Dear First Parish Friends:
February was a busy month at First Parish and the rest of the Church Year promises more opportunities to engage and help shape our community for many seasons to come!
The Transition Team warmly thanks everyone who participated in the Common Ground sessions on February 22 and 26. We counted over 100 congregants, (not including Parish Committee or Transition Team members), who joined sessions designed to explore what connects and sustains us. Guided by Hilary Allen, our UUA regional representative, we recognized our breadth, remembered who first brought us here, reflected on when First Parish is at its best, and imagined what we hope for our future together.
What we value: being in community; programs for youth and children; justice work; powerful sermons and opportunities for spiritual exploration; music; bearing witness; pastoral care and mutual support; engagement in community actions. What we hope: to be a beacon in the community for how we live our faith–as a steward of the earth, as an employer, as a spiritual home, a nurturing and caring community. We created Common Ground to be connecting and affirming and as a valuable prelude to future sessions that will focus on exploring our core values and priorities.
Ministerial Search Committee: In partnership with the Parish Committee, we invite every member of the congregation to make recommendations for people to sit on the 7-member search committee. The extended deadline is March 2nd. For details see: https://www.firstparish.info/in-the-interim/search/
The Stewardship Campaign, Upholding What Matters, launching in March, will determine the budget that will support the life and aspirations of our community and will inform the ministerial and staffing structure.
Listening Circles: Please save the date, Sunday, March 22 from 11:45-1:30 for the first in a series of facilitated small group Listening Circles where emergent themes will be noted and collected to inform next steps in our transition process. More information about additional in-person and zoom sessions TBD. Registration is required.
We thank you for all of your engagement with us, in conversation, listening sessions, and written messages. The Transition Team and Parish Committee are listening to your perspectives, concerns and hopes, and cataloging them in order to scaffold the important work ahead. We are grateful for your continued involvement, engagement, and for your grace and understanding as we navigate this period of interim ministry together.
Warmly,
The Transition Team:
Marilyn Downs, Lois Fine, Julie Garry, Marc Jacobson, Lida Junghans, and Kay Snowden
