Charter Worship Arts and Music
MOUNT VERNON UNITARIAN CHURCHCharter of the Worship Arts and Music Committee
1. Purposes
a) In partnership with the parish minister, to create for MVUC a program of spiritually meaningful, artistically enriching, inspiring, and challenging worship services that represent the diversity of interests and talents within this congregation.
b) In partnership with the parish minister and the Director of Music, to serve as the primary volunteer resource to further the development and administration of a music program at MVUC that enhances religious services and special events, stimulating as well as reflecting the overall tastes and wishes of the congregation, so that the music program at MVUC serves as a source of spiritual nourishment and inspiration to the congregation.
c) To develop, encourage, and support the power of community in our worship together
2. Type of Committee and Program Area
The Worship Arts and Music Committee is a standing committee in the Sunday Services program area.
3. Membership
The membership of this committee shall include members and friends interested in the church’s worship and music programs, including representatives selected by constituent bodies such as the choir, RE program, or youth program, plus the Sunday Services Program Council Coordinator. The religious education program should be represented on the committee. The board chair, the parish minister, the Director of Music, and the Director of Religious Education are advisory, non-voting members.
4. Chairperson
The chair of this committee shall be recommended by the committee from among the church membership and appointed by the Program Council for a one-year renewable term. It is strongly recommended that the incoming chair have served on the committee for at least one year.
5. Activities, Duties, and Responsibilities
This committee shall:
a) Work with the parish minister, the Director of Music, other staff, and lay worship leaders to plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate worship services throughout the church year--focusing primarily, but not exclusively, on Sunday services. Upon request, provide administrative support to the Director of Music. Upon request, provide guidance and administrative support in the selection and delivery of music to be included in lay-led worship services.
b) Plan, approve, and conduct worship services when the parish minister is not available. Work collaboratively with the Director of Music or his/her designate to plan and provide music for worship services when the music director is not available.
Help to build community within the church by enhancing and broadening congregational participation in both worship and music programs. Encourage and develop cooperative lay-led worship periodically throughout the year. Work with the parish minister and the Director of Music to offer opportunities within in the worship and music programs for personal growth, education, and fellowship.
c) Serve as a liaison to and between the minister(s), the Board of Trustees, the Program Council, the Director of Music, the Director of Religious Education, the choirs, guest speakers and performers, other committees and bodies as necessary, and the congregation in matters involving the worship and music programs at MVUC. Maintain on-going communication links, through the Sunday Services Program Council Coordinator, with other teams supporting worship.
d) Assist in the preparation of a recommended budget for MVUC's worship and music programs, including specific recommendations for allocation of expenditures, and present its recommendations in time for inclusion in the annual church budget.
e) Maintain, or assist the Director of Music to maintain, MVUC's music library and musical instruments.
f) Perform other duties specifically requested by the Board of Trustees, the parish minister, and/or the Director of Music to enrich the spiritual and social life of MVUC.
6A. Authority Delegated to the Committee
a) MVUC maintains the tradition of a free pulpit. The Worship Committee will ensure that the parish minister, guest ministers, and all Sunday speakers and other participants in worship services will have the freedom to present their thoughts without interference.
6B. Authority Retained by the Board of Trustees
a) The Board monitors expectations regarding the number of services conducted by the parish minister.
b) The Board retains the authority to set annual budget allocations and to approve expenditures in excess of budget allotments, any fundraising activity requested by the committee, and any contracts recommended by the committee.
Primary author(s) of this charter: Worship Arts and Music Committee
Date this Charter was approved by the Program Council: May 11, 2010
Date this charter was reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees: June 8, 2010