Below are brief descriptions and the chairs of the many committees and councils that support the work of our church. Their goals are to help support the mission and focus of the church. If you have an interest in volunteering on a committee, please send an email to Committees@UUAsheville.org with your interests and the best way to contact you. Committee and Council leaders effective 7/1/08.

Adult Education (Matt Stollenwerk)
The purpose of this committee is to enhance the religious, spiritual and personal growth of our adult church community. We coordinate and facilitate learning opportunities consistent with the vision, principles and traditions of Unitarian Universalism that support congregational goals.

Annual Budget Drive Ministry Team (Jean Larson and Michael Vavrek)

Coordinated by this team is the Annual Budget Drive, which is a time each spring when we, the members and friends of Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, have conversations about the vision for our congregation and about setting financial priorities in our individual lives. It is the time when we make our financial commitments to our congregation and through our generosity turn our vision into reality. For more information about the dynamic team that coordinates this vital process, contact Jean Larson by email at AnnualBudgetDrive@UUAsheville.org.

Building & Grounds (Bill Agrella)
The Building and Grounds Committee ensures that the church buildings and grounds are kept safe, functional, and looking good by assessing maintenance needs and recruiting able volunteers to perform the work.

Campus Management Council (Marilyn Martin)

CareRings (Joyce Birkenholz and Sally Carlson)
CareRings create community among people in neighboring areas, and inform Members and Friends when someone in their CareRing is going through a time of personal need.

Children and Youth Religious Education (Michelle Goyeau)
The Religious Education Committee is comprised of volunteers who share an interest in shaping the vision, goals, and plans for our children's and youth programming. Working closely with the Director of Religious Education, the committee has a broad range of responsibilities for our Religious Education program, from articulating our philosophy, goals, and policies to overseeing the logistics of classes, programs, and events.

Committee on Ministries (Marianne Newman)
The Committee on Ministries acts to strengthen the practice of shared ministries and to promote effective leadership within the church. The Committee periodically evaluates the ministries of the church and recommends to the Board and members improved ways to define the roles and responsibilities of the church’s leadership. The Committee on Ministries has seven members representing a cross-section of the Congregation: 3 are elected by the congregation, 1 is appointed by the Board, 1 is appointed by the Minister and 2 are selected by the Committee itself

Communications (Jerry McLellan)
The Communications Committee is responsible for ensuring the effective communication of the work of UUCA within our church community and our church area. We are also responsible for promoting UUCA via public relations and paid advertising.

Congregational Care Council (Linda Topp)

Covenant Groups (Cathy Agrella)
Covenant Groups are usually made up of six to eight members who come together regularly - at least monthly and perhaps even weekly. Groups gather to foster a sense of community and caring to explore UU values and issues confronting us as human beings, and to be of service to the larger church family.

Denominational Affairs (Mara Sprain)
Our purpose is to strengthen the Unitarian Universalist movement by promoting interest and involvement in Unitarian Universalist activities and events, specifically in the Western Carolina Cluster, the Thomas Jefferson District and the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Finance (Sheldon Altschul)
The Finance Committee provides an on-going review of the financial affairs of the church to maintain its financial stability. We analyze and discuss the monthly financial statements and take actions as we deem appropriate, make recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding all financial matters, prepare the annual church budget for approval by the church membership, and act as the financial consultant to the church.

Fund Management (TBA)
The Fund Management Committee, at the direction of the Board, manages and invests all Special Funds of the church so that the greatest benefits may be realized consistent with sound and prudent investment. The Committee has three members appointed by the Board.

Green Sanctuary (Larry Holt)
The UUCA Board of Trustees established a Green Sanctuary Committee November 17, 2004. The purpose of the Committee is to work toward certification of UUCA as a "Green Sanctuary", a status recognized by and conferred through the UU General Assembly and the UU Ministry for Earth. The Green Sanctuary Certificate is awarded to Churches and Fellowships that affirm and actively promote our Seventh Principle of "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." See the Green Sanctuary section for more details.

Historian (Position open. Contact Marilyn Martin if you have an interest.)
The historian gathers and reviews materials related to the history of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, organizes them for easy retrieval, and assists church members and others interested in the history of the church.

Library (Bill Utz)
The Library Committee welcomes your help in the committee's management of the growing collection, and invites you to browse the shelves, located in the northwest corner of Sandburg Hall. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville’s library loans a wide selection of books, video and audio tapes, and other materials that help our congregation explore ideas, meditations, and history important to Unitarian Universalists and their variety of faith perspectives. All who are church members or who register with the Library Committee are welcome to borrow from the Library.

Membership (Mary Campbell)
Our purpose is to help newcomers get connected with the life of our church and become meaningful members. We staff the Visitors Table and Let’s Get Acquainted areas on Sunday mornings, provide information to visitors, prospective members and newcomers, conduct an orientation class (UU101) to our faith and church for prospective members, recruit Sunday Service greeters, and organize various new member events.

Music (Joan Fleisig)
The purpose of the Music Committee is to assist the Music Director, Minister, and Worship Committee in planning and contributing to the musical life of the church. We represent the music program in church planning and committee activities, and consider the interests and suggestions of the congregation in music matters. For services where the Music Director is not leading the music, we plan with the Worship Committee to supply music and musicians to provide a well-rounded music program of high quality. We intermittently sponsor special music events such as recitals for the church and community.

Nominating Committee (TBA)
We have the responsibility of submitting a list of nominees to the Board of Trustees for positions of church officers, trustees, and members of the nominating committee, and for unexpired term of elected officers to be filled at the Annual Meeting. We also recommend to the Board of Trustees nominees for appointment by the president as chairpersons of committees.

Pastoral Visitors (Rev. Sarah York)
Pastoral Visitors, working in partnership with the minister, are trained laypersons that provide members and their families with companionship, support and assistance in times of crisis or life changes that challenge their ability to cope.

Personnel Committee (John Bates)
The Personnel Committee is responsible on behalf of the Board for on-going direction to and evaluation of the church staff. The Board appoints the five-member committee.

Planned Giving (Douglas and Elin Cotts)
The Planned Giving Committee assists with establishing a firm long-term financial foundation for the UU Church of Asheville by encouraging planned giving to the church in the form of restricted and/or non-restricted gifts.

Program Council (Kay Aler-Maida)

Social Justice Council (Christine Grant)
The Social Action Committee (SAC) recently transformed into the Social Justice Council, consisting of three teams focused on areas of Economic Justice, Human Rights, and Peace and Environment.

Stewardship Ministry Team (Michael Vavrek)

Ministry – Nurture the fair sharing of our abundance.

Vision – By June 2010 establish practices that nurture the fair sharing of our abundance. (See “About Our Church – Stewardship” for more information.)

Goals: Nurture the fair sharing of our abundance by establishing practices in: 1. Stewardship Education – understand the guiding spirit, 2. Joyful Giving – generously sharing our gifts with the world, 3. Ministry and Good Works – results of joyful giving, 4. Annual Budget Drive – a joyful giving opportunity, and 5. Planned Giving – joyful giving that provides the church with long-term fiscal stability. Objective and appraisal – Annual objectives are the basis for appraisal. Time commitment – Monthly two-hour meetings August to May and additional meetings between meetings. Members’ aptitudes and abilities applicable to the Ministry and devotion sufficient to make this work a meaningful part of one’s shared ministry. For more information, please contact Michael Vavrek by email at Stewardship@UUAsheville.org.

Strategic Planning Committee (Stephen Jones)
The UUCA Board formed a Strategic Planning Committee in June 2006 to help the congregation 1) talk about its identity, purpose, and future; 2) come to a consensus about priorities; and 3) determine a plan of action. The Committee will collect information, clarify the church’s mission and vision based on the congregation’s values and mandates, identify options for dealing with strategic issues facing the Church, and formulate practical recommendations for action. The Committee reports to the UUCA Board. The Committee has 10 members serving 3-year terms. For additional information, contact Stephen Jones.

Worship Committee (Ann McLellan)
We work collaboratively with the minister and staff, lay committees, and with the congregation to create worship experiences so those who attend services can explore and develop their spiritual lives. We coordinate the service logistics, aesthetics, outside speakers, congregational readers, and This I Believe series.

Youth-Adult Council (TBA)
A few Young Religious Unitarian Universalist youth (YRUU) along with the YRUU Coordinator and rotating advisers meet once a month to discuss off-site trips, Sunday class schedules, and any concerns having to do with YRUU, the high school youth group.