|
|
Called to Serve
Our congregation is composed of a diverse group of people who, together, share in ministering to each other (inreach) and the community (outreach). The business of the congregation is administered by a Congregation Council elected each year from among the membership. Additionally, various committees and groups within the congregation share their time and talents to make the many aspects of Good Shepherd's ministry a reality.All members are invited to participate in the life of the congregation through the sharing of their time and talents. Most of the committee meetings of the congregation as well as Congregation Council meetings are open for members to attend. Most meetings occur at the church building and are listed in the newsletter on the calendar page.
OUTREACH
ALIVE!
Good Shepherd members participate in a range of service projects with ALexandrians InVolved Ecumenically. ALIVE serves the community in many ways including the collection & distribution of furniture, a food pantry, financial assistance for rent & utilities on an emergency basis, and operation of a child development center for the working poor.
The Carpenter's Shelter
Carpenter's Shelter serves homeless families and single men and women in Alexandria. Good Shepherd prepares and serves monthly meals at the shelter. A sign-up sheet is posted in the lounge to donate food (or money) for meals and to assist in meal preparation and serving. Volunteers are also needed to attend the phones at the shelter.
Young in Heart
Young in Heart is Good Shepherd's program for retired people and senior citizens in the congregation and community. The group meets the 3rd Thursday of each month for a luncheon and entertainment program of mutual interest. Assistance is needed in the preparation of lunches as well as with programs.
INREACH
Preparation for Worship
Acolyte
The acolyte lights and extinguishes the candles for worship and also assists the Pastor during Communion distribution.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild cares for the sanctuary and prepares the altar each week for worship. Teams of folks work in a revolving schedule. Special projects such as decorating the church for holidays or periodic work projects such as silver polishing or spring cleaning are options for getting involved.
Adult Choir
The Adult Choir sings regularly at the 11 o'clock service and occasionally the 8:30. Rehearsals are scheduled on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM. A Children's Choir is formed to sing during the Christmas and Easter seasons.
Assisting Minister
The assisting minister reads or sings the liturgy of the service, offers the prayers, and distributes the wine during Communion.
Greeters
Greeters welcome all worshipers to the services.
Readers
Volunteers who read the Scripture lessons at each worship service.
Ushers
Volunteers who distribute bulletins, usher during Communion, and clean the pews following the service.
MINISTRIES, COUNCIL, COMMITTEES AND ELECTED POSITIONS
Confirmation Ministry
This ministry provides preparation of young people 7th Grade and up for The Affirmation of Baptism and adult membership in the congregation. Monthly gatherings are focused on learning the Christian Faith and responding to Christ with lives of service and commitment.
The Congregation Council
The council is composed of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretaries, the Pastor, the Coordinator of Congregational Ministries, the Deacons, the Legal Trustees, the Property Trustees, and representatives of the various permanent committees and organizations within the congregation. Opportunities are also available to assist the elected congregation leadership through participation on special task forces formed from time to time to work on special projects or events involving the congregation
Counting Team
The counting teams are composed of at least three members each and serve assigned Sundays and/or weeks. Responsibilities include receiving, counting, and recording the congregation offerings from each worship service.
The Deacons
There are five Deacons that serve to promote various ministries within the church. The Deacons are: the Communications Deacon, Evangelical and Outreach Deacon, Pastoral Ministry Deacon, Stewardship Deacon and the Head Deacon. The Head Deacon also serves as Vice-President on the Congregation Council
Education Ministry Committee
This committee coordinates the education programs of the congregation. The committee is composed of members of the congregation plus one of the Deacons and meets monthly. The committee also coordinates programs for the Adult Forum held between the services on Sunday mornings.
Finance Committee
This committee consists of the Financial Secretaries, Treasurer, the Financial Assistant, and at least five members of the congregation. The committee meets monthly and is responsible for assisting the Congregation Council in planning the financial program of the congregation. The committee also coordinates the activities of the counting teams who receive, count, and record the congregation offerings each Sunday. Counting teams are composed of at least three members each and serve on assigned Sundays and/or weeks.
Legal Trustees
The legal trustees hold legal title to the property of the congregation and are the custodians of the legal records of the church. Three legal trustees are elected from the membership of the congregation and serve two-year terms.
Music and Worship Committee
This committee meets monthly to plan the Sunday and special seasonal worship services of the congregation with sensitivity to the worship atmosphere and spiritual growth of the members. They choose the hymns, review new worship resources to promote variety and schedule and coordinate the Liturgists, Communion Assistants, Readers, Acolytes and Ushers.
Newsletter-The Shepherd's Call
The newsletter is published monthly and sent to all members of Good Shepherd and friends in the community. Assistance is needed in writing articles, editing, layout, reproduction, and mailing.
Office Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to assist in completing the many clerical tasks required in the daily administration of the church. Office volunteers serve three-hour shifts, Monday through Friday.
Pastor's Mutual Ministry Committee
This committee meets regularly to offer support and feedback to the pastors and provides response and information to the congregation.
Property Trustees
The property trustees have the primary responsibility for the maintenance and safekeeping of all church property. Four property trustees are elected from the membership of the congregation and serve two-year terms. Additionally, volunteers are needed throughout the year to assist the property trustees in various aspects of the maintenance and upkeep of the church building and grounds, including gardening, minor repair and maintenance tasks, and other special projects.
Social Ministry Committee
This committee, on behalf of the congregation, is responsive to the needs of those in the congregation and of others in our community and our world. The committee is composed of members of the congregation and meets monthly.
Sunday School Superintendent and Teachers
The Sunday School superintendent heads the Sunday School at Good Shepherd. The Superintendent, along with the teachers, plans the curriculum and program of Sunday School activities. Sunday School classes are offered for pre-school through senior high students. Teaching opportunities include teachers for all age levels, substitute teachers, and assistance with special programs.
Visitation
Visitation of sick and homebound members takes place throughout the year. In addition to the Pastors, members are encouraged to assist in the visitation of sick and homebound members by stopping in for a brief visit at the hospital or at home on a periodic basis, delivering altar flowers following the Sunday service or early in the week, and visiting at Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, and other holidays. Assistance is also needed to provide transportation to and from worship services to those members who are not able to attend on their own.
| | |
