Committees at a Glance
The Parish Board has developed “Committees at a Glance” for two reasons. We want to make the “workings” of First Parish in Brookline more transparent so that every member can know who plays what roles in what kinds of decisions and actions here at First Parish. We also want to make it easier for everyone to have their voice heard and to deepen their connections in this community by joining or visiting one of the 20 committees, task forces, and boards identified here. Interested? Please reach out to a member to find out more!
If you’re interested in getting involved, have updates to this information, or have a question, please reach out to our Parish Administrator at admin@firstparishinbrookline.org. You may also look up contact information in the Online Membership Directory.
| Committee | Members |
|---|---|
| Parish Board Responsibilities: Calls meetings of the Congregation, supervises the senior minister, appoints other committees as needed, prepares and submits annual budget at Annual Meeting; ensures responsive communication with members of the congregation, and manages all the concerns of the congregation (from the By-Laws). Establishes annual goals and makes policy decisions. Membership: 9 members, each elected for 3-year terms at Annual Meeting Contact the Co-Chairs | Jody Leader, Chair Kristen McIntire, Vice-Chair Ed Page, Treasurer Nancy Clark, Clerk Susan Faja Whit Larrabee Sarah Luchansky John Mignano Brad Reich |
| Building & Grounds Responsibilities: Supports the mission of the congregation with facilities and grounds planning and capital projects, in collaboration with the Facilities Manager who oversees the budget for routine maintenance. Membership: open to any volunteer | Clint Richmond, Chair Debba Andree Tim Dailey Sam Dennis Jeff Fogleman, Facilites Manager Carol Spitzer Bob Williamson |
| By-Laws Responsibilities: Solicits from members suggestions for changes to the bylaws, considers further changes on its own, considers input from the Board and makes recommendations to the Board for amendments and/or additions in time for the Board to prepare recommendations before Annual meeting or any special membership meeting (from the By-Laws) Membership: self-nominations welcome; chosen by the Board | Jim Womack, Chair |
| Canvass Responsibilities: Coordinates the annual campaign for pledges to fund the annual operating budget Membership: open to all | Ed Page, Chair |
| Climate Justice Action Responsibilities: Supports our congregation to know about and take action on climate issues affecting First Parish, our local community and the world Supports a path to achieve environmental and financial sustainability of our church property, and supports our members’ efforts to personally live in a more sustainable manner. Supports “Earth Defenders” around the world. Works closely with the Religious Education teachers to assist them in teaching our children about Nature and caring for our living Earth. Welcomes anyone concerned about a livable climate for future generations and willing to take action. Membership: All are welcome | Alfred Brownell & Deane Coady, Co-chairs Debba Andree, Nancy Clark, Betsy Coons, Marga Dieter, Ann Gilmore, Perry Grossman, Jody Leader, Martha Leader, Jayleigh Lewis, Ed Loechler, Ann Eldridge Malone, Paul McLean, Tai Melendy, Clint Richmond, Elena Rippell, Prilla Smith, Carol Spitzer, Mia Szymkowicz, Bob Williamson, Jim Womack |
| Deacons Responsibilities: As the “designated elders” of the congregation, the Deacons act as the institutional memory of the community and support the well-being of the congregation by being a strong presence in institutional life and ceremonies such as memorial services and four-time-a-year communion services Membership: recommended by the Senior Minister, appointed by the Board | William Dwyer, Chair Sheila Hussey Laura Walters Ray Wellbaum Midge Wilcke Bob Williamson Jim Womack |
| Digital Ministry Responsibilities: Is developing and leading implementation of a digital strategy that uses social media to make known our activities and events, including our website, First Parish Facebook, video messaging and worship service support Membership: open to all volunteers | Ellie Boynton Nathan Freitas Keith Kirchoff Paul McLean |
| Finance Responsibilities: Advises and counsels the Board on budget and financial matters; communicates financial information to the community regularly and with transparency Membership: current Treasurer, a current or past Canvass Team member, current bookkeeper and up to 3 others chosen by Board | Margaret Williams, Treasurer Margie Beal Ed Page Charles Sandmel Adam Berman, Bookkeeper |
| Immigration Justice – Hearts Without Borders Takes action in solidarity with community partner organizations and in interfaith collaborations to raise consciousness and encourage action at First Parish Operates from our guiding principle of seeking to be in relationship with neighbors who are directly impacted by immigration – either working directly with them or with those who serve them Seeks to raise consciousness, encourage solidarity actions, and mobilize resources at FPB through partnering opportunities, educational events, crowdfunding efforts, and outreach to legislators, elected officials, and decision makers Meets via Zoom the third Thursday of every month. Membership: open to all | Group leadership shared by active members Ellen Blaney Barbara Cone Julie Horvath Sue Kalt Jody Leader Martha Leader James Shillaber Marilyn Tressel Laura Walters |
| Ministerial Internship Responsibilities: Oversees the professional development of our ministerial intern, Erin Scott, over two years (2022-24) in all competency areas of UUA ministerial formation Members: selected by the Senior Minister and UUA supervising minister | Midge Wilcke, Chair Madeline Fine Luciano Lima Ginger Melton Sasha VanDerzee |
| Nominating Responsibilities: Recommends to the Congregation at Annual Meeting candidates for Parish Board, Clerk, Treasurer, Moderator, Alternate Moderator, and for open position(s) on the Nominating Committee Membership: immediate past Chair of Parish Board, 1 current Board member, 3 members at large who have not served on Board during past 4 years; self-nominations welcome | Chair, Carol Spitzer Lori Day Jody Leader Bob Williamson Kiara Zani |
| Pastoral Care Associates Responsibilities: Works directly with ministers, assisting with candles of joy and concern, organizing small group ministry, and providing summer pastoral care coverage. Also provides and coordinates help with meals, rides, and chores for members who need assistance and offers a compassionate listening ear. Membership: open to all, with agreement from the minister | Tanya Gurian, Co-Convener; Ministerial Intern, Erin Scott; and Family and Community Ministries Director, Jayleigh Lewis Alfred Brownell Jeff Cadow Marga Dieter Anna Eisengart Madeline Fine Wendy Grossman Jami Jordan Elizabeth McIntire |
| Racial Justice Action Responsibilities: Supports the congregation in our commitment – embodies in our mission statement – to become a multicultural, anti-racist beloved community Membership: A covenantal group, open to all volunteers who commit to the covenant which requires that people make themselves vulnerable and commit to learning that builds as conversations deepen over time through regular participation | Members collaborate on chairing the committee and facilitating the meetings Karla Baehr, Alfred Brownell, Almas Dossa, Ann Gilmore, Hobson Goulart, Jami Jordan, Kathryn Kirschner, Martha Leader, Michael Luke, Ann Malone, Ron Wilkinson |
| Religious Exploration Responsibilities: In collaboration with Director of Family & Community Ministries, helps shape the RE program for children and youth including recruiting teachers and volunteers, and planning and supporting activities such as parent gatherings and social justice work. Also collaborates with other groups to develop and sustain intergenerational programming to strengthen community bonds. Membership: Open to all with three-year term limits | Micaela Coady, Chair Nathan Freitas Jennifer Goulart Jayleigh Lewis* Kiara Zani *Director of Family & Community Ministries |
| Safety Task Force (meets on an as-needed basis) Responsibilities: Meets on an as-needed basis at the discretion of the Minister; explores and implements training, equipment and adaptations in our facility to ensure the physical safety of our congregation Membership: open to all | Mike Luke Kristen McIntire Bob Williamson |
| Social Action Listserv Responsibilities: Provides guidance and support for social action by maintaining a listserv through which recipients communicate news and opportunities to learn and get involved in social justice work aligned to the FPB mission Membership: open to all | Clint Richmond, Moderator |
| Space Use (meets on an as-needed basis) Responsibilities: Charged by the Board to expand use of First Parish facilities for rentals in ways that are consistent with our mission, recruits and advises potential renters; negotiates rental agreements; coordinates with FPB committees, staff and users; supports the church administrator in implementing the FPB space rental policy; and advises the Board Membership: open to all | Debba Andree Karla Baehr Barbara Simonetti Bob Williamson |
| Worship and Welcoming Responsibilities: Collaborates with the minister and staff to create a grounded and spiritual place for faith expression through the church year; organizes summer lay-led services; provides and relays feedback regarding Sunday worship; members may serve as lay participants and worship associates in worship services, as well as greeters (membership on the worship and welcoming committee is not required to serve as a worship associate or greeter for a Sunday Service. Those interested in learning more about what is involved in serving as a Greeter or Worship Associate are invited to reach out to Parish Administrator Ebiere Omergie at ebiere@firstparishinbrookline.org Membership: Open to all | This Committee will be redeveloped Members currently serving as Worship Associates: Jeff Cadow, Nancy Clark, Susan Larrabee, Whit Larrabee, Jody Leader, Martha Leader, Elizabeth McIntire, Paul McLean, Sally Moore Members currently serving as Greeters: Debba Andree, Eliza Blanchard, Alfred Brownell, Nancy Clark, Eleanor Clarkson, Deane Coady, Almas Dossa, Elena Garafoli, Tania Gurian, Jami Jordan, Whit Larrabee, Luciano Lima, Michael Luke, John Mignano, Darlene Millman, Branch Moody, Laura Walters, Ron Wilkinson |
Note on what the By-laws say about Standing Committees
Standing Committees other than those explicitly described in these Bylaws may be established by the Parish Board. The structure and functions of each such Standing Committee shall be determined by the Parish Board and described in the Standing Committee’s charter. Charters should be accessible to all members of the congregation. The charter may be modified by the Parish Board at any time. Once established, a Standing Committee shall report on its activities to the Annual Meeting, shall have its budget included in the annual operating budget of the Society, and shall continue in operation until its charter is revoked by the Parish Board. The Parish Board shall ensure a list of active Standing Committees is kept.