Embrace the Spirit of Leadership and Service in Our Community.
We invite you to step forward or nominate a fellow member to contribute to Foothill’s mission of spiritual growth and universal service. Join us in shaping a path of leadership and fostering deeper connections. Nominate someone today and help enrich our collective path.
Nomination Opportunities
Worship Host Team
Description
Our Worship Hosts are the equivalent of a stage manager for our Sunday morning experiences. They support all members of the worship team – staff and lay, as well as help to create a welcoming and sacred environment for all who attend worship.
Commitment and Schedule
We are hoping worship hosts will sign up for
about 7 or 8 Sundays a year:
- During the summer, the schedule is 9 am – 12 pm
- From mid-August through April, the schedule is 8 am – 1 pm
- We also ask all worship hosts to attend a 2 hour training over the summer, and potentially a re-fresh at mid-year
Ideal Candidate
- Hospitality orientation
- Able to set a tone that is warm, caring, but also not get caught in conversation
- Must be able to be firm, but in a nice way!
- Respectful managerial skills
- Very attentive to time and schedules and able to keep other people on schedule
- Very aware of all of the things going on
- Attentive to details
- Noticing what isn’t done and jumping in
- Flexible about the role itself and able to fill in for any gaps on volunteer teams
- Capacity to be on your feet for most of the morning
- Knowledge of / experience with other hospitality roles
- Good relationship with ministers and staff
- Not afraid to be a reinforcer of the schedule
Audio/Visual Team
Description
The AV team serves as the backbone of the congregation’s spiritual gatherings, seamlessly integrating technology to enrich communal experiences and communication.
- Comprising dedicated individuals with a passion for both technology and communal engagement
- AV team collaborates closely to ensure that every aspect of the audio and visual elements aligns with the church’s mission and values.
Commitment and Schedule
The commitment required for AV volunteers extends beyond Sundays:
- We host numerous events throughout the year that rely on their support.
- These opportunities may also arise on weekdays, showcasing the diverse range of engagements where their assistance is invaluable.
Ideal Candidate
Problem-Solving Skills:
- In the fast-paced environment of live events, unexpected challenges often arise
- A quick thinker who can calmly and efficiently resolve technical issues under pressure
- Ensures minimal disruption to the event
Attention to Detail:
- Precision is key when setting up and operating AV equipment.
- Pays close attention to detail
Adaptability:
- AV requirements can vary widely depending on the event type, venue, and audience.
- Adaptable and flexible
- Capable of adjusting their approach to meet the unique needs of each situation
Customer Service Orientation:
- The AV team exists to serve the needs of their community or clients
- Approaches their role with a customer service mindset
- Prioritizes the satisfaction of event attendees
- Ensures that their audio and visual needs are met with professionalism and courtesy
Team Player:
- Collaboration is at the heart of the AV team dynamic
- Communicates effectively
- Listens actively to others’ ideas
- Contributes positively to the collective effort
- They are willing to take on various roles within the team and support their colleagues to ensure the success of the event
Passion for the Mission:
- Deeply invested in the organization’s mission and values
- Understand the important role that AV technology plays in enhancing communal experiences
- Committed to supporting the spiritual or communal growth of their community through their work
Reception/Admin Support
Description
Volunteer sitting at the reception desk to cover the phones and the admin
- Door – welcoming guest when our staff isn’t able to be at the desk.
- This support can be shared among multiple volunteers – looking for consistency for each day needed.
Commitment and Schedule
- Tuesdays for 2 hours
- Thursdays for 2 hours
- Fridays from 9-2pm
Ideal Candidate
- Good on the phone, kind and professional
- Can email staff members with messages
- Willing to do small administrative jobs while at the desk
- Able to greet people who come to the door
- Possibly needing to escort them to different parts of the building
- Able to say no to solicitation or when we are asked for support that we do not offer
- Training will be given for this
Partnership Team
Description
- Initiate conversations with folks who are showing a pattern of deepening and intentional engagement at Foothills and companion them as they move toward becoming a member
- Share stories together of what brought each of you to Foothills and how Foothills is meeting/not meeting those needs
- Help people move into a deeper sense of belonging
- Focus on the intention of becoming partners in our shared mission through things like –
- Practicing our covenant of right relations
- Making a point of reaching out to people alone in coffee hour, or through calls to social action, and being a mentor of others in our community
- Help folks understand the components of the path to partnership, including the 5 Promises of Partnership, Inquirers and BaseCamp sessions, Membership Form, and ongoing commitment to service and spiritual deepening in community.
- Be fluent in Foothills tools and resources like Registrations, Church Center, and parts PCO as necessary
Commitment and Schedule
2-3 small conversations with 2-3 mentees:
- Over the course of approximately 1-3 months
- As someone moves toward BaseCamp
- As someone moves from BaseCamp into intentional partnership as a member
- Again over the course of 3-6 months after someone becomes a member
- Accompany them as they live out our UU values
Ideal Candidate
- A personally and spiritually mature Member
- Someone we might consider to be at the Guide level on the Engagement Path
- Deep belonging (beyond welcome) is a personal ministry for you
- You feel deep commitment to meeting people where they are
- Ensure that no one is left adrift, alone, or without an outlet for their skills, passions, and sense of purpose
Inquirers Leaders
Description
Inquirers is 10-part series of 1-hour after-church workshops to help new and new-ish folks get to know Foothills and Unitarian Universalism, and to help deepen belonging and make the shift from participant to partner.
Commitment and Schedule
- 60-90 minutes per session, Sundays after church.
- The 10 sessions repeat in a cycle, with a few breaks, so leaders can expect their topic to come up approximately 4 times/year (every 10-12 weeks or so).
- All session plans and materials will be provided – so count on about an hour of prep time to get familiar with the material and make your personal plan for the session
Ideal Candidate
- Enthusiastic member who has a deep sense of ownership and personal ministry about their passion project at church
- Warm and friendly energy
- Excited by the idea of reaching out to helping newcomers get to know their favorite slice of Foothills or Unitarian Universalism!
- You can take your deep experience with Foothills and translate it into a sense of belonging, connection
For experienced leaders and longtime members, this is an opportunity to share your own learning about an area of church life for which you have a special passion or deep expertise.
For newish members it is an opportunity to learn more about Unitarian Universalist values, theology and history alongside newcomers.
Join a facilitator team to lead in an area where you’re already active at Foothills:
- Small Group Connections & Belonging: Explore opportunities to connect with others in Small Groups for connections by life stage
- Campus Tour: Start to feel at home in our space! Explore our campus and our church history
- Social Action, Community Service, and Justice: Learn about Unitarian Universalism as a faith that calls us to respond to injustice
- Governance & Stewardship: Learn about finances and governance, and how we share our money and resources with our community
- Partnering with Foothills as a Member: Explore what it means to make the shift from a participant to a partner at Foothills
- Worship and the Liturgical Year: Explore the elements of our Worship services and the rhythm of the year as Unitarian Universalists
- Caring Community: Learn more about how we care for one another through struggle, transitions, milestones, celebrations, illness and beyond
- UU History and Theology: Get acquainted with the values and big ideas that underlie our faith
- Faith Development for Children and Adults: Get to know our offerings tailored to the learning needs of children, youth, and adults
Caring Listener
Description
Caring Listeners are part of the Caring Network at Foothills Unitarian Church. In collaboration with Rev. Elaine Aron-Tenbrink, Caring Listeners
- Offer emotional support and spiritual companionship to members and friends of Foothills experiencing hardship or transition in their lives.
- Connect individuals and families with other modes of caring within the Foothills Caring Network
- e.g. meal delivery, Caring Kits
Commitment and Schedule
Caring Listeners typically devote about ten hours a month to this role, including monthly meeting.
- Two years, with the possibility of additional one-year renewal
- Applications received in April and May (limited spaces available)
- Training will take place in mid-August
Ideal Candidate
- Good boundaries and open, compassionate spirits
- Able and willing to communicate
- Including reaching out to those they don’t yet know
- Able to maintain confidentiality.
- Reliable with excellent follow-through
Leading Spirit
Description
Leading Spirit is an opportunity for Unitarian Universalists to take their engagement to the next level and to ground their leadership in a deeper spiritual foundation.
- 10-month program
- Led by Rev. Gretchen and Rev. Sean
- With special guests from across our staff team
- Invites participants into reflection on their gifts and discernment about where and how they can be of service
- Grounds them in the practices of spiritual leadership that will help them be successful leaders in our congregations, Unitarian Universalism, and our wider world
Commitment and Schedule
Begins in August and runs through May each year:
- Participants commit to seven 3-hour sessions
- Sessions cover theology, covenant, self-awareness, unconscious bias, cultural humility, systems theory, group discernment, leadership stories and testimonials
- There is a final project that they share about in small groups, and then a concluding celebration
- There is pre-work for each session
- Participants have an opportunity for 2 one-on-one check-ins over the course of the program
- There is also a retreat to kick off the groups, which may be offered in coordination with Wellspring groups
Ideal Candidate
This program is appropriate both for people who are not yet in leadership roles and for those who are already in leadership roles and would benefit from taking their leadership to the next level. This would be an especially good place for someone who you can imagine serving on the board in the next 1-5 years.
- Engaged and involved in the congregation
- Traveler or member
- Has at least a basic foundational understanding of Unitarian Universalism
- Growth mindset
- Spiritually grounded
- Self-reflective
- Desires to take their service to a deeper level
- We are especially (but not exclusively) looking for:
- Male identified people
- People who are Gen-X or Millennial
- People who are queer
- BIPOC folks
Wellspring Sources
Description
“What will you do with this one wild and precious life?” asks the poet Mary Oliver. UU Wellspring is a 10-month program of distinctly Unitarian Universalist spiritual development designed to help participants answer that provocative question.
This program celebrates the depth and breadth of our rich religious tradition. At the heart of Wellspring are five interlocking practices that act as invitations to depth.
- A commitment to daily spiritual practice
- Participation in a twice a month small group gathering
- Individual work with a spiritual director
- Weekly readings and resources for knowledge and reflection
- Reflection and commitment to live out our values in the work
Commitment and Schedule
Begins in August and runs through May each year:
- Participants commit to two 2hr small group meetings, a daily spiritual practice, session readings and a monthly spiritual direction meeting
- There is also a retreat to kick off the groups, which may be offered in coordination with Leading Spirit groups
Ideal Candidate
- A new member who is looking to root into their UU faith
- Someone who has possibly been part of multiple journey groups and is seeking something longer term
- A long time member who has “done it all” but not Wellspring
Small Group Leaders
For Children and Youth
Description
Leaders for Sunday Small Groups for Children & Youth for the 2024/2025 school year:
- Groups range in age from kindergarten through High School
- We need 12 leaders for groups during 9:00 am worship service
- We need 20 leaders for groups during 11:00 am worship service
Commitment and Schedule
- 16 Sundays
- 2 Sunday mornings per month
- One Sunday per month as the leader, one as Sunday as the assistant
- From September through mid May
Ideal Candidate
- Engaged and involved in the congregation
- Traveler or Member
- Has a basic foundational understanding of Unitarian Universalism
- Has a sense of humor and likes to have fun!
- Enthusiastic & welcoming
- Celebrates diversity
- Spiritually grounded and trustworthy
- Enjoys mentoring and spending time with children and or youth
The leadership opportunity is appropriate for people who are not yet in leadership roles, for those who are already in leadership roles and those who have a special passion for supporting children and youth.
For travelers and newish members it is an opportunity to learn more about Unitarian Universalist values, theology and history alongside curious Unitarian Universalist kids.
Event Photography
Description
Capture the spirit and moments of our community gatherings through your lens as an event photography volunteer. This role involves:
- Documenting various church events
- Providing high-quality images that reflect the atmosphere and impact of our spiritual and social activities
Commitment and Schedule
The photography volunteer role will coincide with scheduled church events throughout the year.
- Volunteers should be available to attend events primarily on weekends or evenings
- Each event session will typically require a commitment of 2-3 hours, plus additional time for sorting and editing photos.
Ideal Candidate
- A church member or attendee passionate about photography and eager to contribute their skills
- Suitable for both amateur and professional photographers who want to engage more deeply with the church community
- Should be adept at capturing high-quality images in different settings and have their own photography equipment.
Sunday Morning Kitchen Support
Description
- Arrive 30 minutes before service to set up
- Make coffee for up to 300 people
- Duck out of the service 10 minutes early to make sure all is ready for the coffee hour
- Clean up kitchen and Unity Hall after the coffee hour
- This will take at least 30 minutes with 3-4 people
Commitment and Schedule
You could sign up for the entire morning OR for either of the slots below:
- Signing up 1-2 Sundays each month, 30 min. before a service for all prep and coffee making
- Signing up 1-2 Sundays each month, 1 hour after each service – 30 min. coffee hour/30 min. clean up
- Help cover your slot if you can’t make it
- Help grow the team with Foothills friends
Ideal Candidate
We need 3-4 to do the job each Sunday morning but would like multiple rotating positions:
- Works well on a team of 3-4 people
- Likes to work in the kitchen setting
- Likes to be of service with food and drink
- Can carry trays of mugs, push a kitchen cart into Unity Hall or onto the patio
- Master at loading and unloading a dishwasher
Memorial Volunteer Team
Description
Volunteers who assist with all details of putting on a memorial for a Foothills member:
- Setting up tables and chairs for the reception
- Prepping the family receiving room with drinks and snacks
- Decorating the memory tables
- Ushering and greeting guests
- Refilling drinks station at the reception
- Putting out the catered food
- Cleaning up after the event
Commitment and Schedule
This is a moving commitment:
- We never know when there will be a memorial
- We can go 6 months with none, and then have 2 – 3 within a month.
- You wouldn’t need to sign up for every service, but perhaps every other if possible with your schedule
- The memorials are 90% of the time on Saturday mornings or afternoons onsite or at a nearby park weather permitting
Ideal Candidate
- Someone who is called to serve our grieving families
- Someone who enjoys putting on events
- Works well as part of a team
- Can move tables and chair OR
- Is good in the kitchen OR
- Likes to usher and greet people
- Good at organizing teams of volunteers
Online Community Cultivators
Description
The forefront of shaping the future of our church’s digital engagement.
- Drive the creation of transformative online worship experiences and robust community interactions across digital platforms
- Play a crucial role in optimizing our existing online worship services, enhancing our social media presence, and launching innovative online formats like virtual small groups and forums
- Expand our reach, ensuring that our church is a beacon of inclusivity and connectivity, accessible to everyone, everywhere
Commitment and Schedule
Approximately 2-5 hours per month but what this looks like will shift as we live into our vision
Ideal Candidate
- Visionary with a passion for leveraging technology to enhance community engagement
- Experienced in digital content management and online community building
- Committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible online environment
- Proficient with social media and digital communication tools
- Collaborative, with excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire others
Faithful Team
Description
Lead sessions that help people understand and live out their spirituality and values more deeply. Whether it’s introducing newcomers to the basics of Unitarian Universalism or diving into tougher topics like social justice with long-time members, your efforts will help build a community that’s informed, caring, and ready to act.
Commitment and Schedule
We will meet 3 times a year for training, learning and planning, and you can sign up to lead a class or two.
- Classes can range from 3 to 8 sessions, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes
- These could be on Sundays or during the week, depending on the topic
- We also meet every three months to plan and talk about how things are going
- This is a chance to grow your own skills and make a significant impact on our community’s life
Ideal Candidate
Are you friendly, good at guiding discussions, and excited about learning with others? If so, this role could be a great fit for you:
- You don’t need to be an expert in the topics
- You’ll have a co-facilitator and all the materials you need
- We’re looking for people who are good at working with others, can share the church’s viewpoints, and connect with people on a personal level
The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic member who has a deep sense of ownership and personal ministry about their passion project at church, warm and friendly energy, and is excited by the idea of guiding people deeper into Unitarian Universalism
Volunteer Building Committee
Description
- Dedicated team committed to taking ownership of the upkeep and maintenance of our facility
- Together, we’ll oversee a detailed calendar of depreciation, servicing, and repair tasks, ensuring our building remains in top-notch condition
- Our committee members will have the opportunity to participate in regular inspections, where we’ll identify areas needing attention or improvement
- We’ll implement necessary maintenance measures to uphold safety standards and preserve the functionality and aesthetics of our space
Commitment and Schedule
- As a newly formed group, we’ll kick off by meeting twice a month to familiarize ourselves with the building’s maintenance needs and set up the necessary resources for future endeavors.
- These initial meetings will serve as a platform for brainstorming and planning, ensuring that we’re well-prepared to tackle upcoming tasks.
Ideal Candidate
- Experienced Homeowners: Individuals who have experience maintaining their own homes and possess practical knowledge of basic repairs and upkeep.
- Skilled Tradespeople: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, or individuals with other trade skills who can offer valuable expertise in specific areas of building maintenance
- Community-minded Volunteers: People who are passionate about contributing to their community and take pride in ensuring communal spaces are well-maintained and welcoming for all.
- Problem Solvers: Creative thinkers who can come up with innovative solutions to maintenance challenges and are resourceful in finding ways to address issues within budgetary constraints.
- Team Players: Individuals who work well in a team setting, are open to collaboration and feedback, and are willing to contribute their time and effort towards collective goals