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Our Committees

     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.

Committee Descriptions

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 Religious Education (RE)
     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 Education in the congregation.  We welcome new members interested in supporting and participating in creating learning and community building opportunities for adults.

Children's Religious Education (RE)
     The Children's RE 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 Education in the congregation.  We welcome new members interested in supporting and participating in creating learning and community building opportunities for children and youth.

Communications
     A dedicated group of volunteers handles press releases and other aspects of communication for community outreach, including the operation and upkeep of this website. Our monthly newsletter is prepared by volunteers and is distributed both by e-mail and snail mail. The weekly “Town Crier” is prepared by the church office.

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 Council
     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.
     For more information or to volunteer for a task large or small e-mail us at: facilities@uufvb.org, or call (772) 778-5880.

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 our Fellowship's programs. This is accomplished by means of hosting events such as picnics, garage sales and dinners. And let's not forget everyone's favorite - our annual services auction. During last year's auction, the fundraising committee earned over $14,000 for the Fellowship - and that ain't hay!
     For more information, or to join our committee, e-mail us at: fundraising@uufvb.org, or call (772) 778-5880.

Lay Pastoral
      Our Lay Pastoral team works in partnership with the minister to respond to the full range of life experiences, including providing support for those who are ill or have suffered a loss. The team meets regularly to ensure that, to the best of our ability, we are connecting with all members who need our care.

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. These plans are frequently reviewed and updated as needed. The Committee reports directly to the Board of Trustees.
     For more information, e-mail us at: planning@uufvb.org or call (772) 778-5880.

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, and explain the benefits and responsibilities of membership. (New members to the committee itself are always welcome!)
     To contact the membership committee, or to enquire about joining our congregation, please send e-mail to: membership@uufvb.org or call (772) 778-5880.

Music
     The mission of the Music Committee is to create and support an inspiring and vibrant music program that is spiritually fulfilling, aesthetically pleasing, and educational. Working closely with the Director of Music, the committee acts t to ensure a music program that supports the worship of the congregation and will act as a central resource for promoting and coordinating UUFVB musical activities. Working closely with the Director of Music, the Music Committee has the budgetary responsibility for substitute pianists in the absence of the Director of Music, guest musicians, maintenance and development of the choral library, and maintenance of the church’s musical instruments. This committee welcomes all lovers of music, musicians and non-musicians alike, to participate in supporting the music program at UUFVB.

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 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.

Stewardship
      Educates the congregation regarding financial commitment and runs the annual pledge campaign for the Fellowship’s Ministry operating budget.

Worship
     The Worship Committee provides support to the Minister in all matters regarding Sunday worship services, working in dialogue with the Director of Music and the Music Committee. It assists in planning intergenerational services and special worship events. It also works with the minister to ensure quality worship services on a year-round basis, including arranging for guest speakers on those Sundays when the minister is not in the pulpit. The Worship Committee provides training for individuals who act at Pulpit Host for guest speakers.
     For more information, or to join the committee, send an e-mail to: worship@uufvb.org, or call the Fellowship office at (772) 778-5880.


     For more information about any of the committees, e-mail us at:  info@uufvb.org, or call  (772) 778-5880.