 Organizational FAQs
This page tells you how you can do things, like get an announcement in the order of service, or the newsletter. There's also a general FAQ, for people who want to check out the congregation.
A note: PCUUC is an informal, distributed organization. While there is a Board of Trustees, authority for specific tasks is dispersed. If you have a specific question, you're often better off contacting the person who handles that type of issue, rather than going through the Board.
Sunday Services
What is an order of service?
An order of service shows the layout for our Sunday meetings. It typically lists the hymns, readings, and such, and includes announcements. Some congregations cal it a bulletin.
Who prepares the orders of service?
The minister does. Contact her if you want something added. See the contact page for details.
What's up with all the singing in services? I can't hold a note, much less read music.
Some people think singing adds an extra spiritual dimension to the services. Paint Creek is a no-fault congregation as far as singing is concerned. Sing if you feel like it, even if you're really bad. Sing as loudly or softly as you want. Or not at all, if you're more comfortable with that. Only you can make that decision, and nobody will think any worse of you, no matter what you choose.
What's with the responsive readings, where everyone reads the same text together? I don't want to chant something I don't believe.
As with singing, some people think it builds community. However, you're free not to read along, if you don't want to. Only you can make that decision, and nobody will think any worse of you, no matter what you choose.
What sort of things are appropriate for the Joys and Concerns part of the service?
Restrict yourself to events that strongly affect your life, like the loss of a friend, a child's graduation, or a friend's grave illness.
What sort of things are not appropriate?
A good movie you saw, a book you'd like to recommend, and such. Save them for coffee hour. Partican political statements are also inappropriate.
What if I'd like an event to be announced in a service?
Complete an announcement form, and give it to the announcer. That's usually the president of the Board of Trustees.
Do all services follow the same format?
No. We have special services, like the flower communion. We also have services for small groups within Paint Creek, like pagans. And, of course, we're always experimenting.
Communication
How often is the newsletter published?
Once per month.
How do I get something added?
Talk to the newsletter editor. See the contact page for details.
Can I suggest a topic for a sermon, or a group discussion?
Yes! In fact, please do. Talk to the minister. See the contact page for details.
Where can I find out what's happening in the future (sermon topics, group events, etc.)?
Check out the calendar on this site. There's a button for it on the left.
How are things added to the Web calendar?
One person adds events to the calendar. Talk to him/her. See the contact page for details.
What if I have a great idea? Who should I tell?
Find the person who coordinates the area your idea applies to. Look on the committee page. If you can't find someone whose a good match, find any board member, or talk to the minister.
Volunteering
Am I expected to volunteer?
Yes.
But I don't have time!
If you can't make a big committment, that's fine. But you can sign up for something easy, like bringing a yummy treat once every month. Every little but helps.
I've just started attending Paint Creek, and am really excited! I want to volunteer for something major!
If you're new to the congregation, you should avoid volunteering for big things. Take your time. There's always plenty to do.
What should I volunteer for?
Something that matches your passion. Want to help our local community? Get involved in outreach. Want to acknowledge your inner nerd? Work on the Web site. Do you like writing? Help with the newsletter, or with this Web site. Like to garden? Outreach. Like hanging out with kids? Teach or assist in RE.
Money
Am I expected to pay?
Yes.
Do you only want my money?
No. We want more than that. We want you as well as your money. But have no doubt: we want your money. It takes money to run Paint Creek, to rent the hall, pay the minister, buy hymnals, publish the newsletter, serve coffee, and so on.
Doesn't the big Unitarian Universalist organization give you money to run the congregation?
No. Paint Creek is funded by the congregation. There is a national organization - the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) - but it doesn't pay for Paint Creek to operate. It's just the reverse; Paint Creek supports the national operation. As do thousands of other congregations.
Who gets paid from member donations?
The minister is the only one who receives any compensation. Everyone else - everyone - is a volunteer. They work for Paint Creek because they think it's worth doing.
So, if I put $5 into the plate every time I attend a service, that's enough, right?
No, unless you're on a fixed or low income, and cannot afford more. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), our national group, has some guidelines you could look at.
All this money talk makes me uncomfortable.
The reality is that it takes money to run Paint Creek. If you want the congregation to be here, you should support it.
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