United Church Organization and Structure
A Short Guide to Church
Structure and Lay Leadership
The congregation of United Church of Chapel Hill is a community of people from diverse religious traditions; from that diversity comes much of its richness and strength.
In keeping with the heritage and policy of our denomination, the United Church of Christ, and our local church, United Church of Chapel Hill is a congregational church, i.e., its policies and programs derive directly from the will of the congregation -- from you. Through the democratic process United Church, its ministry and programs, remain vital and relevant to the congregation and community they serve.
There are at least two meetings of the congregation every year. At the June meeting, the congregation elects a Church Council and eight Boards (Board of Outreach & Service, Board of Deacons, Board of Fellowship, Board of Children's Ministries, Board of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Board of Adult Education,Board of Buildings and Grounds, Board of Trustees) every year to provide for governance. Church council members are made up of the officers, Board chairs, and at-large members. This year's council and board leaders are listed on the following page.
The Church Council serves to give direction and to provide coordination between various programs and ministries but, by tradition, United Church of Chapel Hill has expected its Boards to equip the congregation for its ministry and mission.
The Board of Outreach & Service conceives, coordinates, and implements programs to increase the congregations awareness of social concerns, strengthens the Christian pursuit of service, and deepens the understanding of Christian discipleship in the world.
The Board of Deacons is responsible for all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the congregation, and oversees the committees for Flowers, Health, Music, Pastoral Care, and Ushering.
The Board of Fellowship is responsible for creating community within United Church of Chapel Hill. It conceives, coordinates, and implements fellowship events and ensures that these events are well publicized and inclusive.
The Board of Children's Ministries coordinates with the Pastors and the Director of Children's Ministries the educational ministry of the church to nurture and develop the Christian Faith of children.
The Board of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, in conjunction with the Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults or other designated staff is responsible for the fellowship, education, and spiritual growth of our middle school, high school, college-aged youth and the young adults of the church.
The Board of Adult Education envisions, plans and publicizes program for adult education that will enable adults to explore the breadth and depth of our Christian experience.
TheBoard of Buildings and Grounds arranges for the general upkeep and maintenance of all church buildings and grounds. It is also in charge of the use of the building and grounds by other groups.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the church's finance. The Trustees have general supervision of all financial business of the church and the final approval of all contracts and agreements obligating the church financially. The Trustees receive and deposit all money received by the church through contributions and other sources.
Although policies and programs are established and supervised by the church's governing boards and committees, these bodies are elected by, and answerable to, the congregation. Ultimately it is you, the members, who are responsible for the policies and programs of United Church of Chapel Hill. To exercise that responsibility, you have the opportunity to:
- Elect persons to represent you on the Church Council and the various Boards of the congregation at the Annual Meeting in June every year.
- Attend the congregational meetings in October and June.
- Serve on various committees and councils.
- Make your wishes and concerns known (and seek answers to your questions) through the Deacons, Trustees, or other Board members who represent you.
2008-2009 Lay Leadership
| Church Council | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | |
| Moderator (2 year term) | Andy Short | |
| Asst. Moderator (2 year term) | Karen Demby | |
| Treasurer (1 year term) | Chuck Willingham | |
| Clerk (1 year term) | Chris Gelpi | |
| At-Large (2 year terms) | Gaylen Brubaker Claudia Sheppard |
Linda Raftery Dan Uyesato |
Appointed by Council:
Delegates to Southern Conference (3) and to the Eastern North Carolina Association (8)
| Personnel Committee | ||
|---|---|---|
| Karen Demby, Asst. Moderator & Co-Chair | ||
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Natalie Boorman Darlene Nicgorski |
Shirley Geissinger Tim Zurliene |
Betsy Russell Joan Leber |
| Board of Deacons (12) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Zoe Ulshen Pat Murphy Frances Henderson Greg Larson |
Jeanne Allen Harry McKown Michelle Widd April Harrison* |
Tom Stephenson Rob Anderson Aleese Orbih-Moore Natalie Boorman |
Appointed by the Board of Deacons
Altar Flower Coordinator: Susan Robinson
| Music Committee | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Kas Sielken* Kathy Jimison Bill Siddall* |
Betsy Crittenden | Helen Hoenig Eric Westman Kirsten Frescoln |
| Board of Fellowship (12) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Jaike Williams Steve Reynolds Cathy Beemer Artie Dixon |
Jodi Forehand* Scott Hinson Dianne McArthur Norma Young |
Marty Nour Jaimie Bachrach Jane Day Janis Matson |
| Board of Justice, Outreach and Service (12) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Tracey Beine Peter Bobkowski Linda Frank Tawya Palmer |
Andrea Vizoso* Tye Hunter Charlie Bernacchio Dave Otto |
Susan Clements Josh Boyer Gina Elmore Skip Polson |
| Board of Children's Ministries (12) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | Chris O'Sullivan Sharon Hanson Melissa Vrooman-Olson Mandy Beard |
Tim/Hilary Crittenden Marsha Davenport / Magee Leigh Tina Acker Walsh Maryjohn Blanchard* |
Isreal Granados Beth Little Jill Anderson Anne Stephens |
Appointed by the Board of Children's Ministries
United Church Preschool Coordinator: Ginger Zurliene
| Board of Youth and Young Adults (9) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Rob Frescoln Gary James / Kathy Hills Kathy Neas |
Elizabeth Hein Meg Flournoy* Denise Todloski |
Ed Collins Gina Reynolds Vicki Gardner |
| Board of Adult Education (9) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Ingrid Schmidt* Steve Peterson Heidi Gessner |
Julia Jewett Deb Gallagher Jon Haebig |
Janet Flowers Tom Minor Jan Dodds |
| Board of Trustees (9) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Tony Armer Denise Corey Wayne Flournoy* |
Dick Rigling Kim Travlos Ralph Marshall |
Chris Limerick Julie Mitchell Gloria Beissinger |
| Board of Buildings and Grounds (9) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| Sue Baker* Rich McLaughlin Kathy Sapp |
Rich Leber Jack Denniston --------- |
Mark Heise Ron Johnson Dianne Whitney |
* denotes chair or co-chair