How our Church is Organized
Congregational Polity
Congregational Meetings
We try to meet as a congregation at least two times a year. Usually, the first Sunday in May and the first Sunday in November. During the November meeting, the congregation votes for next year’s budget and church leadership. Church leadership includes the Executive Council, Committee Chairs, Team Coordinators, Elders and Elder Coordinator, Deacons and Deacon Coordinator, Trustees and Denominational Representatives.
All Congregational, Council, Committee and Team meetings are open unless an executive session is called for all or parts (very rare).
We try to meet as a congregation at least two times a year. Usually, the first Sunday in May and the first Sunday in November. During the November meeting, the congregation votes for next year’s budget and church leadership. Church leadership includes the Executive Council, Committee Chairs, Team Coordinators, Elders and Elder Coordinator, Deacons and Deacon Coordinator, Trustees and Denominational Representatives.
All Congregational, Council, Committee and Team meetings are open unless an executive session is called for all or parts (very rare).
Governance Committees
*Check church calendar and/or in-house FB Group for Meetings
Executive Council Meetings
The Executive Council meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm . Voting members of the executive council are defined in the constitution and bylaws and approved trial leadership change adopted November 15, 2020 are allowed to vote.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is responsible for the preparation of an annual proposed budget, development and implementation of programs for the enlistment of funds and for monitoring the subsequent flow of funds and overseeing the Memorial Fund.
Personnel Committee
This Personnel Committee is responsible for the employment of church personnel. Employment decisions are based upon recommendation from the appropriate standing committee, the Personnel Chair and Pastor(s).
Property Committee
This committee is responsible for maintaining all property of the church, both the building and the church grounds.
Executive Council Meetings
The Executive Council meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm . Voting members of the executive council are defined in the constitution and bylaws and approved trial leadership change adopted November 15, 2020 are allowed to vote.
- Council Meetings The Executive Council along with Team Coordinators will meet at least quarterly. Voting members of council are as defined in constitution and bylaws and approved trial leadership change adopted November 15, 2020 including: team coordinators, elder coordinator and deacon coordinator.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is responsible for the preparation of an annual proposed budget, development and implementation of programs for the enlistment of funds and for monitoring the subsequent flow of funds and overseeing the Memorial Fund.
Personnel Committee
This Personnel Committee is responsible for the employment of church personnel. Employment decisions are based upon recommendation from the appropriate standing committee, the Personnel Chair and Pastor(s).
Property Committee
This committee is responsible for maintaining all property of the church, both the building and the church grounds.
Mission Teams
1. Education Team
The Education Team is responsible for training and education programs regarding the Christian life, the church, and the faith of persons of all ages within the church. The team is responsible for Faith Formation classes, youth programs, adult education, vacation bible school and other education programs it may sponsor from time to time. The committee recruits and trains the teachers.
2. Social Justice Team
The Social Justice Team informs the congregation about the individual and group opportunities and challenges them to participate. It seeks out opportunities for service in the local community as well as the world.
3. Community Connection Team (combined Fellowship & Communications)
This team is responsible for the coordination of monthly church fellowship activities, assists in the assimilation of new members into all church functions, coordinates any necessary assistance to church members during times of need and develops programs which attract people into the life of the church. It explores, develops and utilizes various methods and mean spread the good news as far and wide as possible. It also staffs our Sunday greeters.
4. Worship Team
The Worship Team in partnership with the pastors help guide the religious life of the church. It helps in the planning of worship, communion and lay services, and performing other duties related to the religious life of the church. Meetings are scheduled several times throughout the year prior to seasonal and/or liturgical changes. Check church calendar as the 2021 team meeting dates have been scheduled.
5. Stewardship Team (separated out from Finance)
The Finance Team is responsible for stewardship education and stewardship campaign.
The Education Team is responsible for training and education programs regarding the Christian life, the church, and the faith of persons of all ages within the church. The team is responsible for Faith Formation classes, youth programs, adult education, vacation bible school and other education programs it may sponsor from time to time. The committee recruits and trains the teachers.
- If interested in working with children, contact Emily Jamison Guerrero at emily@uccaustin.org.
- If interested in working with youth, contact Meghan Trout at meghan@uccaustin.org.
2. Social Justice Team
The Social Justice Team informs the congregation about the individual and group opportunities and challenges them to participate. It seeks out opportunities for service in the local community as well as the world.
3. Community Connection Team (combined Fellowship & Communications)
This team is responsible for the coordination of monthly church fellowship activities, assists in the assimilation of new members into all church functions, coordinates any necessary assistance to church members during times of need and develops programs which attract people into the life of the church. It explores, develops and utilizes various methods and mean spread the good news as far and wide as possible. It also staffs our Sunday greeters.
- Elders serve under the Community Connection Team. Elders are responsible for the spiritual life and development of the congregation. Duties include assisting and sharing with the pastor(s) in the conduct of pastoral and evangelistic functions and providing supportive counsel for the pastor(s) regarding the spiritual life and development of the congregation.
4. Worship Team
The Worship Team in partnership with the pastors help guide the religious life of the church. It helps in the planning of worship, communion and lay services, and performing other duties related to the religious life of the church. Meetings are scheduled several times throughout the year prior to seasonal and/or liturgical changes. Check church calendar as the 2021 team meeting dates have been scheduled.
- Deacons under the Worship Team. Deacons are responsible for the welcoming/ushering; collection of the offering; recording of attendance; and the preparation, praying over and serving of communion.
- Other Worship Opportunities
- Liturgists
- Writing Liturgy
- Altar-scape Decorating
- Music - instrumental/singing
- Offering Statements and other Recordings
- Acolytes (3rd-5th graders or older)
- Running Slides and other Technology
- Graphics
- Sound room (when back in person)
5. Stewardship Team (separated out from Finance)
The Finance Team is responsible for stewardship education and stewardship campaign.