Moderator (1 year term)
Description: The Moderator serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and also as Moderator during Congregational meetings. Unlike committee members, the term for the Moderator is one year, subject to being elected to serve additional 1 year terms. In this role, you will work cooperatively with the Senior Minister and have the opportunity to be involved in facilitating conversation, reflection, prayer and decision-making as we consider our priorities and envision our role in the community and the world. The Moderator’s involvement in our faith community encompasses the role of a Board member as well (see Board Role Description.)
Meeting Cadence: Chair the Board of Directors’ meeting 1x per month
Avg. monthly time commitment: 3 hours meeting attendance; Additional time varies depending on issues arising (planning for meetings; documents to be prepared or reviewed)
Current Moderator: Judith Stewart
Description: The Moderator serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and also as Moderator during Congregational meetings. Unlike committee members, the term for the Moderator is one year, subject to being elected to serve additional 1 year terms. In this role, you will work cooperatively with the Senior Minister and have the opportunity to be involved in facilitating conversation, reflection, prayer and decision-making as we consider our priorities and envision our role in the community and the world. The Moderator’s involvement in our faith community encompasses the role of a Board member as well (see Board Role Description.)
Meeting Cadence: Chair the Board of Directors’ meeting 1x per month
Avg. monthly time commitment: 3 hours meeting attendance; Additional time varies depending on issues arising (planning for meetings; documents to be prepared or reviewed)
Current Moderator: Judith Stewart
Clerk (1 year term)
Description: The Clerk attends and prepares minutes of Board of Directors meetings; keeps records of all motions made and votes thereon; attends and prepares minutes of congregational meetings, and ensures that proper notice of congregational meetings is provided to church membership and quora are present; in consultation with the ministers, Deacons and church staff, updates the church’s membership list annually in accordance with the bylaws; and performs other tasks falling within the purview of the Clerk.
Meeting Cadence: Participation in The Board of Directors’ meeting 1x per month, or at such additional times that meetings are convened; participation in the Annual Meeting and such other special congregational meetings which may be called.
Avg. monthly time commitment: 2-2.5 hours Board meeting attendance; 2-3 hours additional time on average (time can vary from month-to-month)
Current Clerk: Nancy Tegeler
Description: The Clerk attends and prepares minutes of Board of Directors meetings; keeps records of all motions made and votes thereon; attends and prepares minutes of congregational meetings, and ensures that proper notice of congregational meetings is provided to church membership and quora are present; in consultation with the ministers, Deacons and church staff, updates the church’s membership list annually in accordance with the bylaws; and performs other tasks falling within the purview of the Clerk.
Meeting Cadence: Participation in The Board of Directors’ meeting 1x per month, or at such additional times that meetings are convened; participation in the Annual Meeting and such other special congregational meetings which may be called.
Avg. monthly time commitment: 2-2.5 hours Board meeting attendance; 2-3 hours additional time on average (time can vary from month-to-month)
Current Clerk: Nancy Tegeler
Collector (1 year term)
Description: Weekly reporting & depositing of all the cash and checks received by the church through weekly collections.
Participation Cadence: Set up monthly collection schedule - 2 people for every Sunday; Participate in collection process 2 Sundays per month; Respond to questions from the church office.
Avg. monthly time commitment: 6 hours
Current Collector: Connie Kaufman
Why I care about this role: “Serving as collector gives you the opportunity to get to view the church from a different perspective while performing an important job.” ~ Connie Kaufman
Description: Weekly reporting & depositing of all the cash and checks received by the church through weekly collections.
Participation Cadence: Set up monthly collection schedule - 2 people for every Sunday; Participate in collection process 2 Sundays per month; Respond to questions from the church office.
Avg. monthly time commitment: 6 hours
Current Collector: Connie Kaufman
Why I care about this role: “Serving as collector gives you the opportunity to get to view the church from a different perspective while performing an important job.” ~ Connie Kaufman
Treasurer (1 year term)
Description:
Meeting Cadence: Participation in The Board of Directors’ meeting 1x per month; Participation in the Finance Team meetings 1x per month
Avg. monthly time commitment: Variable beyond the meetings depending on banking needs. Weekly (15 mintues) to review and approve invoices, payroll registers, adjustments and sign checks. Coordinate with other authorized signers.
Current Treasurer: Jennifer Connors
Why I care about this role: “It is a place where I can support the church to help ensure that our pledges are being spent and invested wisely. The position provides visibility into the depth of our initiatives and the cost/effort it takes to sustain the infrastructure and people.” ~ Jennifer Connors
Description:
- Primary signatory for the funds of the church
- Transfer funds between operating cash, short-term investments, and endowment investments to provide sufficient cash flow (with the assistance of the Finance Team and Bookkeeper)
- Ensure donor-designated contributions are properly segregated and used for their intended purpose
- Represent the church on financial transactions with Board authorization
- Initiate wire transfers related to the Guatemala Partnership (on-line portal)
- Be available for questions
Meeting Cadence: Participation in The Board of Directors’ meeting 1x per month; Participation in the Finance Team meetings 1x per month
Avg. monthly time commitment: Variable beyond the meetings depending on banking needs. Weekly (15 mintues) to review and approve invoices, payroll registers, adjustments and sign checks. Coordinate with other authorized signers.
Current Treasurer: Jennifer Connors
Why I care about this role: “It is a place where I can support the church to help ensure that our pledges are being spent and invested wisely. The position provides visibility into the depth of our initiatives and the cost/effort it takes to sustain the infrastructure and people.” ~ Jennifer Connors
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (3 year term)
Description: The Board consists of a Chairperson (who is duly elected as Moderator of the Church) and 10 members. As a Board member, you will be involved in representing the congregation as stewards of our building, our financial resources (budget, stewardship, endowment), the overall health of the church, and our relationships with staff- clerical and lay persons. There are opportunities to serve on sub-committees (composed of Board and non-Board members) including Finance, Personnel, Property, Ministerial Review, Nominating, Stewardship, and others.The Board works with Deacons, other committees and with the ministers to engage the congregation in discerning and fulfilling its priorities as a faith community, with the help of God.
Meeting Cadence: The Board currently meets one time per month from 7-9 p.m, with additional meetings added only as necessary for critical matters.
Avg. monthly time commitment: 2-3 hours Board meeting time; 1-2 hours subcommittee conversations, document review etc.
Current members:
Term Ends 2022: Jay Carter, Chris Busby, Kristin Mollerus
Term Ends 2023: Sue Cotton, Trish Marinilli, Heather Salerno
Term Ends 2024: Amanda Allgood, Alan Clayton-Matthews, Maggie Fieldsteel, Carol Oblere
Why I care about this role: “Serving as a Board member has been one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had through the church. Working alongside thoughtful leaders with wonderfully varied backgrounds and perspectives to help strategically guide the direction of the church is rewarding and feels impactful.” ~ Kristin Mollerus
Description: The Board consists of a Chairperson (who is duly elected as Moderator of the Church) and 10 members. As a Board member, you will be involved in representing the congregation as stewards of our building, our financial resources (budget, stewardship, endowment), the overall health of the church, and our relationships with staff- clerical and lay persons. There are opportunities to serve on sub-committees (composed of Board and non-Board members) including Finance, Personnel, Property, Ministerial Review, Nominating, Stewardship, and others.The Board works with Deacons, other committees and with the ministers to engage the congregation in discerning and fulfilling its priorities as a faith community, with the help of God.
Meeting Cadence: The Board currently meets one time per month from 7-9 p.m, with additional meetings added only as necessary for critical matters.
Avg. monthly time commitment: 2-3 hours Board meeting time; 1-2 hours subcommittee conversations, document review etc.
Current members:
Term Ends 2022: Jay Carter, Chris Busby, Kristin Mollerus
Term Ends 2023: Sue Cotton, Trish Marinilli, Heather Salerno
Term Ends 2024: Amanda Allgood, Alan Clayton-Matthews, Maggie Fieldsteel, Carol Oblere
Why I care about this role: “Serving as a Board member has been one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had through the church. Working alongside thoughtful leaders with wonderfully varied backgrounds and perspectives to help strategically guide the direction of the church is rewarding and feels impactful.” ~ Kristin Mollerus
THE DEACONS (3 year term)
Description: The Deacons are responsible for the spiritual life and well-being of the church. There are fifteen (15) members elected to serve on this Committee. The description of the duties of the Deacons is purposefully loose, which enables the group to respond to any concerns, initiatives or ideas which are relevant to spiritual life. Deacons also work with the minister on some aspects of the service as well as Maundy Thursday. In terms of tasks, Deacons serve as greeters at church services each week, and assist with serving communion.
Meeting Cadence: Once per month and as needed. Generally no full meetings in mid-summer.
Avg. monthly time commitment: 5 hours
Current members:
Term Ends 2022: Sue Turner, Gretchen Lanka-Allen, Rob Dunlavey, David Johnson, Nancy Lane
Term Ends 2023: Kathie Carpenter, David Libby, Jodie Kuhlman, Bill Haynes, Bob Boyd
Term Ends 2024: Linda Bauer, Diana Conroy, Greg Hoffmeister, Katie Wolf
Description: The Deacons are responsible for the spiritual life and well-being of the church. There are fifteen (15) members elected to serve on this Committee. The description of the duties of the Deacons is purposefully loose, which enables the group to respond to any concerns, initiatives or ideas which are relevant to spiritual life. Deacons also work with the minister on some aspects of the service as well as Maundy Thursday. In terms of tasks, Deacons serve as greeters at church services each week, and assist with serving communion.
Meeting Cadence: Once per month and as needed. Generally no full meetings in mid-summer.
Avg. monthly time commitment: 5 hours
Current members:
Term Ends 2022: Sue Turner, Gretchen Lanka-Allen, Rob Dunlavey, David Johnson, Nancy Lane
Term Ends 2023: Kathie Carpenter, David Libby, Jodie Kuhlman, Bill Haynes, Bob Boyd
Term Ends 2024: Linda Bauer, Diana Conroy, Greg Hoffmeister, Katie Wolf
PASTORAL RELATIONS (3 year term)
Description: The Pastoral Relations Committee is an independent group that supports and maintains an open and healthy relationship between the Minister(s) and Members of the Congregation. The PRC does not take the place of communications between the Members and the Minister(s), but rather helps those who need advice and assistance with such communications. There are three (3) members elected to serve on this Committee.
Meeting Cadence: As needed, perhaps once a quarter
Avg. monthly time commitment: Less than one hour
Current members:
Term Ends 2022: Barbara Livingston
Term Ends 2023: Frank Luppino
Term Ends 2024: Katy Dirks
Description: The Pastoral Relations Committee is an independent group that supports and maintains an open and healthy relationship between the Minister(s) and Members of the Congregation. The PRC does not take the place of communications between the Members and the Minister(s), but rather helps those who need advice and assistance with such communications. There are three (3) members elected to serve on this Committee.
Meeting Cadence: As needed, perhaps once a quarter
Avg. monthly time commitment: Less than one hour
Current members:
Term Ends 2022: Barbara Livingston
Term Ends 2023: Frank Luppino
Term Ends 2024: Katy Dirks
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & YOUTH BOARD (3 year term)
Description: The Christian Education (CE) & Youth Committee oversees the Christian education of the congregation, with an emphasis on our young children and youth ministry (Junior and Senior High School age). The group supports the Youth minister, Maddie Foster, in developing enriching and interesting programs and activities. There are six (6) members elected to serve on this Committee.
Meeting Cadence: Typically once per month. Sometimes in the evenings, sometimes on Sundays.
Avg. monthly time commitment: ~2-3 hours (Monthly meeting plus supporting Maddie at additional events)
Current members:
Term ends 2022: Joy Brewer, Rachel Busby
Term Ends 2023: Julie Roden, Kate Carter
Term Ends 2024: Leyna Blume, Jordanna Mora
Description: The Christian Education (CE) & Youth Committee oversees the Christian education of the congregation, with an emphasis on our young children and youth ministry (Junior and Senior High School age). The group supports the Youth minister, Maddie Foster, in developing enriching and interesting programs and activities. There are six (6) members elected to serve on this Committee.
Meeting Cadence: Typically once per month. Sometimes in the evenings, sometimes on Sundays.
Avg. monthly time commitment: ~2-3 hours (Monthly meeting plus supporting Maddie at additional events)
Current members:
Term ends 2022: Joy Brewer, Rachel Busby
Term Ends 2023: Julie Roden, Kate Carter
Term Ends 2024: Leyna Blume, Jordanna Mora
OUTREACH (3 year term)
Description: The Outreach Committee advocates to the church and its members about important issues relating to social justice in our church, community, city, state and the world. They provide opportunities to become more educated about topics and organizations and volunteer locally, and they guide us in financial giving based on a portion of our income from pledges to the church. Nine (9) members are elected to serve on the Outreach Committee.
Meeting Cadence: One meeting per month, except during July & August
Avg. monthly time commitment: 2-3 hours (two hour meeting, perhaps an hour of other work or organization)
Current members:
Term Ends 2022:: Val Kistler, Sue Findlay, Rick Devereux
Term Ends 2023: Nisha Kurian, Avery Kasper-Filbin, Georgina Ruetenik
Term Ends 2024: Amy Hurley, Caryl Johnson, Barbra Morton
Why I care about this role: “By serving on the Outreach committee, we put our beliefs into action. We review opportunities and decide which projects most fit our church’s mission and beliefs. We also work to find more programs where our church members can offer their time as well as financial support.” ~ Mi Herzog
Description: The Outreach Committee advocates to the church and its members about important issues relating to social justice in our church, community, city, state and the world. They provide opportunities to become more educated about topics and organizations and volunteer locally, and they guide us in financial giving based on a portion of our income from pledges to the church. Nine (9) members are elected to serve on the Outreach Committee.
Meeting Cadence: One meeting per month, except during July & August
Avg. monthly time commitment: 2-3 hours (two hour meeting, perhaps an hour of other work or organization)
Current members:
Term Ends 2022:: Val Kistler, Sue Findlay, Rick Devereux
Term Ends 2023: Nisha Kurian, Avery Kasper-Filbin, Georgina Ruetenik
Term Ends 2024: Amy Hurley, Caryl Johnson, Barbra Morton
Why I care about this role: “By serving on the Outreach committee, we put our beliefs into action. We review opportunities and decide which projects most fit our church’s mission and beliefs. We also work to find more programs where our church members can offer their time as well as financial support.” ~ Mi Herzog
2021 Nominations for Committees & Officers
Our Congregational Bylaws provide for the Board of Directors, the Board of Deacons and three (3) Committees to be elected by the congregation at each Annual Meeting - Outreach, Christian Education and Pastoral Relations.
In January 2021, we will be electing new members for the individuals whose terms are expiring for these Boards and Committees, typically for 3-year terms.
The Church Bylaws also identify the Officers of the church. They are a Moderator, a Clerk, a Treasurer, and a Collector. Officers are elected for 1-year terms in January. Please email nominating@needhamucc.org with any questions or to nominate yourself or someone else for one of the open positions..
Our Congregational Bylaws provide for the Board of Directors, the Board of Deacons and three (3) Committees to be elected by the congregation at each Annual Meeting - Outreach, Christian Education and Pastoral Relations.
In January 2021, we will be electing new members for the individuals whose terms are expiring for these Boards and Committees, typically for 3-year terms.
The Church Bylaws also identify the Officers of the church. They are a Moderator, a Clerk, a Treasurer, and a Collector. Officers are elected for 1-year terms in January. Please email nominating@needhamucc.org with any questions or to nominate yourself or someone else for one of the open positions..