Administration and Facilites Cluster
This cluster contains the following committees and groups:
Adult Programs Committee
The Adult Programs Committee is the steward for the adult religious education programs at UUCSF. We are responsible for:
- Fostering and coordinate programs for adults.
- Advertising the season’s programs.
This committee is a member of the Worship and Education Cluster.
Arts and Aesthetics Committee
The Arts and Aesthetics Committee is dedicated to creating and maintaining the aesthetic qualities of our lovely church. We are responsible for:
- Providing the Congregation with accessories that contribute to the ambiance during special seasons, events, and services.
- Arranging invitational art exhibits.
- Advising when changes are made in paint, furniture, building remodeling, additions, etc.
This committee is a member of the Administration and Facilities Cluster.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible for conducting an annual audit of Congregational financial records.
This committee is not a member of any cluster.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees (or BOTs as we refer to ourselves) functions as the executive body of UUCSF. We are responsible for:
- Providing leadership in pursuit of the goals and objectives of the Congregation as stated in the Congregational Manual.
- Taking charge of and be informed regarding congregational funds, and real and personal property.
- Establishing or dissolving committees, appointing or approving chairs for committees, establishing the duties and authority of committees and ensuring their effective operation, and recording such actions in the Congregational Manual, and appointing successor members to serve for unexpired terms on elected committees.
- Calling meetings of the Congregation.
- Ensuring that adequate funds are secured to support the Congregation’s operating budget and capital investments.
- Causing to be prepared and presented at each April Semi-annual Meeting of the Congregation, and at any special meeting called for that purpose, detailed budgets for operations and capital investments for the coming fiscal year for approval by the Voting Members. Financial statements for the current fiscal year shall be presented at semi-annual congregational meetings.
- By resolution, authorizing unbudgeted expenditures up to one percent of the current operating budget, and readjusting budgetary line items as necessary to release the required funds.
- Establishing and maintaining a formal program of asset protection and risk management.
- Reporting to the Congregation the activities and accomplishments of the Board at least semi-annually.
- Approving and revising operating policies for the direction and guidance of officers, committees, and staff, in the conduct of congregational business.
- Establishing and maintaining a Congregational Manual of goals and objectives, policies, and organization, and making such manual available to the members. Goals and objectives shall be established by the Congregation.
- Taking charge of and be informed regarding congregational funds, and real and personal property.
Book Sale
This is an annual fundraiser sale of books, video and audio tapes, and children’s books, puzzles, and games.
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee is responsible for:
- Developing an annual budget that appropriately reflects the financial needs of the Congregation subject to its resources.
- Coordinating with the Permanent Pledge Committee.
- Presenting a draft budget to the Board.
- Holding public hearings on the proposed budget.
This committee is a member of the Finance Cluster.
Budget Steering Committee
The Budget Steering Committee is composed of the VP of Finance, Budget Committee members, and Cluster chairs. It acts as a liaison between the Budget Committee and the committees and groups of the respective clusters during the annual budget development process.
This committee is a member of the Finance Cluster.
Building Committee
The Building Committee is the steward for our lovely church and all therein. We are responsible for:
- Arranging for the repairs and upkeep of the Congregation’s mechanical and sound equipment, and interior and exterior structure.
- Coordinating its activities with the maintenance staff person.
This committee is a member of the Administration and Facilities Cluster.
Caring Committee
The UUCSF Caring Committee is charged with the responsibility for conveying the congregation’s concern when emergency problems arise for any of its members or friends. This group’s mission is to be of assistance to members when situations such as illness, accident, medical emergencies or bereavement occur. Although mindful of the changing and future needs of the congregation, the Caring Committee currently serves four kinds of needs:
- Congregational concern, through phone calls, notes and, if requested, visits.
- Short term services, which provide support for homebound members or those recovering from illness or hospitalization. These services may include doing minor home repairs or chores, providing a hot meal or running an errand to the grocery or pharmacy.
- Short term transportation to and from the hospital or doctor’s appointment.
- Information about special resources or long term care through a Services Resources Book that can be found in the Church Office.
The Caring Committee carries out its charter by such means as:
- telephone contact with the congregant when prompt action is required;
- provision of food or other emergency help as possible;
- transportation for medical or other essential purposes;
- personal outreach as appropriate through calls, notes, or visits;
- response to special concerns.
This committee is a member of the Internal Services Cluster.
Coming of Age Program
The Religious Education Program sponsors a Coming of Age program for our youth in grades 8 and up. Coming of Age programs are offered to young people in Unitarian Universalist congregations across the continent. Such offerings are similar to the study and ritual of many other faith communities, i.e. Confirmation and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and are based on the belief that today’s youth have few, if any, authentic rites of passage marking the transitions between childhood and youth or between youth and adulthood. If you are interested in mentoring one of our youth, please contact Alice Springer or Dr. Furrer. Because parents and youth as well as the minister and DRE will participate in selection of mentors, not all of those who volunteer will be involved during this inaugural year. While it is not necessary that mentors be long-time UUs, they should be UUCSF members who have been connected with this congregation for at least one year. The program will likely run from December through April and will involve at least one group meeting or activity per month as well as time scheduled by youth and mentor for regular individual meetings and conversation. Both the DRE and Minister welcome your inquiries and interest. We look forward to this meaningful new experience for our youth and adult participants.
Committee on Ministry
The Committee on Ministry exists to strengthen the relationship between the minister and the congregation. We welcome any thoughts that members might have about the minister’s role, performance, strengths or weaknesses. We listen to concerns and pass them on to the minister, and we also welcome positive comments about aspects of our minister’s ministry that are especially appreciated. Feel free to speak with any member of the committee at any time.
We are responsible for:
- Being a channel for the members who have a concern about the ministry of the Congregation.
- Counseling and advising the Minister.
- Meeting monthly with the Minister.
- Reviewing the Minister’s performance annually.
- Making annual recommendations concerning the compensation for the Minister.
- Recommending to the congregation candidates for sponsorship for the ministry.
This committee is a member of the Administration and Facilities Cluster.
Covenant Groups
Covenant groups provide a way for participants to establish deeper connections with one another and are a place to enrich spiritual and personal experiences within a small group.
These are the current covenant groups:
- Coreen Plewa’s group (with no name)
- Creative Expression
- Developing Relationships
- Issues on Aging
- Mens’ Odyssey and Mixed Gender Odyssey
- Mother’s Group
- Non-Fiction Reading Group
- Sermon Issues
- “Too new to name” Group
- Women Becoming
- Women’s Group
- Women’s Spirituality
Covenant Groups Steering Committee
The Covenant Groups Steering Committee acts as an information source for and liaison between congregational members and covenant groups.
This committee is a member of the Internal Services Cluster.
De Vargas Partnership
The De Vargas Partnership is a partnership between UUCSF and De Vargas Middle School in Santa Fe. Volunteers from UUCSF provide assistance in tutoring, mentoring, classroom aid, and other activities to benefit the staff and students of De Vargas Middle School.
» More information about the De Vargas Partnership
Denominational Awareness Committee
The Denominational Awareness Committee is our link to the larger UU fellowship. We are responsible for:
- Serving as a link between what happens in our congregation and what is being done to promote liberal religion at district, inter-district, and continental levels.
- Encouraging congregational participation in activities and projects with denominational significance.
This committee is a member of the Outreach Cluster.
DRE Relations Committee
In order to provide clear and continuing communication and excellence in Religious Education for our congregation, the DRE Relations Committee was formed in 2001. similar to the Committee on Ministry, this committee provides a channel of communication between the congregation and the Director of Religious Education (DRE) and also offers her counsel and advice. The members welcome your questions, comments and concerns. Please contact any of these members, or leave inquiries in the DRE Relations Committee mailbox.
We are responsible for:
- Acting as an advocate for the Director of Religious Education.
- Providing a support group for the Director of Religious Education.
This committee is a member of the Administration and Facilities Cluster.
Finance Cluster
This cluster contains the following committees and groups:
First Sunday Giving Program
On the first Sunday of each month throughout the church year, a collection is taken for a different small, non-profit organization in Santa Fe. Each organization is identified by a member of our congregation and researched by the Social Justice Committee. Referrals for the organizations we support are taken from congregation members. If you know of a local non-profit organization with an annual budget of less than $100,000 which you would like to refer to us, send a letter of referral to the Social Justice Committee. Announcements of the First Sunday Giving will be in El Centinela and a display about each organization will be in the Foyer on the Sunday on which the collection is taken up.
Forums Committee
The Forums Committee presents forums of topics of interest to members of UUCSF and the general public. We are responsible for:
- Establishing programs and secure speakers for the forum.
- Selecting topics consonant with the five objectives of the UUCSF.
This committee is a member of the Worship and Education Cluster.
Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising Committee plans and hosts various fundraising events each year such as:
This committee is a member of the Finance Cluster.
Giving Tree Program
The Religious Education program sponsors a holiday Giving Tree program during November and December, which gives gifts and donations to needy families. To participate in the Giving Tree, you sign-up to purchase a specific gift for a child or an adult, wrap it up, and bring it to UUCSF.
Grounds Committee
The Grounds Committee is the steward for the grounds of our church, including our beautiful courtyard. We are responsible for:
- Arranging and schedule workers and work parties to plant and maintain the grounds of the Congregation.
- Coordinating its activities with the maintenance staff person.
This committee is a member of the Administration and Facilities Cluster.
Guest At Your Table Program
The Guest At Your Table (GAYT) program is presented each year by our UU Service Committee to benefit the national UU Service Committee.
Internal Services Cluster
This cluster contains the following committees and groups:
Library Committee
The Library Committee is the steward of the UUCSF library. We are responsible for:
- Maintaining the library.
- Ordering new books and pamphlets.
- Disposing of books not needed for the library.
- Coordinating the book sale.
This committee is a member of the Internal Services Cluster.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee enhances visitor/member participation within the congregation by working in cooperation with the Member Services Coordinator. There are two subcommittees under the Membership Committee umbrella:
- The Greeting Committee welcomes and records visitors attending Sunday Services.
- The Connections Committee introduces new members to the congregation via a brief biography in the newsletter and connects new members with other members through a friendship program.
We are responsible for:
- Welcoming visitors.
- Encouraging those who are interested to become members.
- Enabling new members to become involved and committed.
- Including all existing members in the process.
This committee is a member of the Internal Services Cluster.
Music on Barcelona
Music on Barcelona is a UUCSF program that presents local musicians in a monthly series of informal concerts that are free and open to the public. The setting is informal, and the hour-long concerts are free and open to the public.
Newcomer Orientations
These informal meetings are for anyone who is curious about Unitarian Universalism, would like to get to know more about the history and workings of our congregation, or who may wish to become a member. Attendance is without obligation.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is charged with researching and suggesting qualified members of the Congregation to fill various elected posts and committees. We are responsible for:
- Nominating a slate of candidates for all trustees and committee members to be elected at the November Semi-annual Congregational Meeting.
- Providing for leadership development.
- Supporting all committee chairs in selection of committee members.
- Suggesting to the Board a replacement for any mid-term vacancy that occurs on an elected committee or office.
This committee is a member of the Administration and Facilities Cluster.
Office Volunteers
The Office Volunteers Committee is responsible for:
- Scheduling volunteers to answer the phone and help with office procedures weekday mornings.
- Scheduling volunteers to assemble, prepare, and mail the congregational newsletter or other mailings.
This group is not a member of any cluster.
Our Whole Lives Program
The Religious Education program offers the “Our Whole Lives” Sexuality Education program for teens in grades 7-9. This program, developed jointly by UUA and United Church educators, is based on the premise that accurate information and honest discussion is essential to our young people and that sexuality is a vital part of all of our lives. Attendance is voluntary, and parents or guardians of all who participate must attend a mandatory orientation session and sign a consent form.
Permanent Endowment Committee
The Permanent Endowment Committee is responsible for:
- Increasing the Congregation’s capital endowment through memorial gifts and bequests or a trust fund set up under the guidance of the denomination.
- Keeping the fund in the consciousness of the Congregation.
- Educating the Congregation as to the importance of the Fund.
This committee is a member of the Finance Cluster.
» More information about the Permanent Endowment Fund
Permanent Pledge Committee
The Permanent Pledge Committee is charged with conducting the Annual Pledge Drive, which provides the largest portion of the operating income and income to support ordinary capital expenses. We are responsible for:
- Conducting the annual Pledge drive, which provides the largest portion of the operating income and income to support ordinary capital expenses.
- Arranging for the regular solicitation of new members.
This committee is a member of the Finance Cluster.
Personnel Committee
The purpose of the Personnel Committee is to develop, for approval by the Board of Trustees, policies, procedures and information which will create an equitable and compassionate working environment for, and will enhance management of, the non-ministerial staff. Ministerial staff includes the minister, assistant ministers, co-ministers and interns.
The Personnel Committee is responsible for:
- Developing and oversee policies, procedures, and job descriptions related to the UUCSF paid staff, not including the Minister.
- Acting in an advisory capacity of the Minister who has sole discretion regarding termination and renewal of contracts.
This committee is a member of the Administration and Facilities Cluster.
Publicity Committee
The Publicity Committee is responsible for:
- Arranging advertising and publicity other than the newsletter.
- Furnishing press reports of major undertakings.
This committee is a member of the Outreach Cluster.
Religious Education Committee
The Religious Education Committee is responsible for:
- Determining with the Minister the job description of the Director of Religious Education (DRE).
- Evaluating the DRE annually according to a developed review plan and submit salary recommendations to the Personnel Committee.
- Helping the DRE to secure, train, and support paid and volunteer teachers.
- Helping the DRE and teachers to establish groups of children according to age and/or development.
- With the DRE, developing each year’s curriculum.
- With the DRE, jointly planning special events and Sunday morning activities that include interaction with the adult congregation.
- With the DRe and the Board of Trustees, establishing rules for use of RE space.
- Supervising the DRE’s use of RE funds.
- Helping the DRE to enlist from parents and the general congregation persons to help in classroom teaching and running the Re program.
- Communicating with the Board of Trustees Liaison at cluster meetings regarding the RE committee activities.
- Helping the DRE to communicate to the congregation on all aspects of RE program activities.
- Helping the DRE to provide publicity for the RE program including notices in the congregation bulletin and the annual RE brochure.
- Providing input to the monthly RE Committee meeting agenda prepared by the DRE.
- Conducting monthly RE Committee business meetings open to concerned parties.
- Helping the DRE to provide greeters and information givers in Re space on Sunday mornings.
- Helping the DRE to prepare the annual RE budget.
- With the DRE, develop various RE evaluation forms: for teachers to evaluate their classes, parents and students to evaluate the Re program, the DRE to evaluate teachers, and so on.
- With the DRE, selecting 4 members of the congregation to form the DRE Relations Committee.
- Performing other tasks as agreed.
This committee is a member of the Worship and Education Cluster.
» More information about the Religious Education Program
Service Auction
This is an annual fundraiser auction of art, foods, get-togethers, knick knacks, services, and anything else that you could imagine.
Social Affairs Committee
The Social Affairs Committee is responsible for:
- Coordinating for UUCSF the joint Los Alamos annual picnic.
- Planning and implementing the Bread-and-Spread at semi-annual Congregational meetings.
This committee is a member of the Internal Services Cluster.
Social Justice Committee
The Social Justice Committee is responsible for bringing matters of peace and justice to the attention of the Congregation by:
- informing and educating congregational members and the public in areas of social concern;
- finding ways and means to rectify social injustices;
- sponsoring and supporting groups organized to deal with social problems;
- developing informed leaders to foster a just and peaceful world.
This committee is a member of the Outreach Cluster.
Sunday Coffee Committee
The Sunday Coffee Committee is responsible for:
- Arranging for making of coffee and cleaning up after coffee has been served on Sundays.
- Maintaining the stock of supplies.
This committee is a member of the Internal Services Cluster.
UU Service Committee
The UUCSF UU Service Committee is the liaison to the national Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. We are responsible for:
- Informing the Congregation of UUSC activities.
- Soliciting Congregational support for UUSC initiatives through letter writing, fund collections, and “Guest At Your Table” program.
This committee is a member of the Outreach Cluster.
UU Womens Federation
The UU Women’s Federation welcomes you. Come to our monthly meetings and share a meal and program. Our meetings are open to all women, whether they are members of UUCSF, UUWF, or not. The charge for the meal is $5.00 for UUWF members and $7.00 for non-members. Money collected beyond the cost of the luncheon goes to causes in the community that benefit local women.
Welcoming Diversity Committee
The Welcoming Diversity Committee is responsible for helping our Congregation become a more welcoming place for the gay, lesbian, and bisexual people in our midst and in the wider community, and persons with physical and/or mental challenges, by:
- participating in the Welcoming Congregation Program of the UUA;
- encouraging inclusive programs, activities, and attitudes at all levels on Congregational life that support these persons;
- working toward promoting diversity in our local Congregation and in Santa Fe.
This committee is a member of the Outreach Cluster.
Worship and Music Committee
The Worship and Music Committee is responsible for:
- Working with the Minister and Music Director to plan the Sunday morning services.
- Discussing and act on special needs and purchases including tuning and care of pianos.
- Scheduling volunteers for service (e.g., those needed to hand out programs, help with the offering, distribute and restack hymnals, set up chairs, etc.).
This committee is a member of the Worship and Education Cluster.
