Unitarian Society of Northampton, Florence MA

Governing and Managing
the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence

Shared leadership Responsibility and authority for our congregation is broadly shared among our Minister, staff, lay leaders, and members. Shared leadership is consistent with, and a part of, our shared ministry.

Members and congregational polity Like other Unitarian Universalist congregations, the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence is self-governed. We support Unitarian Universalist principles as dues-paying members of the Unitarian Universalist Association, yet we are independent. Our members support the work of this congregation with funds and volunteer time. Members approved our mission and are ultimately responsible to see that we govern ourselves, invest our resources, and manage programs to further our mission. Members call our Minister, elect the Board of Trustees and officers, approve the annual budget, and authorize congregation-wide social actions.

Minister Our Minister, the Rev. Janet C. Bush,  provides spiritual leadership, leads worship, oversees our programs, provides pastoral care, supervises staff, and represents our congregation to the larger community. The Minister works in partnership with lay leaders, our staff, and volunteers.

Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees leads and governs the Society on behalf of our members though policy, planning, and financial oversight. Trustees develop the annual budget and monitor finances. The board appoints committees and task forces and convenes congregational meetings. They advise staff, Councils, and committees on programs and operations.

Coordinating Council The Council is comprised of committee chairs or their representatives to facilitate communication and cooperation among committees. The Council seeks opportunities that and addresses problems that arise in the Society’s operations. Council members provide support and advice for committees and provide a forum for discussion among lay leaders. The Council advises trustees on plans, policies, and the annual budget.

Executive Team An Executive Team of Trustee officers, Coordinating Council moderators and the Minister coordinates our system of shared leadership and communicates with and refers actions to the Council, Trustees, committees, and staff. Trustees may authorize the Executive Team to take specific actions on its behalf.

Religious Education Council, Committees, and Volunteers Our RE Council works with our Director of Religious Education to oversee programs for children and youth. Many other committees manage our operations. These include Worship, Welcoming, Stewardship, House and Property, Committee on Ministry, Pastoral Friends, Social Justice, Big Ol’ Gay, Partner Church, Small Group Ministries, Adult Education, Personnel, Finance, and others. Many volunteers serve our community through teaching, coordinating programs, hospitality, pastoral care, and much more.