Volunteer Engagement

Volunteer Engagement Charter

Engagement, Belonging & Volunteering at QUUF

Most people seek a religious community to experience a sense of belonging.

We know that a sense of belonging at QUUF does not happen by magic. It happens through engagement, the slow building of relationships, taking risks and finding small groups that support each other and QUUF. For many, a sense of belonging happens when you engage in a team or committee at QUUF.

Why Teams Are Key: QUUF is a volunteer-based, self-governing organization. Our covenant and mission are developed by the congregation but it’s the teams that “make it so.” They are the vehicles by which we accomplish our mission both within QUUF and in our community. In a very real way, they are how we live our vision,

Team service can be a spiritual practice – a ministry – as we give the gift of our time, minds, hearts, and energy. It is a means by which the fellowship seeks to channel individual talents and qualities into our common work. Teams are also a place to develop skills, deepen service, and build leaders – outcomes we hope result in benefits for the individual, our fellowship, and the greater community.

Please consider joining one of our many teams. They are grouped into 5 Councils. Some people hesitate to step forward, fearful of committing to something they don’t know much about or fear of over-committing. At QUUF we encourage you to explore options before you commit. Read about it, talk to a team member, attend a meeting, try it out before making a commitment. Finding the right spot for yourself can make the difference between a sense of belonging or the opposite, living on the sidelines.

The temporary chairs of our Volunteer Engagement Team are available if you want help exploring the options:

Community Council https://www.quuf.org/councils/community/ Newcomer Outreach Team, Covenant Groups, Affinity Groups, Pastoral Care, Friendship Suppers, Volunteer Engagement, Hospitality and Kitchen, Women and Men’s Retreats, Columbarium and Memorial

Growth and Learning Council https://www.quuf.org/councils/learning/
AHA (Agnostics, Humanists, Atheists) Adult Programs, RE (Religious Education for Children and Youth), QUUF Library

Operations Council https://www.quuf.org/councils/operations/
Administration/IT Team, Facilities Oversight and Safety Team, Accessibility Team, Fundraising Support Team.

Social and Environmental Justice Council https://www.quuf.org/councils/sejc/
Affordable Housing, Antiracism Action, Christmas Giving, Designated Offering, Green Sanctuary Environmental Action, Native Connections, Quimper Animal Advocates, Welcoming Congregation (LGBTQ+), Special Connection Group

Spirit Council https://www.quuf.org/councils/spirit/
Sunday Services, Music Program, Production, Meditation Groups, Aesthetics

Board Committees and Task Forces rely on volunteers, and are essential to the functioning of QUUF.

Sunday Morning Volunteers
Ushers: supported by the Sunday Services Team – set up and pass out Orders of Service.
Greeters: supported by the Newcomer Outreach Team – welcome especially visitors and newcomers.
Social Hour Hosts – supported by the Hospitality and Kitchen Team – prepares and serves coffee and tea.

Our Nominating Committee is responsible for encouraging people to run for elected positions which include:
Board of Trustees – 9 members
Endowments Committee – 4 members
Nominating Committee – 4 members

The role of the Volunteer Engagement Team (VET) is to engage congregants in service to QUUF. Volunteering at QUUF is essential for the existence of this community. More importantly, volunteering is the path to developing relationships, sharing one’s gifts and talents, and therefore essential to building beloved community.

Interested in volunteering? We’d love to explore options with you. Finding the right context for your engagement at QUUF is essential to finding meaning and connection in this vibrant community. Please contact Kathy Stevenson or Diane Haas.

Past and Current

Before the pandemic, we had a vibrant program called Pathways to Service.  Members of the team would interview people to help them discern where they would find the best way to serve QUUF. A database was monitored, always showing what positions were available. That program folded.

As part of the Community Council, our new Volunteer Engagement Team is just getting started. Please consider joining us if you:

  • Enjoy meeting people
  • Care about QUUF
  • Understand the vital need for volunteers
  • Hope to get to know more QUUFers
  • Want to support our new minister with quality lay leadership
  • Enjoy being helpful

Updated December 20, 2023