It takes time to find belonging in a community; we have many opportunities to participate in our Society and in the greater community that can help you find belonging here at the UUSA.
For information on how to reach the contact persons mentioned here, please contact the office.
The following UUSA committees are seeking new members. To learn more about their work, who is currently service on the committee, when they meet, among other committee details, please contact the office or the chair. Please read on for other ways to ‘jump in’ here at the UUSA!
Finance Committee | Peter Lacey, Chair
Meetinghouse Committee | Tom Fricke, Chair
Environmental Action Circle | Polly Peterson, Leader
Becoming a Member
If you find yourself comfortable with us and our way of doing religion, we would welcome you as a member! Talk to Rev. Rachael or the Ministry of Welcome & Membership. For information on how to reach them, please call or email our office, 413-253-2848 or office@uusocietyamherst.org.
Circles, Ministries & Activities
Assistance with Weekly Worship. In service of our Society, volunteers may set up the sanctuary, help with the technology that supports our hybrid services, help greet at the door, or provide simple refreshments for social hour. Contact the Office.
Small Group Ministries. Small Group Ministry provides an opportunity for groups of people to gather for discussion and reflection on significant life topics; ranging from spiritual matters to the challenges of living in today’s world to personal experiences.
Ministry of Welcome and Membership. The Ministry of Welcome and Membership (MWM) is dedicated to fostering a warm, welcoming, inclusive, and richly connected environment for members and visitors. This starts with first acts of welcoming newcomers and following up during the early months.
Pastoral Care. As part of our caring Unitarian Universalist Society, the Pastoral Care Team is dedicated to extending and amplifying the pastoral outreach of our Minister and members of our congregation to each other.
Caring Circle. Their responsibility is to see that every UUSA member and good friend has a personal contact to call upon should there be a need for assistance with meals, rides to the doctor, errands, etc.
Dedicated Offering Committee. Help recognize and support organizations engaged in projects that reflect UU principles. Recipients of this monthly offering are suggested by people in our UU Society. To nominate an organization, submit this suggestion form. Contact: Anne Perkins or Mary Beth Seminario.
Environmental Action Circle. Support practices of sustainable living and spiritual connectedness to the earth. The EAC participates in the annual Connecticut River Cleanup that always needs help. All ages welcome — and you need not be on the committee to take part! Contact: Jeff Clark
Finance Committee. To monitor the financial operations of the UUSA and provide information, advice, and support to the Board as they fulfill their fiduciary responsibility to the congregation to keep the Society financially sound. Contact: Peter Lacey
Leadership Development Ministry. To foster a sense of spiritual leadership among the community by reflecting on the gifts we bring and receive, both spiritually and emotionally. This ministry also facilitates nominations for the UUSA Board of Trustees and other important roles within the congregation.
Meetinghouse & Landscaping Committee. Help to maintain and make minor repairs to the meetinghouse and grounds. Organize maintenance and clean up days twice a year. Coordinate regular inspection or maintenance needs. Solicit bids/hire contractors for major repairs. Contact: Tom Fricke.
Music Committee. To inspire, nurture, educate, and deepen connections through music, including our choir, acquisition of new music; and maintenance of our organ, piano, and sound system. Contact: Maura Whalen
Indigenous Awareness Circle. To engage more deeply in the realm of indigeneity. This circle aids in the congregation’s awareness of, and relationships with, Indigenous people, places, knowledge and activities in the region. Contact John Gerber.
Religious Education Ministry. The mission of the Religious Education program is to foster a nurturing community, to honor the worth of religious thinking, and to celebrate the joy of spiritual exploration. Each person are encouraged to develop personal values based on Unitarian Universalist principles and to incorporate those values in daily living. Contact Annie Sexauer
UUSA Affinity Groups
Wednesday Community Breakfast. Help with breakfast is in partnership with Amherst Shelter, Inc. / El Colibrí. This weekly community breakfast is free and open to the public. Contact: breakfast@uusocietyamherst.org
Women’s Circle. Pre-pandemic, this group met at a different restaurant at noon on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month for spirited conversation over local, inexpensive cuisine. It welcomes every woman, whether she is new to our Society or a longer-time member or friend. It is not necessary to RSVP, but if you have questions, need help finding a ride, or want to be on the e-notification list, contact: Sophie Rogers or Nancy Hunter.
