Committees - Detailed Descriptions |
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We usually meet at 7:30 PM on the second Thursday of the month, but check local listings ( monthly calendar) for dates and times in your area. We'd love someone to volunteer as chair, or just join us. So what do we talk about every month? Well, primarily we review the income and expenses to see if they are in line with the budget and take appropriate action if they are not. Often, "appropriate action" involves thinking up new and creative ways to raise funds, supporting and empowering the Fundraising Coordinator/Committee. We ensure that members and friends receive timely statements and updates on the fulfillment of their pledges. We try our best not to make those rude collection calls at 3 a.m. We support the Pledge Campaign Committee in their efforts and build an annual budget, to be submitted to the Board and Annual Corporate Meeting. We review and approve all fund raising activities that take place at or in the name of the Fellowship, including all non-rental uses of the building that involve charging admission or soliciting funds. So, before you set up a table to sell chocolate bars in support of the Society for the Preservation of Wooden Toilet Seats (the Birch John Society), please come and talk with us (or at least send a card). If our Secretary is on the ball, she won't let you put your event on the calendar unless you have communicated with us. Well, that may not be all, but it covers the highlights. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask one of the people listed above. If what we do sounds irresistable, or even mildly interesting, we'd love to have your input and participation. According to the UUFP Bylaws, the purpose of the Committee on Ministry (COM) is to support the Minister in maintaining a quality ministry, to serve as a support group for the Minister, and as needed, to serve as a communication channel between the Minister and the Fellowship. The COM meets with Reverend Kay monthly (usually the first Thursday) to discuss items of mutual concern. COM member names and phone numbers are routinely listed in the newsletter and the order of service. Members of the Fellowship are welcome to call us with any questions or concerns about the ministry of the Fellowship. Social Justice Committee: The Social Justice Committee was officially renamed from "Social Action" in November 2002. It has 3 task forces focussed on specific areas of interest. In addition, the committee organizes petition drives, assists with children and youth activities (Trick or Treat for UNICEF, Mitten Tree, CROP walk, Gingerbread House Sale for Habitat for Humanity, etc.), coordinates our regular donations of food to the food pantry, holds extra collections for special causes when there is a 5th Sunday in a month, coordinates the sponsorship of 2 orphans, and more. The Task Force on Environmental Concerns is initiating steps toward compliance with the Responsible Purchasing for Faith Communities Program, established by the Center for a New American Dream which helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life and promote social justice. The program of eight simple actions will have a measurable positive impact on the environment, and encourage congregants to pursue similar actions at home. The Action Steps: As a result of this group's efforts:
The Task Force on Sustainable Living is chaired by Nina Lynch. They sell Fair Trade coffee, tea, and chocolate in the lobby following services on third Sundays after service. They sponsored an "Alternative Gift Fair" before the winter holidays for several years, and now help coordinate support for a similar event held by the Interfaith Council each year. The Task Force on Civil Liberties is chaired by Linda Curtis. We've been working with and sponsoring the Dutchess County Peace Coalition which meets in our building monthly.
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