, heart, and soul. Responsibilities include planning intergenerational worship services, coordinating of the music program, summer services, Union Sunday, holiday decorating, and ushering. The committee welcomes feedback from the congregation. Chair: Laurel Mendes

 

Get Involved!

- Share a Ministry
- Join an Activity or Committee
Contact:
Board President