We are a self-governing and self-supporting congregation. Unitarian Universalism practices a form of church governance called “congregationalism” or “congregational polity.” Each local congregation within Unitarian Universalism in the U.S. is independent, self-funded, and governed by its own members. We don’t have a hierarchy of bishops (episcopal polity) or an assembly of congregational representatives that exercise authority over individual congregations (presbyterian polity). We are a member congregation of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), which equips congregations for health and vitality, supports and trains lay and professional leaders, and advances Unitarian Universalist values in the world.​

This congregation is governed by an elected Governing Board, by meetings of the whole congregation, and church bylaws. The Minister is the spiritual and administrative leader and is hired / called by a vote of the congregation; other staff are hired by the Minister. The Board establishes other committees of the church. We also have a Trust that maintains our church endowment.

Once they officially join the church, members of the church can participate in church governance discussions and voting. After a year of membership, a person may serve as an elected officer (Board Member, Treasurer, Clerk, etc.).

The Governing Board

The Governing Board (formerly known as the Standing Committee) is a group of 7 elected church members whose role is to act as the governing body of the church. Members serve a 3 year term with a maximum of 2 terms. The committee also includes the Clerk and the Treasurer as ex officio voting members, and the Minister, a non-voting member.

The Board meets monthly from September through June to discuss church matters and bring proposals, such as the annual budget, before the Congregation for a vote. 

The Governing Board members are active members of the church who have the general care, superintendency, and the control of all temporal affairs of the Church. In addition, each Governing Board member acts as a liaison to one or more of the other church committees. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, please contact any of us.

The First Church Trust

The Church building and certain Church endowment funds are held in a Trust designed to ensure the long-term survival of this Church community in Jamaica Plain.  The Trustees of the Trust are all long-term members of the Church.  The Trust makes a yearly contribution to the Church’s operating budget which is consistent with recommended practices for charitable endowments. 

​One of the Trust’s principal responsibilities is the stewardship of the Church’s endowment fund.  The Trust formulates an investment policy for that fund that accounts for both financial and social responsibilities.  In 2014 the Trust voted to divest the endowment of fossil fuel based assets, and immediately sold off all individual stock holdings in fossil fuel companies.

The Trustees can be reached through the church office at office@firstchurchjp.org.

Committees

The Board empowers Committees to lead specific aspects of congregational life and administration. It is responsible for creating and maintaining operating committees to fulfill the primary functions of the Church, and approves other committees and task groups as needed. All committees, task forces, and other individual initiatives report to the Board. The Minister is an ex officio member, without vote, of all committees, task forces, and teams. She confers, as needed, with each committee on how best to work together to serve the Mission of the Congregation; her attendance at committee meetings is welcome but not routinely expected.

Welcoming Committee

The Welcoming Committee strives to make the church a hospitable environment for all who enter. They are particularly focused on greeting and engaging folks who are ‘church shopping’ or are new to the church. The entire congregation is encouraged to join in creating an actively welcoming community. 

Children’s Religious Education

The Children’s Religious Education Committee is charged with overseeing the various Children’s Religious Education functions at First Church. These include childcare for children during our weekly worship service, workshops on social/emotional learning, and “parents’ night out” events with childcare every other month.

Music Committee

The Music Committee provides support and feedback to the Music Director, and helps organize special musical events.

Social Justice

Social Justice is a critical part of First Church including educational events, initiating/supporting outreach programs, and serving as social justice advocates. Our efforts include work on issues involving hunger, homelessness, civil rights and economic justice.

Building Committee

The Building and Grounds Committee is responsible for the maintenance and repair of both the Church’s building and its systems as well as our grounds, including the cemetery.

Caring Committee

Coordinates support for members and friends in times of personal need or crisis, including the provision of meals, transportation, shopping, friendly visits and hugs.

Committee on Shared Ministry

This Committee asks: how are we doing as a congregation? We act as a discussion/brainstorming/sounding board for the Minister, and look systematically at areas of the church’s work to see how they are going. This Committee does not currently solicit or mediate feedback on the minister’s work: that function is held by the Board.

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee provides guidance and recommendations to the Governing Board on staff issues such as salary increases, job descriptions, and annual evaluations. The Committee also provides guidance to Church staff on issues related to working at First Church. We are involved in hiring new staff, including interviewing, and making recommendations Minister for new hires.  We are available as a resource to support First Church in its effort to follow workplace laws and guidelines to ensure that First Church is a good employer of quality staff.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee reviews the financial affairs of the Church; recommends policies, practices, and procedures that will protect the financial well-being of the Church; recommends an Annual Budget to the Governing Board; and communicates periodically with the Congregation regarding the Church’s financial situation. They can be contacted at finance@firstchurchjp.org.