What does a Black Lives Matter banner on our website and our church building mean to UUCM?

UUCM has used the Policy Governance model since the 2011-2012 fiscal year. This form of governance is recognized as a highly effective, results oriented approach to nonprofit board governance. 

The Policy Governance model takes as its starting point the principle that a governing board is accountable for the organization it governs and that it exists on behalf of a larger group of persons who morally own the organization. The responsibilities of the Board are specified by the church By-Laws. Seven members of the church make up the Board of Trustees. Two serve as Officers - the President and Vice President - and are elected annually. The remaining five serve as Trustees for three year terms. 

The Board meets monthly. Board meetings are open to all members and friends. Minutes from the most recent Board meeting are posted at the church. Members and friends may also request copies of the minutes by emailing boardpresident@uucmtka.org.

UUCM Board of Trustees

July 2022-June 2023

Becky Halat

President

boardpresident@uucmtka.org

Janna Sundby
Vice President

boardvp@uucmtka.org

Treasurer:  Stacy Doepner-Hove
Directors:  Fred Hulting, Shelley Buss, Betty Hartnett, Jeff Adrian, Brain Zais 

Reverend Lisa Friedman

Developmental Minister

revlisa@uucmtka.org

Karen Heuiser

Director of Family Ministry

dre@uucmtka.org 

Paul Winchester

Music Director

musicdirector@uucmtka.org

Emma Wilson

Office Administrator

office@uucmtka.org

Jill Braithwaite

2022-23 Ministerial Intern

intern@uucmtka.org

Within Policy Governance, board members are not involved in coordinating and ensuring the quality of activities of the churches committees and programs. To fill this role, and to ensure the congregation works in harmony to achieve our congregation’s goals and aspirations as defined by the Board,  the Church Council, is tasked with this operation. 

Council members work together to support excellent communication, activity coordination, and committee task alignment across all the elements of church life. They provide strategic counsel to Board and staff, primarily through the minister, and nurture leadership within their area of ministry and within the council itself. 

Each Facilitator represents an area of church life and congregational ministry. Through their monthly combined meetings with the staff, the Council  shares information with each other, discusses key issues, and formulates action plans. The Facilitator role is for a term of 2 years (minimum), running in conjunction with the UUCM church year (July through June).

To connect with a member of the council, please contact office@uucmtka.org.

 
CURRENT FACILITATORS:

• Congregational Life Ministry: Rev. Lisa Friedman
• Membership Ministry: Gary Charles
• Finance Ministry: OPEN - contact office@uucmtka.org with questions about this ministry.
• Worship Arts Ministry: Kelly Bertenshaw
• Adult Education Ministry: OPEN - contact revlisa@uucmtka.org with questions about this ministry.
• Children & Youth Education: Malia Brandt
• Social Justice Ministry:  Mary Cotton
• Facilities Ministry: Bob Dachelet
• Music Ministry: Paul Winchester

UUA Principles and Purpose
As Unitarian Universalists, our congregation affirms and promote the following seven principles:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person
   
2. Justice, equality and compassion in human relations
   
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregation and in society at large
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

For more information about the UUA 

please click here.

UUCM Covenant of Right Relations

We, the members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka, agree to this covenants of right relations with one another.

Through this covenant we promise to strive:

• To honor our interactions with others by being present, listening, being respectful of everyone and taking concerns directly to those involved.
  
• To trust, even when in disagreement, the good intentions of others.
  
• To be inclusive in actions and decisions making and to find shared ground among diverse viewpoints.
  
• To respect and adhere to congregational decisions resulting from open discussion and the democratic process.
  

We affirm through this covenant to create a community that enjoys and embraces its time together, and speaks the truth in love as we pursue the mission, vision and values of our church and congregation.

In order to be fully recognized as a welcoming congregation, UUCM undertook a two-year course of self study in the areas of education, congregational life, and community outreach. We fly our rainbow flag with pride every day, celebrating Solidarity Sunday in October, attending Twin Cities Pride celebrations, the People of Faith Rally at the State Capitol in support of same-sex couples, and have hosted workshops, book discussions, movie nights, and speakers regarding LGBTQ issues. 

UUCM has been officially recognized as a Welcoming Congregation by the Unitarian Universalist Association. A welcoming congregation affirms the worth and dignity of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people and encourages them to visit, participate, become friends, and join our congregation.