Working Teams

The work of the church never stops, and it takes both our dedicated staff and many volunteers to keep the church running!

Serving on a team can be a great way to get to know others and understand how we keep the wheels turning at First Unitarian. All teams are open to new members anytime!

The Accessibility Team advocates for those with varying abilities. Members  identify issues and work on strategies to make persons with mobility, visual and hearing needs feel welcome. In addition, our Board of Trustees has made monitoring accessibility issues a regular part of its agenda.

The Adult Programming Team has launched a number of exciting programs, including Circle Suppers, mUUvie Nights, and Tai Chi. Please visit this page to see all the current and future offerings.

The Art Gallery Team recruits artists, reviews applications, and makes final selection of artists who will exhibit their work in Griffin Hall Gallery. Guided by the Art Gallery Policy the team has final approval of all work exhibited in the gallery. A liaison from the team will work with the artist on arrangements for hanging the show and any publicity, reception or artist talk. The team endeavors to meet quarterly, sometimes at interesting “artsy” locations offsite.

If you would like to show your artwork at First Unitarian, please complete our Application Form.

The Audio/Visual Team operates the sound board for Sunday services and special occasions/events. Some training is required to understand how to operate the soundboard and learn the procedures for video recording the services. If you have an interest in joining this team, please email.

The Building Team monitors issues with building maintenance, coordinating repairs. If you notice a building issue, contact the Building Team to get the problem addressed.  If you have skills with building maintenance that you’d be willing to share with the church, or are interested in serving on the Building Team, please contact us.

The Faith Formation Team creates a faith development program plan which strengthens and clarifies the ethical, moral and spiritual lives of our UU children and youth. The roles of the team include:

• Making Faith Formation policies
• Creating, reviewing and evaluating programs
• Securing resources (volunteers, space, funding) to support our Faith Formation plans

The Congregational Life Team is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community within the congregation. They organize events, activities, and programs that strengthen connections among members, promote spiritual growth, and nurture a sense of belonging. Whether through social gatherings, small groups, or intergenerational initiatives, the team works to create opportunities for individuals and families to engage meaningfully in the life of the congregation, building relationships and supporting one another on their spiritual journeys.

Our hospitality teams include greeters, ushers, and the kitchen crew who organize the coffee hour snacks. Each team works one service every other month and members rotate responsibilities. Join a team.  Email today.

Information for Current Hospitality Teams

• Review the “Welcoming vs. Othering” handout for creating a more welcoming environment. Copies are also available at the Welcome Desk.
• Want to see greeting modeled? Watch this “Ministry of Welcoming” video made by our colleagues at the Fox Valley UU Fellowship in Wisconsin.

The Grounds Team meets periodically to discuss the priorities of managing our church grounds, to plan work days, and to communicate these needs to the church community. Goals include maintaining established flower beds using volunteer “adopters;” general weeding and sprucing up of the grounds, parking lots, entryways, sidewalks, and patio area; maintaining play equipment; maintaining the trails and labyrinth in the woods; controlling stormwater runoff and erosion; and improving the bio-diversity of the plants. Meetings happen as needed. If you’re interested in learning more or joining the Grounds Team, contact us any time.

When there is a death in our church community, the Memorial Receptions Team is called upon to provide set-up and refreshments following a memorial service, funeral or celebration of life.

For more information please see When a Loved One Dies.

Our Religious Services Celebrants are a team of 10+ members of our church who work with our minister and each other to support our service themes. A celebrant is assigned to each Sunday service and works closely with our minister or guest speaker to help with the selection of readings, music, and other liturgical elements, such as opening words, meditations and a celebrant reflection. A celebrant attends quarterly planning sessions in addition to the meetings required for working on particular services. If you’re interested in serving as a celebrant, please contact the minister.

For more detailed information, please see Service Celebrants.