Ministries:
Education
VBS
Fellowship
Music
Outreach
Youth
Stewardship
Life
Passages
Special
Care
Community
Church Council
Members
Meeting
Minutes
Job
Descriptions
Retreat 2007
Retreat
2006
© 1999-2006 Messiah Lutheran Church
Messiah
Lutheran Church
7740 Hwy 72 West
Madison, AL 35758
(256) 721-0041
7740 Hwy 72 West
Madison, AL 35758
(256) 721-0041
GOD’S MINISTRY IN OUR CHURCH
The following standing committees/groups exist to support the mission of Messiah Lutheran Church. Click on one of the ministries below to go directly to that section.
- Worship and Music
- Outreach
- Fellowship
- Christian Education
- Youth
- Property
- Finance
- Stewardship
- Administration
- Elected and Appointed Positions
Worship is the most important and central part of our community of faith. Those who support and volunteer in worship are blessed to share the very presence of God with others.
WORSHIP and MUSIC COMMITTEE MEMBER
Members of this committee work together with the Pastor and Director of
Music to give suggestions and feedback on all matters pertaining to
worship and music within our church. Time Involved: Meetings once a month, or as scheduled
Contact: Pete Woods
LAY MINISTER
Assisting Ministers help lead worship by sharing in the liturgy and leading prayers.Training: Provided
Time Involved: As scheduled
Contact: Pete Woods
COMMUNION ASSISTANT
Communion Assistants distribute the wine during Communion.
Training: Provided
Time Involved: As scheduled for Sunday services, holy days, festivals, and midweek services.
Contact: Gretchen Perry
LECTOR/LAY READER
The Lector reads two scripture lessons during the worship service.
Time Involved: As scheduled
Contact: Gretchen Perry
LECTOR AND COMMUNION ASSISTANT COORDINATOR
The lector and communion assistant coordinator is responsible for scheduling the lectors and communion assistants for Sunday services, holy days, festivals, and midweek services.
Contact: Pete Woods
ACOLYTE
Acolytes (4th grade and up) light the appropriate candles in worship, present the offering plates, and assist at communion.
Training: Provided, required
Time Involved: As scheduled for Sunday services, holy days, festivals, and midweek services.
Contact: Barbara Azzam
USHER
These worship leaders are called on to hand out bulletins; usher people to their seats, as necessary; count and record worship attendance; direct communion; collect the offering; control lighting and heat/air conditioning; replace hymnals; and straighten the sanctuary following services. Ushers ensure that the sanctuary is prepared for worship.
Time Involved: As scheduled for Sunday services, holy days, festivals, and midweek services. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before worship.
Training: Provided
Contact: Pete Woods
USHER COORDINATOR
The usher coordinator is responsible for scheduling the ushers for Sunday services, holy days, festivals, and midweek services.
Contact: Pete Woods
GREETER
These leaders enhance worship as they greet people upon arrival, encourage visitors to sign our guest book, assist ushers as needed, and record attendance in the back of the guest book.
Time Involved: As scheduled for Sunday services, holy days, festivals, and midweek services.
Training: Provided
Contact: Celynn Ballard
GREETER COORDINATOR
The greeter coordinator is responsible for scheduling the greeters for Sunday services, holy days, festivals, and midweek services.
Contact: Pete Woods
ALTAR GUILD MEMBER
Altar Guild members are entrusted with the following duties: prepare the altar and worship space for Sunday services; lay out the correct colors of paraments; prepare the bread and wine; put the flowers in place; and clean up after the service.
Time Involved: Scheduled as needed for all worship services
Training: Provided
Contact: Janet Smith
NURSERY VOLUNTEER
Nursery Volunteers serve by assisting the Nursery Attendant during Sunday School and worship services.
Time Involved: 1 to 2 hours; frequency depends upon the number of volunteers
Training: On-the-job, as well as your own experiences with children
Contact: Pete Woods
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Volunteers serve by conducting the children’s sermon during worship services.
Time Involved: As scheduled
Contact: Pete Woods
ADULT CHOIR MEMBER
The Choir helps lead worship in song and praise. You do not have to have a professionally trained voice or be able to read music to participate.
Time Involved: One hour rehearsals on Wednesday night and sing during Sunday morning service.
Training: Available during rehearsals
Contact: Randall Fields
ADULT HANDBELL CHOIR MEMBER
New ringers are welcome. Ability to read music is not necessary.
Time Involved: One hour rehearsals on Wednesday night and ring during Sunday morning services, as scheduled.
Training: Available during rehearsals
Contact: Rhonda Gaede
YOUTH/ADULT HANDBELL CHOIR MEMBER
Ability to read music is not necessary.
Time Involved: One hour rehearsal on Sunday night, ring occasionally in Sunday worship.
Training: Available during rehearsals
Contact: Rhonda Gaede
CHERUB CHOIR
Assist or participate, singing and ringing children’s handbells. Grades K-1.
Time Involved: Thirty-minute rehearsal on Wednesday night. Sing or ring occasionally during worship services
Training: Available during rehearsals
Contact: Erica Sweet or Lois Graff
SERAPH CHOIR
Assist or participate, singing and ringing children’s handbells. Grades 2-4.
Time Involved: Thirty-minute rehearsal on Wednesday night. Sing or ring occasionally during worship services
Training: Available during rehearsals
Contact: Claire Strand, Bonnie Flowers, or Lois Graff
JUNIOR CHOIR
Assist or participate, singing and ringing children’s handbells. Grades 5-6.
Time Involved: Thirty-minute rehearsal on Wednesday night. Sing or ring occasionally during worship services
Training: Available during rehearsals
Contact: Bob Gustafson or Lois Graff
YOUTH ENSEMBLE
Assist or participate in the youth choir. Grades 7-12.
Time Involved: Thirty-minute rehearsal on Wednesday night, play occasionally during worship services
Training: Available during rehearsals
Contact: Randall Fields or Lois Graff
INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE
Assist or participate. Grades 7-12.
Time Involved: One-hour rehearsal bi-weekly on Sunday afternoon, play occasionally during worship services.
Training: Available during rehearsals
Contact: Lois Graff
INSTRUMENTALIST
Instrumentalists (brass, woodwind, percussion, strings, keyboard) are needed occasionally to provide enhancement to traditional and contemporary worship services. Piano and/or organ substitutes are needed, too. Please indicate the instrument you play.
Time Involved: Varies per occasion
Contact: Lois Graff
VOCALIST
Vocalist s are needed occasionally to provide enhancement to worship services.
Time Involved: Varies per occasion
Contact: Lois Graff
MUSIC CAMP
Teachers and assistants are needed to lead music, drama, crafts, games, and possibly other activities for all age level groups each day. Shepherds for each age level are also needed.
Time Involved: 3 to 8 hours per day during Music Camp, plus planning time and training
Training: Provided
Contact: Lois Graff
Outreach
OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEMBER
Committee members work to support our evangelism mission statement.
Time Involved: Meetings once a month
Contact: Claire Strand
PUBLICITY COORDINATOR
Renew and update advertisements.
Time Involved: Varies
Training: Yes
Contact: Claire Strand or Patrice Marotta
FOOD PANTRY
Monitor basket in Narthex and cabinet in kitchen.
Time Involved: 1-2 hours/month
Training: Yes
Contact: Linda Boehme
SS KIDS (annually)
Collect and assemble school supplies.
Time Involved: A few hours in the summer.
Contact: Patrice Marotta
MADISON STREET FESTIVAL
Many volunteers needed to coordinate, bake, and man booth.
Time Involved: Several hours
Contact: Maureen King or Patrice Marotta
CANATHON
Volunteers needed to accept donations and staff the truck-loading.
Time Involved: 2-hour shifts
Contact: Bob Smith and Terry de la Paz
BREAKING FREE RESCUE MISSION
Collect and deliver gifts and turkeys.
Time Involved: Minimal
Contact: Patrice Marotta
ON EAGLE’S WINGS MISSION
Serve as a missionary to the Northwest Territories or help with fundraising events.
Training: Provided
Contact: Lois Graff
MISSIONARY TEAM
Participate on trips to assist those in need, such as recent trips to Christus Victor.
Training: Provided
Contact: Anita de Jong
BLANKET MAKERS
Many volunteers needed for cutting, piecing, and sewing homemade quilts. This group meets on Tuesday mornings.
Time Involved: Flexible
Training: Provided
Contact: Annette Joens
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
Many volunteers needed to assemble layettes, health kits and school kits. These along with the homemade quilts from the blanket ministry are delivered to Tennessee after a special sending service.
Time Involved: Varies
Training: Provided
Contact: Anita de Jong
CONFIRMATION/GRADUATION GIFTS
Assemble packets and prepare gifts for these special occasions.
Time Involved: As needed in May
Contact: Maureen King
SPECIAL MEALS
Cook or provide meals for those in need.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Nancy Grant
PRAYER CHAIN
Become a link in the chain, praying for those in need.
Contact: Claire Strand
TRANSPORTATION
Provide transportation for those in need.
Time Involved: Varies
Contact: Claire Strand
FUNERAL RECEPTIONS
Many volunteers needed to arrange and supply food. Coordinator wanted.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Claire Strand
BIRTHDAY CARDS
Write and send cards to members with birthdays each month.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Sarah Walker
NEW MEMBER SPONSOR PROGRAM
Befriend newcomers and navigate them through the workings of the church.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Claire Strand or Maureen King
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Become part of the team which greets and welcomes newcomers.
Time Involved: Weekly, before and after worship service
Training: Provided
Contact: Claire Strand or Maureen King
PHOTOGRAPHY
Take pictures of new members and help assemble a pictorial directory and also a CD.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Linda Boehme or Chuck Blevins
MATERIALS/LITERATURE
Devotion Booklets, Directory, Newsletter, Welcome Brochures- Assemble and update available literature.
Time Involved: Flexible
Contact: Claire Strand or Maureen King
VISITOR WELCOME CARDS
Check hymnals regularly and replace visitor cards.
Time Involved: Flexible
Contact: Claire Strand or Maureen King
Fellowship
FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBER
This Committee plans, schedules, and conducts events which help members develop broader friendships within the congregation and a greater appreciation of each other. Through special meals, outings, picnics, and good Christian fun, the Fellowship Committee will strive for wholesome congregational unity.
Time Involved: Meetings once a month
Contact: Linda Zutter
WOMENS CIRCLE
Lead a Bible study focusing on Women’s issues.
Time Involved: Meetings once a month
Contact: Linda Zutter
ADULT SOCIAL GROUP
Coordinate outings centered on prayer and fellowship.
Time Involved: Meetings once a month
Contact: Linda Zutter
MOTHER/DAUGHTER OUTING
Become part of a team to plan events for this special relationship.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Linda Zutter
FATHER/SON OUTING
Become part of a team to plan events for this special relationship.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Linda Zutter
OWLS- Older Wiser Lutherans
Take turns coordinating a monthly activity.
Time Involved: Meetings once a month
Contact: Linda Zutter
SUNDAY COFFEE HOST
Setup refreshments and enjoy conversation, during summer months.
Time Involved: Once a week
Contact: Linda Zutter
NEW MEMBER RECEPTION
Each quarter after we receive new members, a reception is held in their honor. Volunteer to greet or serve our newcomers.
Time Involved: Once a quarter
Contact: Linda Zutter
YARD SALE
Organize donations for the sale.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Linda Zutter
WEDNESDAY NIGHT CAFÉ
Each Wednesday night at 5:15, fellowship provides a hot meal at an affordable cost. Many hands are needed with meal pickup, setup, and cleanup.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Linda Zutter
PARTY COORDINATOR
Volunteer to help with an annual fellowship event such as the Halloween Party/Chili Cook-off or the Church Picnic.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Linda Zutter
POTLUCKS
Choose a date and spread the word.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Linda Zutter
LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS
During the 6 weeks of Lent, provide food or help with kitchen support.
Time Involved: As needed
Contact: Linda Zutter
Education
EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEMBER
The Education Committee coordinates learning and faith-building opportunities for all members of the congregation, children through adult. Our ministry includes Christian education classes, confirmation instruction, first communion instruction, and Vacation Bible School.
Time Involved: Monthly meetings plus work on projects
Contact: Kay Spence
SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT (elected position, 1 year term)
The Superintendent provides leadership and support to Sunday School teachers and their classes, recruits teachers, and coordinates the Sunday School program.
Time Involved: 10-15 hours per month including Monthly Christian Education meetings, planning, recruiting, and Sunday mornings
Training: Provided
Contact: Kay Spence
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER
These servants of God’s Word are given the opportunity to teach Biblical lessons from appropriate curriculum and materials provided for Sunday School classes. Teachers work in teams. Opportunities for teaching include Parents & Tots, pre-school, Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd & 4th grades, 5th & 6th grades, 7th & 8th grades, high school, and adult. Anyone who wishes to organize or lead an adult Bible study group will be supported and facilitated by the Pastor. Instructors may lead a Bible class on Sunday morning or any other time that may be convenient for those wishing to participate.
Time Involved: Preparation time, plus one hour teaching time on Sunday mornings (September through May).
Training: Provided
Contact: Kay Spence
SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSISTANT
open to any High School age youth wanting to help in a classroom and learn to teach Sunday School. These youth will work with and assist the teacher in the class. Opportunities for assisting include Parents & Tots, pre-school, Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd & 4th grades, and 5th & 6th grades.
Time Involved: Preparation time, plus one hour teaching time on Sunday mornings (September through May).
Training: Provided
Contact: Kay Spence
SUBSTITUTE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER
These teachers substitute for other Sunday School teachers during emergencies or on an as-needed basis. Substitutes are needed for all classes.
Time Involved: As needed and available. Teaching time 1 hour, plus preparation time
Training: Provided
Contact: Kay Spence
SUNDAY SCHOOL PARTICIPANT
Anyone who yearns to learn more from God’s Word and what it means to be a disciple of Christ is invited to participate in our Sunday School program. Classes are available children 2 years of age through high school and adults.
Time Involved: Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. September through May
Contact: Kay Spence
CONFIRMATION PARTICIPANT
Confirmation instruction normally begins in the 8th grade. This first year of instruction focuses on the teachings of the Bible. The second year of instruction, with the Pastor, focuses on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism and understanding how our Lutheran Faith follows God’s teachings. Upon the successful completion of both years, the student is confirmed into adult membership in the Lutheran church.
Time Involved: Wednesday evenings from 4:15-5:15 with additional time for at home study and memorization. September through May
Contact: Kay Spence
FIRST COMMUNION INSTRUCTION
Parents who wish their 10 year old or older child to receive the Lord’s Supper are invited to register the child for this class, taught by the Pastor. Upon completion of this program the student is invited to receive Holy Communion at the Lord’s table.
Time Involved: Three 1 hour meetings in late January- early February
Contact: Kay Spence or the Church Office
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL COORDINATOR/DIRECTOR
This person plans the VBS program, which includes helping to choose a curriculum, advertising, scheduling activities, and recruiting teachers and volunteers.
Time Involved: Planning begins approximately 3 months before VBS
Training: Provided
Contact: Kay Spence
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TEACHER
Teachers are needed to lead crafts, games, and possibly other activities for all age level groups each day. Shepherds (group guides) for each age level are also needed.
Time Involved: 2½ to 3 hours per day during VBS Week, plus planning time and training
Training: Provided
Contact: Kay Spence
CHURCH LIBRARIAN
This person oversees the library inventory, organizing, adding new resources, restocking, and promoting library resources and usage. The inventory is computerized.
Time Involved: flexible
Contact: Kay Spence
CRADLE ROLL COORDINATOR
This person identifies and corresponds with the youngest members of our congregation and their families. Through regular mailings from birth through 3 years of age, the children and their parents are supported and encouraged in their Christian development.
Time Involved: flexible (done at home)
Contact: Kay Spence
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry offers weekly programming for senior youth, junior youth, and Tweens. These gatherings include worship, outreach, learning, and fellowship opportunities to help develop a faith in Jesus Christ.
SENIOR YOUTH GROUP LEADER
This person provides leadership for weekly (Sunday night) meetings and missions or outings quarterly. The group decides activities as a whole. The youth are very active in the Synod (SESLYO and ALASSIPPI) and usually attend the gatherings every year. Youth Sunday (the youth provide ushers, greeters, and lectors for late service) is the first Sunday of each month. Messiah Mugs, a weekly fundraising effort, provides coffee for Sunday morning fellowship. The leader is responsible for providing guidance, organization, supervision, and keeping the financial records. Good communication with the parents and the church is an important aspect of this job. A background check is required.
Time Involved: 1-2 hours per week plus outings
Contact: Kay Spence
JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP LEADER
This person provides leadership for bi-weekly (usually Sunday after church) meetings and possibly a quarterly mission or outing. The group decides activities as a whole. The leader is responsible for providing guidance, organization, supervision, and keeping the financial records. Good communication with the parents and the church is an important aspect of this job. A background check is required.
Time Involved: 1-2 hours per week plus outings
Contact: Kay Spence
TWEENS GROUP LEADER
Plan activities geared for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. A background check is required.
Time Involved: 1-3 hours per month
Contact: Kay Spence
DRIVER (with Van or Large Automobile)
Drivers help transport youth to and from events happening periodically away from the church.
Time Involved: Typically these events would be for a couple of hours or possibly a full day.
Contact: Kay Spence
CHAPERONE
Chaperones provide adult leadership, discipline, and general safety guidance on Youth Group trips. Weekend retreats and trips will be offered several times a school year for middle school and high school groups.
Contact: Kay Spence
Property
PROPERTY COMMITTEE MEMBER
The Property Committee gives constant attention to and plans for the maintenance of the building and grounds in order to provide an appealing and functional environment for worship, learning, service, and ministry to congregation members and community groups.
Time Involved: Monthly meetings, plus work on projects
Training: On-the-job
Contact: Phil Pedersen
BUILDING MAINTENANCE VOLUNTEER
Periodically our church is in need of handy men and women who can donate a bit of time to keep the church in top condition. These valued volunteers help to curb maintenance and repair costs. Opportunities include painting, carpentry, plumbing, sound system maintenance, lighting maintenance, air-conditioning maintenance, washing windows, floor maintenance, etc.
Time Involved: As needed
Training: On-the-job, but expertise is valuable
Contact: Phil Pedersen
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE VOLUNTEER
Opportunities to help maintain our church grounds and provide attractive landscaping include mowing, edging, weeding, pruning, planting, raking and clean-up.
Time Involved: As desired. The group often works Saturday AM
Training: As needed
Contact: Phil Pedersen
Finance
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBER
Members of the Finance Committee are responsible for the finances of the congregation. Tasks include developing the church budget, financial recording and reporting, investment planning, and auditing of records.
Time Involved: Monthly meetings
Contact: David Beier
OFFERING COUNTER
These financial servants, in groups of two or three, count the offerings and sort them into various categories. They prepare the tellers’ report and deposit the offerings at the bank.
Time Involved: Approximately 1 hour after Sunday 11:00 worship. Frequency depends on number of volunteers.
Training: Provided, required
Contact: David Beier
Stewardship
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEMBER
We are all Stewards of God’s Work. “Stewardship” is the careful management, by time, talent, and treasure, of all which is entrusted to our care! Although stewardship is a year-round process, the Committee is primarily responsible for the annual financial pledge drive and spiritual gifts drive.
Time Involved: Monthly meetings
Contact: Brad Tidwell
Administration
CLERICAL/OFFICE VOLUNTEER
The church office is the “business hub” of the congregation. There is occasional need for volunteers to cover the office or help with special projects.
Time Involved: As scheduled
Training: Provided
Contact: Linda Boehme
“MESSIAH MESSENGER” Volunteer
help prepare the monthly newsletter for mailing.
Time Involved: Approximately 3 hours per month
Contact: Linda Boehme
COMPUTER HARDWARE/SOFTWARE
Assist with maintaining the computers and software programs used at Messiah.
Contact: Linda Boehme or Tim Spence
WEBMASTER
Maintain the Messiah Lutheran Church website.
Contact: Linda Boehme or Kay Spence
Elected and Appointed
CONGREGATION COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE (Elected)
These elected members oversee the ministry and business of the congregation. Typically, four members of the Council are elected each year at our Annual Meeting. Terms of office run from June through May.
Time Involved: Serve two year terms; monthly Council meetings, plus committee meetings as scheduled
VICE-PRESIDENT (Elected)
Convene and preside at voting meetings of the congregation and Congregation Council. Other duties as defined in the Messiah’s constitution.
Time Involved: Serves for one year; monthly Council meetings, plus committee meetings as scheduled
TREASURER (Elected)
Record congregational general fund receipts and disbursements in accordance with proper accounting procedures. Provide monthly reports of receipts and disbursements to the Congregational Council. Provide annual report on receipts and disbursements to the congregation. Manage payments of operating expenses and payment on debt.
Time Involved: Serves for one year; monthly Council meetings, plus committee meetings as scheduled
SECRETARY (Elected)
Attend monthly Congregation Council meetings, maintain an attendance roll, and record minutes. Record minutes of Congregation Meetings and record and maintain ballot results of elections. Other duties as defined in Messiah’s constitution.
Time Involved: Serves for one year; monthly Council meetings, plus committee meetings as scheduled
SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT (Elected)
see description above. One year term.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBER (Elected)
Prepare a slate of candidates for the annual elections at the Congregation Meeting in May.
Time Involved: One year term
AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBER (Appointed)
Audit Committee members are appointed by the Council once a year to prepare an audit of the church’s financial records and to make recommendations concerning financial procedures. A written report is submitted at the Annual Meeting.
Training: Provided; financial or accounting expertise desirable
Contact: Pastor Scott
SYNOD ASSEMBLY DELEGATE (Appointed)
These delegates represent Messiah at the annual Synod Assembly meeting. Delegates are requested to present a report of the Assembly.
Time Involved: Assembly is a 2 to 3 day conference normally paid for by the congregation.
Training: Orientation from Pastor
Contact: Pastor Scott
LONG-RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBER (Appointed)
These leaders of our congregation are called upon to provide vision and direction to our church. Through congregational self-study and analysis, members of this committee will pinpoint needs of our congregation and promote well-defined short-term and long-term goals. This group is encouraged to meet regularly and gather input from all groups within the congregation.
Training: On-the-job
Contact: Pastor Scott