The Committee on Shared Ministries (CoSM) assesses, supports, and advocates for robust and shared ministry throughout congregational life. This elected committee provides leadership, mission, and vision to the Fellowship’s ministry programs. It also serves as a channel of communication between congregants and the minister. It oversees our councils, as illustrated below.
Members of CoSM for 2023-2024
Wanda Saed, Cathlin Jones, Mzia Chatara, and Kelly LoGiudice
Description of a Member of Committee on Shared Ministries
JOB DESCRIPTION: Member of Committee on Shared Ministries
I. INITIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (upon joining the CoSM)
– If possible, attend the June meeting before becoming an official member
– Review CoSM’s purpose and job description.
– Attend BVUUF’s August Leadership Retreat
II. MAJOR DUTIES
– Thoughtfully discuss monthly updates from Minister
– In partnership with the Minister, educates the Congregation regarding all aspects of the ministry
– Coordinates between the Minister, the Congregation, the Board, other committees, and ministry programs to provide ministry leadership and vision
– Provides support and accountability to the ministry councils of the congregation: Lifespan Faith Formation, Caring, Member Engagement, Spirituality and the Arts, Social Justice and Action.
– Coordinates periodic and rolling assessments (reflection sessions) of the shared ministry of the Congregation and the professional ministry
– Annually reviews priorities and results with the Minister
– Recommends and actively supports sabbaticals and other professional development of the Minister
– Prepares for, attends, and actively participates in monthly CoSM meetings, leadership retreats, and Congregational Meetings.
– Responds promptly to e-mail requests from other CoSM members.
– Follows through on commitments to CoSm, such as communicating with other groups or creating/reviewing documents.
– Serves as liaison to one or more of the councils that report to the CoSM, serves as the conduit for information between those councils and the CoSM.
– Listens to the suggestions and concerns of the Congregation and brings them to the CoSM for action or referral to the appropriate person or group.
III. TIME COMMITMENTS
– CoSm Meetings: about 2 hours per month
– Preparation for CoSM meetings: varies; usually about 1 hour; includes reading one chapter per month in the book that elected leadership is reading during the year
– Email discussions between CoSm meetings: 15 minutes per week
– Contacting assigned Council as liaison: 1/2-1 hour/quarter
– BVUUF Leadership Training opportunities: 2-3 days/year
– Attending Fellowship worship services and events to get a pulse of what is happening in the congregation: personal commitment varies
– Ad Hoc volunteering for special projects for the committee: varies by project
IV. DESIRED TRAITS/ATTRIBUTES
– Patience
– Sense of Humor
– Flexibility (open-mindedness)
– Communication skills (especially listening and sharing)
– Working knowledge of GoogleDrive/Docs/Sheets (or willingness to learn)
– Interest in the big picture of the congregation and how all groups contribute
– Comfort exploring open-ended issues
– Willing to take a thoughtful approach to congregational questions and issues
– Upholds the confidence and trust of both the Minister and the Congregation
