Officers & Committees

Responsible for the overall management of the church, Parish Committee members are elected at the Annual Meeting and serve three-year terms. To bring concerns to the committee, contact the Parish Committee chair.

Gina Halsted, chair (parishcommittee@fplincoln.org)
Chris Andrysiak
Sarah Cannon Holden
Lloyd Dahmen
Edwin Elineema
David Elmes
Peter Hussey
Tom Mielke
Jane O’Rourke

The Deacons serve the spiritual interests of the church. They work with lay leaders in preparing services, welcoming new members, and overseeing the Lenten booklet. Deacons are elected at the Annual Meeting and serve three-year terms.

Barbara O’Neil, chair (deacons@fplincoln.org)
Sarah Andrysiak
Larry Buell
Dave Elliott
Rob Graves
Steve Johnson
Rosaline Salifu
Christine Size
Caroline Smart
Ben Wells

John Krzywicki, Treasurer (treasurer@fplincoln.org)
Lucy Sachs, Assistant Treasurer
Jeani Hardcastle, Clerk
Gus Browne, Moderator

AV Committee
Chair: Mike Killick, avcommittee@fplincoln.org

Care Committee
Chair: Kim Buell, fplcares@fplincoln.org
Provides care to any parish member seeking comfort, strength, or connection during times of illness, major life transitions, or not being able to get to church. This can include cooking meals, singing with the By Your Side Singers, sending cards, or visiting those in need.

Facilities Committee
Chair: Thornton Ring
The church buildings and grounds are managed and maintained under the direction of the Facilities Committee, appointed by the Parish Committee.

Family Connections Committee
Chairs: Abigail Adams, Elizabeth Kelly
Plans events for children and families like our Movie Nights, Caroling, and much more!

Finance Committee
Chair: Chris Andrysiak

Flower Committee
Chair: Nancy Henderson, flowercommittee@fplincoln.org
Flowers in the sanctuary are often given by parishioners in memory of loved ones or to commemorate special events. This is facilitated by the Flower Committee.

Generous Giving Committee
Chair: Sarah Andrysiak, generousgiving@fplincoln.org
Generous Giving Committee is responsible for designing the plans and executing the processes needed to ensure that financial support from the congregation is available to provide for the operation and mission of First Parish.

Hospitality Committee
Chair: Jane O’Rourke, hospitality@fplincoln.org
Provides light refreshments for the “Coffee Hour” after church each Sunday. A two person Team commits to one Sunday each month (September-June). “Extras” are frequently needed to provide extra cookies or help with holidays!

May Market
Chair: Tucker Smith, maymarket@fplincoln.org
A “trash and treasure” sale takes place in the spring of every other year and is run by a number of volunteers. Donated items are collected throughout the year and stored until the day of the sale.

Music Committee
Chairs: Joan Mansfield and Vicki Mielke, music@fplincoln.org
The Music Committee works with the choir director to help create and direct musical programs, and is responsible for the choir and musical instruments.

Nominating Committee
Chair: Linn Parrish Elmes, nominatingcommittee@fplincoln.org
Composed of six elected members, the committee nominates candidates for the Parish Committee, Board of Deacons, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Moderator, and Clerk.

Outreach Committee
Chair: Ralph Smith, outreachcommittee@fplincoln.org
The Outreach Committee exists to research, donate to and partner with outside organizations that serve the needy and promote social and environmental justice, to administer the annual Jean Wood Preston Endowment grants, to sponsor congregation-wide activities and events to promote peace and justice, and to oversee the formation and sustainability of Faith in Action groups within the church.

Personnel Committee
Chairs: Chris Hamilton and Tom Risser, personnel@fplincoln.org
Assists the Parish Committee and Minister with employee related matters, maintains and fulfills the personnel policies, is appointed by the Parish Committee.

Racial Justice Advocates
Chairs: Barbara Slayter and Joan Kimball, antiracism@fplincoln.org
Facilitates conversations and actions that promote racial justice in our congregation and our wider communities.

Religious Exploration Committee
Chair: Katy Walker, youthprograms@fplincoln.org
This committee works with the Director of Religious Education to oversee the RE program and recruit volunteers. It also assists in the planning of events for children and families such as the Advent Workshop, Christmas Pageant, Celebration Sunday, and more!

Welcoming Committee
Chairs: Tucker Smith and Mary Stechschulte, welcoming@fplincoln.org
Reaches out to new members, helps them integrate into the community and provides social events. Join to help meet and greet new First Parish members!