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 First Unitarian. Some opportunities are listed below.

Anti-Racism Ministry team offers educational and activist opportunities. Contact Matt Franke-Singer at mfs@twcny.rr.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 FUSIT 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, at 1:20 – 3:00 pm, FUSIT provides volunteers to bag groceries at this local food pantry, located inside the Salvation Army on N. Albany St. Volunteers are always needed for this Area Congregations Together (ACT) effort – email Wendy Wolfe at ww16@cornell.edu.

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.

St. John’s Community Services – On the first Tuesday morning of each month, FUSIT provides volunteers to make and deliver 60 lunches (15 per volunteer) to this local Ithaca Homeless Shelter. To volunteer or learn more, email jackiejab@me.com.

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 churhc can still participate. If you would like to volunteer with the Tech Team, email Tim Ball at timothy.ball.violin@gmail.com.