"How-to" at First Parish
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Figuring out how to get various things done can be difficult for newcomers to any church. If you can't find your question and a satisfactory answer below or if you have more information to add, please email the webmaster . |
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Joining a committeeMost committees are eager to get new members. A description of each committee can be found on our web site. The church administrator can help you to get in touch with the chairperson of the committee you are interested in. The administrator may be reached by email or phone (781-862-8200). Becoming a board memberBoard members are elected by the congregation at semiannual or special congregational meetings. Candidates may be named by the Nominating Committee or from the floor at the congregational meeting. Joining a covenant groupCovenant groups are assembled by the ministerial staff members, who take into account such factors as schedules, diversity, and balance. To apply to join a covenant group, please contact Rev. David Boyer , 781-862-8200. Leading a serviceSummer services are lay-led. These services are coordinated by the Worship Committee and schedules are typically set by the end of the preceding February. To request an opportunity to lead a summer service, contact the Chair of the Worship Committee, Elisabeth Jas . Starting a new groupThere are many kinds of groups at First Parish in Lexington . Depending on the type of group, you can get assistance from various sources:
Talking with a ministerThe ministers are available by appointment. Contact the church administrator by email or phone (781-862-8200) or email Rev. David Boyer . Having a wedding at First ParishContact the church administrator by email or phone (781-862-8200) or email Rev. David Boyer . Having a memorial serviceContact the church administrator by email or phone (781-862-8200) or email Rev. David Boyer . Reserving space for a FP eventSpace may be reserved at no cost for First Parish events. Contact the church administrator by email or phone (781-862-8200). Obtaining bulletin board spaceBulletin board space is limited and is coordinated by the Communications and Facilities committees. To request display space for your committee or other group, contact the Chair of the Communications Committee, Andy Pakula . Reserving space for a private eventFor outside events, charges vary depending on the amount of space and the times required. Contact the church administrator by email or phone (781-862-8200). RE: Questions, comments, concernsIf you have concerns about an RE class or teacher, please contact the Director of Religious Education, Lynne Weygint at 781-862-8200 or dre.fplex@verizon.net . Committees: questions, comments, concernsThe first step would naturally be to speak directly to the chair of the committee in question. Should this be unsatisfactory, there are several alternatives that can be pursued: Depending on the nature of the concern, you may wish to contact the Parish Board Co-Chairs (Tony Siesfeld and Deb Weiner Soule ) or Vice Chair (Allen Armstrong), the Council Chair ( Tom Wanderer ), or a minister (781-862-8200). Congregational SafetyIf you have safety concerns related to the First Parish Community, please contact a minister at 781-862-8200, or by email. David Boyer: dboyer@rcn.com . PledgingMembers and Friends of First Parish in Lexington are asked to make their annual pledges of financial support during the All Members Canvass, held in March. If you wish to pledge and were not contacted by the Canvass Committee or wish to pledge at another time of year, please contact the chairperson of the Finance Committee via the church administrator by email or phone (781-862-8200). Making a bequestInformation on planned giving to either the UUA or your home congregation is available on the UUA web site's "Giving Opportunities" section. Getting a child into REContact our Director of Religious Education, Lynne Weygint by phone at 781-862-8200 or by email for a registration form. Attend a board meetingBoard meetings are open to all, except when meeting in executive sessions. Check the calendar for dates, times and locations. Attend a council meetingCouncil meetings are open to all. Check the calendar for dates, times and locations. Get the FocalPoint newsletterThe FocalPoint is available by mail or email. Please contact the church administrator by email or phone (781-862-8200). Submitting information to be published in the FocalPoint.The FocalPoint is published on the first and third Wednesday of each month. S ubmissions must be received in the church office by noon of the Monday preceding publication to be included in that issue. Articles may be edited to fit the available space. Please contact the church administrator with your submission by email or phone (781-862-8200). Put information on the web sitePlease contact the webmaster with information you would like to appear on our web site. Email members of the congregationWe have a mail list service through Yahoo!Groups. You must join the group before you can send or receive group emails. To join, please use a web browser to go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fpcuu/ and follow the directions for joining. Join the choirNew choir members are always welcome. To join or for more information, contact Lee Ridgway , the First Parish Music Director. Take a classThe Adult Programs brochure is available from the church office or by contacting the church administrator (by email or phone 781-862-8200). Registration and contact information may be found in the brochure. Lead a classContact contact the Associate for Pastoral Programs, Amber Beland (781-862-8200) for information and assistance on creating a new program. Donate Stock to First ParishThere are often tax advantages to a donation of appreciated stock. Click here to download a guide to donating stock to First Parish. Create a new eventIf you are interested in creating a First Parish event that is geared toward building community, please contact the co-chairs of the Members and Friends Committee, Andy Pakula and Susanna Whitman . Suggest changes to Worship ServiceContact the Chair of the Worship Committee, Elisabeth Jas or Rev. David Boyer . Play an instrument or sing in a serviceContact the Chair of the Music Committee, Mary Neumann or Lee Ridgway , the Music Director. Provide flowers for a worship serviceContact the flower coordinator via the church administrator by email or phone (781-862-8200). Steeple-lightingContact the church administrator by email or phone (781-862-8200) to light the steeple for a particular week. The cost is $20.00. Acknowledgement will appear in the FocalPoint and in the Order of Service. Help out in small ways without a long term commitmentOften, we are willing to help in ways that don't carry a long term commitment. Many committees will be eager for help in this way. Select an area that you are interested in and contact the chair of the relevant committee directly or via the church administrator ( email or phone: 781-862-8200) Become a memberBecoming a member of First Parish carries the privilege of voting in Parish elections and serving on the Parish Board. To become a member, please contact Andy Pakula or Susanna Whitman co-chairs of the Members and Friends Committee, or one of the ministers: Rev. David Boyer . Participate in social justice activitiesFirst Parish coordinates many opportunities for Social Action. Contact the chair of the Social Action Committee via the church administrator ( email or phone:781-862-8200). If you are interested in social justice work around issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, please contact Meg Soens , the chair of the Welcoming Congregation Team. Help First Parishioners in needWhen our parishioners need help they can turn to a minister or a lay minister for pastoral care. The Caring Circle provides for practical help in times of distress. Lay ministers are selected and trained by the minister. To assist the Caring Circle , please get in touch with the church administrator ( email or phone:781-862-8200) to get contact information for the coordinator of this group. Make a proposal to the boardMeetings of the Parish Board are open. Contact the Co-Chairs ( Tony Siesfeld and Deb Weiner Soule) or Vice Chair (Allen Armstrong) of the Parish Board. Make a proposal to the councilMeetings of the Parish Council are open and are listed in the church calendar. Contact the Council Chair, Tom Wanderer . Teach REContact the Director of Religious Education, Lynne Weygint at 781-862-8200 or dre.fplex@verizon.net . Vote in congregational meetingsYou must become a member of First Parish at least three months prior to voting in a congregational election. Be a chalice lighter at the beginning of the servicePlease contact the Director of Religious Education, Lynne Weygint at 781-862-8200 or dre.fplex@verizon.net .
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