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Committees
How We Function
Governing BoardThe Governing Board represents the Parish membership and exercises general supervision over all matters affecting the interests and welfare of the church between Parish meetings. The Board consists of nine voting members including the President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Parish Clerk and five at-large board members, each of whom is responsible for liaison with a cluster of committees. Our Minister and Director of Religious Education are non-voting members of the board. The Board meets at least monthly during the church year to conduct the business of the church and to address policy and budget issues.
2009-2010 Governing Board Members: President: Jon Lehman Board Members: Bill Christmann (physical plant cluster liaison), Michael Gardner (Sunday morning cluster liaison), Carl Howerton (outreach cluster liaison), Regina Mortland (finance cluster liaison), Pat Slechta (service cluster liaison), Non-Voting: Catherine Cullen, minister; Sunsue Fleming, director of religious education New church member directory and database is online Monthly letter from the Board Click here for the Building Use Policy proposed by the Boy Scout Task Force and adopted by the Board. Long-Range Plan is on-line The complete text of the LONG-RANGE PLAN for the church is available online. Note: This is a large PDF file. You will need the free Adobe Reader program to download and open. To get that program, go to www.adobe.com. Religious Education CommitteeThe mission of the Religious Education Committee is to provide a high quality religious education program for the children, youth, and adults of the congregation, teaching and promoting UU values and principles, and to assist those in finding their place in the Universe and in experiencing a feeling of connectedness with all of Life. In that we help them:
The Caring ConnectionThe mission of the Caring Connection is to connect those First Parish Church members (and friends) in need of help with persons within the congregation who can supply assistance. The Caring Connection (formerly the Service Committee) coordinates volunteer help and services for members of our church community who are having a difficult time. If you can help by preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, providing transportation to hospitals, doctors' offices or other places, by baby-sitting or visiting shut-ins, please click here for a form to fill out indicating which services you can provide; or call the church office at 781-934-6532. In the past year, the Caring Connection has responded to many situations within our congregation. We respond with calls, cards or assistance arrangements such as meals or transportation. Many times, we have been able to provide transportation. Usually, that has been to help people get to medical appointments when they are unable to drive themselves. There have been at least eight surgeries, six serious falls and numerous other illnesses. Sadly, we have had five deaths reported. We have aided and supported these families with over 32 calls and/or cards and followed up with over 50 meals to assist during their recovery. Because a committee of six members can do only a portion of the needs, we rely on a wonderful list of volunteers who express willingness to help with meals, transportation or light housework. We would like to welcome you to that list! If you would be willing to be added to our special list of those willing to provide transportation, meals and/or visits, please contact a member of our committee. Or contact Marty in the church office and she can put you in contact with the Caring Coordinator for the month. — Fred Stevens, Marjorie Hanlon, Sherri Wyman, Bob Hughes, Heidi Conner, Christine Bulman Small Group Ministry Steering CommitteeThe mission of the Small Group Ministry steering committee to is to support and nurture Small Group Ministry at First Parish Church. Membership CommitteeMission: We, the Membership Committee of First Parish Church, commit to welcome, inform and integrate newcomers, members and friends into our church community. We are guided by, and uphold, the mission of the First Parish Church, and the principles and purposes that underlie Unitarian Universalism. Worship CommitteeThe Worship Committee, in collaboration with the minister, shall plan, implement, and evaluate a program of regular, year-round common worship opportunities of quality for the congregation, according to its needs and traditions, as well as special worship events for appropriate occasions. Intern CommitteeMission Committee members for 2008-2009 were Marilyn Christmann and Bonnie Jernigan, co-chairs; Liz Connors, Alex Pevzner, David Murphy, T.J. Scholberg (youth member) and Miriam Wickham. History Welcoming Congregation CommitteeMission: The First Parish Church Welcoming Congregation Committee will take action to affirm and promote the first Unitarian Universalist principle: The recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We strive to support civil rights and to foster understanding, enabling us to welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people into the church family. Partner Church CommitteeMission: To sponsor and coordinate an on-going relationship with our Unitarian Partner Church in Nyaradszereda, Transylvania. Committee on MinistryThe mission of the Committee on Ministry is to facilitate and maintain the quality of the ministry of the called minister as well as the ministries of other committees and individuals within First Parish Church. Fellowship CommitteeMission: To plan, organize and hold events and gatherings that create the opportunity for parishioners of all ages to interact and have fun which will aid in fostering a vital and loving community. House and Grounds CommitteeMission: To regularly assess, maintain, & upgrade all church buildings and grounds. Long-Range Planning CommitteeMission: To guide the membership through a process of creating a vision/mission statement, setting goals, and creating a comprehensive five-year plan. Nominating CommitteeThe mission of Nominating Committee is to identify qualified candidates for lay leadership positions in the church, striving for diversity in such factors as age, gender, skills, and length of church membership. Toward that end the committee will publicize its search, invite interest and recruit members to serve on elected committees of the church in accordance with requirements of the By-Laws. Cell Phone Outreach CommitteeMission: To use Cell Tower Outreach funds to fund projects and/or programs. Music Committee The Music Committee plans and provides for the music program of the church. Its responsibilities include overseeing and advocating for the music director, the junior choir director and directors of other choirs and ensembles, and planning and conducting special music services and concerts at the church. |
