Committees & Teams

First Universalist Church is supported by, and made possible by, the faithful and committed work of congregational leadership.

Congregational leaders at First Universalist work closely with ministers and staff on virtually every aspect of church life. Together, we bring enormous expertise, talents, skills, and commitment to the day-to-day and long-term work of building a beloved community.

The Children, Youth, & Family Ministries Advisory Team (CYF Advisory) is composed of adults in our congregation, including volunteers, parents/caregivers, young adults, newcomers, and longtime congregants who are invested in our ministries with kids and families. This team meets monthly to set the direction of the program, respond to input and feedback, work on large- and small-scale projects, and problem-solve issues which arise in our ministries. This team is co-chaired by Samantha White and Kirk Cozine.

How we spend our money is one of the most important tools we have as we strive to align our organizational practices, our resources, and our outcomes with our visionary goals. The Finance Committee helps in this process — we seek to understand, shape, and share the financial story of the church and by doing so bring our church closer to realizing its goals. Our formal role, enumerated in the Governing Handbook, is to assist the Board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibility to ensure the financial health of the organization, and to assist in informing the congregation of financial aspects of the church’s ministry and the financial state of the church. The Finance Committee meets monthly (except July and August).

The Committee’s activities include:

  • Regular review of financial performance
  • Work with ministers and staff to draft annual budget and present the budget for congregational approval
  • Review, revise, and monitor compliance with financial policies
  • Monitor performance of church investments
  • Recommend audit procedures and review audit results

FY 2025-2026 Members

Dan Berg
Marc Gorelick
Amelia Marquez
Ginny McAninch – Stewardship Team liaison
Dick Niemiec
Cameron Smither – Board Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair

The Nominating Committee is a committee established in the Bylaws. The Nominating Committee shall continuously seek persons whom it determines are willing and able to serve the Church. The Nominating Committee shall nominate Members to each office to be filled at each Annual Meeting. They encourage self nominations for the elected positions of the church – Board of Trustees, Foundation and Nominating Committee. This Committee welcomes conversation throughout the year as people consider ways they may be of service to First Universalist. Service is a way to deepen one’s relationship with the church and the church community and the Nominating Committee appreciates the opportunity to help make that happen.

Members
David Bach
Evelyn Browne
Sandy Culpepper
Ray Dillon
Katie Fox
Chad Johnson

SPIFF seeks to make our church building attractive, welcoming, functional, and adaptable in meeting the needs of the many people and groups who use it. SPIFF helps church staff evaluate possible changes and improvements to our building and assure its ongoing maintenance. SPIFF’s recommendations are shaped by aesthetic, practical, and environmental considerations. SPIFF generally meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m.

Members
Bette DeMars
Kristen Mengelkoch
Lynne Stanley (Chair)

The purpose of the Stewardship Committee is to encourage and develop a spirit of generous giving in church members and assist the Board and the various committees of the church in the stewardship of resources. Its mission will be to coordinate and oversee major fundraising efforts within the church and to communicate this vision of stewardship to the overall congregation, and the resources needed to fulfill it.


Current Membership is:

  • Lynn Broaddus (Chair)
  • Ginny McAninch
  • Velma Wagner
  • Emily Wallace
  • Tom Saterstrom (Planned Giving lead)

The Visual Arts Committee is comprised of individuals interested in enhancing the beauty of our church in ways such as:

  • Arranging flowers for Sunday services
  • Selecting and hanging art exhibits 
  • Coordinating banners
  • Decorating for special events
  • Developing winter holiday decor 
  • Creating artificial arrangements for areas throughout the church
  • Arranging an exterior planter
  • Consulting with groups who are interested in creating visual aspects for the church

Over the years, the building has been enhanced through projects developed by the Visual Arts Committee. The Committee commissioned artists to create the oak leaf memorial triptych and the UU and flame. Ongoing art exhibits have offered local artists and congregants an opportunity to share their talent with the church community. Each holiday season, Visual Arts Committee members join together to create unique decorations to celebrate the season—the Committee’s yearly gift to the congregation.

Visual Arts Committee contacts

To get involved: Contact Membership Chair Cheryl Anderson 

To discuss art exhibits: Contact Exhibit Chair Bette DeMars 

To donate flowers for Sunday services: Contact Flower Chair Marjie Smith 

 

The Youth Leadership Team (YLT) is composed of high school youth in 10th-12th grades who are leaders of the youth group. YLT members plan events, lead activities, and set a positive culture for the youth group at church. YLT members are advocates for their peers and younger kids and are resources to adults at church, including staff, on matters important to our youth and kids. The Youth Leadership Team is supported by the High School Youth Group Advisors.

Upcoming Committee and Organization Meetings