It’s worth pausing to consider the many accomplishments of the First Parish of Watertown in the past year.
With our dynamic minister Rev. Sophia Lyons in her second year of ministry, we have successfully combined remote and in-person attendance on Sundays, implemented innovations such as Vespers services, and begun reinvigorating our Religious Education programs.
A particularly proud achievement is our continued success managing the financial disruptions caused by three years of pandemic. This is due to the generosity of members and friends during the Annual Appeal, which takes place in March. At this time, we pledge financial support to our church. A pledge is a promise to pay an amount you choose over the coming church year, which starts on April 1st. In each of the past two years, our pledges compensated for reduced rental income and now represent more than 50% of the church’s income.
The month of March is when we reflect on the role First Parish of Watertown plays in our lives, and pledge funds to support the new church year which starts in April. The theme for this year’s Annual Appeal is “Circle ‘Round: Receiving and Giving in Community”. This reflects the circular nature of our congregation, in which we simultaneously benefit and contribute. As in the past, we are organizing several fun gatherings to socialize before we think about pledging. Please join us!
Using the schedule below, please sign up for a convenient gathering using this reservation form.
- Saturday, March 4th 12noon provided lunch, with supervised kid activity (in-person)
- Saturday, March 11th 6pm Pot Luck dinner (in-person)
- Tuesday, March 14th 8pm Zoom gathering
- Wednesday, March 15th 7pm Zoom gathering
Going forward, the Giving Committee will be sharing information on church finances, via Sunday chalice lightings and a lay service. All this to help us discern how, with our pledges, we can grow the Circle of Receiving and Giving.
Sincerely,
First Parish Watertown Giving Committee
Bob Shay, Chair
Michael Collins
John Portz