Program Committees

Program Committees report to the Program Council and work towards the congregational mission and annual goals.  These committees are divided into four main program areas: Beloved Community, Lifespan Faith Development, Social Justice, and Worship/Celebration.

Beloved Community

Membership Committee —
The Membership Committee's weekly responsibility involves welcoming our visitors on Sunday morning with packets of information and a current newsletter, name tags, a visitor's book and a sign-in list for those interested in our UU 101 classes for prospective members.  We also meet visitors during the coffee hour and involve them in conversation with others.  The committee organizes and facilitates regular UU 101 classes (even months) and dinners with the minister (odd months) for all interested in exploring Unitarian Universalism and membership in UUFG.

Periodically the new members are formally recognized during a special "New Member Recognition" worship service. Organizing these activities is also part of the membership committee's function.

The Membership Committee is responsible for ordering and displaying UUA pamphlets for distribution to visitors and all others using the building to broaden their understanding of Unitarian Universalism as an historical religious tradition inclusive in its scope and appeal. Most of all, we are available to answer questions, find the right persons or place, or follow-up on interests expressed by our visitors and new members. This helps facilitate the integration of everyone into the life of our Fellowship. Please RSVP to UUFG office for the UU 101 class and the Dinner ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 352/377-1669).

Lifespan Faith Development

Children and Youth Religious Education Committee (CYREC) — Heather McA., chair 
CYREC at UUFG is an active and vibrant group of interested congregational members, whose primary job is to work closely with the Director of Religious Education in providing a wide variety of programs for our younger members. As a part of the Religious Education Program, we are very involved in planning events throughout the calendar year and recruiting involvement in youth activities from all members of the congregation. We also give input to curricula for the Sunday RE classes, as well as help recruit RE teachers and childcare personnel for congregational events.

Our membership has grown and flourished, reflecting our desire to ensure that quality programs for our children continue to expand and be modified with the changing nature of our fellowship. CYREC meets on a monthly basis.  Parents, RE teachers, and interested members of the congregation are welcome to attend.  We provide updates in the congregational news channels, and we also report to other committees via Program Council meetings on a monthly basis. Select agendas for upcoming meetings or minutes from previous meetings from the attachments below.

Social Justice

Social Justice Council —  
The Social Justice Council (SJC) members support the mission of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville (UUFG) by 'fostering…peace and justice' through assessment of social concerns and the promotion of effective actions to meet community needs. The purpose of the Social Justice Council is to promote peace and justice by providing information and facilitating action on political and social issues. Individually, members of the Social Justice Council have the opportunity to use their talents and skills working on social projects of their particular interest. Collectively, the members have the necessary strength to provide effective leadership for the congregation and the community.

Worship/Celebration

Music Committee — 
The purpose of the Music Committee is to act as a support and advocacy group for the music program. It also interacts and coordinates activities with other committees such as the Worship Associates, Children and Youth Religious Education Committee, and Social Justice.  One of the committee's main activities is to assist in administering the UUFG Concert Series. There are about four concerts held each year and they have been very successful. UUFG members attend the concerts but often members of the Gainesville community represent a larger proportion of the audience. The concert series has definitely been a part of our Fellowship's community outreach.

Standing Committees

Standing Committees report to the Governing Board, and do the foundational work of the Fellowship: facility, fiscal, and future.

Facilities

Building and Grounds — Marilyn R., Buildings chair and Becky Moulton, Grounds chair 
This committee is responsible for maintaining the buildings and grounds of the Fellowship in good repair and appearance at all times. The committee is run by co-chairs because the responsibilities of this committee are so extensive. Members of the committee consist of those who volunteer for work mornings or otherwise.

Fiscal

Finance Committee — Tom B., chair 
A standing committee of UUFG's Governance Program, the Finance Committee makes recommendations to the Governing Board and congregation concerning generation, custody, and management of Fellowship funds. The Finance Committee actively monitors both income and expenses with the goal of maintaining a sound financial condition.  Committee membership includes a chairperson, the Treasurer, the Membership Clerk, the Vice President, and other interested UUFG members.

The primary sources of income for UUFG are member pledges, fundraising events, and building rental. The first two of these fall under the purview of the Finance Committee, which recruits members to chair the pledge canvass and special fundraising events, typically a yard sale, a time and talent auction, and a musical performance.  When pledge canvass results are known, the Finance Committee prepares one or more draft budgets for presentation to the Governing Board. After Board review and adjustments, the budget is presented to the congregation for review and approval. An assistant treasurer records pledges, tracks pledge payments, and provides quarterly statements.

The Finance Committee drafts new policies related to finance for presentation to the Governing Board and conducts an annual review of existing finance-related policies. The Committee makes recommendations concerning internal and external reviews of UUFG accounts. Throughout the year, the Finance Committee and Treasurer provide other committees with information about their expenditures relative to their budget allocation. The Committee and Treasurer conduct finance workshops for the Governing Board, Program Council, and members of the congregation.

Future

Committee on Ministry
The Committee on Ministry’s purpose is to serve the congregation by periodically reviewing the effectiveness of all the congregation’s shared ministries. The COM serves as an impartial observer of congregational life, working to identify areas for possible improvement, while not advocating particular policies or issues on behalf of members or the minister. The COM independently serves the whole congregation, making its recommendations directly to the Governing Board and/or Program Council.

Leadership Development Committee — Pete R., chair 
The Leadership Development Committee provides the Fellowship with an ongoing resource for the development of an enlightened lay leadership. They insure continuous opportunities for growth and involvement to all  members, so that candidates for the annual election to the Governing Board, Program Council, and other elected offices, are readily available.

Stewardship Committee — 
Long-term goals of this committee include looking into questions such as: What does generosity mean to our congregation? How do we define the term? How will we know if we are being generous? What will it look like?  How can we make spiritual stewardship a year-round conversation?  How can we frame conversations to focus less on the need for money and more on giving as a way to implement our mission? What relationship can we construct among giving, compassion, and community?  Community is much more than belonging to something. It’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.  Its 2012 Campaign is “Be Inspired: Celebrating Our Generosity.”