In this congregation, as in many Unitarian Universalist congregations, the minister and the congregation share responsibility for the leadership and ministry of the congregation. We call this “shared ministry.”

This concept of ministry may be a new idea to you, especially if you have come to Unitarian Universalism from another faith tradition. There’s a place for everyone in our Fellowship.   Ours is a progressive, inclusive faith.

When we practice shared ministry, we honor our involvement in the church as more than simply “getting a job done.” Instead, we see the church as a community in which our gifts are cultivated for the enrichment of the lives of others and for our own spiritual growth. The life and sustenance of our church is enriched by the support of our members and friends through gifts of our skills, talents, labor, as well as through our financial contributions.

For it is by living our beliefs that we grow in understanding of ourselves, and of what is truly important to us. This idea of religion as a way of living and not just a way of believing, is at the heart of Unitarian Universalism. We have often been called “a religion of deeds, not creeds.”

There are some things that are the special responsibilities of the minister. The minister has primary responsibility for leading worship, for conducting rites of passage (weddings, memorial services, child dedications and the like), for pastoral care (including crisis intervention and visiting the homebound, sick, dying, and bereaved). The Minister is a voice and a face for Unitarian Universalism and for the Unitarian Coastal Fellowship in the local community and the larger world. The minister collaborates and consults with committees, councils, and the Board.

The Pastoral Care Team works closely with the Minister to offer support and compassion to congregants during difficult times. The team’s work is founded on the first Unitarian Universalist principle to “affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” The goal of the Pastoral Care Team is to provide a ministry of hope and caring so that people and families do not have to struggle alone. This may be accomplished by team members or by referrals to community resources appropriate to specific needs. The Pastoral Care Team also coordinates the Helping Hands program. Helping Hands volunteers are available to assist members and friends that are experiencing special short-term needs, like rides to a doctor’s appointment or meals. The Pastoral Care Team and the Helping Hands: 

• Provide a caring but quiet ministry to individuals and families in need
• Maintain absolute confidentiality in all activities
• Remain available when needed in times of a life crisis, death or bereavement, serious or terminal illness, or other times when people may need information or referrals to appropriate community services
• Are available to listen patiently and compassionately and provide companionship when special needs arise in people’s lives. 

UCF also has a Committee on Ministry that provides direction and quality to the ministry of the fellowship. Among other functions, the Committee on Ministry monitors congregational life and assesses the congregation regarding issues underlying or related to ministry.

If you are interested in shared ministry at UCF, here are some links:

• Serve on a Committee
• Take a class, teach a class
• Sing in the choir
• Participate in small group ministry
• Participate in Children’s Programming
• Join one of our regular groups
• Donate