• Congregation Leadership: Board of Directors
• The Congregation Council
• Nominating Committee
• Adult Education and Enrichment
• Caring and Sharing Committee
• Denominational Affairs Committee
• Diversity Committee
• Finance Committee
• Membership Committee
• Ministerial Relations Committee
• Property Committee
• Religious Education Committee
• Social Committee
• Social Justice Committee
• Worship Committee
• Welcoming Congregation Committee
• Youth Programs
• Book Discussion Group
• Women's Federation
• Special Events
• Special Services Congregation Leadership
The Board of Directors, comprised of officers and major committee directors, is the elected body that oversees the operation of the congregation. The Board contemplates the big picture and aligns financial and human resources to support our collective goals. It gathers a sense of the direction we as a group want to take on various aspects of growth, change, fellowship, worship, social commitment. Seeking, gathering, and articulating consensus is the mission of this group. Its other activities include developing the operating budget in conjunction with the Finance Committee, making other financial decisions, and attending to administrative and professional matters. In January, 1996, a new set of operating By-Laws and a new fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) were approved by the Congregation at its Annual Meeting. Current board members are: (please call the congregation office for more information.) BOARD MEETINGS WILL BE ON THE SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, BETWEEN 7:00-10:00. ANY AND ALL UUCiA MEMBERS MAY ATTEND ANY MEETING. ADVANCE NOTICE TO THE PRESIDENT IS REQUESTED IF YOU DESIRE A PLACE ON THE AGENDA.
Congregation Committees
Our committees make up the engine that powers the congregation. Nearly all decisions affecting the running of this congregation and defining the activities we undertake are made in committees, most of which are open to (and in fact encourage participation by) new members.
The Congregational Council
The Congregation Council is a body made up of the chairs from each of the operational committees. It serves as a forum for issues of overlapping concern, and as a leadership and communication vehicle between the congregation and the Board of Directors. Each committee is responsible for its own budget, calendar, and programs, which are coordinated through the Council. The
Nominating Committee identifies needs for leadership and seeks to tap into the vast wealth of talent within the congregation. It maintains descriptions of the various roles within the congregation and seeks to ensure the smooth transitions of leadership over time.
The Adult Education Committee selects and schedules speakers and discussion forums of informative interest. Some are one-night presentations, while others may run for any number of weeks, in the manner of a course or discussions group.
Caring and Sharing Committee members coordinate short term assistance to congregation members who need help. If it's a card or a visit you need, a ride or a bag of groceries, a hot meal or a Christmas Caroling serenade, these good souls make it happen.
The Diversity Committee is chartered with promoting diversity throughout the Congregation: in its worship, in its social justice programs, in its adult education programs, in its youth and religious education programs, and among the Congregation members. The
Denominational Affairs Committee acts as a liaison between our congregation and the wider denomination. This committee coordinates our activities in the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association, our national denominational headquarters), and the more local Mass. Bay District of the UUA. The
Finance Committee works with the Board of Directors to oversee and coordinate the financial business of the Congregation, including all congregation fund-raising efforts. The most important of these is the annual Fall Canvass, which raises the bulk of our operating budget. An Investment Sub-Committee monitors the invested funds of the congregation, whose income provides 5% of our operating budget. The Endowment and Memorial Gifts Sub-Committee is appointed to receive and recommend appropriate use of such gifts, in consideration of the wishes of the donors.
The Membership Committee exists to make newcomers welcome and to provide them with information about the congregation, its activities, and our religion. Three times during the year, an evening of "Dessert and Discussion" is held to provide an informal setting to newcomers to ask their questions about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation in particular.
A small group, the Ministerial Relations Committee, keeps an ear to the ground for matters of importance concerning the relationship between the minister and the congregation, or individuals in the congregations. The group listens to all sides and acts as a conduit for addressing those issues that cannot be addressed directly, and they provide input to the performance review of the minister in personnel matters. The DRE Relations Committee exists for issues, personnel and otherwise, for the Director of Religious Education.
The Property Committee manages the stewardship of our building. This is the team for you if you are one of those people who enjoys a face-to-furnace confrontation in the boiler room, or if the challenge of uprooting a small tree from the chimney sets your creative juices flowing. If it's broken, they fix it. If the leaves are down, they rake them. Twice a year a clean up day is carried out, usually with one or two major maintenance tasks scheduled, such as exterior painting. If you're interested, grab a hard hat and join this group.
The Religious Education Committee is committed to the oversight and coordination of the religious instruction our children receive. Our R.E. program is parent-cooperative. The R.E. Committee meets monthly to facilitate the programs for children and youth and to make the congregation a vibrant part of their spiritual development. We also have a paid half-time Director of Religious Education who supports this committee and their work.
The Social and Hospitality Committee coordinates an incredible, and wonderfully full, social event calendar for the congregation community. Events typically include: First Friday pot luck suppers (often with speakers, slides, panel discussions, etc.), bird watching, a Halloween party, receptions, Mother's Day and Father's Day breakfasts, Circle Supper dinners for 6-8 in members' homes, and an annual all-congregation retreat in Brewster on Cape Cod (June). . . the list is long. This committee can always use your help, whether for one event of for the long term. No offer of time and energy is too small!
If you're looking to be involved in local, national, and global issues through our congregation, try attending the meetings of the Social Justice Committee. The group raises funds for selected projects, manages a standing food collection for the People's Pantry in Lawrence, organizes volunteer days in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, and in general raises our community awareness of important social issues. Look for their table at coffee hour to learn more and to meet them.
The Worship Committee designs and puts on creative Sunday services when our minister is absent, and during the summer when regular services are suspended. We've seen historical drama performed by stars in our congregation; we've heard incredibly good musical performances (we have several professional musicians in our midst); we've had slide shows, poetry readings, musical show excerpts. If you have a creative or daring bent, lend it to this inventive group.
The Welcoming Congregation Committee works to address the institutional nature of homophobia and heterosexism in our society. Activities have ranged from organizing blocks of tickets to the Boston Gay Men's Chorus Christmas concert to holding community forums on the Boy Scouts of America's policy prohibiting the participating of gays and lesbians.
Congregation Activities
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover is an active place, where people find many ways to pursue their special interests and talents while supporting the congregation's goals.
The Book Group meets monthly to share their reactions to a preselected title everyone reads in preparation.
Youth Group meets regularly for discussion, social activities, and service projects. We have a large active group of teens in our congregation. We hope you will get to know them and help Young Adult Group with the youths' activities if you are so inclined.
During the year, the Women's Federation convenes for fellowship and discussion of matters of concern to women today.
Special Events
Everyone looks forward to special social activities at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover, many of which have become favored traditions.
Cape Cod Weekend in Brewster is an event that must be experienced to be appreciated. At our Cape seacoast retreat we frolic on the beach; bike, hike, and swim; participate in game marathons; put on the "Un-Talent Show"; celebrate our Sunday worship outdoors; and find many ways to enjoy good humor and fellowship. This is a good chance to spend a longer, more relaxed time with congregation friends.
UUs of Andover find many other occasions to gather for fun and friendship throughout the year, including potluck suppers, dances, film evenings, and special congregation luncheons.
Special Services
Although our minister conducts the majority of the Sunday services at our congregation, occasionally guest ministers, from both within and outside our denomination, will bring their own special perspectives to a Sunday service. Our Worship Committee conducts lay-led services during the year, often departing from the usual format, adding additional variety to the Sunday experience. During the summer, members of the congregation may also lead services of their own design.
Several special services have become traditional at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover. These include: Bring-a-Friend Sunday, a special Sunday early in the congregation year for members and congregation friends to introduce others to our congregation family; Coming Out Sunday, our Christmas eve candle-lighting service, where in a standing-room-only sanctuary lit solely by the candles we bring, we hold our traditional Christmas service; a series of arts-related services, usually in January, which bring us special theater or music and reaffirm the ties between religion and the arts; Recognition Sunday, a service to recognize those who have become members during the year; and Celebration Sunday, the last service of the congregation year, where we celebrate the joys of the past year, with a slide show featuring the people and activities that make this place a special one.
Other Leadership Roles
- Building Rentals and Contracts
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Chalice Lighters
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Circle Dinners Coordination
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Collector
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People's Pantry Coordinators
- Youth Group Advisor
An Invitation to Serve The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover is its people. The talents, interests, and energy of our congregation family give it life and direction. By serving on the committees that parent our many endeavors, by participating in group activities, by pitching in to maintain constants like coffee hour hospitality, the Story for all Ages, the altar floral arrangements, and the greeting/ushering, by teaching in our religious education children's program, leading an adult enrichment program, and by otherwise contributing your own special ideas and skills, you make this congregation your own. We invite your to get involved and make good things happen! If you have further inquiries, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page!
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