Committees
Much of the work of our church gets done within our committees! These are small groups of members and friends that focus their energy on a specific aspect of our community. Almost all committees regularly host meetings that are open for all to attend. Many committees have committee members, folks who attend most meetings and regularly complete tasks for the committee, and helpers, folks who don’t necessarily attend meetings but occasionally take on tasks to support the work of the committee. If you have any questions about committees and how to get involved, please contact our Office Manager.
Many of these documents reference “First Unitarian Church.” This is still our legal name, but we mostly operate under our doing business as name “Unitarian Universalists of South Bend” or UUSB.
Administrative Committee
The purpose of the administrative committee is to provide continuity and periodic review of UUSB policies and administration.
Aesthetics Committee
The purpose of the Aesthetics Committee is to maintain an aesthetically pleasing appearance inside the building, particularly in the foyer, sanctuary, halls and conference room, while protecting painted dry wall, wood surfaces and textured paint on the chases.
Building Committee
The purpose of the Building Committee is to be responsible for regular maintenance and repair of the UUSB building.
Care Committee
Purpose: To provide support for members and friends of the church who are going through transitions, including illness, injury, death, birth and other personal or family crisis. The committee is to be a link between the needs of members and friends of UUSB and those who are able to provide for those needs.
Committee on Ministry
The purpose of this committee is to assess and support the effectiveness and health of the ministries of the congregation. Ministries means everything the congregation does to live its mission – celebrating and reflecting together, providing quality religious education, affirming our UU identity, working toward the common good, and creating and sustaining a diverse and loving community. Members of this committee are appointed by the Board of Trustees and meetings are only open to official members of the committee.
DREAM Team (Directors of Religious Education and Mindfulness)
The purpose of the DREAM Team is: To provide religious education for children and youth (ages 0-18). Religious Education here is defined as learning where we come from, how to live an interconnected life, and how to figure out where we are going. We do this through the exploration of themes such as Unitarian Universalist identity and values, world religions, the web of life, how to treat others, and social justice.
Endowment Committee
The charge of the Endowment Committee is to oversee the Endowment Fund of First Unitarian Church. The composition and function of the Endowment Fund is primarily governed by the Endowment Resolution of the Church as adopted by the congregation of the Church, as amended from time to time. This description is in addition to and supplements the Resolution.
Events Committee
The purpose of the Events Committee is to plan and host events, such as concerts, the annual Service Auction, art openings, all-church retreats, etc.
Finance Committee
The purpose of the Finance Committee is to manage the finances of UUSB. Committee members meet monthly to review and prepare financial reports, monitor the progress of the pledge commitments and coordinate other fundraising activities as necessary.
Grounds Committee
The purpose of the Grounds Committee is to be responsible for regular maintenance of the grounds of UUSB. This committee is in need of volunteers throughout the year to mow the grass, pull weeds, rake leaves and shovel snow.
Lifespan Learning Committee
The purpose of the Lifespan Learning Committee is: To provide educational and spiritual opportunities for adult members and friends in subject areas that are connected to our Unitarian Universalist values and principles.
Marketing Committee
The purpose of the Marketing Committee is to provide information to ensure that both the external larger community and the internal community of members and friends are fully knowledgeable of the mission, programs and services of the UUSB and the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Membership Committee
The Purpose of the Membership Committee is: To plan and implement contacts and programs for Church membership recruitment and retention.
Peace & Social Justice Committee
The Purpose of the Peace and Social Justice Committee is to work for peace and social justice within the church congregation, the local community, the state, the nation, and internationally. Committee members meet periodically throughout the year to explore, discuss and take action on social justice issues in our community, including coordinating our monthly “Share the Plate” offering donation program. The group also offers videos, lectures and other programs for the church community and the general public.
Social Committee
The purpose of the Social Committee is: To serve the social needs of UUSB by being aware of, initiating, and planning and coordinating social activities for all ages, in and for the community.
Stewardship Committee
To plan and conduct the annual financial pledge drive of members and friends, thereby assuring adequate income to support UUSB’s mission.
Sunday Service Committee
The purpose of the Sunday Service Committee is to arrange for speakers, lay leaders, and other program elements once a month when the Minister is not in the pulpit and during the summer. This committee also maintains the UUSB sound system, schedules the sound technician and recruits pianists and other instrumentalists to provide music during the services each week.
Technology Committee
The purpose of the Technology Committee is to oversees all telecommunication and audio-visual infrastructure. This includes sanctuary and office computers – required programs and technology subscriptions needed to run these computers – along with microphone, sound systems, television screens and all other audio-visual needs of UUSB.
Welcoming Congregation Committee
The purpose of the Welcoming Congregation Committee is: To make Unitarian Universalists of South Bend more inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer (LGBTQ+) people, using the five pillars of Welcoming Congregations recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association:
- Renewing our Welcoming Congregation status annually
- Hosting and supporting welcoming worship services
- Honoring welcoming days of observance for LGBTQ+ communities
- Providing welcoming religious education
- Sharing our gifts and resources with LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives