Please note: This page is updated as committees and teams report changes.
Board Liaison: Rosemary Summers
Chair: Kathy Paranya
The Aesthetics Committee makes recommendations to the Board related to the furnishings and décor that consider the nature of each space, such as historical context and function.
Chair: Kathy Paranya
The Audio Team is responsible for set up and operation of the sound system for Sunday services. The committee also records services for archival purposes and the production of podcasts. On occasion, the members of the committee are called upon to provide technical support for other events sponsored by UUSO. The team provides technical support for Zoom services.
Board Liaison: Zanna McKay
Chair: Mary Ruoff
The Bylaws Committee, consisting of the Moderator and the two previous Moderators, is responsible for reviewing the Bylaws and for bringing proposed revisions to the congregation for a vote at the Congregational Meeting in June.
Leader: Kari Reynolds
Caring for one another is a core spiritual practice for Unitarian Universalists. The Caring Circle Team serves our UUSO ministry through pastoral care of congregants in coordination with the minister.
Leader: Karen Palmer
The Connections Team is responsible for warmly welcoming newcomers and supporting them as they explore connections with the people and activities of UUSO. The team hosts a variety of social gatherings and the “Getting to Know UU” classes, as well as recognizing and honoring New Members on New Member Sunday each year.
Board Liaison: Ben Friedell
Chair: Karen Palmer
The Endowment Committee is charged with stewardship of the Community Fund and the development of the Endowment Fund, including both the raising of funds, and the disbursement of funds.
Board Liaison: Alan Zimmerman
Treasurer: Alan Zimmerman
Co-Chairs: Laura Reyda & Jendy Murphy
The Finance Committee oversees all UUSO finances, with the exception of the funds managed by the Endowment Committee, and assures that best practices are followed. The Committee is responsible for preparing the annual budget for the congregational meeting.
Co-Leaders: Julian Pecenco and Leah Bridgers
The Fun Team coordinates the annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Holiday Workshop, as well as other UUSO festivities.
Team Leader: Karen Palmer
The Green Sanctuary Task Force facilitates the steps that UUSO is taking to become a UUA accredited Green Sanctuary. This represents a pursuit of excellence in stewardship of our Earth’s precious resources.
Historian: Bob Brzozowski
The UUSO historian handles all matters pertaining to UUSO’s history – that of the Society itself, including the architectural history of the Chapin Memorial Sanctuary, which is on the National Registry of Historic Places, and that of the Society’s history in the larger Oneonta community.
Leader: Susan Ryder Sponsorship Coordinator: Shirley Ferguson
The Mission of the Mali Education project is to partner with Youchaou’s School in Mali to support education for children and to promote intercultural growth for ourselves and our communities.
Board Liaison: Rosalind Thomas
Chair: Arleen Benedict
The mission of the Memorial Program is to provide a plaque and a book of records to honor and remember UUSO members and friends who have died; to support the Ruth Achenbach Garden, which provides a safe and peaceful place for cremains to be scattered or interred; and to bring comfort to those who mourn.
Members: Laura Reyda, Sue Cotter, Judy Tator
The Committee on Ministry works with the minister to monitor the ministries of UUSO and encourage right relationships within the UUSO community.
Members: Kari Reynolds, Susan Ryder, and Justine Roefs
The Nominating Committee recruits and nominates able people for leadership positions in our Unitarian Universalist congregation in order to uphold and foster UUSO values both within our Unitarian Universalist congregation and in the community at large. Leadership positions include members of the Board of Trustees, the Endowment Committee, the new Nominating Committee, and the Moderator, all of which are voted on at the Annual Meeting in May.
Primary Contact & Board Liaison: Amy Forster Rothbart; Kathy Shimberg; Rosemary Summers
The Personnel Committee exists to monitor and maintain the personnel policies and procedures of the congregation. The committee provides administrative accountability for the minister in his/her/their role as staff supervisor and works to ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and guidelines.
Board Liaison: Rosemary Summers
Chair: Paul Agoglia
The Properties Committee is in charge of everything related to the upkeep of our two buildings, the Chapin Memorial church at 12 Ford Avenue and our recently acquired house next door at 10 Ford Avenue, including the grounds.
Board Liaison: Elayne Mosher Campoli
The Religious Education Committee manages all aspects of religious education for children, youth, and adults.
Facilitator: Karen Palmer
The Social Action Team provides information regarding social justice issues, with opportunities to work on these issues through financial contributions and gifts of personal time and effort. The team aims to connect, communicate with, and support social, economic and environmental justice groups.
Board Liaison: Kate Seeley
Chair: To be determined
The Stewardship Committee develops financial resources for the current and future needs of the UUSO with integrity and with an awareness of the joy inherent in cultivating generosity as a spiritual virtue. The Committee is responsible for coordinating all fundraising activities and the annual pledge campaign.
Board Liaison: Katy Bridgers
The Worship Team meets quarterly to coordinate all aspects of the Sunday worship services (scheduling, music, theme, and other matters) as well as other regularly occurring worship gatherings and special services. The team is made up of the Minister, Pulpit Guest Coordinator, Music Director, Worship Musician, Music Volunteer Coordinator, Worship Associate Coordinator, and Audio/Video Team Coordinator.