About our Committees and Teams
Most UUSO committees and teams meet monthly and welcome new members. If you are interested in joining a committee or team, or sitting in on a meeting, please email the committee or team chair. During Coffee Hour you may also ask at the Welcome Table to be introduced to a member of a committee or team. If you have an issue you would like to see addressed at a particular meeting, please contact the Board Liaison, Team Leader or Chairperson for that committee or team.
Please note: This page is updated as committees and teams report changes.
AESTHETICS COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: To be determined
Chair: Rosalind Thomas
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, and visual appeal.
AUDIO AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: To be determined
Chair: TBD
Ashley Seeley
The Audio and Communications Committee is responsible for the set up and operation of the sound system for Sunday services along with managing the Zoom connection. The committee also records services for archival purposes and the UUSO YouTube channel. On occasion, the members of the committee are called upon to provide technical support for other events sponsored by UUSO. The group also provides support to the Office Administrator for website updates and social media output.
BYLAWS COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: Heidi Siegfried
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 Meetings in October and June.
CARING CIRCLE TEAM
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 and supporting those in need.
CONNECTIONS TEAM
Leader: Kari Reynolds
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 the “Getting to Know UU” classes, as well as recognizing and honoring New Members on New Member Sunday each year. Through Chalice Circle Groups the team also coordinates programs to engage members in friends in their spiritual journey as well as other options to explore a variety of subjects and volunteer opportunities.
ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: To be determined
Karil Seeley, Chair
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.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: Deb Bruce
Treasurer: Alan Zimmerman
Co-Chairs: Laura Reyda, Jendy Murphy and Leah Bridgers
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 June congregational meeting.
FUN TEAM
Co-Leaders: Julian Pecenco and Leah Bridgers
funteam@uuso.org
The Fun Team coordinates the annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Holiday Workshop, as well as other UUSO festivities.
UUSO HISTORY TEAM
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. Plans are currently underway for 2027 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the congregation’s founding.
MALI EDUCATION PROJECT
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. Members and friends sponsor individual students annually.
MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: Heidi Siegfried
Co-Chairs: Arleen Benedict and Jendy Murphy
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.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
The committee works independently from the Board of Trustees
Chair: Sue Cotter, Members: April Gates, and Carolyn Cooper
The Committee on Ministry works to monitor the ministries of UUSO and encourage right relationships within the UUSO community.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Chair: Kari Reynolds, Members: Mary Ruhoff and Dorothy Frye-Hunt
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 Committee on Ministry, the Nominating Committee, and the Moderator, all of which are voted on at the Annual Meeting in June.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: To be determined
Chair: Amy Forster Rothbart
The Personnel Committee exists to monitor and maintain the personnel policies and procedures of the congregation. The committee provides administrative accountability for the minister or Board of Trustees appointed staff supervisor and works to ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws and guidelines.
PROPERTIES COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: Deb Bruce
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 the house next door at 10 Ford Avenue, including the grounds.
RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: Rhiannon Ham
Hannah Amedure dre@uuso.org
The Religious Exploration Committee supports the Director of Religious Exploration in managing all aspects of the program for children and youth.
SAFETY COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: To be determined
The Safety Committee is in the process of being reestablished.
SOCIAL ACTION TEAM
Facilitator: Heidi Siegfried
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.
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Board Liaison: To be determined
Chair: Kate Seeley
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.
Fundraising Subcommittees:
- Auction: To be determined
- Book Sale: Deb Bruce, Chair
- Cookies and Crafts: Alex Fishers, Chair
- Plant Sale: Susan Ryder, Chair
WORSHIP TEAM
Chair: Stephanie Wardwell
The Worship Team coordinates 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 Team Leader, Pulpit Guest Coordinator, Music Director, Worship Musician, Music Volunteer Coordinator, Worship Associate Coordinator, and Audio/Video Communications Committee Coordinator.