Board of Trustees and Church Governance
In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, the ultimate authority in each congregation is the annual congregational meeting, where policies are made through democratic process. All voting members of the congregation may participate fully and equally in the decision making of the congregational meeting.
At First Unitarian Church in New Bedford, a Board of Trustees is elected at the congregational meeting to oversee the running of the congregation’s affairs. In addition a Treasurer is elected to oversee the finances, and a Clerk is elected to oversee the records of the congregation.
Committees of the congregation carry out more specific tasks. A few committees are mandated by the congregation’s bylaws, and are accountable to the annual meeting and/or to the Board. Other committees are created by and are accountable to the Board.
Board of Trustees:
Fred Gifun – President
Carlton Dasent
Robert Piper
Jean Kellaway
Judy Lund
Niko Tarini
Ron White
Edward Lund, Treasurer
Richard Pline, Clerk
The Board meets monthly to carry out the general policies of the annual congregational meeting, and to oversee the month-to-month workings of the church. According to the congregation’s bylaws, the Board designates the Minister as its executive for the day-to-day running of the congregation’s business.
Congregational Meeting
The congregational meeting is the final authority in our church. The annual congregational meeting must take place each year in May, according to the church bylaws (special meetings may be called at other times). All active voting members of the congregation are entitled to participate fully in the congregational meeting — indeed, it is a responsibility of membership to participate in the annual meeting.
Committees at First Unitarian
Committees of the congregation carry out more specific tasks. A few committees are mandated by the congregation’s bylaws, and are accountable to the annual meeting and/or to the Board of Trustees. Other committees are created by and are accountable to the Board.
Flower Coordinator:
The Flower Coordinator coordinates the donation of flowers for worship services.You can donate the flowers for a worship service, and have a printed dedication in that week’s order of service. Flowers typically cost about $50, and the church office or the Flower Coordinator will be happy to arrange a florist to provide flowers. Call the church office at 508-994-9686 for more information.
House and Grounds Committee
Richard Pline, chair
William Bennett
Pamela Sherman
The congregation’s bylaws state that the House and Grounds Committee is charged with oversight of the physical plant and grounds.
Membership Committee
The congregation’s bylaws state that the Membership Committee shall consist of the Minister, the Clerk, and the Board President. The committee reviews and signs off on all applications to become church members. The committee also reviews the membership list at least annually to look for inactive members.
Membership Development Committee
Jean Kellaway, chair
Aurore Chace
Bob Piper
The Membership Development Committee works to attract and welcome newcomers to First Unitarian. They oversee the advertising budget, purchase pamphlets, help greet visitors and newcomers.
Nominating Committee
The congregation’s bylaws state that the Nominating Committee is elected by the congregation at the annual meeting to nominate members to fill vacancies in elected offices, and in certain committees.
Religious Services Committee
Ted Schade
Jorge Pereira, chair
Karen Andersen
The Religious Services Committee meets regularly with the minister, and communicates regularly with the music director. The committee is charged with overseeing the weekly worship services, and any special services that may arise such as the annual Christmas Eve candlelight service. The committee also coordinates summer worship services during July and August, and other worship services while the minister is away from the pulpit. The committee and the minister arrange for lay readers or worship leaders upon occasion.
The Religious Education Committee oversees Sunday school programs for children and teenagers (youth). The Committee also consults with the Minister and Director of Religious Education, and meets regularly with the Director of Religious Education. Currently, our goal is to expand the children’s Sunday school program by attracting more families with children. The congregation has devoted significant resources towards children and youth, and we are planning for significant growth in our program in the coming two to three years.
Social Action Committee
