DRAFT RESOLUTIONS
 
1.
Executive Committee
In order to facilitate better communication between the Board of Trustees, the Committee on Ministries, the Church Council, and the Minister we resolve to form an executive committee, consisting of the chair and chair-elect of the Board of Trustees, the chair of Council, chair of Committee on Ministries, and the Minister.
 
2.
Committee on Ministries
To update and clarify the role of the Committee on Ministries, we resolve to adopt the charter for the committee as proposed in the attached draft. 
 
3.
Church Consultant
As an outgrowth of the resolution adopted at the 2009 annual meeting and input from members of the congregation, the Board of Trustees and the minister recognize the need to articulate expectations among our governing entities and the congregation, and to align its congregational ministries with a shared vision for the future of Second Unitarian Church. (See attached statement of purpose)
 
We resolve:
 
to engage an institutional consultant with the experience and expertise to assist us in facilitating the creation of a shared vision for  the church over the next three-five years; to identify the tools necessary to equip the minister, lay leadership, staff and members of the congregation in order to achieve that vision and lead positive congregational cultural transformation.
 
·  to charge a committee comprised of the Executive Committee and one additional board member with making a recommendation and report to the full board at its November 11 meeting;
 
·  to draw on reserves with a maximum threshold of $15,000; and,
 
·  to exercise transparency through regular communication with the congregation and among the ministries of the church, particularly the Committee on Ministries.
DRAFT

 
Second Unitarian Church
Committee on Ministries (COM)
Charter

Purpose
 
The mission of Second Unitarian Church is to celebrate life, welcome diversity, and promote spiritual growth and social responsibility.  The Committee on Ministries ensures the 2U's church ministry fulfills this mission.  In recognition of 2U's history of shared ministry, COM will support the variety of ways we minister to each other and the larger world around us.
 
 
Role
 
The role of COM includes supporting and monitoring the health of the total ministry of the church, which encompasses the integrated work of both the clergy and laity.  Trust, integrity and confidentiality are essential to the work of this committee.  Committee members must hold a firm commitment to the overall health of the congregation and not be tied to any special interest within the life of the congregation. With the minister, COM shares responsibility for educating the congregation about the ministry in general, about particular ministries of the congregation, and about the partnerships and trust necessary to bring them to life.            
 
Responsibilities
 
Church Ministries
  • Provide feedback loop for congregation
  • Review ministry of church programs like faith formation, worship, and outreach; and recommend new programs
  • Define church relationship with and support for ministerial students
  • When required provide written review to UUA or other programs
Church Minister
  • Act as sounding board for issues minister wants to discuss
  • Being available for counsel for the minister
  • Work with the minister on their continuing education program, sabbatical planning, or other Professional development and to advocate such plans to the board or personnel committee
  • Consult with minister and submit an annual compensation recommendation to the board or personnel committee
Board of Trustees
  • Provide feedback to the BOT as to the ministries of the church
  • The Chairperson or a BOT member that is a member of COM will act as liaison to the BOT
Membership
  • The COM will be appointed consisting of four to six (4-6) members
  • The term of office will be 3 years and a person can be reappointed to one additional 3 year term
  • The minister and chair of COM will submit names of prospective members to the board for approval.
  • If a vacancy occurs during any members term names of replacements will be submit to the board for approval to complete the persons term
  • At least two (2) members will continue to serve concurrently at any time
 
Meetings
  • The committee will meet monthly
  • The committee will hold all meetings with the minister unless the minister has excused themselves.
  • At least once a quarter the meeting will be a listening session open to all members of the congregation 
This Charter will replace any and all written reference as to policy for the Committee on Ministry.
Second Unitarian Church of Chicago
Statement of Purpose
Church Consultant
 
Introduction
Second Unitarian Church of Chicago has undergone significant growth in its membership and in the depth and breadth of our ministries over the last seven years. As can be expected, change has brought with it uncertainty about our shared future. Our neighborhood location, the demographics of our membership, and history present us with unique opportunities and distinct challenges. We want to ensure that the future we choose to create for our church reflects our commitment to a thriving spiritual community.
 
Purpose
The purpose of the institutional consultation is to facilitate creation of a shared vision for the church over the next three-five years. It will identify the tools necessary to equip the minister, lay leadership, staff and members of the congregation to achieve that vision and lead positive congregational cultural transformation.
 
Specific areas to be addressed include:
 
·      membership development and engagement;
·      aligning ministries with vision and resources;
·      means for productively and positively dealing with conflict;
·      strategies for change management and transitional growth;
·      institutionalizing stewardship and leadership development;
·      infrastructure and governance to support the shared vision;
·      and, processes for systematic program review of ministries.
 
Process
Consultants will be interviewed and proposals reviewed by the Executive Committee along with an additional board member in keeping with the purpose statement adopted by the board. The committee will make a consultant recommendation to the board at its November 11, 2009 meeting. It is expected that the process will begin January 2010 and last approximately three months. The process will be transparent.
 
Dated: October 8, 2009
Revised: October 23, 2009