Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Give

Governance

Strategic Initiatives Fund Committee

The Strategic Initiatives Fund Committee (SIFC) supports Cedar Lane’s long-term vitality by providing grants to innovative projects that strengthen our mission, grow our community, and expand our impact in the wider world. The Fund was created to encourage creative, forward-looking initiatives that may not fit within the regular operating budget but have the potential to make a lasting difference. Each year, the SIFC reviews proposals from Cedar Lane members, teams, and ministries that advance our congregation’s strategic priorities—such as deepening spiritual engagement, expanding justice initiatives, and improving the sustainability and accessibility of our campus. Through thoughtful stewardship and transparent review, the committee helps ensure these projects have the resources and guidance to succeed. Involvement Opportunities Join the Committee: We welcome new members who are passionate about strategic thinking, financial stewardship, and helping Cedar Lane invest in its future. Committee members meet several times a year to review proposals, evaluate outcomes, and advise on fund management. Submit a Proposal: Individuals, ministry teams, and committees may apply for funding to launch or expand a project that aligns with Cedar Lane’s mission and strategic goals. Applications are typically accepted in the spring and fall cycles. Serve as a Project Liaison: Committee members or volunteers may assist

Group of people talking and embracing

Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC)

The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) supports Cedar Lane’s mission by identifying and cultivating strong, diverse lay leadership for the congregation. We work year-round to recruit, interview, and nominate candidates for key leadership roles: We nominate candidates for the board of trustees and the NLDC. These candidates stand for election by the congregation at the annual meeting, to serve a three-year term. Involvement Opportunities Would you find it fulfilling to identify, support, and train lay leaders, and importantly, emerging lay leaders? Are you a member of Cedar Lane? Serving on the NLDC may be right for you. We look for candidates representing all demographics at Cedar Lane.  The NLDC, like the board of trustees, is a committee of the congregation. Members of these two governing bodies are elected by the congregation at the annual meeting. If you are interested in serving Cedar Lane in a role that helps to shape its direction and strength, reach out so that we can have a conversation and discuss next steps.

Human Resources Committee

The human resources committee (HRC) is a standing committee of the board of trustees tasked with providing expert advice to the board, the senior minister, and the executive director on a range of personnel issues. The role of the committee is advisory. Decisions are made by the board, senior Minister and/or executive director as appropriate. The HRC has developed policies to compensate staff who are called back to Cedar Lane during their off hours to perform work. It also drafted policies for assisting employees affected by staff reductions. In addition, a number of HRC members served on the staff alignment task force and helped to develop recommendations on possible position reductions and fair compensation salary adjustments. Involvement Opportunities:  If you are an experienced human resource professionals or have substantial experience in human resources or staff management, this committee may be right for you. The committee generally seeks new members to begin in the fall.    

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee advises the Board on policy, bylaws, and leadership practices. It ensures alignment with our values and governance model, supports board education and self-assessment, and clarifies roles and responsibilities across staff and lay leadership for accountable, effective governance. Involvement Opportunities If the following describes you, the governance committee may be right for you. The committee generally seeks new members to begin in the fall.

Financial Policy Committee

As a standing committee of the board, the financial policy committee (FPC) serves as a financial advisor to the elected lay leadership, assisting the board in its oversight of Cedar Lane finances. The board may request recommendations from the FPC on specific issues and the FPC may investigate other issues at its own initiative on behalf of the board. From time to time the FPC, with the treasurer, holds educational sessions to ensure that trustees have adequate understanding of the congregation’s financial status and trends. The executive staff may also request advice and assistance from the FPC. The FPC, in concert with the executive director and treasurer, also monitors operational income and expenditures during the year. The FPC may seek information and advice from any entity inside or outside the congregation in order to develop its recommendations.   Involvement Opportunities The board and financial policy committee (FPC) seeks members or pledging friends in good standing to serve on the committee. Terms are for three years and generally begin in the fall.

Endowment Committee

The Endowment Committee manages Cedar Lane’s Endowment Fund and related assets, including designated funds like the General Endowment and Building Maintenance Fund. The committee ensures responsible investment and use of these resources, supporting long-term sustainability and alignment with our mission and values. As a standing committee of the board, the endowment committee is responsible for all matters pertaining to the management and administration of the Cedar Lane Endowment Fund. Responsibilities The committee is also responsible for the investment of other funds that the Board has placed in the committee’s investment pool. The committee’s responsibilities with respect to such other funds are limited to stewardship, investment, and value tracking.  Involvement Opportunities Do you have a working knowledge of publicly traded stocks, bonds, and mutual funds? The endowment committee may be the right place for you. When considering candidates, we consider your skills, availability, commitment to Cedar Lane, and the diversity of the membership. The committee generally seeks new members to begin in the fall. All committee members must be members or pledging friends of Cedar Lane in good standing. 

Development and Fundraising Committee

This committee helps guide Cedar Lane’s fundraising strategy and policy to support long-term financial health. In partnership with staff and other committees, it fosters a culture of generosity, shapes development goals, and ensures that fundraising aligns with UU values and Cedar Lane’s mission.

Blonde woman wearing glasses stands in center of group of people.

Board of Trustees

The board of trustees guides Cedar Lane’s governance with wisdom, care, and integrity. Trustees serve as stewards of our vision and values—adopting policies, recommending the annual budget, and offering thoughtful oversight in partnership with ministers, staff, and lay leaders. Board service is a meaningful opportunity to lead with love, stay rooted in our mission, and help shape the future of our community. Trustees attend monthly meetings and retreats, serve on committees or task forces, support stewardship and communications, and remain active in congregational life. Board meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 PM on Zoom and are open to all Cedar Lane members to observe. To request a Zoom link, ask a question, or speak at a meeting, contact the board president. The board of trustees is a committee of the congregation. Members of are elected to 3-year terms by the congregation at the annual meeting. Current Board Members Carolyn Morrissey, President (2023-2026) – on leave until January 1, 2026 John Woodward, President-elect (2024 – 2027) Cissie Williams, Secretary (2024-2026) Susan Henry, Asst. Secretary (2025-2027) Joe Del Sole, Treasurer (2024-2026) Bill King, Asst. Treasurer (2025-2027) Aiden Chernikoff, At-Large (2023-2026) Kimberly Clarkson, At-Large (2023-2026) Mike

Strategic Initiatives Fund Committee

The Strategic Initiatives Fund Committee (SIFC) supports Cedar Lane’s long-term vitality by providing grants to innovative projects that strengthen our mission, grow our community, and expand our impact in the wider world. The Fund was created to encourage creative, forward-looking initiatives that may not fit within the regular operating budget but have the potential to make a lasting difference. Each year, the SIFC reviews proposals from Cedar Lane members, teams, and ministries that advance our congregation’s strategic priorities—such as deepening spiritual engagement, expanding justice initiatives, and improving the sustainability and accessibility of our campus. Through thoughtful stewardship and transparent review, the committee helps ensure these projects have the resources and guidance to succeed. Involvement Opportunities Join the Committee: We welcome new members who are passionate about strategic thinking, financial stewardship, and helping Cedar Lane invest in its future. Committee members meet several times a year to review proposals, evaluate outcomes, and advise on fund management. Submit a Proposal: Individuals, ministry teams, and committees may apply for funding to launch or expand a project that aligns with Cedar Lane’s mission and strategic goals. Applications are typically accepted in the spring and fall cycles. Serve as a Project Liaison: Committee members or volunteers may assist

Group of people talking and embracing

Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC)

The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC) supports Cedar Lane’s mission by identifying and cultivating strong, diverse lay leadership for the congregation. We work year-round to recruit, interview, and nominate candidates for key leadership roles: We nominate candidates for the board of trustees and the NLDC. These candidates stand for election by the congregation at the annual meeting, to serve a three-year term. Involvement Opportunities Would you find it fulfilling to identify, support, and train lay leaders, and importantly, emerging lay leaders? Are you a member of Cedar Lane? Serving on the NLDC may be right for you. We look for candidates representing all demographics at Cedar Lane.  The NLDC, like the board of trustees, is a committee of the congregation. Members of these two governing bodies are elected by the congregation at the annual meeting. If you are interested in serving Cedar Lane in a role that helps to shape its direction and strength, reach out so that we can have a conversation and discuss next steps.

Human Resources Committee

The human resources committee (HRC) is a standing committee of the board of trustees tasked with providing expert advice to the board, the senior minister, and the executive director on a range of personnel issues. The role of the committee is advisory. Decisions are made by the board, senior Minister and/or executive director as appropriate. The HRC has developed policies to compensate staff who are called back to Cedar Lane during their off hours to perform work. It also drafted policies for assisting employees affected by staff reductions. In addition, a number of HRC members served on the staff alignment task force and helped to develop recommendations on possible position reductions and fair compensation salary adjustments. Involvement Opportunities:  If you are an experienced human resource professionals or have substantial experience in human resources or staff management, this committee may be right for you. The committee generally seeks new members to begin in the fall.    

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee advises the Board on policy, bylaws, and leadership practices. It ensures alignment with our values and governance model, supports board education and self-assessment, and clarifies roles and responsibilities across staff and lay leadership for accountable, effective governance. Involvement Opportunities If the following describes you, the governance committee may be right for you. The committee generally seeks new members to begin in the fall.

Financial Policy Committee

As a standing committee of the board, the financial policy committee (FPC) serves as a financial advisor to the elected lay leadership, assisting the board in its oversight of Cedar Lane finances. The board may request recommendations from the FPC on specific issues and the FPC may investigate other issues at its own initiative on behalf of the board. From time to time the FPC, with the treasurer, holds educational sessions to ensure that trustees have adequate understanding of the congregation’s financial status and trends. The executive staff may also request advice and assistance from the FPC. The FPC, in concert with the executive director and treasurer, also monitors operational income and expenditures during the year. The FPC may seek information and advice from any entity inside or outside the congregation in order to develop its recommendations.   Involvement Opportunities The board and financial policy committee (FPC) seeks members or pledging friends in good standing to serve on the committee. Terms are for three years and generally begin in the fall.

Endowment Committee

The Endowment Committee manages Cedar Lane’s Endowment Fund and related assets, including designated funds like the General Endowment and Building Maintenance Fund. The committee ensures responsible investment and use of these resources, supporting long-term sustainability and alignment with our mission and values. As a standing committee of the board, the endowment committee is responsible for all matters pertaining to the management and administration of the Cedar Lane Endowment Fund. Responsibilities The committee is also responsible for the investment of other funds that the Board has placed in the committee’s investment pool. The committee’s responsibilities with respect to such other funds are limited to stewardship, investment, and value tracking.  Involvement Opportunities Do you have a working knowledge of publicly traded stocks, bonds, and mutual funds? The endowment committee may be the right place for you. When considering candidates, we consider your skills, availability, commitment to Cedar Lane, and the diversity of the membership. The committee generally seeks new members to begin in the fall. All committee members must be members or pledging friends of Cedar Lane in good standing. 

Development and Fundraising Committee

This committee helps guide Cedar Lane’s fundraising strategy and policy to support long-term financial health. In partnership with staff and other committees, it fosters a culture of generosity, shapes development goals, and ensures that fundraising aligns with UU values and Cedar Lane’s mission.

Blonde woman wearing glasses stands in center of group of people.

Board of Trustees

The board of trustees guides Cedar Lane’s governance with wisdom, care, and integrity. Trustees serve as stewards of our vision and values—adopting policies, recommending the annual budget, and offering thoughtful oversight in partnership with ministers, staff, and lay leaders. Board service is a meaningful opportunity to lead with love, stay rooted in our mission, and help shape the future of our community. Trustees attend monthly meetings and retreats, serve on committees or task forces, support stewardship and communications, and remain active in congregational life. Board meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 PM on Zoom and are open to all Cedar Lane members to observe. To request a Zoom link, ask a question, or speak at a meeting, contact the board president. The board of trustees is a committee of the congregation. Members of are elected to 3-year terms by the congregation at the annual meeting. Current Board Members Carolyn Morrissey, President (2023-2026) – on leave until January 1, 2026 John Woodward, President-elect (2024 – 2027) Cissie Williams, Secretary (2024-2026) Susan Henry, Asst. Secretary (2025-2027) Joe Del Sole, Treasurer (2024-2026) Bill King, Asst. Treasurer (2025-2027) Aiden Chernikoff, At-Large (2023-2026) Kimberly Clarkson, At-Large (2023-2026) Mike

Sliding Scale Options

suggested love offering of $30 / seat

Sliding Scale Guide

We know it can be complicated to decide how much to pay, and there’s no one right answer for anyone. Many thanks to UU@UN for providing an equitable model for payments.

Consider paying at a lower tier if many of these are true for you:

  • I am directly affected by environmental racism.
  • I have immigration-related expenses.
  • I’m supporting children or have other dependents.
  • I have significant debt.
  • I have medical expenses not covered by insurance.
  • I receive public assistance.
  • I am an elder with limited financial support.
  • I am an unpaid community organizer.
  • I have been denied work due to incarceration history.
  • I would need to budget in order to afford a $25 expense.

Consider paying at a higher tier if multiple of these are true for you:

  • I or my family owns the home I live in.
  • I have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money.
  • I can travel recreationally.
  • I have access to family money and resources in times of need.
  • I work part time by choice.
  • I have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education, gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.
  • In terms of its impact on my lifestyle (e.g. my ability to pay this month’s bills), $50 means functionally about the same as $15. My bank account would look pretty much the same either way.


A reflection from Pronoia Coaching:

When I pay more, I know that I am helping others to access the event.

When I pay in the middle, I know I am helping the organizers cover costs.

And when I pay less, I know I am letting my community hold me and support me.

All of these are wonderful and acceptable ways of participating.