Committee Meetings - See below for committee descriptions

Attendance of non-members at committee meetings is welcomed, but please telephone the church in advance, in case of schedule changes.

UCN's Committees

It is fun, interesting and fulfilling to take part in committee activities. You can contribute to the programs and operations of the church, and you will get to know your fellow UCN members better. No experience is necessary—the participation of new people, with new perspectives and ideas, is needed and appreciated. Newcomers are welcome at meetings, and no commitment is implied by attending!

Many committees meet monthly, at a time agreed upon by the members, to carry out their activities.

Meeting times are listed in the monthly Northliner calendar, website, and weekly order of service.

Adult Religious Education

Plans and coordinates adult programs that reflect the congregation’s expressed needs, issues and concerns, including workshops and seminars based on UU curricula.

Building

Oversees maintenance of the church buildings and performs some maintenance tasks.

• Aesthetics Subcommittee Is charged with monitoring our property and practices to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the church’s interior. Oversees selective use of gifts to the church.

Communications

Responsible for internal (bulletin boards, newsletter), and external (website, news releases), communications regarding church activities. Maintains policies governing the newsletter and website.

• Newsletter Formats, proofreads, prints, and mails a monthly newsletter informing members and friends about Sunday services, church and denominational events, and other news of the church and its members.
• Website Webmaster receives submissions from committees and administrative assistant and updates site monthly with current calendar and Sunday service information.

Denominational Affairs

Maintains a liaison with other UU churches in the area; keeps the congregation informed of denominational affairs and activities; represents UCN in the Southeast Wisconsin Unitarian Universalist Council (SEWUUC) and the Interfaith Council; attends Central Midwest District (CMwD) meetings when possible and encourages members of the congregation to do so.

Facilities Use

Maintains calendar and schedules use of building for church and rental activities.

Finance

Oversees the financial well being of the church. Prepares a preliminary budget for the year, based on fixed and estimated expenses and income projections, oversees annual pledge drive, and advises the Leadership Board on financial matters.

• Annual Pledge Campaign Conducts annual pledge drive for the operating budget and contacts new members for initial pledge of financial support.

"Green" Planning

This newly-formed committee was born on April 22, 2007. Six potential initiatives were flagged after a brainstorming session. The six initiatives are, as follows: 1.) use of fewer disposables throughout the church and "Bring Your Own Mug" for coffee hour after the Sunday Service (an additional suggestion being to keep your mug in your car for use at other sites, and to wash it at home rather than at the church); 2.) begin the UUA Green Sanctuary Assessment; 3.) develop a UCN vegetable garden, including composting, on our adjacent property; 4.) look into the possibility of a "Community Supported Agriculture" (CSA) drop spot at UCN; 5.) consider UCN purchasing a cooperative for environmentally-friendly products; and 6.) provide education and communication opportunities, both internal and external, throughout the process.

Historian

Collects news articles, photographs and other memorabilia of importance to preservation of the church history. Maintains the church scrapbook in an up-to-date and orderly condition and displays it for the congregation at least once a year.

Landscape

Maintains integrity of the landscape design; implements selection, planting and care of plants; oversees area use, landscape maintenance and improvements.

Membership

Maintains and regularly updates the official membership records and publishes the church directory. Initiates action to bring in new members and retain current ones, provides new member recognition, plans periodic informational gatherings for newcomers. Provides greeters for church services, and information and a welcoming presence for visitors.

• Fellowship Plans and implements several adult and intergenerational social events each year; provides Sunday hospitality (after-church coffee).

Religious Education

In cooperation with the Director of Religious Education, plans and implements religious education curricula and activities for children and youth; recruits and trains teachers.

Shared Ministry

Shared Ministry provides opportunities for individuals to serve as “pastoral listeners” trained in supportive listening. These individuals assist the minister in providing pastoral care to congregational members and friends. In addition, the Support Network recruits volunteers who provide short-term, practical assistance to individuals and families in the church who are in need.

Social Justice

Helps integrate social justice programming and activity into the life of the congregation; gives members of UCN opportunities to learn about social justice issues and serve the community. Includes the following groups:

• Anti-racism Working Group: partners with MICAH ( Milwaukee Inner-city Congregations Allied for Hope) and Ozaukee County NAACP in anti-racism and diversity-related projects. Seeks ways to respond to racism and promote inclusiveness.
• Social Justice/Community Service: UCN  Unitarian Universalist Service Committee focuses on national and global peacemaking efforts and humanitarian services. Works with UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee).
• UCN Fund for Social Justice:  This fund is managed by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation; interest earned is is donated to a local direct service organization chosen by the congregation each year.
• Hunger and Homelessness: Coordinates food-pantry collections, provides on-site food services for homeless shelters, and promotes participation in the local annual Crop Walk.
• Welcoming Congregation: encourages and celebrates the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons (LGBT) in the congregation and in the wider community. 

Sunday Services

Works with the minister to provide high quality Sunday services which address the diversity of the congregation. Has responsibility for summer Sunday services and a monthly service when the minister is not in the pulpit. Arranges for and coordinates music, meeting room set-up, ushers, pulpit welcomers, etc.

• Audio Systems Keeps church sound system in good order, operates sound system during services and other events, instructs qualifying people in its use.
• Music Arranges for recorded and live music for Sunday services. A variety of music is the goal, and input from a variety of people is welcomed.