WORKING TOGETHER
MDUUC is a mission-driven community, collaboratively led and managed by professional ministerial and support staff and by lay leaders elected by the congregation.
People committed to specific work areas come together regularly on a volunteer basis. These committees are guided by a council structure that aims to integrate our overall efforts and leverage the work of each to benefit all.
Here is a listing of the councils, with their committees and interest groups with contact information for leaders.
Committees
| | Social Justice Council – Peggy Kroll Board Liaison - Ron Ahnen | |
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| CCISCO Local Organizing Committee | Contra Costa County Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) is a multi-racial, multi-generational, interfaith federation of member congregations working for social justice. MDUUC works in collaboration with CCISCO in the service of social change.. | Joe Schellenberg |
| Economic Justice | Raises awareness and educates our church's members about the nature and extent of the economic injustice in our society and in the world; and identifies and works with both faith based and secular allies who share our values to promote economic justice by effecting changes to inequitable policies, programs, and laws. | Bob Lane, Elizabeth Copley |
| Food Project | The group coordinates with other community action organizations to provide food for people in need, and organizes teams of MDUUC volunteers to participate in that work. The group also supports the religious education's efforts in the Peace Garden activities. | TBD |
| Homeless and Affordable Housing Committee | We collaborate with service organizations such as Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, Trinity Center, and Shelter, Inc. We partner with housing advocacy organizations to support systemic changes in planning communities that include housing for all economic levels. The Winter Nights program is a sub-committee of this Committee. | Bill Wostenberg |
| Immigration | The Immigration Task Force, a committee of the Social Justice Council, aims to educate the congregation about immigration issues, to raise awareness among the congregation about the plight of immigrants in this country, and to witness and advocate for justice for immigrants, including comprehensive reform of our immigration system. | Suzanne Llewellyn |
| Sanctuary Task Force | | Suzanne Llewellyn and Bob Lane |
| LGBTQ & FRIENDS | Our committee is comprised of LGBTQ people and those who support LGBTQ equality, hence "LGBTQ & FRIENDS". Our goal is to provide an inclusive environment for education, activities and programs that will enlighten and empower members and visitors from surrounding communities. | Stephanie Singer |
| Racial Justice Committee | A social justice committee which works for racial justice within MDUUC and in the larger community | Connie Chiba & Peggy Kroll |
| | Membership Ministry - Nancy Rivara Board Liaison - Kathy Teplitz | |
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| Pastoral Visitors** | Work confidentially with the ministers to offer support to members through visiting the ill in hospitals or at home, comforting the bereaved and supporting those in life crisis. | Patricia Craven, Joanne Livengood
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| Community Circles | Small groups which meet every week or two. | Mary Helen Binger |
| Caring | Serves members and friends in times of need with meals, rides, visits and other support. Liaison: Rev Leslie Takahashi | TBD |
| Devil Mountain Coffee House Committee | Organizes "coffee house" performances. | Harry Miller |
| Denominational Connections | Links to the Pacific Central District (PCD), the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), our Partner Church in Transylvania and other UU organizations. Recommends delegates for PCD and UUA General Assemblies. | Sue Polgar |
| Membership | Encouraging "Radical Hospitality", members greet and welcome newcomers, provide Getting to Know UU classes, New Member recognition and a dinner for New Members. Encouraging community involvement, we provide Getting Involved classes for members. | Jaynese Davis |
| History | Discovers and publicizes the history of MDUUC | Carolyn Campbell |
| Coffee Service | Coordinates volunteers for Coffee Services | Melissa Allen |
| Partner Church | Connects our church with our Partner Church in Transylvania, Romania in Erdoszengyorgy. | Judy Young |
| | Financial Stewardship Council - Bill Clark
Board Liaison - Steve Hirsch | |
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| Finance | The Finance Committee monitors the financial condition of the church and fosters prudent financial practices. | Kevin McGregor, Diana Lowell |
| Fundraising Events | Oversees planning and production of major fundraising events. | TBD |
| Legacy** | Solicits contributions (money, stock donations and legacy gifts) for our endowment and capital funds and manages the proceeds. | Inge Yarborough |
| Memorial | Maintains memorial gifts to the church and keeps records regarding gifts. | Elisabeth Andreason |
| Rentals Committee | Review, update, and implement procedures and practices for successful large event rentals. The Committee recruits church members or others to serve as Event Hosts. | Jo Gelinas |
| Stewardship Committee | Plans and coordinates the annual pledge drive in the Spring to support the ministries and work of the church | Ed Lampo |
| | Place Council - Katie Wills Board Liaison Doug Tamo | |
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| Arts | Sponsors rotating art exhibits with local artists around the MDUUC campus. Advises church leadership in the opportunity, acceptance, and placement of works of art. | Dee Simmons |
| Facilities Committee | Determines necessary repairs and improvements to make MDUUC facilities function effectively, safely and efficiently. It is responsible for overseeing the Maintenance Reserves, and for recommending the Buildings & Grounds budget request annually. | Kathryn Wellington |
| Green Group | Sponsors ongoing activities and educational campaigns on environmental issues and initiatives, with a primary focus on Climate Change. | Dee Simmons |
| Grounds | Organizes volunteers to work with staff in maintaining the grounds. | Steve Dietsch |
| Kitchen | Coordinates the organization, maintenance, and supplies for Bortin Halls kitchen. Advises church leadership by recommending projects to keep kitchen safe, up-to-date, and efficient. | Jaynese Davis & Deb Dannucci |
| Orchard | Maintains the fruit orchard below the sanctuary. | Arthur Ungar |
| Safety | Develops and maintains emergency preparedness information. | Dan Barnard |
| Technology | Enables, implements, and maintains the church staffs computers, campus telecommunications, and other electronic office equipment. Advises church leadership on the upkeep and future enhancement of the churchs technology needs. | TBD |
| | Worship Council -Bill Yarborough Board Liaison - Linda Russell | |
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| Chancel Guild | Plans and arranges for flowers and art to enhance our Sanctuary for Sunday morning worship. | Beth Snortum |
| Labyrinth | | TBD |
| Earth-Centered Circle Committee | | Scott Baxter |
| Music | Supports the music program of the church, plans musical programs and fundraising, and acts as a clearinghouse for music activities. | Elaine Bush, Carol Fidler |
| Ushers | Coordinates ushers for Sunday Services. | Nancy Moran |
| Vespers | | Jo Gelinas |
| Worship Associates*** | Helps with planning Sunday Services not led by minister; Associates assist in all Sunday Services. | Linda Russell |
| UUs for Jewish Awareness | | Elaine Bush |
| | Other Committees | |
|---|
| Board of Trustees* | Leadership in church policy and direction | Michele Carroll |
| Bookstore | Selects and sells books of interest to Unitarian Universalists. Members help with the bookstore table on Sunday mornings. | TBD |
| Committee on Ministry** | Monitors and evaluates the ministries of the Church and advises the Board and the Ministers. | Sandy Bonshahi, Errol Reyes |
| Communications Advisory | Enhances communications within and outside of the church. Board Liaison - Michele Carroll | Kathé Cairns |
| Nominating* | The committee nominates candidates for Board of Trustees, the Legacy Committee and Nominating Committee. | David Platt, Leslie Baxter |
| Personnel** | Handles employee matters, performs reviews and makes recommendations on salaries. Serves as liaison between the staff and the congregation. Board Liaison - Kathy Teplitz | Jeff Galanti |
* membership is by election
** Membership is only by nomination/ invitation.
*** There is an application process for Worship Associates. Speak to the ministers if interested.
Interest Groups
We have a wide variety of groups that meet on a regular basis. You are welcome to join any of them. Send an email to the person listed to verify dates and times.
| Interest Group | Purpose / Activities | Contact Person |
|---|
| Bookstore | | Carole Woods |
| Book Discussion | Meets first Tuesday each month in people?s homes | Bill & Joy Hicks |
| Caregivers Circle | | Cynthia Davis |
| Choir | Rehearses Thursdays at 7:30 in the Sanctuary | Mark Tuning |
| Elder Journey | Meets 2nd Wednesday at 10 am in the Children's Chapel, for personal exploration. | Rev. Leslie Takahashi |
| Facilities Work Party | | Tristan Thielman |
| Grief Group | | Rev. Leslie Takahashi |
| Meditation | Meets Sundays at 9 am in the Fireside Room. Supports silence with Tibetan bells, chants and songs. | Sharon Lawrence |
| Men's Breakfast Group | Meets 2nd Saturday from 9 to 11 am in the Children's Chapel for light breakfast, check-in and topical conversation. | Doug Schuster |
| Community Circles | | |
| Multigenerational | | Kate Newkirk |
| Open Women?s Group | Our "Open Women's Group" is open to all women associated with MDUUC to promote community,fellowship, education and fun. Meets 1st Thursday at 10:30 am for potluck lunch and discussion; | Joan Armstrong, Jane North, Dolores Olson, & Dee Simmons |
| Used Books | | Harvey & Jackie Segal |
| Young Adult Network | | Ranwa Hammamay |
| Young Adult Programs | | Yelena Mykisheva |
