Committees
Here is a list of the committees at Old Ship. You may get in touch with the contact person(s), if there is one, by e-mailing them by clicking on their e-mail address, since it is an e-mail link. If you are having problems with the e-mail links, click here for an explanation and solution.
Adult Programs:
These programs serve our community by encouraging spiritual growth as well as the free and responsible search for truth and meaning in harmony with the UU principles.
Contact person: Ken Read-Brown oldshipkrb@comcast.net
Building:
This committee works on necessary maintenance projects in both the Meeting House and the Parish House.
Contact people:
Tom Willson TDWillson@verizon.net
Archives:
This group maintains the Parish's archives.
Contact people:
Elizabeth Morse papercons@comcast.net
Mike Dwyer mikedwyer@mindspring.com
Candlelight Concert:
These concerts, made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor, are held several times a year in the Meeting House.
Contact person: Chris Sullivan sullicj1@verizon.net
Children's Religious Education:
The Old Ship religious education program creates a meaningful community for children that values individuals and awakens their sense of wonder, reverence and self-awareness through fellowship, worship, education, and service.
Contact person: Janet Asnes asnes@comcast.net
Coffeehouse off the Square:
Every month, a variety of folk singers perform in the Parish House, entertaining the audience with a wide variety of styles and songs.
Contact person: Jim Watson jwatson@ocpcrpa.org
Denominational Affairs:
The primary purpose of this committee is to keep the congregation informed about Unitarian Universalist Association's issues and to promote congregational engagement in UU actions and concerns beyond the four wall of the congregration.
Finance:
This committee oversees the financial operations of Old Ship Church. Annually, usually in late winter or early spring, a pledge campaign is established to raise operating funds for the next fiscal year. The Treasurer, as chair of the Finance committee, heads this effort.
Contact person: Mike Dwyer mikedwyer@mindspring.com
Friends of the Old Ship Meeting House:
This independent trust raises money for the preservation and maintenance of the Meeting House. The trust's contributions significantly reduce the burden on the parish of maintaining our magnificent old structure.
Contact person: Jane Malme j.jhmalme@verizon.net
Green Sanctuary:
This committee supports the seventh UUA Principle by promoting "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part" through activities that focus on the theological, spiritual and ethical aspects of humankind that affect the sustainability of the living earth.
Contact person: Carol Valentine cvbostonma@aol.com
Labyrinth:
The labyrinth at Old Ship Church holds a unique place in metropolitan Boston with its terrazzo floor and thirteen circuit spiral design. Walking meditations are held throughout the year on the second Tuesday of each month.
Contact person: Mary Thomas thomas9ph@aol.com
Members and Friends:
This committee's tasks range from graciously greeting visitors to Old Ship, to welcoming and integrating new members into our congregation. Members staff the Members and Friends table at coffee hour in the Fellowship Hall.
Contact person: Laura Caterer CatererL@gmail.com
or Sharon Prehn prehn@verizon.net
Memorial Garden:
The Old Ship Memorial Garden serves as the repository for ashes and as a place to memorialize family members buried elsewhere. Internment in the garden is available only to Church Members and Friends and to their families.
Contact person: Mary Jean Schultz mjs91@verizon.net
Nominating Committee:
This committee, composed of five members appointed by the Parish annually at the May Annual Meeting, is responsible for preparing a slate of candidates for positions and officers for several groups including the Board of Trustees.
Contact person: Jeff Lee JCL48@cornell.edu
Parish House Use:
Members of this committee care for our wonderful Parish House by cleaning out space, making the best use of equipment, and arranging for rentals.
Contact person: Beth Brashier bethbrashier@mac.com
Pastoral Care Team:
This group works with the minister to coordinate pastoral care and outreach to members of our community who are in need, particularly older parishioners who may be ill or house bound. It coordinates with individuals and other groups to ensure good communications.
Contact person: Ken Read-Brown oldshipkrb@comcast.net
Social Outreach:
This committee continues to work to fulfill its charter to act for social and ecological justice as expressed in Old Ship's third purpose.
Contact person: Susannah Thomas zanthomas@gmail.com
Sunday Flowers:
This group coordinates the flowers placed in the Meeting House for Sunday services. On most Sundays of the church year, a floral arrangement is placed on the table at the base of the pulpit.
Contact person: Sharon Prehn prehn@verizon.net
Worship and Music:
This committee explores with the minister the meaning of worship and the role of lay persons in presenting and planning worship. The group also works with the Music Director as she devises the music program for regular Sunday services as well as special services.
Contact person: Pat Bianco bianco@pitt.edu
Youth:
A high school youth group has been established with its members taking part in both social action projects as well as just having enjoyable times together.
Contact person: Maureen Butler Maureen.butler@thementornetwork.com
