OPPORTUNITIES FOR VOLUNTEER MINISTRY @ THE FIRST PARISH IN PORTLAND

Key to Qualifications (from mild to “super spicy hot”)
no previous experience necessary/on-the-job orientation and training only (the “Buddy System.”)
* At least one initial training session, plus on-the-job mentoring.
** Multiple orientation/training sessions, plus on-going supervision & mentoring.
*** Significant initial training and on-going mentoring, plus regular consultation with the Minister.
**** Appointed by the Minister and confirmed by the Governing Board.
***** Elected by the members of the Congregation.

Sunday Mornings
Greeter(s)
Usher(s)
Verger*
Flowers & Chancel Decoration
Coffee Hour Host(s)
“Buttonmeister” (helps make permanent name tags)
“Gold Cup” Greeter(s)*
“Conversations with the Minister” coordinator

Religious Education Lead Teacher**
Religious Education Assistant*
Religious Education Substitute*
Religious Education Greeter

Worship Leader*
Chalice Lighter (traditionally a child)
Children’s Storyteller*
Choir Member**

Small Group Ministry Program
Covenant Group Convener
Affinity Group Convener
Covenant Group Facilitator**
Affinity Group Facilitator**
Life Long Learning Instructor**

“Para-Ministry”
“Care-Ring” Volunteer
“Care-Ring” Coordinator**
Faith in Action Volunteer
Faith in Action Coordinator**
Pastoral Care Associate***
Lay Chaplain****

Committee/Council Membership

(The Committee/Council system is at the heart of our congregation’s historical tradition of self-governance or “Congregational Polity.” Each Council is represented by a member of the Governing Board responsible for that particular area, and typically meets once a month to share information, make decisions, solve problems, and plan future activities. The specific Committees (as well as any ad hoc sub-committees, task-forces, or ministry teams) generally meet as needed in order to complete their respective tasks, and communicate more routinely by telephone or e-mail. In some instances the Council and the Committees are essentially the same entity, while in others the Committees effectively operate independently of their Council, and report back only as needed.)

Building Systems Council:
Building & Grounds Committee
Memorial Garden Trustees

[Communications Council:]
Public Relations
Website/Electronic Communications
Newsletter
Membership Directory
Denominational Affairs

Faith in Action Council:
(specific Committees/Coordinators vary by project)

Finance Council:
Finance Committee
Stewardship Team
Planned Giving Team
Special Fun(d)rasing Events

Lifelong Learning Council:
Library Committee
Children & Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
Adult Religious Growth & Learning (ARGL)

Membership Council:
Sunday Hospitality
Outreach & Newcomer Orientation
Social Activities
Caring Committee (the “Care-Ring”)

Worship Council:
Music Committee
Worship Committee

Governing Board/Leadership Team

Governing Board*****(Council Chairs plus Officers and three At-Large members)

Executive Committee*****(President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Clerk, one At-Large member. Minister & DRE, ex officio)

Nominating Committee/Path to Leadership Team***

Personnel Committee***

Committee on Ministry****