The fabric of our community is woven from the energies and efforts of those who are a part of it. Each of us brings our unique gifts to this congregation and its ministries. We believe that many hands make light work, and that we are enlivened and enriched when we gather together to make things happen!

There are many ways to get involved at the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, Some opportunities are listed below.

8th Principle Action Ministry – We welcome all who are committed to dismantling racism and other oppressions within our congregation and our community. There are various working groups engaged in education and outreach that are open for individuals to become involved. Contact joAnn kowalski at jmkowalski10@gmail.com.

Babies First – Babies First provides tangible help to babies, young children, and their families in need from all parts of Tompkins County by offering free baby equipment. To get involved, contact Sue Rakow at sue.rakow@gmail.com.

Care Team – The Care Team acts on behalf of the congregation to provide pastoral care and support for members and friends of the congregation who are going through challenging times. Learn more about the Care Team here.

Buildings and Grounds – Have an urge to plant a perennial, spring-clean, fix a loose hinge or wield a paintbrush in good company? Ideas and initiative are welcome! Contact Sara Catterall for more information.

Engagement and Outreach – The Engagement and Outreach team helps to welcome new attendees to the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca and is looking for volunteers to staff the welcoming table before Sunday service and during social hour.  Email dre@uuithaca.org if you would like to help this team.

Hospitality Team – Four Hospitality Teams rotate responsibility for all aspects of greeting, ushering and registration each Sunday. For more information or to join a team, contact Fred Balfour at fred.balfour@gmail.com.

Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard – On the first Tuesday of every month and the last Wednesday of each even month, FUSIT is responsible for providing two volunteers to select and bag groceries per clients’ requests at our downtown Ithaca food pantry, located inside the Salvation Army on N. Albany St.  Shifts are 1:20 – 3:00 pm.  New volunteers are always needed for this Area Congregations Together (ACT) effort – email Wendy Wolfe at ww16@cornell.edu to get on the email list to get trained and/or sign up for a shift!

Meals for Our Homeless Neighbors 

Can you sign up to be on a list of volunteers who will take occasional turns preparing an afternoon meal for our homeless neighbors?

You would receive an email once or twice a month asking if you are available that month to help on a certain day. You are not being asked to commit to a particular number of times: If you could help out every few months or even just once or twice a year, it would make a huge difference. If you can make a sandwich or chop carrots, you’re qualified to help! So if possible, please add your name to the list of UUs who might be able to help us meet an urgent need.

There’s a signup sheet on the bulletin board in the parlor, or you can email Jackie Jablonski at jackiejab@me.com to sign up or ask for more information.

Religious Exploration (RE) – The RE Team has responsibility for formulating the policies of the church’s educational programs and related activities, and to oversee and evaluate the religious-exploration program in accordance with the nature and philosophy of the church. To volunteer with the RE Team, please contact Emily Richards at dre@uuithaca.org. Learn more about our Religious Education Program here.

Stewardship Team – this team is mostly active January – May each year with the campaign to collect pledges for the following year’s operating budget. No other team reaches out to the entire congregation so frequently, and we view our job as building connections to support FUSIT. If you like networking and want to think creatively about how to grow connectivity among both recent and long-time members and friends, contact us at stewardship@uuithica.org.

Tech Team – The Tech Team members support the congregation by running the AV and tech on Sundays and live streaming each service so that those who cannot make it to the church can still participate. If you would like to volunteer with the Tech Team, email Tim Ball at timothy.ball.violin@gmail.com.