The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia

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• 6.2: Adult Programs
• 6.3: Beacon Newsletter
• 6.4: Board of Trustees
  • 6.4.1: President's Column
  • 6.4.2: Bylaws
  • 6.4.3:

    Policy Manual

  • 6.4.4: Congregational Meetings
  • 6.4.6: Board Minutes
• 6.5: Caring
• 6.6: Children & Youth!
• 6.8: Directory
• 6.9: Denominational Affairs
• 6.10: Finance
• 6.11: Fundraisers
• 6.12: Interweave (LGBT)
• 6.14: Membership
• 6.15: Memorial Garden
• 6.16: Ministerial Formation
• 6.17: Ministry Leadership Team
• 6.18: Music
• 6.19: Property
• 6.20: Social Justice
• 6.22: Young Adults

Governance & Ministry Policy Manual

Please click here to download the June 4, 2008 Governance and Ministry Policy Manual, which includes the minister's interpretations.  The Manual is published by the Board of Trustees of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia to control the governance and management of the Church. They should be read in conjunction with the Bylaws of the Church and the Personnel Policies. Should conflict exist between these documents, the Bylaws will take precedence.  The Board of Trustees approved policies in November 2005, and began using them immediately, with the knowledge that this document is a work-in-progress, to be improved with use and added to as needs arise.  Originally Adopted 11/15/05, with edits 2/23/06, 3/28/06, 5/3/06, 5/16/06, 7/18/06, 4/3/07, 4/09/08, 5/16/08, and formatted on 6/4/08.  The following serves as a table of contents for the document.

I. Ends Policies
    I.A.  Global End
        I.A.1.  Mission Statement
    I.B.  Five-year Ends Statements
    I.C.  Annual Vision of Shared Ministry
        I.C.1.  2008 Vision of Shared Ministry
            I.C.1.a.  Spiritual Growth
            I.C.1.b.  Leadership Development
            I.C.1.c.  Membership Maturation
            I.C.1.d.  Congregational Outreach

II. Congregational Covenant
    II.A. Covenant (to be created)
    II.B. Safe Congregation - click here to download the handbook
        II.B.1. Safe Congregation Ministry Team
        II.B.2. Sexual Conduct and Abuse Response Team

III.  Governance Structure and Philosophy
    III.A. Governance
    III.B. Ministry
    III.C. Partnership

IV.  Roles & Responsibilities  
    IV.A. Congregation
        IV.A.1. Delegated and reserved authority
        IV.A.2. Congregational committees
    IV.B. Board of Trustees  
        IV.B.1. Governance Commitment
        IV.B.2. Governance Style
        IV.B.3. Board Job Description
        IV.B.4. Board Code of Conduct
        IV.B.5. Decision-Making Authority
        IV.B.6. Board Working Groups
        IV.B.7. Monitoring
        IV.B.8. Triennial Review of the Minister
        IV.B.9. Annual Policy Review
    IV.C. Minister
        IV.C.1. Delegation to Minister as Spiritual Leader
        IV.C.2. Delegation to Minister as Executive Director
        IV.C.3. Ministry Structures
        IV.C.4. Executive Director Succession
        IV.C.5. Executive Limitations
            IV.C.5.a. Treatment of Staff
            IV.C.5.b. Financial Planning and Budgeting
            IV.C.5.c. Financial Management
            IV.C.5.d. Asset Protection
            IV.C.5.e. Communication and Support to the Board
            IV.C.5.f. Internal and External Communication
    IV.D. Role of the Ministry Leadership Team
        IV.D.1. Purpose
        IV.D.2. Scope
        IV.D.3. Structure

Appendix A. Endowment and Investment Fund
Article 1. Principles
Article 2. Management
Article 3. Receipt of Endowment Funds
Article 4. Objectives of Investment Policy
Article 5. Fund Distribution
Article 6. Adoption and Amendments

Policies Still Needed:
Ends (including a Global End and five-year Ends statements).  Access.  Rental program.  Including treatment of tenants and renters and rental restrictions to organizations / individuals compatible with our Mission.  Written financial procedures, then add, “Minister must keep written financial procedures up to date” to the Asset Protection section.  Memorial Garden.  Social Justice.  Special Plate Collection.