Lay Leadership - The North Parish Church of North Andover

Volunteers are the backbone of our church. All who are able to “do” – whether for an hour, a day, or a longer commitment allow us to offer many of the programs and opportunities that make our community so vibrant.

Who are the leaders and what do they do?

Bridge, a collage of feathers and shapes, symbols of organic connections and bridges Our church has many leadership opportunities – some are elected by the congregation, some are appointed, and some raise their hand to fill a short or longer-term need for a specific task. Our lay leadership creates the bridge between church governance and our congregation. Their roles and terms are detailed below.

For a description of our governance process and how staff and volunteer leadership interconnect, see our Mission & Governance page.

Length of term: three-years, staggered terms

The Board of Trustees is composed of seven voting members who are elected by the congregation. Board members meet once a month for a 2-hour meeting to develop, carry out and review policies and long-range planning of the church. This is a working Board, with expectations of liaison work or sub-committee project work done between monthly meetings.

The Board has responsibility for the fiduciary health of the church. The Board has hiring/firing power of all employees except for the called minister(s), who are called and dismissed by congregational vote according to the Bylaws. The Board also is responsible for appointing members to committees and task force groups, including the Personnel Committee, Nominating Committee, and Committees on Ministry.

Length of term: one-year, except for the Endowment Committee – three-years

Clerk

The Clerk is the recording officer of the congregation, and as such gives notice of all meetings of the Parish; takes minutes at the Annual Meeting and any special meetings; annually reviews mailing/ membership list with input from staff, Membership Committee and Finance Committee; signs new member certificates and the warrant for Annual Meeting.

Collector

The Collector collects all monies from both services; and is responsible for processing, recording and depositing of checks and cash. The Collector oversees the pledge entry, reports to the Finance Committee, and serves as a member of the Finance Committee.

Moderator

The Moderator presides over all congregational meetings (using Robert’s Rules of Order) and has the powers of a Moderator in town meetings in Massachusetts, as they are applicable. The Moderator calls for votes and states the outcomes for the official meeting minutes.

Treasurer

The Treasurer collects and collates input for the annual church budget from the committees and staff, attends monthly Board of Trustees meetings (as a non-voting member) to provide updated financial reports, and is a member of the Finance Committee. The Treasurer also signs checks each week for church expenses.

Endowment

The Endowment Committee is comprised of three members who serve staggered three-year terms and who oversee and administer the North Parish Endowment in the Common Endowment Fund of the UUA. Through the North Parish Endowment Policy, they are responsible for the faithful management of the Endowment and communications with the congregation.

Length of terms: variable

Finance

The Finance committee consists of the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, one member of the Board of Trustees, and up to three additional members with financial backgrounds. They assist the Parish Council and committees with short-term budgeting and the Board of Trustees with long-term financial planning. On a quarterly basis, the Finance committee discusses North Parish’s invested funds.

Ministry

The Ministry Committee meets once a month (or as needed) with the Minister to reflect on concerns from and about the congregation. Nominations for the committee are made by the Minister.

Nominating

The members of the Nominating committee recommend candidates to fill vacancies in the elected offices, presenting the slate of candidates to the Board of Trustees prior to the April meeting of the Board.

Personnel

Personnel Committee members help establish compensation policy for North Parish staff positions, define the process used in selecting staff, review and monitor the annual performance evaluation process and support the Minister in meeting Human Resource responsibilities.

Other

A variety of short-term teams and task forces are formed, as needed, and work under the direction of the Board of Trustees.

Length of terms: variable

The Parish Council is a coordinating council of committee and team leaders. It also includes the Treasurer, a Board of Trustee member (who also serves as Parish Council Chair), and the Minister (non-voting). Its goals are to develop leaders and facilitate church operations through good communication and coordination among all committees and groups. The Parish Council meets 4-6 times during the church year, with one combined meeting with the Board of Trustees.

For a description of the many groups that are part of Parish Council, see Teams and Committees.

Resources for team leaders

The How Do I? menu contains answers to many of the common questions team and committee members have, including tickler calendar lists, publicizing your news/events, booking meeting/event space, getting reimbursements, where to find supplies.

For more information

If you have questions about any of these leadership opportunities, email our Board of Trustees or Parish Council.

Volunteers are the backbone of our church. All who are able to “do” – whether for an hour, a day, or a longer commitment allow us to offer many of the programs and opportunities that make our community so vibrant.

Who are the leaders and what do they do?

Resources for team leaders

For more information

Our lay leaders also need you – join our teams and committees!