The Parish Committee, First Parish’s governing board, would like to acknowledge the questions and concerns we are hearing about Rev. Erica’s contract, which will end on June 30, 2027. While previous communications on this matter have been shared, we acknowledge that reaching everyone is not easy. We hope this message provides additional clarity.
This is a period of transition and high emotion for our community — many are feeling grief and apprehension. These responses are natural, and we ask for your grace and patience as we go through this transition together. Many congregations have navigated this process before us, and we are tapping their hard-won wisdom by following UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) best practices.
First Parish follows the UUA guidance of putting the Ministry first, over individual ministers.
- Rev. Erica’s Parish Minister contract has always been tied to the settled Ministry of First Parish. When she was hired in 2020 — in close collaboration with Marta and the Second Minister Search Committee — her contract was tied to Marta’s ministry. If Marta left, Rev. Erica was to submit a letter of resignation for the Parish Committee’s consideration.
- When Marta retired in June 2025, the Parish Committee voted to offer Rev. Erica a new short-term contract through the Interim Ministry period, ending June 30, 2027. During the summer of 2027, Rev. Jonipher will depart and our new settled Lead Minister is expected to start.
- Our new Lead Minister should be involved with, and have significant input regarding, the hiring of any additional ministers.
This interim period allows the congregation to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. The Transition Team is currently guiding the congregation through exercises to define and prioritize our needs. The Settled Minister Search Committee will also help lead this work, which will:
- Identify our strengths, constraints, and possibilities.
- Inform which staffing model best fits First Parish at this time.
- Help shape our budget decisions.
Much remains unknown. Many staffing models may be considered — Assistant Minister, Co-Ministers, Membership Coordinator, etc. — and administration demands need to be weighed. It is also difficult to predict our finances: healthcare costs are rising, the local economy is under stress, we need to replace the meetinghouse boiler, and we strive to competitively compensate our staff.
Finally, we want to give our new Lead Minister the space and flexibility to build their own fresh vision of the Ministry at First Parish — one aligned with the priorities and needs we identify during this period of discernment.
Earlier this year, Rev. Erica shared that she will not apply for the Lead Minister position. We know that the prospect of losing Rev. Erica is painful. She has been a true gift to this congregation — a steadfast leader for Social Justice, a compassionate pastoral presence in our community, and a source of grace and humor in everyday life. Both Rev. Erica and First Parish are in a period of discernment and reflection. This process is all happening in real time. Rev. Erica will soon go on sabbatical, where she will have the opportunity to explore the next chapter of her own Ministry.
We encourage every congregant to actively engage in setting the direction of our future:
- Attend listening circles and other events to provide input.
- Reflect on what matters most to you.
- Provide feedback on options as they are presented.
Please also read our FAQ on this topic that provides additional context and information.
The Parish Committee is available to listen. Congregants may share their feedback through this online form or by emailing the Parish Committee at Parcom-members@firstparish.info. Parish Committee representatives will also be available to meet in-person on March 29 and April 12 in the Grady Room during coffee hour.
Just as our congregation weathered change 17 years ago, we are confident we will emerge from this interim period stronger — with a new settled ministry aligned with our shared priorities and needs.
In Faith,
The Parish Committee
John Anderson, Carolyn Hodges (Treasurer), Marie Meteer (Chair), Susan Moore, Joanna Pushee (Clerk), Amy Speare, Al Tosti, Kate Tranquada (Vice Chair)
