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A dedicated group of people lead a variety of committees, councils, teams and task forces at our church. Together, with the help of other generous volunteers, they support the church and its Mission.
Below is a list of the some of the various groups in which you can participate. Please send us a list of your strengths and interests and we will connect you! For more information on any of the followign groups, contact the office at Information@UUAsheville.org.
Annual Budget Drive Ministry Team (Julian Ferris)
Coordinated by this team is the Annual Budget Drive, which is a time each spring when we, the members and friends of Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, have conversations about the vision for our congregation and about setting financial priorities in our individual lives. It is the time when we make our financial commitments to our congregation and through our generosity turn our vision into reality.
Archives (Position open. Contact the Church Administrator)
The historian gathers and reviews materials related to the history of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, organizes them for easy retrieval, and assists church members and others interested in the history of the church.
Building & Grounds (Bill Agrella)
The Building and Grounds Committee ensures that the church buildings and grounds are kept safe, functional, and looking good by assessing maintenance needs and recruiting able volunteers to perform the work.
Campus Development Steering Committee (Stephen Jones)
The formation of this committee falls in accordance with the strategic plan developed from June 2006- June 2009. Its purpose is to research and guide the future development of the campus to accomodate the growth and vision of the congregation.
Children and Youth Religious Education (TBA)
The Religious Education Committee is comprised of volunteers who share an interest in shaping the vision, goals, and plans for our children's and youth programming. Working closely with the Director of Religious Education, the committee has a broad range of responsibilities for our Religious Education program, from articulating our philosophy, goals, and policies to overseeing the logistics of classes, programs, and events.
Committee on Ministries (Jeanne Warner and Sarah Thach)
The Committee on Ministries acts to strengthen the practice of shared ministries and to promote effective leadership within the church. The Committee periodically evaluates the ministries of the church and recommends to the Board and members improved ways to define the roles and responsibilities of the church’s leadership. The Committee on Ministries has seven members representing a cross-section of the Congregation: 3 are elected by the congregation, 1 is appointed by the Board, 1 is appointed by the Minister and 2 are selected by the Committee itself.
Communications Team (Susan Yost)
The Communications Team is responsible for ensuring the effective communication of the work of UUCA within our church community and our church area. We are also responsible for promoting UUCA via public relations and paid advertising.
Congregational Care Council (Fred Miercort)
The Congregational Care Council is the umbrella group that includes representatives from Pastoral Visitors, Gather Rings, Membership, Caring Response Teams, UUCA Cares and Support Groups.
Covenant Groups (Cathy Agrella)
Covenant Groups are usually made up of six to eight members who come together regularly - at least monthly and perhaps even weekly. Groups gather to foster a sense of community and caring to explore UU values and issues confronting us as human beings, and to be of service to the larger church family.
Denominational Affairs (Position open for 2010-11)
Our purpose is to strengthen the Unitarian Universalist movement by promoting interest and involvement in Unitarian Universalist activities and events, specifically in the Western Carolina Cluster, the Thomas Jefferson District and the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Finance (Sheldon Altschul)
The Finance Committee provides an on-going review of the financial affairs of the church to maintain its financial stability. We analyze and discuss the monthly financial statements and take actions as we deem appropriate, make recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding all financial matters, prepare the annual church budget for approval by the church membership, and act as the financial consultant to the church.
Fund Management (Michael Lord)
The Fund Management Committee, at the direction of the Board, manages and invests all Special Funds of the church so that the greatest benefits may be realized consistent with sound and prudent investment. The Committee has three members appointed by the Board.
Gather Rings (Nancy Heath)
GatherRings are neighborhood groups of Members and Friends who meet periodically for social events to strengthen fellowship and community outside the church.
Green Sanctuary (Grace Curry)
The UUCA Board of Trustees established a Green Sanctuary Committee November 17, 2004. The purpose of the Committee is to work toward certification of UUCA as a "Green Sanctuary", a status recognized by and conferred through the UU General Assembly and the UU Ministry for Earth. The Green Sanctuary Certificate is awarded to Churches and Fellowships that affirm and actively promote our Seventh Principle of "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." Visit Green Sanctuary for more details.
Library (Bill Utz)
The Library Committee welcomes your help in the committee's management of the growing collection, and invites you to browse the shelves, located in the northwest corner of Sandburg Hall. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville’s library loans a wide selection of books, video and audio tapes, and other materials that help our congregation explore ideas, meditations, and history important to Unitarian Universalists and their variety of faith perspectives. All who are church members or who register with the Library Committee are welcome to borrow from the Library.
Lifespan Learning: Adult Religious Education (Taryn Strauss)
Our Director of Lifespan Religious Education coordinates this program to enhance the religious, spiritual and personal growth of our adult church community. Her job is to facilitate learning opportunities consistent with the vision, principles and traditions of Unitarian Universalism that support congregational goals.
Membership (Linda Kooiker)
Our purpose is to help newcomers get connected with the life of our church and become meaningful members. We staff the Visitors Table and Let’s Get Acquainted areas on Sunday mornings, provide information to visitors, prospective members and newcomers, conduct an orientation class (UU101) to our faith and church for prospective members, recruit Sunday Service greeters, and organize various new member events.
Music (Laura Jump and Michael Ellis)
The purpose of the Music Committee is to assist the Music Director, Minister, and Worship Associates in planning and contributing to the musical life of the church. We represent the music program in church planning and committee activities, and consider the interests and suggestions of the congregation in music matters. For services where the Music Director is not leading the music, we plan with the Worship Associates to supply music and musicians to provide a well-rounded music program of high quality. We intermittently sponsor special music events such as recitals for the church and community.
Nominating Committee (Paula Robbins)
We have the responsibility of submitting a list of nominees to the Board of Trustees for positions of church officers, trustees, and members of the nominating committee, and for unexpired term of elected officers to be filled at the Annual Meeting. We also recommend to the Board of Trustees nominees for appointment by the president as chairpersons of committees.
Pastoral Visitors (Rev. Sarah York)
Pastoral Visitors, working in partnership with the minister, are trained laypersons that provide members and their families with companionship, support and assistance in times of crisis or life changes that challenge their ability to cope.
Personnel Committee (Dawn Klug)
The Personnel Committee is responsible on behalf of the Board for on-going direction to and evaluation of the church staff. The Board appoints the five-member committee.
Planned Giving (TBA)
The Planned Giving Committee assists with establishing a firm long-term financial foundation for the UU Church of Asheville by encouraging planned giving to the church in the form of restricted and/or non-restricted gifts.
Social Justice Council (Paula Massey)
The Social Justice Council consists of three teams focused on areas of Economic Justice, Human Rights, Peace and Environmental Justice.
Stewardship (Michael Vavrek)
Ministry: Nurture the fair sharing of our abundance.
Vision: By June 2010 establish practices that nurture the fair sharing of our abundance. (Visit Stewardship for more details.)
Goals: Nurture fair sharing of our abundance by establishing practices in:
- Stewardship Education – understand the guiding spirit
- Joyful Giving – generously sharing our gifts with the world
- Ministry and Good Works – results of joyful giving
- Annual Budget Drive – a joyful giving opportunity
- Planned Giving – joyful giving that provides the church with long-term fiscal stability
Objective and appraisal: Annual objectives are the basis for appraisal. Time commitment: Monthly two-hour meetings August to May and additional meetings between meetings.
For more information, contact Michael Vavrek, Stewardship@UUAsheville.org.
Worship Associates (Rev. Mark Ward)
Worship in our congregation, while it is led, is the work of our whole community. Each person participates in worship by her and his presence as well as through shared singing, speaking, meditation and more. It is all of it part of a ministry that we share in many ways. Our Worship Associates program offers a way for members of our congregation to participate more deeply in that ministry and so help shape the worship life of our church.
Worship Associates work with the minister to facilitate services each week, including taking part by leading or performing various elements of the service. They also coordinate the service when the minister is not present and assist the minister in developing the worship calendar and budget for the year. Worship Associates are chosen and trained by the lead minister. They should be members of the church with an interest in worship, an ability to work as a team member, and an ability to communicate effectively. They are asked to commit to an annual training plus meetings every other month during the regular church year and a meeting with the minister the week before each service where they will be assisting. |
