Generosity: an Essential Aspect of the Life of This Church

First Parish is a place for spiritual practice, exploration, and growth, and a community that nurtures multiple journeys of spirituality and social justice, rather than a set doctrine with a fixed path. It is an inclusive network of fellowship, friendship, and support in times of joy and need. First Parish is also a building and grounds requiring heat, electricity, cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. And, it is a vibrant team of two ministers and religious education, music, and administrative staff, working together with organized volunteers to sustain our very special church community. Parishioners lend support to our community in many ways -- we'll outline them here and provide contact points for newcomers to begin to participate.

Financial Support
Here we answer some common questions newcomers ask about money and provide a guide to generous giving.

Volunteering for Specific Tasks
Ushering, hosting the friendship hour, serving children's snack, helping with a blood drive -- First Parish members lend a hand to make services and other occasions go well. Here we'll outline possibilities and needs and try to let you know how to volunteer your services.

Contributing through Work with Committees and Groups
Groups form a working and playing core at First Parish, and they come in many flavors.

• Standing Committees are elected for a defined term at the congregation's annual meeting in May. Persons interested in joining a particular committee might attend meetings, speak with current members, and contact the nominating committee about being placed on the slate for the next election.
• Appointed Committees serve at the request of the Parish Committee. Some appointed committees continue over many years; others may be formed for a particular task and disband when the work is complete.
• Ongoing Groups gather and work along lines of particular interest, such as musical performance, book discussions or service, advocacy and education in and beyond our local community.

A special note from the Parish Committee: We highly value your special fundraising endeavors. Often they are sponsored by committees, ad hoc groups and individuals. To make certain our left hand does know what the right hand is doing (and planning) we are asking anyone planning a fundraising event for First Parish to complete an information/application form and send it to the Parish Committee. You'll find the form in the finance area of our members' login site