In a process lasting several years, the Board of Deacons and others in the church leadership wrestled with questions of what expectations go along with active participation in the church community, whether as a member of First Parish or as a friend.
As partners in the spiritual community of FPCoG, we expect of ourselves and each other that we…
Commit to a life of meaning and purpose. Help to define and shape the mission and values of our church community. Embrace and allow yourself to be shaped by them. Contribute to a social action cause or activity. Be a blessing to the world.
Come to the table. Attend Sunday services and other church events on a regular basis. Stay informed. Attend Circle Meetings. Engage in our democratic process — the health of our congregation depends on your active participation at Annual Meeting and other Special Meetings.
Help to keep things going. Volunteer to usher, greet, host coffee hour, serve as lay leader, light the chalice, teach, join a committee or work group, respond positively to requests for help. Honor your commitments.
Give generously. Consider an annual gift in the range of 1–3% of your income with the goal of growing in generosity over time. Volunteer goods or services to help us achieve our goals.
Discover, nurture and share your spiritual self. Cultivate your own spiritual practice. Reflect on your understanding of UU’ism and how it applies to your daily life. Explore and articulate your core values and beliefs. Support others on their spiritual journeys. Consider participating in a Spirit Life Group or other spiritual interest group.
Foster the spiritual lives and development of our children. Acquaint yourself with and support them, their programs and their activities. If you have children in RE, take their religious education seriously. Commit to consistent program attendance. Know and support the volunteers who engage with them. Reinforce their learning at home.
Honor differences. Everyone is welcome at our table. Honor and express your own differences. Honor and encourage expression of the differences of others. Handle conflict responsibly by speaking directly to the person you have an issue with or ask for help in getting concerns addressed. Bring your best self to church! Practice compassion, patience, tolerance, humility and forgiveness.
Help to care for the members of this community. We all need the care of each other. Acknowledge individual “concerns and celebrations” with a kind word or a card. Make your willingness to help by providing meals, transportation or other practical support known to the Caring Committee.
1 Powder House Road … P.O. Box 457 … Groton, MA 01450-0457 … 978-448-6307 … …
Most recently updated 2013-04-17