Board
The UCUP Board meets monthly to fulfill on the business of the church. Our officers present reports and we hear updates from our committees as noted below. As issues arise we prayerfully meet, gather the concerns and determine next steps guided by our Constitution and our expressed faith.
Communications
Postings on the reader board, upgrading and updating of our website, community wide communications on social media such as FaceBook and YouTube come under the functions of this Committee. We receive lots of views of our reader board on Grand View Dr. Some have gone viral.
Congregational Care
This Committee is comprised of volunteer members who meet usually monthly to support our members who may not be able to attend worship in person, writes notes of appreciation, sends birthday cards and all manner of staying in touch with our congregation. We have a prayer chain.
Facilities
Doors, windows, locks and keys, grounds, storm water runoff, sewer, parking lot, utilities, housekeeping, internet and so much more comes under the purview of this Committee. Members on this Committee are at the ready to address minor and medium issues discerning when additional professional help is needed to maintain our church and environs.
Faith and Spiritual Growth
Sunday School child and youth education is overseen by the Faith and Spiritual Growth Committee. To see who our Sunday School teachers are go to this page.
Finance
This Committee is comprised of officers including Treasurer, Financial Secretary, assistant Financial Secretary, Finance chair, Board President and UCUP members. Meeting monthly to monitor and assure the financial stability and viability of our local church is stewardship, stewardship of our fiscal day to day operations. The committee sets forth requests for audits and manages the annual budget process. Our October/ November Stewardship Campaign renews awareness of this need. Pledge cards and time and talent sheets are completed. You can request one at office@ucup.org
Grounds and Plantings Committee
UCUP has an abundance of green space with mature plantings that need seasonal maintenance as well as the spring bulbs, draught tolerant plantings, planters and the tended natural pathways that give access to the community. We welcome the community to join this committee.
Peace and Justice
Peace and Justice Committee (P & J) meets monthly to discern our benevolences, prepare for interfaith advocacy opportunities with legislators, address local concerns that arise such as gun violence vigils, anti racist marches, hunger walks, addressing food pantry volunteering opportunities. P&J oftens generates Fourth Sunday Forums. Outside speakers or UCUP members may present on important issues of the day.
Staff Parish Relations
Church members are nominated to participate for staggered 3-year terms on this Committee that supports staff including our Office Manager and Music Director. The Pastor and six member committee, chaired by one UCUP member, meet monthly.
Worship and Adornment
The Worship Committee helps to coordinate the roles and responsibilities to assist the pastor in leading worhship. This includes our tech and fellowship teams. Liturgists, land acknowledgement, welcome, communion stewards, greeters, ushers, altar flowers and the displaying of the seasonal banners and colors for the seasons all are part of this committee. Four fellowship teams cover the 4 or 5 sunday’s each month to assist in the above as well as providing post worship fellowship time to gather and talk.
Ad hoc and other Committees
Covid19 pandemic necessitated a longer term ad hoc committee to reimagine our reopening, adhering to the public health stages and steps to safely resume worship. We have returned to in-person worship continuing a hybrid Zoom attendance.
Our Stewardship Committee and Nominations Committee as described under our Constitution are engaged in September to December work creating a viable faith community and leadership into the next year and beyond.
United Church In University Place 