The Parish Board has developed this first draft of “Committees at a Glance” for two reasons. Spurred by conversations at several of last year’s DEEP conversations, we want to make the “workings” of First Parish in Brookline more transparent: we want every member to 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.
By-laws on 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.
If you’re interested in getting involved, have updates to this information, or have a question, please reach out to our Parish Administrator, Alisa Halliday, at alisa@firstparishinbrookline.org.
| Committee Name and Description | Committee Membership |
|---|---|
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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 three-year terms at Annual Meeting |
Janet Britcher and Bob Williamson, Co-Chairs Margaret Williams, Treasurer |
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Buildings and 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 Tim Dailey |
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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 |
Sue Andrews, Chair Jeff Cadow |
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Canvass Responsibilities: Coordinates the annual campaign for pledges to fund the annual operating budget Membership: open to all |
Whit Larrabee and Steve Pratt-Otto, Co-Chairs |
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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 and Deane Coady, Co-Chairs Marga Dieter |
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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 |
Bill Dwyer, Chair Sheila Hussey |
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Digital Ministry Responsibilities: Uses social media to make known our activities and events, Including our website, First Parish Facebook, and slides during worship service Membership: open to all volunteers |
Ellie Boynton |
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Finance Responsibilities: Advises and counsels the Board on budget and financial matters; communicates financial information to the community regularly and with transparency Members: current Treasurer, a current or past Canvass Team member, current church bookkeeper and up to 3 others chosen by Board |
Charles Sandmel, Treasurer Margie Beal |
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Immigration Justice – Hearts Without Borders Responsibilities: Takes action in solidarity with community partner organizations and in interfaith collaborations to raise consciousness and encourage action at First Parish Members: open to all |
Ellen Blaney and Tania Erlij, Co-Chairs Ann Gilmore |
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Ministerial Formation Responsibilities: Supports Rev. Lisa to meet the UUA professional standards for ministry during her first three years as a parish minister Membership: chosen by Rev. Lisa from volunteers |
Kristen McIntire, Chair Nathan Freitas |
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Ministerial Internship Responsibilities: Oversees the professional development of our ministerial intern, Judd Wolfskill, over two years in all competency areas of UUA ministerial formation Members: selected by the senior minister and supervising minister. |
Midge Wilcke, Chair Madeline Fine |
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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. |
Ray Wellbaum, Chair Sarah Griffen |
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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: open to all, with agreement from Rev. Lisa. |
Jeff Cadow, Chair Alfred Brownell |
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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 learning builds as conversations deepen over time through regular participation. |
Members collaborate on chairing the committee and facilitating the meetings Alfred Brownell |
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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 |
Jessica Aguilera-Steinert |
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Reopening Planning Group (RPG) Responsibilities: Membership: Contact: RPG@firstparishinbrookline.org |
Susan Larrabee Laci Adams |
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Safety Responsibilities: Explores and implements training, equipment and adaptations in our facility, to ensure the physical safety of our congregation Membership: open to all |
Eliza Blanchard |
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Social Action Responsibilities: Provides guidance and support for social action, primarily through an email list serv through which recipients communicate news and opportunities to learn and get involved in social justice work aligned to the FPB mission; maintains FPB financial support for UU-affiliated organizations, e.g., UUUM Membership: open to all |
Clint Richmond, Chair |
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Space Use 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 |
Sara Warren, Chair Debba Andree |
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UUtheVote Responsibilities: Support First Parish members and friends to be actively engaged in voter activism efforts in ways that also build community within and beyond our walls. Membership: open to all |
Jami Jordan and Karla Baehr, Co-Chairs |
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Welcoming Responsibilities: Welcomes everyone to Sunday services with special attention to visitors; reaches out to newcomers weekly; publicizes events and activities of interest to members and newcomers; supports individuals on their membership journeys; and reaches out to those who haven’t been seen recently Membership: 8 members, open to all; unlimited number of greeters |
Rev. Eliza Blanchard, Chair Nancy Clark |
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Worship 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 serve as the lay participants and worship associates in worship services Membership: in 2019-20, open membership with three-year terms for congregants who have strong interest in planning and participating in Worship. All members participate in worship planning, but serving as Worship Associate during services is not required |
Carol Spitzer, Chair Sue Andrews |