- Board of Trustees
Description: Nine member volunteer Board elected by the congregation to 3 year rotating terms. Holds corporate legal fiduciary responsibility for the Church. Operates using policy based governance. Provides vision and leadership on key areas of mission while delegating the day-to-day operations to the Executive and Coordinating Team. Focuses on policy development and monitoring of the Congregation's ministries.
Time Required: Monthly board meetings, quarterly Saturday meetings, stewardship and ad hoc sub-committee responsibilities. Regular attendance at worship and all church events.
Contact person(s): board@uuoakland.org
- Executive and Coordinating Team
Description: TheCurrently comprised of Senior Minister, Church Manager and at least 1 lay church member appointed by the Board of Trustees. Responsible for managing the day to day financial, operational and programmatic activities of the church. Works closely with leaders and volunteer teams to make the ends and vision of the church manifest. Prepares and monitors the annual budget, hires and terminates staff, supervises all administrative and facility matters.
Time Required: Weekly meetings, individual assignments, attendance at all board meetings and major church events, additional duties as needed.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Journey Toward Wholeness Transformation Team
Description: Members appointed by the Board of Trustees to work with the congregation and institutional structure as a whole on countering oppression and racism in particular. Uses anti-racism organizing and training principles to support the church in its commitment as an intentionally multiracial, multicultural, anti-racist community. Makes policy recommendations, sponsors programs, trains leaders and more as needed.
Time Requirement: Attendance to quarterly meetings, Jubilee II and/or equivalent analysis workshops, participation in either People of Color or Allies for Racial Equality Caucus.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Committee on Shared Ministry
Description: Five member committee, currently appointed by the Board of Trustees. Guided by covenant and congregational polity acts as the primary vehicle to discuss the quality, direction and long-term vision of our collaborative ministries. Nurtures the lay and professional ministry of the church. Provides a safe place for redemption, reconciliation and healing. Serves as a communication and reflection conduit for the congregation and the settled minister(s). Manages conflicts, makes recommendations for policies, supports internships, and applications for UUMA candidate sponsorships and community ministries.
Time Required: 3-5 hours a month, attendance at monthly meetings, regular presence at Sunday worship and major church events.
Contact: cosm@uuoakland.org
- Stewardship
Description: Team of 12-20 volunteers currently led by at least one designated member of the Board of Trustees. Responsible for planning and running the annual pledge drive to support the operating budget of the church.
Time Required: 10-15 hours usually within a 2- 3 month time frame in the fall.
Contact person(s): Email office@uuoakland.org for name and contact information.
- Fundraising
Description: Individuals and ad hoc teams responsible for planning and running various fundraisers to support the operating budget of the church. eg. Auction, Escrip, U4IQ, December Holiday Event, Miracle on 14th Street, Crafts Fair and more.
Time Required: 10-20 hours usually within a 2- 3 month time frame.
Contact person(s): Email office@uuoakland.org for name and contact information.
- Leadership Development Team
Description: Responsible for the long term health and vitality of the congregation’s leadership pool. Works with membership to identify, train and support leaders. Coordinates leadership retreat and in-house trainings on a year long cycle. Matches members with their ministry within or beyond the church. Responsible for nominating members to serve on the Board of Trustees.
Time Required: 1-2 two-hour monthly meetings plus special events and on-going projects.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Denominational Linkages (SSL, UUA, PCD)
Description: Designated group or individuals charged with keeping fresh our connection to the wider movement of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Promotes participation in the Pacific Central District (PCD)and the Standing On the Side of Love (SSL)campaign. Finds delegates to the UUA General Assembly and creates opportunities for congregational input into work of the Commission on Social Witness and Commission on Appraisal as needed.
Time Required: 1-5 hours depending on area.
Contact Person: Check website for most up to date "Leadership Roster" or email office@uuoakland.org for contact information.
- Children and Youth Teaching Teams
Description: Teams of volunteer teachers trained by our clergy and staff who provide ongoing or time limited spiritual growth and development opportunities for the children and youth of our congregation. Teams support: Chalice Children (preK) Spirit Play (k-4th grade) Club UU (5/6th grade) Faith Explorers (7/8) Our Whole Lives (4/5; 7/8; 9-12); the Youth Group (high school) and Team UU Summer Sundays (k-4)
Time Required: Varies widely.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Chalice Children
Description: Program for early learners (3-4-5 year olds). A mix of creative play, stories and structured activities with an introduction to Unitarian Universalist rituals and values.
Time Required: Meets Sundays September – May at 9:30 & 11:30am.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Spirit Arts
Description: A Unitarian Universalist learning program for kindergarten through 4th grade. Incorporates story telling, creativity and personal exploration. Each session also includes a "feast time" where children share a snack and fellowship. Draws from progressive educational approaches to the classroom, especially Montessori.
Time Required: Meets Sundays September – May at 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Coming of Age
Description: A rite-of-passage program for 7th and 8th graders. Weekly meetings and retreats help to develop a Unitarian Universalist foundation for the youth as they face the increasing responsibilities and freedoms of the coming years. The program culminates with the youth sharing their statements of belief in a Sunday morning worship service. Offered every other year. Next session begins in September 2010.
Time Required: Meets Sundays 10:25-11:25 a.m. plus three weekend retreats.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Faith Explorers
Description: Program for grades 7/8 offered every other year. Students explore their own beliefs in the context of Unitarian Universalism and other world religions. As questions and reflections emerge, visits to local houses of worship and visits with faithful leaders are arranged. Students also participate in Sunday worship at the church on several occasions in the year.
Time Required: Meets Sundays, September - May from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Our Whole Lives
Description: Age appropriate sexuality education curricula from the UUA taught by trained instructors from our congregation. OWL helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age appropriate information in human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture.
Time Required: Varies according to session.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Club UU
Description: A specialized, developmentally appropriate learning ministry for children who want to be a part of a unique community that explores worship, the arts, spiritual practice and community building. Adult volunteers help with program, food and excursions for this.
Time Required: Meets Sundays, September – May at 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Youth Groups
Description: High School Youth meet with adult advisors to plan social, spiritual and service activities that include retreats, learning sessions, worship experience and projects in the neighborhood or for the congregation. Unitarian Universalist identity is supported with guided conversations and reflection as well as opportunities to connect with other teens in nearby congregations.
Time Required: Meets alternate Sundays, September – May, 5 – 7pm.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Lifespan Learning Associates
Description: Associates provide educational and spiritual growth opportunities for members of our congregation and the wider community by teaching classes and workshops reflective of Unitarian Universalist identity, values and principles. There is a simple application process. Preference given to classes that explicitly advance the mission, vision, and priorities of the Church.
Time Required: Varies.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Chalice Camp
Description: Week-long summer day camp program held in August at a local regional park for students (grades 1-6). Campers explore and experience UU identity, history, and values through energetic worship, games, drama, art, and community building.
Time Required: One week in August
Contact Person: Rev. Sheri Prud'homme
- Team UU Summer Sundays
Description: Team of volunteers who provide opportunities for children grades k-5 for learning, fellowship and fun on Sunday mornings during summer worship.
Time Required: up to 12 Summer Sundays, 10:30 – 11:30am.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Bookstore
Description: A Sunday morning bookstore selling new and gently used books.
Time Required: 2+ hours on Sunday mornings.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Library and Archives
Description: A collection of historic church documents and volumes kept in church library and archives.
Time Required: 2 hours a month.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Worship Arts Team
Description: Includes all individuals and groups that work to create spiritual, joyful, cohesive worship experiences on Sunday mornings. (E.g. worship associates, worship arts specialists, choir president, Band without Borders, family choir, music committee, children’s music program coordinators, summer music associates, summer services coordinator.
Time Required: Varies per area. Team meets as a whole quarterly.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Worship Associates
Description: Up to eight lay members trained by the clergy who assist and help develop liturgy for Sunday worship. There is an application process. Selection occurs in spring.
Time Required: Attendance at 3rd Monday meetings, quarterly meetings and the day long training in the spring, plus 4-8 hours of worship prep.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Music Associates
Description: Members and friends who volunteer to play and/or coordinate music for Sunday services, especially in the summer.
Time Required: 6-8 hours in month of assigned Sunday worship
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Worship Arts Specialists
Description: Includes all individuals and groups that work to create spiritual, joyful, cohesive worship experiences on Sunday mornings. (E.g. worship associates, worship arts specialists, choir president, Band without Borders, family choir, music committee, children's music program coordinators, summer music associates, summer services coordinator.
Time Required: Varies per area. Team meets as a whole quarterly.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Music Committee
Description: Committee which supports and helps shape the music program of the church. Organizes and produces special musical events for fellowship and fundraising.
Time Required: Monthly meetings
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Crescendo Choir
Description: Volunteer choir directed by professional staff sings 2-3 times per month for 9:30am and 11:30am worship services on Christmas Eve. Interview with music director required.
Time Required: Rehearsals are 7:30-9:00 pm Thursday evenings Sept – June.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Band without Borders
Description: Volunteer ad hoc music ensemble. Plays wide range of instrumental and vocal music: pop, rock, folk, blues and more for Sunday services and special church events.
Time Required: 6-10 hours rehearsal in weeks prior to service
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Children's Music
Description: Volunteer musicians and teachers offer classes for children and families on an ad hoc basis. Current programs include a Family Choir which gathers to sing for worship services 3-4 times a year. Old City Family Music is class for children ages 5-10 years old. Instruction in general music notation, percussion, rhythm, voice and choral techniques
Time Required: Old City Family Music meets Sundays 10:45– 11:30am; Family Choir 3-4 weeks before worship service.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Hospitality and Membership
Description: Active church members who provide a Sunday morning presence to assure that First Unitarian is a welcoming church to all who enter. Team meets occasionally to review and deepen welcoming practices. Also focuses on overall hospitality, welcoming of new members, and integration of new and veteran members and their families into congregational life. Ministry includes: greeting visitors, ushering, offering assistance and answering questions, staffing the "welcome table" after services.
Time Required: 2-3 hours on occasional Sunday mornings, and occasional team meetings.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Summer Worship Team
Description: Worship associates, music associates and guest preachers who work together to coordinate and offer lay led worship during the summer session
Time Required: up to 12 Sundays. June – August.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Faith in Action Teams
Description: Meets to coordinate and build community between the many justice ministries of the church. Council includes: key leaders from Lafayette Mentoring, Center for Urban and Family Life, UU Legislative Ministry of CA, UU Service Committee, Earth Justice/Green Sanctuary, Neighborhood campaigns, Project Harvest Hope and other identified Justice Associates.
Time Required: Meets quarterly or as needed
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Ella Baker Partnership
Description: If you are interested in having an active role in the EBC partnership Faith Action Team or simply want to know more please contact us.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Boost! West Oakland (formerly the Lafayette School Mentoring Project)
Description: Works to increase academic achievement and attendance in the students that attend the Lafayette School (K-5) in West Oakland, CA. Provides no- cost one-on-one academic and enrichment programs to low income West Oakland elementary students at the School.
Time Required: Half day training plus 2 hours a week during school year.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Earth Justice Associates/Green Sanctuary
Description: Members who work within and beyond the church to deepen our respect and care for the earth. Activities include recycling at the church, educational programs, forums, community-building and legislative advocacy.
Time Required: 2-4 hours a month
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- UU Legislative Ministry of California (UULM)
Description: A statewide justice ministry to empower the moral voice of Unitarian Universalist values in the public arena. Members advocate and lobby on political issues in California. Current focus areas: Marriage equality, healthcare reform and water justice.
Time Required: Varies according to campaign. Check out the UULMCA website.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Interweave
Description: Fellowship and social action group for anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual or as a straight ally. Community building events, activities and social justice opportunities planned throughout the year.
Time Required: Meets monthly on third Sunday after the second service to socialize, check in on involvement with LGBTIQQA issues and plan events.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Center for Urban and Family Life (CUFL)
Description: A separate 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation sponsored by the First Unitarian Church of Oakland. The corporate entity under which two of our Justice programs function: McClymonds Merit Awards Scholarship Program and GotCOM computer online mentoring program. Both programs are designed to develop skills and opportunities for students in West Oakland schools.
Time Required: Varies per program.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- UU Service Committee (UUSC)
Description: International human rights organization supported by Unitarian Universalists worldwide. In November and December we host the Guest At Your Table (GAYT) campaign.
Time Required: GAYT up to 8 hours Nov/Dec. Other activities vary.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Project Harvest Hope
Description: Sustainable economic development project that supports rural life in the Unitarian homelands of Transylvania. Promotes local initiative and ownership, working in partnership with CIVITAS: Foundation for Civil Society, a Romanian Non-Governmental Organization.
Time Required: Occasional out of town meetings
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Covenant Groups
Description: Groups of six to twelve people who meet regularly for spiritual growth and personal support within the context of Unitarian Universalism. Members explore faith journeys and spiritual topics of interest.
Time Required: Groups meet monthly or twice monthly for 1 .5 hours.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Pastoral Associates
Description: Lay church members trained by clergy who offer one-to-one caring and practical support to the congregation. (ie. spiritual crisis, major life changes, loss, birth/adoption, age or mobility isolation, health issues and more. ) Associates apply for these positions and are selected by the senior minister.
Time Required: 1-10 hours per month, plus attendance at monthly meetings.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Chaplains
Description: Chaplains are ordained ministers or experienced “ministers in training” who volunteer their services to extend the pastoral embrace of our faith to the congregation and wider community. Chaplains work with the senior minister and the pastoral associates to provide spiritual support during times of crisis, transition or other urgent needs.
Time Required: 2 – 5 hours per month.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Pot Lucks & Circle Suppers
Description: Monthly and periodic gatherings for fellowship and community building. Includes: 4th Sunday Potlucks; Labor Day Picnic, Circle Suppers and New Member Gatherings. Organizers are responsible for calendaring, advertising, set up and clean up.
Time Required: 1-3 hours from 1-5 times/year
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Men's Fellowship
Description: All those who identify as men of the church who gather monthly and/or for the annual retreat. Men gather for fellowship, friendship and spiritual deepening.
Time Required: Monthly meetings and weekend retreat.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Elders and Others
Description: Affinity group for older adults in the congregation and others who wish to be in community especially with this age group. Meets monthly for lunch and programming.
Time Required: Lunch program at 2 hours.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Retreats and Events
Description: Up to four weekend retreats held annually with particular focus on the following: Family and Community (June) Women’s Fellowship (October) Men’s Fellowship (March) Leadership (November). Ad hoc teams gather as needed to plan, organize, and manage all aspects of the retreat.
Time Required: Weekly meetings 2 months before retreat, extra time for special projects and attendance during retreat.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- YACOO/Young Adult Ministries
Description: Fellowship group for young adults (18-35yr olds), activities include: luncheon gatherings after Sunday services, game nights, small group ministry, justice and service work.
Time Required: varies according to activities
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Partner Church
Description: Helps maintain our partnership with the Unitarian church in Okland, Transylvania, a region of Romania. Works to increase awareness of our European religious history and raises money to support our partner church ministries.
Time Required: 6-10 hours a year
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Hamilton Hall Renovation
Description: Committee charged with managing the process for the sanctuary retrofit and renovation. Phase 2 of the project completed January 2010.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Capital Campaign
Description: Group charged with raising the money to pay for the Hamilton Hall retrofit and renovation. Reports to the Executive.
Time Required: up to 10 hours per month for six months. Next campaign likely to begin in 2012.
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
- Cleaning & Beautification Teams
Description: Members with handy skills that assist with small repair and maintenance projects at the church properties under the supervision of the Facilities Coordinator. Also, those who gather to decorate the chancel in Hamilton Hall for worship and/or special programs and services.
Time Required: varies
Contact Person: For repair and maintenance: Stefan Schneider, rentals@uuoakland.org. For chancel decorations check website for most up to date "Leadership Roster" www.uuoakland.org or email office@uuoakland.org for contact information.
- Aesthetics Committee
Description: Ad-hoc committee of members invested in protecting and perpetuating the beauty and visual images of the interior of the sanctuary.
Time Required: varies
Contact Person: email office@uuoakland.org for the contact person
Get to know other like-minded people by joining with them in making music, taking on small (or large) tasks, in justice-making, and in many other ways. Become a thread in the tapestry that is our community.
The gift of your time and talent to the shared ministry of our church will nourish your spirit. Opportunities abound for all members and friends to contribute to the success of our mission: to nurture our religious community, to serve the community outside our walls, and to grow our faith.
Learn here about the numerous programs we offer for members and friends to express and expand their interests and pursuits.
Church Leadership Roster (updated Janury 2013) 
Every Member Ministry Capsule Descriptions (updated Janury 2013)
Who Should I Contact for What?
| Groups: | Justice: | Leadership: |
