Member Committees

Committee Meeting Schedule

Click on a committee name to learn more about the function of the committee within UCN.

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

Unitarian Church North'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 Sunday Order of Service.

Adult Spiritual Enrichment

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 building 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.

Communications

Responsible for internal and external communications, including newsletters, website, bulletin boards and news releases to disseminate information regarding church activities, denominational affairs, and other news of interest.

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 wellbeing 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.

Green Committee

Leads church efforts to heal and preserve the natural environment for our and future generations of all living things by increasing the sustainability and minimizing the negative ecological impact of UCN, our members, and our communities.

Currently focused on obtaining the Unitarian Universalist Association’s “Green Sanctuary” designation. This process will integrate “green” thinking into all aspects of the church community.

Learn More about the Green Committee and Green Sanctuary Program

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 subcommittee 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

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 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.

Learn more about the UCN Social Justice Committee

Sunday Services

Works with the minister to provide high quality Sunday services that 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 volunteer keeps church sound system in good order, operates sound system during services and other events, instructs people in its use. Arranges for recorded and live music for Sunday services. A variety of music is the goal, and input from a variety of people is welcome.