Glossary

Ministry Teams: This is a reorganization of the various committees, task forces and affiliated organizations into 7 related teams of church governance. Each team would have lay leadership and a staff member responsible to them, to help facilitate projects, coordinate volunteer efforts, etc. The hope is that this will streamline much of the business within areas of like governance, such as a Master calendar for Worship and Program, created at the beginning of a church year.

Ministry Team Council: Would have a representative from each Ministry Team. The Ministry Team Council would facilitate communication between the teams. They would report to the Board periodically or as needed..

The Executive Team: Consisting of the Lead Minister, the Associate Minister, the Church Administrator and the RE Director, the Executive Team supports the congregation, the Ministry Team Council, and the Ministry Teams. They work with the Ministry Team Council, on the budget and other matters. They would be able to make many independent decisions, such as handling the day-to-day administration of the church, reporting to the Board as necessary or as required.

The Board of Trustees: Writes the policies which allows the Ministry Teams and the Executive Team to make independent decisions, as long as they are abiding by the executive limitations and other goals as set by the Board. In this way, the Board is freed up to become a long-term visioning group, able to discern what goals or ends the congregation wishes to achieve. The Board will be able to monitor the progress of the congregation in achieving their goals. They will also monitor the performance of the Executive Team, in terms of their work towards the achievement of those goals.

The Ministry Teams:

Caring: Any small group ministry done within the church. Includes lay pastoral care, covenant groups, neighborhood groups, etc.

Denominational Affairs: Connects with UU groups outside of First Church: the UUA, the PSWD, Cluster Outreach/Inreach Organization. Could include representatives for the national affiliates of DRUUM, the UU Women’s Federation, etc.

Generosity: All things financial; such as the Fund Development Committee, the Fund Management Committee, Planned Giving.

Lifespan R.E.: Includes Adult, Youth and Children’s R.E.

Membership: Includes Hospitality, Membership and any other programs dedicated to new and active membership in the church.

Social Justice: All social justice groups; such as Peace and Democracy, Reproductive Rights, Voluntary Simplicity.

Worship and Program: All services connected to the worship service, and any group that puts on a program of some kind in the church; these could include, Music, Ushers, Flowers, the UU Women’s Federation, Looking Glass Theater, the UU Men’s Fellowship, etc.