How We Govern

All Souls Church Unitarian Universalist is a democratically-run organization. An elected Board of Trustees serves as the congregation's governing body. Board members are elected at the congregational meeting that is held annually in the late spring. Additional congregational meetings may also be called at other times for special votes or presentations.

 Board of Trustees

The Board appoints committees, as it deems desirable, to carry out the programs of the church, and it delegates authority thereto as appropriate. The Board may, where necessary, alter the budget as adopted by the congregation, subject to approval and amendment at the Annual Meeting. The board delegates to the Senior Minister the authority for management of operations and for oversight of programs and activities. The Senior Minister is accountable to the board.

 President’s Message

 When we speak our mission and Covenant of Right Relations on any given Sunday, the words elevate my participation in All Souls Church to another plane – I’m not just at All Souls for myself, I’m there to engage in a larger purpose, to connect to the values and aspirations of all Unitarian Universalists. Words like peace, justice, love, and worth are in the language of our UU faith. Qualities like integrity, honesty, and compassion are valued in our UU faith. These are not always honored and respected elsewhere in my life and I don’t take them for granted. I want to ensure that there is a place where these words are spoken and expressed often – and I want my children to feel these words at work.

On March 12, we had the pleasure of hearing Rev. Mary Higgins, the District Executive for the Northern New England District of the Unitarian Universalist Association, reflect on the power of yes. Using Peter Block’s book, “The Answer to How is Yes,” she challenged us all to think beyond the “how,” to not get mired in the trap of “yes, but,” that often accompanies new ideas. “Sounds good, but how the heck are we supposed to do THAT?” we often think when contemplating a change or a bold new vision. Rev. Higgins reminded us that you can’t possibly get to the “how” without the “yes,” and that the journey is a lot more enjoyable when you start with yes.

Please join me in saying yes to All Souls Church and all for which it stands. Help ensure that others have the opportunity to be lifted up by the promise of the seven principles, which hold dignity, equity, encouragement, truth, democracy, liberty, and respect up as our guiding lights – let us not take these precious words for granted. Let’s all say yes to All Souls Church – our beloved community depends on it.

—Sue Graff