Resources for Leaders
The First Parish Handbook was significantly revised in the summer of 2009 and then updated in 2010. The handbook includes official committee descriptions, communication procedures, building procedures, budget procedures, leadership resources and official bylaws among other resources. The handbook should be updated annually. Committees are encouraged to review their committee descriptions annually; if no longer accurate, revisions should be submitted to Standing Committee.
A searchable pdf of the handbook will shortly be attached to this webpage. Some information in the handbook may be dated. Please see the “Documents, Policies and Procedures” page on the website for any recently passed policies. If you have suggestions for additions or improvements to the handbook, please contact Carol Rabs, Congregational Administrator.
Hard copies of the handbook are available in the Hall Library in the leaders section of the library. The leaders section is located next to the chapel. In addition to copies of the handbook, a selection of books and manuals are available that can be borrowed by leaders.
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) provides resources and consultation to local UU congregations. Resources are available at www.uua.org/leaders
• Interconnections is a e-newsletter and resource library for leaders. Don’t re-invent the wheel. Learn from other churches’ experiences. You can sign up to have the e-newsletter sent to you. There is an extensive search function to find articles on many topics. Sign up at www.uua.org/publications/Interconnections
• A variety of resource manuals are available including the Effective Congregational Committees manual which lists resources for typical church committees.
• Email listservs are available so you can share ideas with UUs around the country who are working on similar issues.
The Massachusetts Bay District (MBD) s our regional chapter of the UUA. The Mass Bay District offers learning and leadership development programs for leaders. They also have a lending library. Clara Barton District and Mass. Bay District are jointly served by a single staff. For more information, go to www.cbd-mbd-uua.org
Questions? Concerns? Talk with Standing Committee members, experienced leaders, Ministers or Staff.
Congregational Map - a diagram of the congregational and staff relationship structure
FAQ's about getting involved at First Parish
How to publicize your activities at First Parish
The differences between a Program Group and a Task Force
Check and Cash Management Policy for fundraisers and events.
The following are forms you need to use whenever you are collecting funds at First Parish. Each form is for a different purpose. We request that you do not accept large cash donations from anyone as they are difficult to track and require a receipt from the office for tax purposes.
When you are collecting funds from participants to cover the cost of an event or activity please use Form A
When your fundraiser is for an outside organization please use Form B
When you are collecting funds to purchase a specific item please use Form C
When you are collecting admission or donations at an event please use Form D
3 Church Street, Harvard Square - Cambridge, MA 02138
617-876-7772
webmaster@firstparishcambridge.org
Chalice Image top left:
Created by T. A. Ingram, UUFM, Mobile, AL