First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
Volunteering for Jobs that Need Doing at First Parish
Generosity: an essential aspect of the life of this church
Generosity: an essential aspect of the life of this church.
Day to day and week to week, First Parish depends on the work we all do contributing to the smooth running of church services, other gatherings and action initiatives.
We'll try to have a current and growing list here, both to spark your interest and to give you sufficient information to volunteer when you are ready. When written instructions for specific jobs are available, we'll link to a copy from here. Keep in mind that commitments are not for long stretches -- you can try many things and find your own particular favorite way of making yourself useful and becoming more acquainted with people in the church in the bargain.
N.b., all email contacts provided here should be sent to our "firstparish.info" domain, e.g. "whatever@firstparish.info."
Sunday Morning Tasks
Ushers -- two or more needed each week
Ushers arrive early and assemble any extra materials into the orders of
service as they fold them. They greet people as they arrive and hand out
programs. Ushers also pass the offering boxes.
Greeters
Greeters. Consider volunteering as a greeter for Sunday services to help
newcomers feel welcome during our worship service and as they join us
during Fellowship Hour.
Friends of Membership
Interested in talking to newcomers on Sunday, helping with various all
church events sponsored by the Membership Committee but cannot make the
commitment to committee work? Become a Friend of Membership. Contact Janet
Abbott or Michelle Deakin or email membership .
Flowers for the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings
Our flowers are provided by parishioners, often with a special dedication
which is printed in the order of service. Mary Youngwill be coordinating
flowers this year. Check with her for a Sunday you'd like to make a gift
of flowers or email flowers .
Bell Ringers and Chalice Lighters
These special parts of our service are often, but not always, done by children in our congregation. Check for sign-up forms on the RE bulletin board.
Hosting Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour hosts prepare or purchase the snack foods that go along with
our coffee and tea. They arrive a bit early to put out coffee cups and
generally arrange the table. Coffee and tea are made by our Sunday assistant,
Mayuen Agara. During coffee hour, the host, or requested helpers, stand
at the table pouring beverages, restocking as needed and welcoming all
comers. Jean Nagle coordinates coffee hour hosts and will provided detailed
instructions and support. Email coffeehour .
Hosting Children's Snack
The basics are here, purchased by the coordinator and stored at church. Volunteers sign up for specific Sundays and are welcome to supplement the basic offerings. The job includes setting up the table a bit in advance and being host, pouring drinks and socializing during coffee hour and clearing up afterwards. Check for sign-up forms on the RE bulletin board.
Other Major Volunteer Opportunities
Harvest Moon Fair, the Saturday before Thanksgiving
This annual major fundraiser for our church operating budget is an all out effort and great fun. Think early about what you can contribute for sale -- crafted items, giftables to pass on, good flea market wares, books, computers, and home prepared food -- baked goods, preserves, frozen casseroles. Then plan to give some time working at the fair -- set up, selling in the market area or working in the cafe, cleanup. Get working on your crafted donations and be ready to sign up after church toward the end of October.
Stocking Pantries -- two ongoing projects
- Arlington Food Pantry -- Non-perishable items are donated on a regular basis to the Arlington Food Pantry -- buy extra cans or packages when you see a good sale and bring them to church. Ask if you don't find where to leave them and you will get some ready help in stashing your goods.
- Lay Ministry Freezer -- Frozen soups and casseroles in the "Lay Ministry Freezer" and used to provide good quick meals for First Parish community members going through a rough time, when a home-made food offering will ease stress and provide a the recipient a reminder that we are thinking of them.
- Prepare a meal -- Do you have ability to lend a hand from time to time? Many in our church community are great cooks and on occasion provide a delicious meal to support others through the gift of good food. If you would like to be called upon now and then (once or twice a year) to provide a meal, please contact Lida Junghans to be included in our network.
Property Work
Our property committee makes frequent calls for help -- clean up days
on the grounds, fall and spring, and snow clearance as needed. Keep an
ear out or let the committee know you're open to a call as needed. Email
property .
Providing Rides to Services and other Church Events
Would you be available on a regular or occasional basis to give a ride
to church to someone unable to drive. If so, email layministry and they'll
be in touch when need arises.
Every Member Stewardship Drive
While pledges of financial contributions are welcomed year round, each
year in mid-spring we make an effort to contact all community members
to talk about the church and financial support. Each canvasser is requested
to contact just four people -- do the math and you'll see that this will
involve a great many people as canvassers. If you'd enjoy being part of
this effort, let the stewardship committee know, or be ready to volunteer
when appeals go out in early March. Word has it that the conversations
are rewarding both ways. Email
stewardship .
Music Making
Your musical offerings can take many forms at First Parish: singing in
the choir, playing in an instrumental ensemble, adding to the entertainment
for a special occasion, playing for a church school class. Let music director,
Laura Prichard, know what you might enjoy doing, or talk with RE director,
Tina Schultz, email
your information to musiclists to be placed on notification
lists for music-making opportunities or visit
the music lists fill-in form on this site.
Help with a Church Service
Let the Celebrations and Services Committee know if you'd enjoy participating
in a church service -- providing a reading, sharing a credo, creating a
summer service.
Offering a Church School or Adult Class
Our church school has three terms and recruits a new group of teachers for each term. Teaching is often done by pairs of teachers and good support and carefully created curricula support the teaching. Talk with RE chair, Mary Wiesnewski, or RE Director, Tina Schultz, if you'd like to learn more, and be alert for announcements about teacher recruitment for the upcoming term.
Ad Hoc Database Group
Raise your hand and join our team if you have a background in File Maker Pro version 7. Be part of the team of volunteers to help with design changes, enhancements, and upgrades. The church database has been designed in File Maker Pro v. 7. Contact Kiki Giatis.
First Parish Forum Coordinating Committee
Join a growing group of people who will work together to establish the topics for the Forums, develop and implement the
mostly monthly Forum programs, and communicate the initiatives and ideas that are generated. Contact Cindy Kiburz.
Help with Blood Drives Hosted at First Parish
Led by John Hodges, many First Parishioners lend a hand to help with the
Social Justice sponsored Red Cross Blood drives held in our Sanctuary
and Vestry six times yearly. You can get a flavor for the kinds
of tasks and times involved by visiting the signup area.
Linking to Others via Email List
Arlington UU Connection: Our
membership committee sponsors a moderated email list created to provide
a forum for making connections among First Parish members and friends.
The list was founded several years back by First Parish member, Oakes
Plimpton, as a result of a discussion at a Ferry Beach retreat. Communications
are moderated by Oakes Plimpton and David Landskov.
Email arlingtonuuconnection with questions and/or a request to be subscribed to the list. Click here for the list website, which offers the option of joining.
Town Day Offerings, a Saturday early in September
First Parish is fully involved in Arlington's Town Day with the Pie Palace, the Man-Made Chili and the table of materials about the church. Volunteers are needed to cook, to set up and clean up and to work at the tables during the day. Be ready to sign up for what you'll enjoy contributing on the first Sunday of the church year.
630 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476 | 781-648-3799 | Contact Us