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). Makes policy decisions. Membership: 9 members, each elected for 3-year terms at Annual Meeting Contact the Co-Chairs | Alfred Brownell, Chair Jen Guillemin, Co-Chair Nancy Clark, Clerk Margaret Williams, Treasurer Kathryn Kirshner Jody Leader John Mignano Ed Page Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood, ex officio |
| Building & Grounds Responsibilities: Supports the congregation with facilities and grounds planning and capital projects, in collaboration with the Parish Administrator who oversees the budget for routine maintenance Membership: open to any volunteer | Clint Richmond, Chair Debba Andree Tim Dailey Sam Dennis 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: chosen by the Board | Jim Womack, Chair Sue Andrews Jeff Cadow Betsy Coons Amy Stofflemayer Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood |
| Canvass Responsibilities: Coordinates the annual spring campaign for pledges to fund the annual operating budget Membership: open to all | Margaret Williams, Chair Whit Larrabee Ebiere Omoregie, Parish Administrator Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood |
| 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 Membership: All are welcome | Alfred Brownell & Deane Coady, Co-chairs Prilla Smith Brackett, Nancy Clark, Betsy Coons, Marga Dieter, Gina Giamei, Ann Gilmore, Perry Grossman, Jody Leader, Ed Loechler, Ann Eldridge Malone, Paul Matthew, Tai Melendy, Clint Richmond, Elena Rippel, Carol Spitzer, Mia Szymkowicz, Bob Williamson |
| 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 Midge Wilcke Bob Williamson Ray Wellbaum 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 Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood |
| 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 church bookkeeper and up to 3 others chosen by Board | Margaret Williams, Treasurer Margie Beal Ed Page Charles Sandmel Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood Adam Berman |
| Immigration Justice – Hearts Without Borders Responsibilities: Takes action in solidarity with community partner organizations and in interfaith collaborations to raise consciousness and encourage engagement at First Parish Membership: open to all | Ellen Blaney, Chair Barbara Cone Ann Gilmore Julie Horvath Sue Kalt Jody Leader Martha Leader James Shillaber Laura Walters |
| Ministerial Internship Responsibilities: Oversees the professional development of our ministerial intern, Erin Scott, over two years in all competency areas of UUA ministerial formation Members: selected by the ministerial intern, in consultation with Senior Minister and 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 | Chair, Whit Larrabee Janet Britcher Lori Day Carol Spitzer Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood |
| Pastoral Care Associates Responsibilities: Provides and coordinates help with meals, rides and chores for members who need assistance (Care) and offers a compassionate listening ear and works directly with Rev. Lisa, assisting with candles of joy and concern, organizing small group ministry, and providing summer care coverage (Pastoral Care) Membership: by invitation of Rev. Lisa and the chair; 3-year terms | Alfred Brownell Jeff Cadow Marga Dieter Madeline Fine Wendy Grossman Tanya Gurian Jami Jordan Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood |
| 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, Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood |
| Religious Exploration Responsibilities: In collaboration with DRE and Senior Minister, helps shape the RE program for children and youth including recruiting teachers and volunteers, and planning and supporting activities such as parent breakfasts and social justice work Membership: Open to all with three-year term limits | Micaela Coady, Chair Nathan Freitas Jennifer Goulart Jayleigh Lewis Sally Ruderman Kiara Zani Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood |
| Reopening Planning Group (RPG) Responsibilities: advises the Board on policies and practices related to facility use during the pandemic; maintains currency in federal, state, local and UUA guidance Membership: selected by the minster and Parish Board | Susan Larrabee, Bob Williamson, Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood, Tri-chairs Ethan Brackett, Janet Britcher, Michele David, Ben Davis, Mike Luke, Kristen McIntire |
| 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 Rev. Lisa Perry-Wood |
| 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; welcomes visitors to virtual Sunday worship and reaches out to newcomers about new member events. Members serve as the lay participants and worship associates in worship services. Membership: Since 2019-20, open membership with three-year terms for congregants who have strong interest in planning and participating in Worship. Members choose whether they participate in worship planning, serve as Worship Associate during services, or both. | Inactive |
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.