First Parish Teams
*PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION* DESCRIPTIONS MAY NOT BE COMPLETE OR ACCURATE YET!
The life of First Parish is enriched and sustained by many dedicated teams, each serving in unique ways to support our worship, fellowship, outreach, and care. These ministries reflect the diverse gifts of our members and the many ways God calls us to serve—whether through music, prayer, teaching, hospitality, leadership, or hands-on service. Together, these teams form the heart of our shared ministry, helping us grow in faith, strengthen our community, and share God’s love within and beyond our church walls.
We invite you to join in this important work! If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to a Team Leader or attend a team meeting. For contact information, you may also connect with the Church Office. Your time and gifts can make a lasting difference.
The Church Council
- Meets 6:30pm, The Fourth Wednesday of each Month.
The Church Council serves as the governing body of First Parish Congregational Church of Saco, providing overall leadership, direction, and vision for the life of the congregation. Council members prayerfully guide decision-making, coordinate the work of various teams, and help ensure that our mission, ministry, and resources remain faithful to God’s call.
Stewardship Team
The Stewardship Team encourages faithful giving of time, talent, and treasure within the congregation. Through education, campaigns, and year-round stewardship practices, the team helps members reflect on gratitude, generosity, and the many ways our gifts sustain the ministries of the church.
Facilities Team
- Meets 6:30pm, First Tuesday of Each Month (Usually Virtually via Microsoft Teams)
The Facilities Team cares for our church home, maintaining the building and grounds so that all who enter may find a safe, welcoming, and well-kept space for worship, learning, and fellowship. From repairs to improvements, the team ensures our facilities support the needs of the congregation and community.
Investments Team
The Investments Team oversees the church’s invested funds, working to manage them responsibly and faithfully. Their careful stewardship provides long-term stability and ensures that resources are available to support ministry now and in the future.
Counters
The Counters Team meets weekly to count, record, and deposit offerings. This behind-the-scenes ministry ensures accuracy, transparency, and accountability in the handling of gifts given in support of the church’s work.
Personnel Team
- Meets 6:30pm, The Fourth Tuesday of each month
The Personnel Team supports the staff of First Parish by overseeing employment practices, reviewing policies, and providing guidance to ensure a healthy, respectful, and supportive working environment. They act as a resource both for staff and for the congregation.
Called to Care Team
The Called to Care Team offers compassion and support to members of the congregation in times of need. Through visits, cards, meals, and prayer, the team extends the love of Christ, reminding our church family that no one walks alone.
History & Library Team
The History & Library Team preserves and shares the rich history of First Parish Congregational Church. They maintain archives, care for historical documents and artifacts, and keep resources available in the church library to nurture learning, reflection, and connection to our heritage.
Prayer Team
The Prayer Team is dedicated to holding our congregation, community, and world in prayer. Through intentional prayer practices, they uplift joys and concerns, support individuals in times of need, and strengthen the spiritual foundation of our church’s life together.
Christian Education Team
Meets at 9am, the First Sunday of each month before the 10am Worship from October-May
The Christian Education Team nurtures faith formation for all ages. From Church School and Vacation Bible School to adult learning opportunities, special programs, and our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the team helps the congregation learn, grow, and live out the teachings of Jesus.
Hospitality Team
The Hospitality Team extends a warm welcome to all who gather at First Parish. They coordinate coffee hour, special receptions, and other gatherings, ensuring that food, fellowship, and hospitality reflect the love and openness of Christ.
Mission & Outreach Team
- Meets 6:30pm, the 2nd Wednesday of each month (Except July and August)
The Mission & Outreach Team leads the church in serving our wider community and world. They support local, national, and global mission partners, organize service projects, and encourage the congregation to put faith into action.
Includes:
Fun Seekers Team
- Meets 6:30pm, the Third Wednesday of Every Other Month. (Sept. Nov. Jan. March. May) and others as needed.
The Fun Seekers Team is a subset of the Mission & Outreach Team responsible for planning social outings and fellowship events that strengthen bonds within the church family and create opportunities for joy and connection.
Nominating & Volunteer Coordination Team
The Nominating & Volunteer Coordination Team invites members to discover their gifts and find meaningful ways to serve. They help match volunteers with the church’s many ministries, ensuring that each team is supported by people called to their work.
Program Development Team
The Program Development Team explores and supports new initiatives in the life of the church. Their work ensures that First Parish remains creative, adaptive, and open to the Spirit’s leading in ministry.
Meal Ministry Team
The Meal Ministry Team provides food and comfort in times of need, whether for individuals recovering from illness, families in crisis, or church events. Their acts of service offer nourishment for both body and spirit.
Johnson Atkinson Spiritual Growth Fund (J&A)
The Johnson–Atkinson Fund, a gift from Bill and Mary Johnson, supports new ventures that inspire spiritual growth and bring fresh energy to the life of First Parish. Open to applications from members, staff, and groups, the fund provides resources for programs such as training, music enrichment, youth engagement, fellowship, and other initiatives that help us grow in faith and radiate God’s love in an ever-changing world.
Women’s Fellowship
The Women’s Fellowship is a vibrant group that brings women together for service, fellowship, and faith. They host the annual Gingerbread Fair, coordinate receptions, and support the church through weekly gatherings filled with laughter, prayer, and care.
Top of the Hill Gang (TOHG)
The Top of the Hill Gang is a group of retired men who gather weekly for fellowship, donuts, and hands-on service projects around the church. Their camaraderie and commitment provide vital support while building lasting friendships.
Diaconate
Meets 11:30am, Fourth Sunday of each month following the 10am Worship
The Diaconate serves as spiritual leaders within the congregation, supporting the pastor, assisting in worship, and caring for the spiritual well-being of the church family. Deacons help nurture the faith life of First Parish with prayer, presence, and guidance.
Flower & Altar Team
The Flower & Altar Team prepares the sanctuary for worship, caring for the altar and arranging flowers that honor God’s beauty and bring joy to the congregation. Their work adds color, reverence, and warmth to our sacred space.
Media Team
The Media Team manages the church’s livestreaming, audio/visual systems, social media, and website. By blending technology and ministry, they help ensure that worship and church life are accessible, engaging, and shared with both our congregation and the wider community.
Music & Arts Team
Meets 11:30am, First Sunday of the Month (Following the 10am Worship)
The Music and Arts Team meets monthly to support and strengthen the creative life of our church. They help guide music and arts programming, maintain the ministry budget, and encourage our Music Director. The team also works to bring enriching events and opportunities to our church family and the wider community.
Parish Pastoral Relations Team
The Parish Pastoral Relations Team serves as a bridge between the pastor and the congregation. Offering counsel, feedback, and support, they help foster healthy communication, mutual understanding, and a strong, faithful partnership in ministry.