In The Interim!

Marilyn Downs and her family first came to First Parish in 1990. Over the years she has taught Religious Education, sung in the choir, co-chaired the Social Justice Committee, served on the Racial Justice Committee, co-led a series on “Unpacking Whiteness,” coordinated Covenant Groups, and is currently part of the First Parish Art Team. She works as a psychotherapist and is also an artist. Marilyn has deep gratitude for what this vibrant community has to offer and is committed to helping shepherd us to the next chapter.

Kay began coming to First Parish in 1993 with her family. She has chaired the Stewardship, Finance, and Human Resources Committees, as well as serving on the Parish Committee, Trustees, and Committee on Ministry. She is an active Women’s Alliance board member and helped create its giving program. She was honored to accompany the youth group on their service trips to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and Tuba City, AZ. Now retired, her career focused on supporting social justice nonprofits. Kay treasures the First Parish community and looks forward to helping it thrive during this time of transition!

Marc has attended First Parish since 2011 and has been a member since 2014. He has served on the Committee on Ministry for the past three years, co-led Rev. Erica’s search committee, and was part of Stevie’s search and transition committees. Marc and his wife Sharon have two sons (now 12 and 15) who have grown up in the RE program, and he is especially committed to intergenerational programs. He also has a long association with the UU Urban Ministry and currently serves as a delegate to the organization. Marc works in the tech industry and he is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Transition Committee and support our cherished community in this important time.

Julie has been a member of FP for about 13 years. She has been on the RE Committee and is a member of Lay Ministry, active in Lectio Divina and participates in a variety in other FP activities. An avid camper, gardener and craft person Julie is happy to call Arlington and this community “home”.

Lida has been coming to First Parish since 2001 when she was seeking a framework for her then four year old daughter to explore the BIG questions. She soon noticed that what was happening in the sanctuary nourished her in ways she hadn’t realized she needed sustenance in. She has been an RE teacher, CoA & YG mentor, Lay Minister, chair of Leadership Development and Committee on Ministry, and participant in many ad hoc projects. She has thrived at First Parish where she has developed deep connections and awareness of her spiritual compass. Trained as a cultural anthropologist/ethnographer, she works professionally with organizations going through leadership transitions and is excited to support Rev. Jonipher in his/their ministry with us.

Lois Fine is a long time member of first Parish who has served on the Parish Committee, as founding co-chair of the social justice and the racial justice committees, and as a member of two second minister search committees.   She now serves on the Membership Committee and as an usher.  She is spiritually nourished by Lectio Divina and the first Buddhist Sangha.

Lois is extraordinarily grateful for our community and for the opportunity to help the congregation reflect on our institutional culture and structures, as well as learn about other models of congregational organization.    She is committed to listening carefully  to diverse voices and approaches.