Everyone loves acronyms.  Not everyone knows what they mean!  The MET at the UU Church of Kent is an abbreviation for the Ministry Executive Team.  Our By-Laws describe the MET’s function as follows:

•  The Ministry Executive Team (MET) shall devote the majority of its attention to the day-to-day management and administration of the Church’s ministries

Current members of the MET:

• Minister (Rev. Kristina Church)
• Church Treasurer (incoming, David Watt, Board appointed, filling Ryan Susman’s term through June 2027)
• Congregational Administrator (MaryBeth Hannan)
• Elected Member at Large (Kathie Slater, through June 2026)
• Former Board Member-Board appointed, (Diana Watt, through June, 2026)
• Board of Trustees Liaison to MET-ex-officio (Kat Holtz, through August 2026)

The MET meets twice a month, once in person in the Church Annex, and once via Zoom. Sometimes, business is handled via email, if needed for time-sensitive matters.

What kind of issues and items does the MET handle?  

• In general terms, the MET supports the mission, vision and covenant of the church through COLLABORATION with many groups, teams and individuals. We keep an overview of the various day-to-day activities of the church, which include program areas; communications processes; and working with Team Coordinators on projects by sharing known resources available and appropriate church policies.
• On the fiscal side of things, the Finance Committee in COLLABORATION with the MET, drafts an annual budget proposal based on the Board’s “vision-based” fiscal year priorities, and ensures an operating budget campaign occurs yearly (Stewardship / Generosity) – but not necessarily by the MET, unless there are no volunteers. On that note – Please consider volunteering for the Stewardship Team for 2025-2026!  Additionally, the MET approves necessary unbudgeted expenses which are under an annual total of one percent of the current fiscal year budget.

OK, but what does that mean?  What are some examples?

• Collaborating with the Building & Grounds Team and Coordinator on securing snow plow contracts, lawn care, Fessenden Hall kitchen refurbishment, work on concrete front steps, elevator repair, etc. are just a few recent examples.
• On the revenue side, for events expected to raise over $500, the MET reviews any fundraising proposals submitted by congregants to make sure they align with the church’s mission & policies, fit into the church calendar, and have outlined a clear plan, goal, time-line and necessary resources.
• Reviewing rental activities on church campus

Now you’ve been introduced to the MET!  In future Newsletter updates, we’ll talk about current and agenda items in the recent past, so you have a better idea of the MET’s function!

Have any questions? Contact the MET at [email protected]  

Thank you for reading, and stay tuned!!