Our Meeting is organized around committees, which address the diverse needs and operations of our faith community. Rather than having a minister to oversee the organization’s business, we select a volunteer clerk of the Meeting. In addition, Friends appoint clerks to lead specific committees, each with its own area of focus. These committees meet regularly to carry out the Meeting's work and prepare for decisions to be made by the entire membership at the monthly Meeting for Business.
Officers, representatives, and committee members are nominated by a Nominating Committee and approved by the Meeting, typically serving 3-year terms, with a maximum of 2 terms, unless otherwise specified. Attenders who are interested in membership or deeper involvement are encouraged to participate in committee meetings. You can learn more about the roles of the committees below.
Committee Name | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
Budget & Finance Committee | The Budget & Finance Committee at Medford Friends Meeting thoughtfully manages and oversees the financial resources of our community. Grounded in Quaker values of simplicity and stewardship, the committee ensures responsible budgeting, transparent reporting, and mindful use of funds to support the Meeting’s spiritual and practical needs. |
Building & Memorial Committee | The Building & Memorial Committee cares for our Meetinghouse and the rooms under our stewardship, ensuring a welcoming and well-maintained space for worship and community activities. It also oversees the operation of the Meeting office. |
Burial & Memorial | The Burial & Memorial Committee manages Friends graveyards with compassion and care, and maintains our Meeting’s property and grounds. It coordinates burial arrangements in accordance with Quaker values and tradition, ensuring respectful stewardship of our shared spaces. |
Climate Change Group | The Climate Change Group works to promote sustainability and environmental justice as expressions of our Quaker testimonies. Through education, advocacy, and community action, the committee seeks to address the urgent challenges of climate change and inspire faithful stewardship of the Earth. |
Education & Scholarship Committee | The Education Committee offers thought-provoking talks and discussions on Quaker faith and practice, and oversees our First Day School program for children. It also manages scholarships and helps foster lifelong learning within the Meeting. |
Human Resources | The Human Resources Committee supports the Meeting’s staff by overseeing hiring processes, providing guidance on personnel matters, and ensuring fair employment practices. This committee fosters a respectful, positive workplace consistent with Quaker values. |
Library Committee | The Library Committee selects and circulates books of interest to Friends, nurturing spiritual growth and curiosity through reading. It helps maintain our Meeting’s collection and makes it accessible to all. |
Lunch & Social Committee | The Lunch & Social Committee helps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere by organizing refreshments, maintaining supply closets, and coordinating event schedules. |
Nominating Committee | The Nominating Committee discerns and recommends individuals to serve in leadership roles across the Meeting. It presents nominations for approval at Meeting for Business and maintains an updated list of committee assignments and terms. |
Ministry & Care Committee | The Ministry & Care Committee offers spiritual and pastoral support to all members of the Meeting, with special attention to those in need, newcomers, and young Friends. It oversees membership matters, marriages under the care of the Meeting, home visits, and memorials. It also shares responsibility for the quality of worship and the spiritual life of the Meeting. |
Outreach Committee | The Outreach Committee is dedicated to helping our Meeting grow by warmly welcoming visitors and attenders and guiding them in learning about Quaker faith and practice. Through personal connection, hospitality, and thoughtful communication, the committee encourages deeper involvement and supports the journey toward membership. It also handles marketing efforts, website, social media and plans community-facing events. |
Peace & Social Justice Committee | The Peace & Social Justice Committee guides the Meeting in living out our testimony of peace and our commitment to social justice. It organizes service opportunities, promotes awareness of racism and other social issues, and considers funding requests in collaboration with the Finance Committee. |