Church Council Highlights: April 2026

The Church Council met on April 8, and the conversation was full of both gratitude and forward‑looking energy. From a joyful Easter season to plans for worship, service, and staffing, it was a meeting that reflected the vitality of our church community.

A Joy‑Filled Holy Week and Easter

Holy Week was a true highlight. Easter Sunday brought our strongest attendance in several years, and we welcomed three new members – a wonderful reminder of how meaningful this season is for our congregation.

Council members also shared appreciation for the beautiful Tenebrae service on Maundy Thursday, thoughtfully organized by Judy. The service offered a powerful and prayerful space for reflection, and many named it as a moving part of the week.

Community and fellowship were also on full display at the soup supper organized by Barb D and Pam, which brought people together for good food and good conversation before Tenebrae. These moments of gathering continue to be an important part of how we live out our faith together.

Throughout Lent and concluding during Holy Week, a small but committed group took part in a book study on The Moral Teachings of Jesus. While the opening chapters felt somewhat academic, participants found the later discussions especially rich and engaging. The group’s experience sparked interest in offering future book studies, possibly with in‑person or hybrid options to make participation easier for more people.

Looking Ahead to Worship Planning

As we head toward late spring and summer, the Council discussed upcoming worship services and some of the behind‑the‑scenes challenges of securing a visiting worship leader for the last Sunday in April. Possibilities like a hymn sing, youth‑ and Earth‑focused worship, and other alternatives are being explored.

There will also be more conversation by the Worship team soon about summer worship format and possible changes for the fall to ensure our Worship services remain vibrant and engaging.

Serving Our Neighbors Together

Outreach remains a strong and active part of church life. The Lenten Drive collected many donated items, which will be blessed during worship and then delivered to Generic Ministries to support their work with homeless individuals. A sandwich making activity in May will also support Generic Ministries.

Another hands‑on service opportunity is coming together for our middle school youth, who will help build and deliver bureaus for the New Life Furniture Bank, giving them an uplifting experience and offering practical help to families in need.

The Council also discussed a proposed congregation‑wide color analysis event, offered generously by a longtime member as a gift to the church. Council members expressed enthusiasm for the idea and gratitude for this event to be held in the coming months, which will be a non-sales evening of fun and community. More details will come once a date is confirmed.

Supporting Youth and Families

A significant portion of the meeting focused on refining the job description for a new Director of Youth Faith Formation position. The role is envisioned as a quarter‑time (10 hours per week) position focused on Sunday morning programming for elementary‑age children and special seasonal activities for a wider age range. Middle school students will be welcome as Sunday helpers and participants in special activities.

Council members emphasized how important it is for this person to have some in‑person presence each week, both for accountability and for building strong relationships with staff, parents, and kids – while still keeping flexibility in mind for prospective candidates. The job description is being finalized and will be posted soon.

Caring for Our Finances and Our Building

The Council reviewed financial updates, including unpredictable but unavoidable snow‑removal costs from this past winter. Planning is underway for several summer building projects, such as bell restoration, window work, and interior painting and repairs, and new carpeting, as well as refinancing the church mortgage later this year. Work on the parsonage is being targeted for 2027 during the pastor’s sabbatical.

There was also honest discussion about the future need for help with financial administration. While no immediate hire is planned, the Council is exploring options and learning from other congregations.

Preparing for the Annual Meeting

Planning has begun for Annual Meeting Part 2, scheduled for June 7. Council leaders and pillar teams are preparing reports – covering worship, music, programs, and more – to be shared with the congregation. This is a time for all of us to prayerfully consider how we engage in the life of our congregation – volunteers are always welcome! Stay tuned for more details.

The group also revisited one of our special purpose funds that has not been tapped in many years and discussed researching whether it may be possible to broaden how the fund can be used in the future to better support church programming.

Closing with Gratitude

As always, the meeting ended in prayer—giving thanks for the many ways our church shows up in worship, service, and community, and asking for guidance and care as First Parish continues its ministry together.