UUFVB has a small paid staff (LRE Director, Office Coordinator and the Minister.) The Fellowship
operates mainly through the volunteer efforts of the committees. Each
committee has a Chair or Co-Chairs and a Board liaison. Being on a
committee not only helps the Fellowship but it is a great way to meet people and
feel a part of the congregation. There are many things that need to be
done to keep UUFVB operating smoothly.
Our Fellowship is a "pitch in" congregation where much of the
work is done by experienced and new members. To help you select those
areas in which you would like to be most active, we present this introduction of
committees. For the names and phone numbers of committee chairs, call the
Fellowship Office at (772) 778-5880.
Administration
Provides staffing for the Fellowship office on a regular
schedule. Could you spend 4 hours each week answering
phones, greeting visitors or delivery persons and doing some
light photocopying? Computer skills are helpful but not
necessary. Folding the Order of Service each Friday is an
important activity. The committee can also use back up
help for the Historian and Librarian.
Adult Lifespan Religious Exploration
The Adult LRE committee has the responsibility of planning and supervising adult
programs (18 and beyond) for UUFVB. This committee requests input from the congregation on
topics of interest, recruits facilitators, publicizes programs and evaluates the ministry
of adult religious exploration in the congregation. We welcome new members interested in
supporting and participating in creating learning and community building opportunities
for adults.
Canvass
Educates the congregation regarding financial commitment and runs the annual pledge campaign.
Communications
External communication responsibilities encompass press releases, public relations and
other means of publicity for community outreach, including the operation and upkeep
of the official website.
Internally, the committee is responsible for the
production, printing and distribution of the monthly newsletter to the congregation,
and is charged with assisting in all other areas to facilitate the smooth flow of
information to and among all facets of UUFVB.
Denominational Affairs
It is important
to stay informed about UU doings in the region, state and country. It is a
great opportunity to meet people from other congregations, exchange ideas, learn
new ways to tackle congregational issues and find out what other interesting
things are going on with Florida UUs. We encourage participation by
members in attending conferences, and promoting support of UUA activities.
Endowment
Its responsibilities are primarily twofold: to manage the Endowment Fund through
wise investment decisions; and to recommend for approval, or disapproval, expenditures
of the interest portion of the Endowment Fund when proposals are made by Fellowship Committees.
Facilities Management
Provides maintenance of the buildings, minor
repairs, landscaping, opening and closing of the buildings as well as helping
with aesthetic decisions
- this committee is truly in need of volunteers.
Finance
Works with the Treasurer in
preparation of the annual budget, review of insurance, endowments, monitoring of
invested funds and the actual auditing of the financial records. Money --
how we raise it and how we spend it -- that is what this committee is all about.
Fundraising
Searches for and implements new and creative ways to engender community spirit
and visibility while providing a means to help fund in part our Fellowship's programs.
Human Resources
Ensures to the ordained and non-ordained staff that the fellowship will manage them with integrity, trust, fairness and openness.
Develop and periodically update a set of policies covering all relevant human resource procedures required by Federal and State law
and best management practices.
Interiors
Those of us with that "special knack" for interior design, thus enriching
us with their aesthetic arrangement of the worship hall.
Lay Pastoral
Responsible for offering one-to-one caring and helping activities to Fellowship
members in special need. We are concerned with those who are ill or have
suffered a loss. The minister helps to train you in ways to be most empathetic and helpful.
Lifespan Religious Exploration (LRE)
The LRE committee has the responsibility of planning and supervising the children and youth
programs (grades K- 12) for UUFVB. This committee establishes a curriculum plan for children and
youth programming, helps recruit volunteer facilitators, sets appropriate policies and budgets, organizes fUUn events and evaluates the ministry of religious exploration in the congregation. We welcome new members
interested in supporting and participating in creating learning and community building opportunities for
children and youth.
Long-Range Planning
The purpose of the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) is to facilitate the development of a long range plan for the congregation which establishes a set of directions and specific projects that the congregation has determined to implement over the course of 1-5 years. The (LRPC) then helps the officers, board of trustees and committees follow its progress over time, by collecting pertinent statistics and facilitating an annual self-evaluation. The long range plan is updated every couple of years, or when events determine that an update is necessary. It helps the Congregation achieve its goals by administering the planning and evaluation processes and by collecting and articulating the Congregation’s wishes in a Long Range Planning document.
Membership
It is the Membership Committee’s responsibility to
integrate new members into the Fellowship. This includes
efforts to invite people to attend services, provide education
about Unitarian Universalism, UUFVB and the benefits and
responsibilities of membership.
Committee on the Ministry
The Committee on the Ministry is a Board appointed
committee of five members and the Minister. The
committee’s role is to review and support all areas of Ministry
within UUFVB. It monitors and nurtures the health of the
congregation’s ministry areas and serves as a resource for the
entire Fellowship by offering suggestions for improvement,
training and skill building in those areas where they are
invited to consult.
Nominating
Responsible for the review and recruitment of our Lay Leaders, Board of Trustees and our President.
UU Service Committee
Affirming the inherent worth
and dignity of every person, UUSC works to eradicate economic injustice,
defend civil liberties, and promote environmental justice by: engaging our
members and supporters to be activists, partnering with communities and
organizations confronting unjust power structures, and challenging oppressive
policies in the United States and around the world.
Social Activities
Plans and schedules social activities to foster a heightened sense of
community for members and to introduce new members into the social life of
the congregation by coordinating Fourth Friday Suppers, Sunday Hospitality,
Circle Dinners, Christmas, Thanksgiving and other fun times. It also keeps
the kitchen stocked and organized.
Social Justice
The Social Justice
Committee is our conscience and helps us to realize our mission statement.
Through meetings and forums, committee members keep us informed and up to date
on social issues that we as a congregation can do something about. If you
want your words and deeds to have an impact, you belong here.
Worship
Plans and coordinates Sunday services with the minister and arranges for speakers and
programs in her absence. Singers and instrumentalists are encouraged to
participate in the choir or do solo work during services.
For more information, or to join a committee, email us at:
office@uufvb.org,
or call (772) 778-5880.