Follen’s new Parish Board met for the first time on September 14, 2026. The board received reports from Rev. Claire and the finance and facilities teams, and discussed how to best implement the new governance structure. Rev. Claire summarized her understanding of “who does what” among the Parish Board, the staff and volunteers, and the new Ministry Leadership Team (MLT):

• The board’s primary focus centers on high-level governance, policy, and holding the institution accountable to its core goals and values.
• Operations and day-to-day management remain the responsibility of staff and volunteers. The board agreed that feedback about staff from parishioners and volunteers should run through the MLT or to Claire directly, and must be named rather than anonymous to be actionable.
• The MLT works with Rev. Claire to connect, communicate, and coordinate volunteer action teams across 4 ministry areas: Spiritual Care & Practice, Community Engagement, Faith Development, and Social Justice. The MLT will use this initial year to “learn by doing” as its role evolves.

Rev. Claire’s report also noted that with recent changes in some work areas (for example, a sixfold rise in rental contracts since 2021, and the new approach to RE), staff structures and work descriptions will require updating and review in the coming year to meet Follen’s evolving needs.

The Parish Board also received preliminary information about current finances and facilities needs, with reports to be completed by October. Finance Chair Trapper M. was happy to report that the “Lump Sum Summer” effort to get parishioners to fulfill full-year pledges during the summer months brought in $200,000, making planning and financial management much healthier for 2026–2027.

—Gordon H., Clerk