<< 24 Photos from our events at the bottom >>

The Program Council consists of six members elected by the congregation:  John Abbott, Tina Chiginsky Lawrence, Susan Davis, Joyce Ownbey, Jon Peterson and Beth Ten Pas. Program Council members participated in several activities that provided opportunities to come together and deepen our lives. We have had a busy year serving the Congregation in capacities. A list of accomplishments follow.

Activity Groups

Conducted liaison activities with 50 program and activity groups, which included publicizing their activities, recruiting volunteers, maintaining contact information and assistance with budget requests.

Congregational Leadership Development

As charged in the UUSS Strategic Plan, Program Council worked to develop church leadership opportunities and development. The purpose of which is to identify, prepare and support church members in leadership positions. Program Council worked with the Board of Trustees, Nominating Committee and Rev. Lucy to create a Leadership Development Plan.  The major elements of were:

• Survey to assess the leadership experiences of 150 persons who currently or formerly held in positions considered church “leadership.”
• Spring Leadership Reception on February 12, 2023, to which congregants were invited to meet persons currently in elected leadership positions and chairs of key committee to hear about their roles and duties.  Participants were also informed of opportunities to serve the church.
• Researched and assembled information from UUSS regional, national and other congregation on leadership development and opportunities at church. These materials are available to church members and friends.

Congregational Service Activities

• Held the 2022 fall Activities Fair, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, on the church patio. Program Council planned, advertised and coordinated the event.  It was an opportunity  for program groups to share what they do and whom they serve,such as Mercy Pedalers delivering snacks and sundries to unhoused persons and the Racial Justice Team working to educate congregants to understand and address white supremacy characteristics and anecdotes..
• Presented the annual Unsung Hero Award to two members of the congregation who have worked for years to deepen our lives.
• Maintained the Volunteer Request and Opportunities spreadsheet on the UUSS website. This process allows persons and leaders a means to recruit volunteers for events and one-time or ongoing activities.  It also helps congregants to find ways to contribute to church life and for new members to join our community.
• Took photos and updated information for church members for the UUSS Member Directory.
• Provided and served soups on a Soup Sunday.

Additional Efforts

• Improved communication methods to inform the congregation of Program Council’s role, duties and activities.  This includes an open invitation for church members to attend Program Council meetings and posting a monthly column in the Weekly Messages.
• Actively recruited new Program Council members.
• Program Council members also worked separately on the Annual Service Auction, Beacon Bookstore, Racial Justice activities, a memorial reception, Camp Norge, and much more!

<a

Here are some photos taken by Jon Peterson from various events PC was involved with:

Leadership

Activity Fair (2022)

Auction

Unsung Heroes

Memorial Reception