Shared Lay Ministry
The late Rev. Dr. Gordon McKeeman, a significant 20th century Universalist clergyperson, once wrote that “Ministry is all that we do – Together.” Rev. Dr. James Luther Adams, our most famous and influential 20th century Unitarian theologian, has written that our faith tradition believes in “covenant,” “radical laicism” and the “prophethood of all believers.” All of these quotes mean that the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition is a particularly strong one for supporting the power of all lay people to share in the leadership and ministry of our faith.
Within First Parish, this shared lay ministry currently encompasses not only the elected positions described on our governance page, it also reflects how we organize all the activities and labor of the congregation and care for our building throughout each year. Currently, there are five primary ministries, under which a wide variety of activities happen inside the congregation and out in the broader community or world.
These ministries are usually led or co-led by a member of our parish committee and with other First Parish members or friends serving on these ministries, though the worship ministry is under the shared leadership of the clergy and music director with support from lay people:
Worship Ministry
Vision Ministry
Congregational Life Ministry
Stewardship Ministry
Buildings and Grounds Projects Ministry
Stay Connected
Subscribing to our newsletter is one way to find out more about the different ministries of First Parish, including those open to the larger Neponset River community. Joining activities or coming to Sunday services is the best way to find out about current opportunities to be directly involved in the different ministries of the congregation. We welcome new friends and new energy!