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
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 third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.
Members
Bette DeMars
Kristen Mengelkoch
Lynne Stanley (Chair)
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. Activities include:
- Arranging flowers for Sunday services
- Providing décor to enhance the Sanctuary chancel on a seasonal basis
- Creating artificial arrangements for areas throughout the church
- Arranging an exterior planter
- Providing decorations for special events and services such as Water Communion, New Member Sunday and Flower Communion.
- Consulting with groups who are interested in creating visual aspects for the church
Over the years, the Visual Arts Committee commissioned items that have been placed throughout the building including the Sanctuary’s oak leaf memorial triptych, the bronze UU and flame sculptures in the Sanctuary and Cummins Room, and the colorful painting of Gracie Carpenter surrounded by children in the Religious Education wing. The Committee has also added drawings of all the church’s buildings, artwork from artists who exhibited in the church gallery, and specialty banners. The Committee is presently focused on providing interesting and timely visuals for the Sanctuary chancel.
The committee meets in person and on Zoom the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM and at other times to work on special projects. They most often do not meet during the summer.
To get involved, contact either Co-Chair:
Bette DeMars: Jbdemars2 [at] gmail.com
Martha Moriarty: Moriarty.martha [at] gmail.com
To donate flowers for Sunday services, contact Flower Chair Marjie Smith:
Marjiesmith1 [at] aol.com
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.