The following committees are appointed by the Standing Committee. Some of them are more or less permanent and some of them are established for a particular purpose. All of them are open to anyone who is interested in participating.
Adult Religious Education The Adult Religious Education Committee strives to stimulate and challenge the intellectual, social and spiritual interests of the congregation and the larger community by organizing and presenting a diverse series of presentations and discussions, most often through its program, “The Learning Community”.
Archival Task Force The Archival Task Force researches the history of First Church, organizes the archives, writes histories of the church for the website and other publications, and presents special exhibits for the enjoyment and edification of church members and visitors.
Arts The Arts Committee is responsible for the exhibitions in the Narthex. It advises the other committees and the church administration on issues of aesthetic concern in the church buildings. It also assists in the creation of publications and exhibitions beyond the church proper.
Canvass The Canvass Committee conducts the church’s operating fund drive. The committee strives to ensure that all members of the congregation become financial contributors to the work of the church, insofar as they are able, through a canvass that is inspirational, educational and community-building.
Caring The Caring Committee offers connection and practical support to all within our church community. All members of the church are invited to share in the work of the Caring Committee by providing a meal, a ride or a visit to a person in need.
Denominational Affairs The Denominational Affairs Committee acts as a liaison between First Church and the Mass Bay District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Its goal is to inform the U.U.A. of our church’s questions, interests and issues, and to make the resources of the U.U.A. available to the church.
Finance The Finance Committee includes, but is not limited to, the chairpersons of the Budget, Canvass and Standing Committees, the chairperson of the Trustees, the treasurer of the Society and the treasurer of the Trustees. The committee reviews the finances of the church and develops fiscal policies and strategies for the church. It also prepares an annual budget for the Standing Committee’s approval.
House The House Committee recommends to the Standing Committee and the Trustees, those measures needed to maintain and repair the church buildings and the surrounding grounds. The committee also repairs or replaces furniture as needed and hangs seasonal decorations on the entry doors.
Intern Committee The Intern Committees (one per intern) provide advice and support to each individual ministerial intern assigned to First Church, as that intern gains experience and training in preparation for ordination into the U.U. ministry.
Interweave The Interweave Committee works to strengthen our welcoming ways, and our outreach to the GLBTQ community, through providing social events, diversity training and education, and cultural and religious events that challenge us intellectually and spiritually.
Landscape The purpose of the Landscape Committee is to implement the landscape design created by landscape designer and Church member, Frank Re. The Committee also aims to raise funds to implement the plan.
Music The Music Committee functions as a liaison between the Director of Music and the congregation, assessing musical needs and interests and reviewing the music program. Under the jurisdiction of the Standing Committee, it interviews and selects the Director of Music. The committee’s goal is to assist the Director of Music in fostering music of religious and artistic beauty and worth in the life of the church, and in making music and musical activities available to every member and friend of the church.
Personnel The Personnel Committee provides technical and specialized human resources management expertise to the Standing Committee and assists in the supervision of church staff.
Social Justice The Social Justice Committee provides a focus for the social justice concerns of the congregation by leading our involvement in ongoing community activities and by coordinating our participation in various projects and social actions throughout the year.
Worship The Worship Committee serves at the request of the ministers. It works to foster smooth-flowing, welcoming and aesthetically pleasing worship services which support and sustain the spiritual and intellectual growth of the congregation.
As important as these boards and committees are, and we could not survive as an institution without them, please be aware that there are dozens of ways to deepen your connection with us, and to each other, beyond these groups. Just ask around, meet with a staff member, and keep an eye out for announcements and signage indicating new classes, small groups, discussion groups, social events, and dinners…