In this feature we seek out answers to questions of broad interest, drawing on experts in congregations, the UUA, and elsewhere. If you would like to submit a question, please write to InterConnections.

Q. We sometimes bring in guest ministers and other speakers, but we're not sure what to pay them. Are there any guidelines?

A. The following honoraria are recommended by the UU Ministers Association for visiting speakers, says Ralph Mero, the director of church staff finances for the UUA. He can be reached at (617) 742-2100, ext. 404. Here is the text from the UUMA Guidelines (pp 32-33):

SCALE OF FEES FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

1. Within the parish to non-members:
 a. Wedding, $150; with rehearsal  $200
 b. Funeral or memorial servic,  $150; with committal, $200

2. Societies without regular ministers: 
 a. Wedding, $150; with rehearsal, $200 plus $.315 per mile 
 b. Funeral or memorial service, $150; with committal, $200 plus $.315 per mile
 c. Sermons or other program services, $150 plus $.315 per mile

3. Societies temporarily without  ministers:
 a. Wedding, $150; with rehearsal,  $200 plus $.315 per mile
 b. Funeral or memorial service,  $150; with committal, $200 plus $.315 per mile
 c. Sermons or other Sunday morning service, $150 plus $.315 per mile
 d. Other program services, $150  plus $.315 per mile

4. Conferences of which the minister is not a member: 
 a. Leadership participation not  requiring specific preparation, $150 per day plus $.315 per mile
 b. Theme talk or other presentation  requiring preparation, $200 per day and $.315 per mile

If overnight lodging is required, the host society assumes the cost. Some ministers prefer home hospitality; others are more comfortable in a motel or hotel. The decision should be made by the minister.

The UUMA strongly urges that all financial arrangements between the minister and individuals or congregations be clearly stated and agreed to in advance. Ministers are, of course, free to charge more or less than the recommended guidelines. The use of the funds for these services shall be left entirely to the discretion of the minister. (The figure of $.315 per mile should be adjusted as required to agree with current IRS allowances for business miles.) 

Q. What should the Sunday morning experience include for children?

A. What I would like to see kids get on Sunday morning:

I would like to know that every week, when a child walks out the door, she is at least a little glad she came. 

I would like an adult who is not a child's parent to ask him how his week has been. I would like him to have a little something to eat with a friend. 

I would like each child who comes to walk out with one little spark of thought she didn't have when she came in.

I would like her to be called by her name by someone outside of her immediate family.

I would like him to hear the words "Unitarian Universalist" at least once.

I would like them to see at least one candle lit and hear at least one song sung.

If all these things happen every week for every child, we will have succeeded. When we spend our time teaching, our goals should be focused on these simple things. If we plan engaging, enjoyable classes, with a lot of room for enjoying the fact we are in this community, most of these things will be accomplished.