Governance & Leadership

At the heart of historic Congregationalism is the belief that the best, most faithful decisions are worked out in groups where each person has a voice. This belief shapes First Church’s approach to decision making. Like all churches with Congregational roots, First Church is governed by its members in trusting partnership with its pastors—guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Members prayerfully call ministers to serve, discern directions for ministry, draw up and approve budgets, and organize ourselves for ministry and mission in the world.

All this calls for the participation of gifted and generous lay leaders, and opportunities abound for helping shape and lead our life in community. We believe that everyone in our community, new and familiar, has something important to offer, and we aim to help everyone who wishes to take part find just the right place for their strengths and gifts. Each Fall the Nominating Committee works to help people identify their gifts and areas of interest, and to help them find ways to get involved at First Church.

First Church is led by the following Officers, Boards and Committees:

Church Leadership
Officers ( Moderator, Vice Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, Associate Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Controller and Member at Large)
Executive Council (comprised of Officers and Chairs of Boards and Committees) 

Worship & Spiritual Life
Board of Deacons 

Christian Formation
Christian Formation for Children & Youth Committee
Christian Formation for Adults Committee

Missions & Social Justice
Missions & Social Justice Committee 
First Church Shelter Committee

Hospitality & Outreach
Fellowship Committee 
Revisioning Feeding Group
Arts & Communications Committee 

Stewardship of our Resources
Stewardship Committee
Investments Committee 
Building & Grounds Committee
Gifts Discernment/Nominating Committee
Staff Relations Committee

Our First Church Bylaws and a list of our current Officers and Committees are available below.