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Committees
Archives Committee
The Archives Committee is dedicated to preserving the historical records of First Parish in a safe, archival context, and at the same time making them available to any persons needing to research them.
DRE Relations Committee
The DRE Relations committee works directly with the Director of Religious Education.
Fellowship Committee
The Fellowship Committee was re-formed in 2004 and assigned the task of organizing and managing social events and activities at the church.
The mission of the committee is to increase participation in our church community and provide opportunities to gather for scoial purposes. Our goal is to provide opportunities for the members of First Parish to gather together at least once a month. The committee strives to create a balance between family and adult activities.
Opening Sunday (Sept.)and Closing Sunday (June) have been celebrated with an all church picnic on the front lawn. In October we have held a Halloween Party, March has had a Father/Child pancake breakfast, and in May we celebrate May Day with a picnic and traditional Maypole Dance.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is responsible for the financial affairs of the church, and they provide support and counsel for carrying out those duties. The primary tasks of the Committee are:
- Identify and recruit members to serve on the committee;
- Perform regular financial review of the chuch's overall fiscal operations;
- Compile budget data for upcoming fiscal year;
- Create a program for continous education of members and friends regarding responsibility for fiscal support of the church
- Coordinate all aspects of the annual pledge drive
- Plan and coordinate capital campaign programs
- Review Commitee Mission/Responsibility Statement annually
The Committee meets once each month during the beginning of the church fiscal year and as needed during the canvass period.
Membership Committee
It is the mission of the Membership Committee to develop ways of attracting potential new members to the church and to facilitate, aid, and abet the process of their becoming members who are integrated into the congregation and active in their membership.
Members of this committee welcome visitors to First Parish each Sunday and provide information about the denomination and the church community. The committee assists the ministerial staff with orientation meetings and hosts occasional dinners for newcomers to the parish. Members also help periodically with formal recognition of those who have joined the church as new members during our Sunday worship service.
Ministerial Relations Committee
The Ministerial Relations Committee's functions include: Aiding the minister in carrying on an effective ministry by being available for counsel; Keeping the minister advised concerning conditions within the congregation as they effect relations between minister and members, with its main thrust being to strengthen and improve relationships; Continually interpreting to the congregation the nature and scope of the work of the minister including a clarification of role expectations and realistic priorities for minister and members; Consulting with the minister and submitting an annual compensation recommendation to the governing board or personnel committee; Working with the minister on his or her continuing education program, sabbatical planning or other professional development and advocating such plans to the governing board and congregation.
Music Committee
The Music committee works directly with the Music Director to plan the music program for the coming year.
Parish Committee
The Parish Committee is elected by the voting members of the parish and is the governing body of the church. As such, it is responsible for the management of the affairs of the church including overseeing the major church events and overall church program as well as control of the church administration, staff, business affairs and property. The Parish Committee also submits a church budget to the membership for approval at an annual meeting. Six members are elected for overlapping three-year terms, two per year. The four church officers - president, vice president, treasurer and clerk - are elected every year and are also members of the Parish Committee. The Parish Committee meets monthly, or more frequently as required, during the church year.
Property Committee
The Property Committee is responsible for the care and maintenance of our complex of venerable buildings. As we have no sexton, major services, such as cleaning and lawn care, are contracted. The committee, however, seeks members to provide a cross-section of the congregation for input on projects and other aspects of maintenance. We also can utilize volunteers on minor routine maintenance tasks. Occasionally, workdays are planned where a group of volunteers tackle a single job.
If putting some "sweat equity" into First Parish interests you, please contact the committee chair or watch The Bellman for "Property Work Parties."
Trustees of Invested Funds Committee
Trustees of Invested Funds Committee's purpose is to maximize income. Each year a portion of treasury funds is reinested in an effort to compound total asset growth. As a result of these efforts, First Parish is benefiting from long-term equity-based investments which, over the decades, have outperformed cash and bonds. Three elected trustees manage these funds. Interested persons are always welcome.
First Parish ongoing funds:
- Unrestricted funds - from gifts with no restrictions.
- Meetinghouse funds - for future benefit of the church and restricted until the year 2000.
- Willgoose fund - to be used specifically for those with physical impairments.
- Memorial fund - gifts in memory of loved ones to be allocated by the Memorial Committee.
- Music Endowment Fund - to ensure that good music will always play an important role in Sunday services at First Parish.
*All trustees are elected by the congregation
Welcoming Congregation Committee
Welcoming Congregation Committee serves to further the welcoming congregation program at First Parish. First Parish voted to become a Welcoming Congregation in 1996. As a Welcoming Congregation, we a First Parish welcome the presence and participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and pledge ourselves to foster an environment of understanding and respect. This past year we sponsored a service at which two members of the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth spoke.
For more information on any of these committees, please contact the Church Office at 781-444-0823 or office@uuneedham.org