Board & Leadership

At First Parish, many people share in the good work of our congregation! We honor the skills of our lay leaders, who make important contributions in shaping our congregational life. As part of our faith tradition, we use the democratic process to elect our leaders from among us.

Governing Board

Our Board typically consists of two co-Chairs and five Members-at-large, along with the Treasurer and Minister as ex-officio participants. Board members are elected to three-year terms by vote of the congregation. The 2023-2024 First Parish Governing Board is Karen Rutherford-Chair, Kelly Brotzman- Vice Chair; Bob Kostka, Beth McAdams and Tom Augello.

Parish Officers

Officers serve special functions within the congregation and are elected each spring at the Annual Meeting to a one-year term.

Moderator – oversees congregational meetings. The 2023-2024 Moderator is Dennis Randall.
Clerk – certifies membership rolls and keeps congregational meeting minutes. The 2023-2024 Clerk is Paula Fisher.
Treasurer – oversees parish finances. The 2023-2024 Treasurer is Bob deLaar.
Collector – maintains records of pledge contributions and other donations. The 2023-2024 Collector is Kathy Kay.
Archivist – preserves the history of the parish. The 2023-2024 Archivist is Tom Vendetti.

Committees

Much of the work of our congregation is done by committees. Some committee members are elected by the parish, some are appointed by the Governing Board, and some simply volunteer, depending on the committee.

Buildings & Grounds (volunteer) – works with our Administrator and Sexton to maintain our church campus and manage rentals

Caring Team (volunteer) – works with our Minister to provide care and support to First Parish members and friends

Committee on Ministries (appointed by Governing Board) – works with our Minister to monitor the health of all our congregation’s ministries

Fellowship (volunteer) – welcomes newcomers and supports connections between members

Finance (elected) – works with our Treasurer to oversee our finances

Leadership Development (elected) – identifies candidates for elected positions and encourages members to offer their spiritual gifts and service

Music (volunteer) – works with our Music Director to offer meaningful musical events (https://www.kingstonuu.org/our-music)

Personnel (elected) – works with our Minister to support staff and honor our commitments as a good employer

Public Relations (volunteer) – promotes First Parish offerings in the broader community

Religious Enrichment (volunteer) – works with our Director of Religious Enrichment to support the RE program (https://www.kingstonuu.org/religious-enrichment)

Social Justice (volunteer) – works with our Minister to engage the congregation in justice projects (https://www.kingstonuu.org/social-justice)

Stewardship (volunteer) – works with our Minister to create the annual pledge drive and foster a culture of generosity

Worship (volunteer) – works with our Minister to create services for “holding up what is of worth,” on Sundays and other occasions