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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 Directors is elected at the congregational meeting to oversee the month-to-month 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
Trustees for the 2008-2009 church year:
Ron Melbourne-Chair
Thelma Baxter
Nehemiah "Bob" Boynton
Carlton Dascent
Robert Piper
Cora Pierce
Niko Tarini
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 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 get work done around the church, and they also serve as places where you can get to know other people in the congregation.
Flower Coordinator
Flower Coordinator for 2007-8:
Jean Kellaway
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
Committee for 2007-8:
William Bennett
Richard Pline
Pamela Sherman
The congregation's bylaws state that the House and Grounds Committee is charged with oversight of the physical plant and grounds. Currently, they are focusing on overall building maintenance. An architect, Deborah Durland, has been hired to do a comprehensive review of the building (including heating, electrical, and other systems). Her review will be completed during the summer of 2006, and a master plan will be developed to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the building.
Membership Committee
The congregation's bylaws state that the Membership Committee shall consist of the Minister, the Clerk, and the Board Chair. 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
Committee for 2007-8:
Ron Melbourne
Donna Raimondi, chair
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, and generally have fun.
Nominating Committee
The congregation's bylaws state that the Nominating Committee is appointed by the Board to fill vacancies in elected offices, and in certain committees.
Religious Services Committee
Committee for 2007-8:
Maggi Peirce
Jorge Periera, 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. Most committee members serve as lay readers or worship leaders upon occasion.
Religious Education Committee
Committee for 2007-8:
Nancy Tripp, chair
The Religious Education Committee oversees Sunday school programs for children, programs for teenagers (youth), and adult religious education programs. 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
Committee for 2007-8:
Bill Bennett, Board liaison
Scott Lima, chair
Amy Westphal
Loiral Laughery-Wiencek, volunteer director of Universal Thrift