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How
Our Church Works
This is a brief outline of responsibilities. It is not considered
to be all inclusive, but a guide to enhance our work together at St.
John's United Church of Christ. –Everyone is welcome to join any
meeting at any time.
The GOVERNING BODY of this church is the membership
assembled in church meeting. The vote of a majority of members
present at the meeting is the action of the church.
The CONSISTORY, comprised of Elders, Deacons, and the
Pastor is the executive body. As a policy-making body, it transacts
the business of the church and reports to the congregation at its
regular and special meetings. It forms and oversees such committees
as will serve to further the purpose of the church.
The PASTOR is primarily responsible for worship,
interpreting the Word and administering the sacraments, He/She
performs pastoral ministries according to the training of her/his
profession and serves as advisor to all levels of the church
structure.
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
PASTORAL RELATIONS: Provides a channel
of communication between the minister and the congregation to help
see that both the congregation’s and the minister’s needs are
met.
STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE: Promotes a biblical concept of
stewardship, encouraging regular and cheerful giving at a level
which reflects serious commitment to our Lord. Provides information
and education relative to its task. Prepares the annual budget. It
oversees the offering system and the recording of contributions, the
financial records and interpretation of them to the members. It
handles all finances related to the church, projecting future
expenditures and planning the funding to meet them.
HISTORICAL AND MEMORIAL: Preserves and displays information
and items important to our heritage, suggests and records all
memorial gifts, and recommends the replacement or discontinuance of
memorials which have exhausted their usefulness or propriety.
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT: Seeks and recommends persons to fill
staff vacancies, negotiates salaries, writes and reviews job
descriptions and deals with concerns relative to employees.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: Cares for and maintains building and
grounds, provides supplies and equipment necessary for custodial
care, overseeing and maintaining a working relationship with the
custodian. Seeks volunteer help or bids appropriate for any work
which needs to be done.
DÉCOR: Makes recommendations for church furnishings and
colors.
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DEPARTMENT OF PARISH LIFE
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION : Shall oversee the
church school and total educational ministry of the church,
providing adequate trained staff, equipment and resources. It shall
promote church camping and relate to Hartman Center as an
educational arm of the church.
HOSPITALITY: it seeks to provide opportunities for members to
relate to one another in cooperative and supportive fellowship. It
shall encourage programs for the men, women, youth, and families,
forming whatever and as many groups as seem appropriate. It plans
special and seasonal themes.
EVANGELISM AND MEMBERSHIP: With concern for church growth, it
shall be concerned with recruitment of new members and retention of
present members. It shall encourage full and faithful participation
in the life, work and witness of the church. It shall specifically
oversee welcoming and attendance pads.
WORSHIP AND MUSIC: Relates to the overall condition of the
sanctuary and chancel and supervises matters relating to the
services of worship: ushers, acolytes, choirs, organ, paraments,
candles, banners and other decorations. MUSIC: Works with the music staff to
oversee the music programs of the church.
NEWSLETTER: Gathers information and writes stories of
interest to the congregation, provides monthly newsletters for
distribution to church members.
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DEPARTMENT OF EXTENDED
MINISTRIES
MISSION AND SOCIAL ACTION : Identifies
community needs and helps our members find opportunities to give
time and energy to these needs as well as to other local agencies
and institutions. Is alert to the concerns lifted up by our
Conference and denominational agencies. Shall schedule all special offerings for
causes and institutions beyond our own congregation, adequately
informing our members and urging their fullest support.
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES: As a member of the Lewisburg Council of
Churches, the Consistory shall authorize delegate(s) to the council
as it requests.
PHASE II BUILDING :
Planning for the future
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