The Board of Trustees (BOT) thanks the Fixed Assets Advisory Committee (FAAC) for their continued efforts to design and arrange major replacements of ovens/ stove tops and a new ventilation system in the kitchen, as well as a redesigned water pipeline system in the basement. In both projects, the FAAC is nearing the end of soliciting bids to arrive at the lowest prices for the required designs. The BOT will meet and discuss the designs with the FAAC, hopefully at our 5/20/26 BOT meeting. Following the discussion and consideration of the best options for the UUCB, the BOT will create a resolution to fund the projects. Stay tuned for updates in the next UUCB newsletter.
The BOT also thanks again the Capital Campaign (CC) members, who continue to shepherd church members’ contributions and grants from numerous institutions, to pay for the major kitchen and plumbing projects. The CC also looks forward to funding a number of medium-sized projects in the near future, such as the West Wall and garage roof. The BOT is also grateful to the Women’s Society and the Food Ministry members, who will donate much-needed chairs and tables for the Parish Hall.
Congratulations to the Choir and their amazing leader, Jessie Downs, for their great musical gourmet production and fundraiser, “Cabaret!” on April 17-18.
The BOT also thanks so many more members who are contributing their talents and means with other activities for our Church, its allied organizations, and their future.
Reverend Bethany asks that if members of the congregation wish to talk with her about the end of Sara Kirkland’s position with UUCB, they should make an appointment through the church office. The Board agreed that if church members want to convey their appreciation for Sara Kirkland’s many years of service to our church, that they are welcome to compose a message in a sealed envelope with Sara’s name on it, and either drop it in the UUCB mail slot outside of the office door, or give it directly to the office (Jen Cunningham.) The office will bundle the letters and send them to Sara.
--Ken Mernitz--
Contacting the board
Questions, concerns, comments? Send us an email at board@buffalouu.org.
Board meetings
Third Wednesday of each month at 7pm, at least 10 months of the year. Currently they are held either in the Alliance Room at church or via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/91367741333. Members of the congregation are welcome to be present at these meetings, except when the Board is in executive session. (IMPORTANT: If attending via Zoom, please email the board in advance so they know to expect you). Board activities and decisions are reported in the monthly Newsletter; minutes are filed in the church office, where they are available for review by church members.Board election and service
The congregation elects the seven-member Board of Trustees at the January congregational meeting. The Officers of the Board (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) are elected by the Trustees from among the Board members. For more info on the Board of Trustees, see our Bylaws.Term Expiring January 2029
Renee Geraci, President
Mary Coleman, Member at-large
Ted Lightfoot, Member at-large
Term Expiring January 2027
Bill Parke, Secretary
Paul Zanolli, Treasurer
Term Expiring January 2028
Susan Mann Dolce, Vice President
Kenneth Mernitz, Member at-large
Policy Documents
Revised 2026
Revised October 2024
Revised December 2023
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo is a freestanding, self-supporting congregation, governed by its own members. The congregation is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, and pays a “fair share” membership in that association, as well as in the Central East Regional Group of the UUA.
The congregation is governed by an elected Board of Trustees, and is legally and financially independent of any denominational authority. The congregation operates as a legal not-for-profit entity incorporated in the State of New York and is governed by congregationally adopted bylaws.
The Board of Trustees leads the congregation in a model called “policy-based governance” in which their primary responsibility is to provide leadership to the minister, staff, and congregation through a clearly articulated and coherent mission, vision, outcomes, and policies. These are published in a Board of Trustees Policy Book, which is a living document open to refinement as conditions may require. Based on the policies, a set of processes and procedures are developed to guide day-to-day operations, supported by advisory committees, task forces and ministry teams.
