Committees and Task Forces

One of the most rewarding ways to serve First Church is to join one of its many committees.    This is definitely one of the best ways to meet new people and discover for yourself what makes First Church so special.

Church Committee - One of the two governing bodies of the church (the other being the Board of Trustees).  Charged with overseeing the spiritual life and setting the policy of the church, the Church Committee's membership includes the Senior Deacon, The Diaconate, The Senior Pastor, the chairs of the Outreach and Music Committees, the President of the Women's Ministries and the Chairman of Religious Education.  Other members of the congregation and the staff may also attend ex officio.  The committee meets monthly (currently the first Monday evening of the month) from September through June. The members (except for the Senior Pastor) are nominated on a rotating basis by the Nominating Committee.

The Board of Trustees - This committee is charged with overseeing the church's finances and physical plant.  It meets monthly (currently the third Wednesday evening of the month), except in July and August.  Membership includes the Trustees, the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary and the Senior Pastor.  Members are nominated on a rotating basis for three year terms.

Nominating Committee - This committee is responsible for nominating the incoming class of the Diaconate and the Board, to be voted into office at the Annual Meeting of the church held in January.  They in turn elect their own chairs at their initial meetings.  The chair of the Diaconate, called the Senior Deacon, is the Chairman of the Church Committee.  In addition, this committee nominates the Church Clerk, the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary and the chairs and members of the Christian Outreach, Stewardship, Membership, Music, Outdoor Ministries, Worship, Parish Life, Memorial Gifts and Chancel Committees.  In addition it nominates delegates to the Pilgrim Tower Board and other church representatives as they are needed.  Most terms are for three years on a rotating basis.  The committee meets once or twice in the Spring and about 5 or 6 times in the Fall, usually on a Sunday after church.

Christian Outreach Committee - The Benevolence Steward acts as the Chairman to the Christian Outreach Committee.   This committee evaluates and determines recipients of the benevolence gifts of the Church.  The budget is set by the congregation when they approve the annual budget.   In addition the committee plans and conducts a Special Appeal during Lent to support an annual international mission.  The committee meets monthly except in July and August.

Stewardship Committee - The Stewardship Committee plans and coordinates the annual Stewardship Drive.  Its members work with the Budget Committee of the Board in determining the financial needs of the church, and they make every effort to gain the full support of the congregation.   The committee meets once in the Spring and three or four times during the Fall.

Church School Task Force - This task force is made up of parents of Church School students, the Church School Coordinator, and a member of the clergy.  The members report to the Chairman of Religious Education.  The task force acts as a liaison between the Church School and the parents, and it plans many of the programs and events during the year.  Meetings are monthly during the school year.

Confirmation Task Force - This task force helps in the planning and coordination of the confirmation year.   It is made up of parents and volunteer, and is particularly instrumental in the success of the two retreats the class takes.  It meets on an "as needed" basis.

Chancel Committee - This committee is responsible for the beautification of the Meetinghouse throughout the year.  Committee members meet periodically with the members of the staff, the Music Committee and the Memorial Gifts Committee to plan for the various seasons, events and projects during the year.

Membership Committee - The Membership Committee helps the clergy to conduct the new member classes and to ease new members into the First Church community.  They act as co-teachers and hosts for the classes.  Currently there are three sessions in the Fall and three in the Spring.

Memorial Gifts Committee - meets every four to six weeks to review, prioritize and approve the projects to receive memorial gift funds.

Music Committee - This committee works with the Director of Music to present the various musical events in First Church.  In the past these have included Music Sunday, Sunday Afternoons Live, the Messiah, Noye's Fludde and Oktoberfest.  The committee acts as the "behind the scenes" crew, and willing hands and a love of music, not necessarily talent, are needed for the members of the committee.

Parish Life Committee - The Parish Life Committee plans and coordinate the various congregational events that occur during the year, such as the Homecoming Picnic, the Harvest Dinner, the Progressive Dinner and any other "excuses" to gather.  The committee meets to plan the year, then each member co-chairs one event.

Outdoor Ministries Committee - The major function of this committee is to plan the annual inter-generational All-Church Retreat held in mid-October.  From time to time it also plans a Spring event/retreat.  The committee meets early in the year to brainstorm the coming events and then meets prior to the events to coordinate the various details and activities.

Many thanks to Judy Goodchild for compiling the material for this page.

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