Why become a member of First Parish Church?

There are also some more pragmatic reasons, one of which is voting privileges. To quote from the First Parish Church bylaws: "A Member is entitled to vote at any meeting of the Parish held thirty days (30) or more after signing the Membership Book." We hold two regular parish meetings each year, a program meeting in late spring to deal with church business other than financial, and a budget meeting in the fall to adopt a budget for the year and deal with other financial matters. The Church welcomes its new members at a service in June. If you have any questions and/or would like to set up a time to sign the Membership Book, please contact the minister.

The Membership Committee's purpose is to welcome new visitors into the church. Many who visit us are looking for a new spiritual home, for many different reasons. We know walking into a new place can cause apprehension, so our main goal is to make sure people feel welcomed and safe. Visitors are greeted at the door each Sunday, they are provided with information about the church and invited to coffee hour after the service. We have a table set up at each entrance of church with information, as well as brochures in the pews.

We try to integrate new members and friends into the church community by introducing them to people, by encouraging participation in activities such as the religious education program, the summer fair, singing in the choir, serving on a committee or getting involved in our outreach programs, such Box Project and Soup Kitchen.

In fall and spring, we offer a "New UU" luncheon after church, at which folks can get to know each other as well as learning about the church's history, people and activities. We want everyone to share the joy of being involved in this caring community.

Membership Committee
Members of the committee for 2010-2011 are: George Baird (Chair), Mary Flanagan (Vice Chair), Jean Baker, Andrea Brandeis, Bev Johnson, and Cheryl West.