Salisbury UCC follows in the Congregational tradition by calling its leadership from church members and active participants. Our Boards and Committees put our mission statement into action daily.

Church Council

The Church Council provides leadership and coordination between meetings of the Congregation. Typically the Council has responsibility for general coordination of the Church’s mission, communication among church leaders, and calls to congregational meetings. The Church Council comprises the officers (Moderator, Treasurer, Clerk, Pastor), professional staff (Music Director, Sunday School Coordinator), representatives of each Board and Committee, and at-large members.

Board of Deacons

The Deacons are charged with nurturing the spiritual life of the Congregation and spreading God’s love.

Here are some of the ways Deacons manifest that charge:

Take responsibility for Sunday worship, ensuring the Meetinghouse is ready, preparing the elements for Communion, serving communion, lay reading, arranging for pulpit supply.
Assist, create and/or participate in Maundy Thursday Service, Deacons’ Annual Service and a service at Noble Horizons.
Strive to extend an extravagant welcome to new and returning friends with events such as Church School Opening Breakfast, Lenten Suppers and World Cafe Events.
Bring fellowship to members who do not/can not attend weekly church services. Reach out to members in need.

Board of Trustees

Nine elected trustees, along with ex oficio trustees (Pastor, Treasurer, and Moderator) meet monthly. The church’s capital fund, annual budget, and annual appeal are part of this responsibility. A large part of the work is the maintenance of the meeting house, grounds, and the parsonage. The Board also is involved with the hiring and management of church’s employees. The Board decides on use of the Parish Hall and other contracts that may arise.

Board of Christian Action

“… if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10)

Members of the Board of Christian Action lead the congregation in service to the wider community, with invitations to participate in food drives, coat drives, US-based and international missions. Several times yearly the BCA organizes trips to collaborate with nOURish BRIDGEPORT, Inc., especially by preparing and serving the “Feel the Warmth” dinners. The BCA also gives financial support to a number of organizations whose work complements the church’s mission.

Board of Religious Education

Responsible for working with the Coordinator of Christian Education to provide Christian faith formation and education opportunities for children and youth and their families.

Music Committee

The Music Committee is responsible, along with the Pastor and Music Director, for the music ministry for worship services.

The music ministry endeavors to support the mission of the Church, which is to praise and glorify God and be intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. In this aim, the music ministry seeks to present the highest quality choral music and instrumental offerings, as well as incorporating other artistic expressions. The music ministry seeks to encourage people of faith in a variety of ways and to welcome people to our community to praise and worship God.

Some of the ways the Music Ministry seeks to accomplish this mission:

Provide musical leadership to enrich Sunday morning worship, special worship services, e.g. Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, funerals and other special events through choral and instrumental offerings.
Provide a rich and vital choir experience that fosters faith and caring for one another, encouraging non-church members to join the choir.
Support a vibrant bell choir that provides music for worship and the community as well as a caring fellowship within the ensemble.
Nurture and encourage talents and participation of young people in this ministry.
Collaborate with other churches and organizations in providing musical offerings as an act of hospitality, understanding, and outreach to our surrounding communities.
Encourage non-church members of the community to join these vibrant musical groups.

Ushers Committee

Ushers have the responsibility of preparing the Meetinghouse for worship each Sunday. They serve as greeters at the front door, distributing bulletins and warmly welcoming each person. During the service the Ushers receive the weekly offering and keep an eye out for anyone who might need assistance. Following the service, the Ushers restore the Meetinghouse to order by collecting used bulletins, straightening hymnals, closing doors, and turning off the lights.

Hospitality Committee

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
–Romans 15:7

The Hospitality Committee seeks to answer God’s call by creating a warm and welcoming environment in which congregants and visitors can create and nurture bonds of friendship.

Here are some ways the Hospitality serves the community:

Coffee Hour each Sunday after worship: members and guest volunteers provide coffee, refreshments, and a congenial atmosphere to promote fellowship and connection.
Special Events: receptions after special concerts and holiday events, and community gatherings like the recent Potluck luncheon.
Funeral Collations: after a memorial service, the committee provides refreshments and a comfortable setting for friends and families to visit.

Church Delegate

The Church Delegate is elected to represent the church in both the Litchfield North Association and the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee prepares, emails and/or electronically communicates to each member of the church at least two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting a slate of nominees for Officers, Boards and Committees to serve for the term specified in the bylaws.

Church Groups & Committees