Governance

The Board of Trustees (BOT) creates and promotes policy and vision to ensure that resources of the Congregation are effectively and efficiently directed toward achieving the Mission of UUCWNC.  The Board provides the framework and structure under which the teams and committees operate and interact with each other, UUCWNC staff, and the congregation. Board members are nominated by the Nominating Committee and voted on by the congregation at the annual meeting.

The President, Vice-President and Secretary of the Board are selected by vote of the Board members.  Those three, plus the Minister constitute the Executive Board; this group meets by telephone/video conference one week prior to Board meetings to plan and set the agenda. The nine Board members each serve a three-year term; three members rotate off each year and are replaced by three newly elected members. 

Meeting Times: At the first meeting of each church year the Board chooses its monthly meeting dates and time.  For the past year the Board has met on the third Tuesday of each month, most recently from 5:15-7:15 p.m.

Time Commitment: In addition to monthly Board meetings, each Trustee commits to serving as Worship Associate once a year, and to writing an article to be published in the Beacon.  Every year, as a group, the Board leads one Sunday service, conducts the annual Congregational Meeting, and holds two Congregational discussions at which it welcomes questions and feedback.

For more information email Board@UUCWNC.org

The Search Committee is appointed by the Board of Trustees when required to conduct a search for a new minister.

The Finance Committee is a permanently established committee, appointed by the Board of Trustees, which advises the Board of Trustees on the financial affairs of the Congregation. 

  • The Committee and the minister develop the annual budget and propose it to the Board.
  • The Committee recommends the scheduling and extent of independent financial reviews of the Congregation’s finances.
  •  As directed by the Board, the Committee assesses the financial impact of the Congregation’s policies, practices, and activities, manages the Endowment Fund, monitors the Congregation’s investments, and undertakes other projects as requested. 

Meeting Times: Quarterly, or as needed. 

Time Commitment: Members serve a term of three years.

For more information email treasurer@uucwnc.org

The Nominating Committee (NomCom) identifies a slate of candidates to serve on the Board of Trustees, as Treasurer, and on the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee functions independently of the Board of Trustees

Meeting Times: Once a month starting in January; 2-3 times per month closer to June as needed to prepare for the June Congregational Meeting.

Time Commitment: 0-2 hours a week in committee meetings plus talking with members about serving.

For more information email NomCom@uucwnc.org

The Committee for Ministry (CFM) ensures the congregation is living its mission.  The ministry of UUCWNC is a shared responsibility among several leadership stakeholders and our congregation is most healthy when all these stakeholders understand, fulfill and are accountable for their contribution to the mission. The CFM evaluates and provides feedback to each stakeholder of the shared ministry. The CFM is comprised of six members appointed by the BOTs serving rolling three-year terms.

Meeting Times: Set by the committee as needed.

Time Commitment: 3-year term

For more information email CFM@uucwnc.org

Teaching

The Sunday School Team: The Sunday School classes rely on volunteers to teach our children and teens. No Experience Necessary! Share some spiritual nourishment with children and learn something too! In addition, we welcome volunteers to provide Nursery coverage when needed.

Meeting Times: No scheduled meetings

Time Commitment: Approximately three Sundays each month during the school year.

For more information email Leslie O’Connor, Director of Faith Formation at leslie@uucwnc.org

Quest Presenters facilitate and lead a discussion on a topic of their own interest or expertise.   The week before, presenters submit a summary of the upcoming Quest topic and often provide links to additional information for participants to review ahead of time.

Meeting Times: Sundays 9:30-10:30 a.m. 

Time Commitment:One hour the day of your presentation plus preparation time.

For more information email quest@uucwnc.org

Operations

The Program Council (PC) consists of leaders from nine of our committees and teams, each of which develop programs for the congregation. The PC is chaired by the Vice President of the Board of Trustees and fosters coordination and communication amongst the groups as their activities, themes, content, and timing may overlap or intersect.

Meeting Times: Meetings are approximately one hour via zoom in the evening.  Smaller work sessions may be added as needed.

Time Commitment: Two meetings in the fall and one in the spring
For more information email Programcouncil@uucwnc.org

The Membership & Engagement Team (MET) facilitates involvement of members, friends, and visitors in the life of the Congregation, fostering a sense of belonging and meaningful connections with each other and the UUCWNC community.

Meeting Times:  The second Tuesday of each month from 1:00-2:30 p.m. 

Time Commitment: In addition to one monthly meeting, we break into smaller groups to take on projects that require additional meetings and time. Between meetings we stay in contact by email. 

For more information email MET@uucwnc.org

The Operational Wellness and Support Team (OWS) works to ensure the Congregation is healthy and thriving by fostering empowerment, responsibility, and connection, through a focus on operational needs. The Team identifies the operational needs of the Congregation, assesses how well those needs are being met, identifies areas in need of improvement, and develops plans for making positive change.

Meeting Times: Once or twice a month, on a Tuesday or Thursday at 5:00 p.m. for one to two hours.

Time Commitment: Members serve for two years. 

For more information email OWS@uucwnc.org

The Generous Life Team (GLT) works to promote the growth of a vibrant culture of generosity that celebrates the giving spirit in all of us, which is what supports our Congregation’s present and future needs. We explore the many ways we can live generously. The GLT works toward that goal by communicating with congregants about the value and importance of generosity, and by managing UUCWNC’s annual pledge drive.

Meeting Times: Weekly or biweekly in the six months leading up to and following pledge drives.

Time Commitment: Members are asked to serve a two-year term.

For more information email GLT@uucwnc.org

The Caring Committee provides short-term support and assistance to UUCWNC members and friends who are experiencing illness, injury, or crisis. We provide meals and transportation to doctor’s visits, church, and other appointments. We visit those in the hospital, rehabilitation facilities, and hospice, and sometimes do shopping for those recovering at home. We host a reception following Memorial/Celebration of Life Services. Personal information is always held in the strictest confidence.

Meeting Times:  Second Thursday of each month. We conduct most of our activities through email, phone and text. 

Time Commitment: Each member serves as chair for a month and spends about 3-5 hours coordinating and delegating activities and tasks to members of the team or other volunteers. The chair also prepares a brief notice for that month’s Beacon.  

For more information email caring@uucwnc.org

Open House Team signs up hosts from among UUCWNC members and friends, publicizes these monthly events, and helps the hosts with whatever they need before, during and after the gatherings.

Meeting Times: We attend the monthlyopen houses on the third Sunday of each month from 4:00-7:00 p.m., dividing the events into early and late shifts.

Time Commitment:  In addition to attending open house events, the Open House Team meets in person about once a year. We correspond during the month by email to coordinate events.  Publicity and other responsibilities are divided between team members and generally take no more than an hour a month for each member.
For more information email openhouse@uucwnc.org

Sunday Hospitality Hosts provide a time for members, friends and visitors to engage with one another on a personal level while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea and snacks after Sunday morning service(s). This is a great way to provide a needed service and to get to know your teammates and other members of the Congregation.

Meeting Times: Approximately two hours the Sunday that you are hosting.

Time Commitment: One Sunday every three months (just four times a year!) You’ll be assigned to a team with a captain who sends reminders, provides directions, answers questions, and does “how to” demonstrations, if needed.
For more information email hospitality@uucwnc.org

The Soup Sunday Committee provides a communal noontime lunch the second Sunday of the month, from October through March. Donations of soups and desserts from members and friends are always appreciated.

Meeting Times: Set up begins at 9:00 a.m., clean-up is usually completed by 1:00 p.m.  We often work in two-hour shifts which allows us to attend a service. Soup and dessert donors are asked to drop off their donation at 9:00 a.m.

Time Commitment: Approximately two hours a month during our six-month soup season.

For more information email soup@uucwnc.org