Church Committee Information
PARISH MINISTRY COMMITTEES
WORSHIP AND MUSIC
We offer three weekly Eucharist Worship Services, a Saturday Contemporary worship service at 6:00 p.m. and traditional Sunday worship services at 8:15 and 11:00 a.m. During the months of June, July and August, Sunday services are at 8:15 and 10:00 a.m.
Throughout the year, special services include our weekly Wednesday “Evening Prayer” services at 7:30 p.m. during the Lenten season and occasional community worship services, such as for Thanksgiving.
Listed below, with brief descriptions of each, are the various subcommittees that make up the Worship and Music Committee:
AcolytesBoys and girls, fourth through ninth grade, are called to serve as acolytes at the Sunday services.
Altar GuildMembers of the Altar Guild prepare the sanctuary for worship for all three services. The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the bread and wine and other elements of communion, organizing special worship events, coordinating flower ordering, and preparing the altar linens and the paraments for the seasons of the church year.
Liturgical DeaconsThe liturgical deacons assist in reading the lessons and assist with communion. Pastor Edward Sheehan conducts a training session.
NurseryThe nursery is available during the late Sunday service and for special events held throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to use the nursery for infants and children through age four.
OrganistThe Organist prepares special music for Sunday services in addition to playing for weekly services and special events and circumstances such as weddings and funerals.
Choir DirectorThe Choir Director prepares the choirs for Sunday services.
Adult Choir – is open to anyone of confirmation age and older.
Youth Choir – is for children in fourth through seventh grades.
Children’s Choir – is for children Pre-K through third grade.
Contemporary Worship Service Music DirectorThis individual prepares and plays special music for the Saturday evening Contemporary worship service.
UshersFour ushers are needed at each of the Sunday services. Ushers also help to count the offering. Ushers must be high school age or older.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
The Christian Education Ministry is a division of Parish Ministry and is primarily involved with:
Sunday Church School
First Communion
Vacation Bible School
Cradle and Nursery Roll
Church Library
Birthday Party for Jesus
Adult Education
Catechism and Confirmation
Word & Witness
Rally Day/Recognition Sunday
The Committee meets monthly, usually on the regularly scheduled Committee Night. Membership is open to anyone in the congregation interested in promoting and supporting opportunities for Christian Education. The Chairperson is a member of Council; other members include the Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teachers, and other people who are actively involved in the educational ministry of our church.
Sunday Church School
Our Sunday Church School has classes for everyone ages 3 and up, and meets weekly, in coordination with the children’s and youth choirs from 9:40 am to 10:45 am.
Opportunities for adults include the Alpha and Word & Witness programs as well as occasional Bible study groups and informal video presentations.
Instruction for First Communion is held in October for children in the Fourth Grade during the regularly scheduled Sunday Church School hour.
We always welcome people interested in serving as Sunday School teachers or substitute teachers. Talk to our Sunday School Superintendent for more information.
Vacation Bible SchoolOur church holds a week-long Vacation Bible School program each summer. This program includes Scripture-based lessons, arts and crafts, music and recreation. Many dedicated people give of their time and talents to make this program a success – mostly because Vacation Bible School is a lot of fun.
Cradle and Nursery RollThe Committee sends out birthday cards and letters on a regular basis to all children from Baptism through age 3. This helps our youngest members feel welcome and excited to start Sunday School when old enough. It also offers encouragement and support to new parents.
The Church LibraryOur Church Library is located on the upper level and faces the parking lot. We have a variety of books, pamphlets and audio-visual materials to enhance and enrich spiritual growth. Bibles, atlases, dictionaries, concordances, devotions and meditations are available to provide additional information and offers support for our educational program. Memorial contributions are always welcome.
Materials can be borrowed by signing your name and the name of the book taken on the provided library cards.
Adult EducationIn addition to the regular Sunday School class, other opportunities for adult education are available from time to time. At present we offer the Alpha and Word & Witness programs. Please speak with the Pastor for detailed information about these programs. Other opportunities for workshops, seminars and discussions are available through our synod and held at other churches.
CatechismThe Catechism program is a two-year program for eighth and ninth graders involving both Lutheran instruction and service projects. These young people learn about their growth in faith as they prepare for their confirmation, which is held each year on Pentecost Sunday.
We have many dedicated people working on the Christian Education Committee – a Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teachers and substitutes, Vacation Bible School coordinators, teachers, helpers, kitchen help, music and craft teachers, and many other volunteers whose help throughout the year makes all of the programs and events we plan possible!
PARISH OUTREACH COMMITTEES
EVANGELISM
We reach out in the name of Christ to witness to the Christian community in service and love. Our responsibilities include:
- Mailing welcome cards to those who visit at worship and handing out visitor packets.
- Greeter program.
- New Pictorial Directory when needed.
- Conducting an orientation program for New Member Classes and providing sponsors.
- Submitting publicity for church activities to local newspapers.
- Distribution of invitation-type brochures to new community developments.
- Deepening devotional life through prayers and concern for those in recent inactivity.
Goals:
- Update our membership roll/signing attendance booklet.
- Contacting those in college or the armed service.
- Nurturing of church members .
- Bringing people to a closer relationship with Christ.
SOCIAL MINISTRY
The Social Ministry Committee is involved in many church and community programs, such as:
We provide support of our sister congregation, Trinity Lutheran on Pittsburgh’s North Side. This entails the collection of clothing, food, toys, books, crafting items, etc. We are also involved in supporting their St. Afterschool programs for the children.
Plum Food Pantry is one of our important community services that we have an ongoing relationship with. We participate in food drives, the donation of Christmas toys, and buying winter coats for the needy.
Helping Hands is a program where we assist needy families with home repairs (painting, plumbing, electrical, etc.). This is a work- crew type project.
Pennies-A-Day is a monthly collection for Trinity. Pennies are placed in a basket in the sanctuary the first Sunday of each month.
Flower Ministry is the delivery of altar flowers to shut-ins or the ill after services each week.
Christmas and greeting cards, which the committee collects, are supplied to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children and Latin American Lutheran Missions to be recycled into specially designed cards which they use.
Campbell’s Soup labels are collected for Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Missions in Arizona. These have been used to purchase a school van and playground equipment.
Collections of infant clothes, infant toys and maternity clothes are provided for Mom’s House. This is a Westmoreland County service for unwed mothers finishing their education.
We provide financial support to Pastor Jeffrey Truscott, a Lutheran missionary in Singapore.
FELLOWSHIP
The Fellowship Committee is in charge of bringing people together in various functions so that they can get to know each other better.
Some of their functions are:
Coffee Fellowship – is held on a monthly basis, usually October through June. These fellowships are held on a designated Sunday following both services.
Special events – such as Shrove Tuesday, Easter Breakfast and the Annual Church Picnic. Also, the Committee assists other committees by organizing pot luck dinners, and coffee and snacks following a special activity, etc.
Dinners For Eight – is a group of Church members who function as the host for dinner at their home and as an invited guest at another member’s home, as designated by the group organizer.
YOUTH
Youth GroupOur Youth Group serves young people grades seven through twelve. We emphasize the importance of Christ in our daily lives and enjoy fellowship activities together.
Social events:
Overnights at the Church
Bowling
Video/pizza/taco etc. nights
Picnics
Outdoor events
Ropes courses
Church league volleyball
Weekend retreats
Service projects:
Summer work project
MS Walk
Cleaning/painting projects with fellow church members
Holiday parties for children
Youth Sunday Services
G.A.N.G. – God’s Awesome New GenerationThe G.A.N.G. is our ministry emphasis to children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Monthly activities are planned for fellowship, fun, and educational opportunities. Current emphasis has been placed on participation with the Social Ministry Committee to highlight the Sunday School Mission Projects.
PARISH RESOURCE COMMITTEES
PARISH ADMINISTRATION
Parish Administration oversees the daily financial and administrative functions of the church. These duties include:
- Supervision and evaluation of staff and administration of salaries.
- Oversight responsibilities with regard to Church office and office resources (files, supplies, equipment), to include developing, recommending and implementing related policies and procedures.
- Budget preparation, working in conjunction with the Finance Committee. This takes place in September or October. Budget includes staff salaries.
- Shall be available for any staff concerns.
PROPERTY
Plan for the maintenance and development of the Church facility and grounds. Facilitate repairs and restoration; set up a preventive maintenance schedule and establish an annual property budget.
Work days are posted for repairs and maintenance to the Church facility and grounds. All members, young and old, are invited to volunteer their help to the Church.
STEWARDSHIP
The committee is responsible for interpretation of the Parish Ministry to all members and motivation for response. Response is encouraged in three ways:
1. Volunteering of time devoted to a specific ministry.
2. Sharing a specific skill or providing assistance for a needed task within church life.
3. Giving of dollars to support the financial needs of ministry and the congregation.
Fall Stewardship Campaign
-Interpretation of needs for ministry to all members of the congregation.
-Solicitation of volunteers for specific ministries and assistance for given tasks.
-Commitment of dollars for overall program of church.
Church Appeals
-Interpretation of needs of specific agencies, institutions, or national and synodical church appeals.
-Promotional literature and pamphlets for information.
FINANCE
The Finance Committee’s primary function is to prepare the annual Church budget based on input from the various other committees, and monitor monthly receipts/expenditures with respect to the budget. The committee also has the lead for long-term, financial related planning and assists the Parish Administration Committee as needed.
Church Envelope CategoriesCurrent – salaries, utilities, insurance, maintenance, educational materials, programs, etc.
Benevolence – agencies, institutions, causes outside the congregation; includes hospitals, senior citizens’ homes, seminaries, colleges, hunger appeals, etc.
Building – reduces mortgage on present facility.
Other – memorial funds, flowers, wine, Family Fund, etc.
WOMEN OF THE ELCA
All women of Christ's Lutheran Church are participants in women of the ELCA and are invited to attend any or all activities. Participants of Women of the ELCA subscribe to the Purpose Statement.
Purpose of Women of the ELCA
As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society and the world.
Mission of Women of the ELCA
Mission Community – In this area, we reach out to others beyond our own congregation to build up and celebrate relationships which are global, diverse, and interdependent.
Mission Growth – Provides for each woman’s personal growth in faith through Bible Study, programs, etc.
Mission Action – is the area in which we put to work our faith through service projects.
Meetings
A group of women meet on each Tuesday morning at 9:30. This is our Christian service group. These women take on sewing projects such as making laprobes, hospital gowns and wheel chair bags for various hospitals and organizations. Besides sewing, they make favors, cookies, Christmas items, etc. They also keep the church kitchen clean and stocked, as well as perform other tasks in the congregation.
Another group of women meets on the second Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Breakfast, fellowship, informational programs, and projects are the basis of these meetings.
The greatest benefit derived from Women of the ELCA is the love and support received and given by the women of Christ's Lutheran Church. We STUDY…We SHARE…We LOVE… We GROW in faith.
Activities
-A Prayer Chain which responds to individual needs for prayer.
-Mother-Daughter events
-In the past, Women of the ELCA have sponsored Epiphany events, the Meal in the Upper Room, Advent events, and the Hanging of the Greens.
Women have opportunity to join other women outside our congregation in participating in retreats, Cluster events, and conventions, where Christian love is shared with women from all over the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod.
Lutheran Women Today is a monthly magazine for all women. It is developed by Women of the ELCA and published by Augsburg Fortress.
WORSHIP AND MUSIC
We offer three weekly Eucharist Worship Services, a Saturday Contemporary worship service at 6:00 p.m. and traditional Sunday worship services at 8:15 and 11:00 a.m. During the months of June, July and August, Sunday services are at 8:15 and 10:00 a.m.
Throughout the year, special services include our weekly Wednesday “Evening Prayer” services at 7:30 p.m. during the Lenten season and occasional community worship services, such as for Thanksgiving.
Listed below, with brief descriptions of each, are the various subcommittees that make up the Worship and Music Committee:
AcolytesBoys and girls, fourth through ninth grade, are called to serve as acolytes at the Sunday services.
Altar GuildMembers of the Altar Guild prepare the sanctuary for worship for all three services. The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the bread and wine and other elements of communion, organizing special worship events, coordinating flower ordering, and preparing the altar linens and the paraments for the seasons of the church year.
Liturgical DeaconsThe liturgical deacons assist in reading the lessons and assist with communion. Pastor Edward Sheehan conducts a training session.
NurseryThe nursery is available during the late Sunday service and for special events held throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to use the nursery for infants and children through age four.
OrganistThe Organist prepares special music for Sunday services in addition to playing for weekly services and special events and circumstances such as weddings and funerals.
Choir DirectorThe Choir Director prepares the choirs for Sunday services.
Adult Choir – is open to anyone of confirmation age and older.
Youth Choir – is for children in fourth through seventh grades.
Children’s Choir – is for children Pre-K through third grade.
Contemporary Worship Service Music DirectorThis individual prepares and plays special music for the Saturday evening Contemporary worship service.
UshersFour ushers are needed at each of the Sunday services. Ushers also help to count the offering. Ushers must be high school age or older.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
The Christian Education Ministry is a division of Parish Ministry and is primarily involved with:
Sunday Church School
First Communion
Vacation Bible School
Cradle and Nursery Roll
Church Library
Birthday Party for Jesus
Adult Education
Catechism and Confirmation
Word & Witness
Rally Day/Recognition Sunday
The Committee meets monthly, usually on the regularly scheduled Committee Night. Membership is open to anyone in the congregation interested in promoting and supporting opportunities for Christian Education. The Chairperson is a member of Council; other members include the Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teachers, and other people who are actively involved in the educational ministry of our church.
Sunday Church School
Our Sunday Church School has classes for everyone ages 3 and up, and meets weekly, in coordination with the children’s and youth choirs from 9:40 am to 10:45 am.
Opportunities for adults include the Alpha and Word & Witness programs as well as occasional Bible study groups and informal video presentations.
Instruction for First Communion is held in October for children in the Fourth Grade during the regularly scheduled Sunday Church School hour.
We always welcome people interested in serving as Sunday School teachers or substitute teachers. Talk to our Sunday School Superintendent for more information.
Vacation Bible SchoolOur church holds a week-long Vacation Bible School program each summer. This program includes Scripture-based lessons, arts and crafts, music and recreation. Many dedicated people give of their time and talents to make this program a success – mostly because Vacation Bible School is a lot of fun.
Cradle and Nursery RollThe Committee sends out birthday cards and letters on a regular basis to all children from Baptism through age 3. This helps our youngest members feel welcome and excited to start Sunday School when old enough. It also offers encouragement and support to new parents.
The Church LibraryOur Church Library is located on the upper level and faces the parking lot. We have a variety of books, pamphlets and audio-visual materials to enhance and enrich spiritual growth. Bibles, atlases, dictionaries, concordances, devotions and meditations are available to provide additional information and offers support for our educational program. Memorial contributions are always welcome.
Materials can be borrowed by signing your name and the name of the book taken on the provided library cards.
Adult EducationIn addition to the regular Sunday School class, other opportunities for adult education are available from time to time. At present we offer the Alpha and Word & Witness programs. Please speak with the Pastor for detailed information about these programs. Other opportunities for workshops, seminars and discussions are available through our synod and held at other churches.
CatechismThe Catechism program is a two-year program for eighth and ninth graders involving both Lutheran instruction and service projects. These young people learn about their growth in faith as they prepare for their confirmation, which is held each year on Pentecost Sunday.
We have many dedicated people working on the Christian Education Committee – a Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School teachers and substitutes, Vacation Bible School coordinators, teachers, helpers, kitchen help, music and craft teachers, and many other volunteers whose help throughout the year makes all of the programs and events we plan possible!
PARISH OUTREACH COMMITTEES
EVANGELISM
We reach out in the name of Christ to witness to the Christian community in service and love. Our responsibilities include:
- Mailing welcome cards to those who visit at worship and handing out visitor packets.
- Greeter program.
- New Pictorial Directory when needed.
- Conducting an orientation program for New Member Classes and providing sponsors.
- Submitting publicity for church activities to local newspapers.
- Distribution of invitation-type brochures to new community developments.
- Deepening devotional life through prayers and concern for those in recent inactivity.
Goals:
- Update our membership roll/signing attendance booklet.
- Contacting those in college or the armed service.
- Nurturing of church members .
- Bringing people to a closer relationship with Christ.
SOCIAL MINISTRY
The Social Ministry Committee is involved in many church and community programs, such as:
We provide support of our sister congregation, Trinity Lutheran on Pittsburgh’s North Side. This entails the collection of clothing, food, toys, books, crafting items, etc. We are also involved in supporting their St. Afterschool programs for the children.
Plum Food Pantry is one of our important community services that we have an ongoing relationship with. We participate in food drives, the donation of Christmas toys, and buying winter coats for the needy.
Helping Hands is a program where we assist needy families with home repairs (painting, plumbing, electrical, etc.). This is a work- crew type project.
Pennies-A-Day is a monthly collection for Trinity. Pennies are placed in a basket in the sanctuary the first Sunday of each month.
Flower Ministry is the delivery of altar flowers to shut-ins or the ill after services each week.
Christmas and greeting cards, which the committee collects, are supplied to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children and Latin American Lutheran Missions to be recycled into specially designed cards which they use.
Campbell’s Soup labels are collected for Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Missions in Arizona. These have been used to purchase a school van and playground equipment.
Collections of infant clothes, infant toys and maternity clothes are provided for Mom’s House. This is a Westmoreland County service for unwed mothers finishing their education.
We provide financial support to Pastor Jeffrey Truscott, a Lutheran missionary in Singapore.
FELLOWSHIP
The Fellowship Committee is in charge of bringing people together in various functions so that they can get to know each other better.
Some of their functions are:
Coffee Fellowship – is held on a monthly basis, usually October through June. These fellowships are held on a designated Sunday following both services.
Special events – such as Shrove Tuesday, Easter Breakfast and the Annual Church Picnic. Also, the Committee assists other committees by organizing pot luck dinners, and coffee and snacks following a special activity, etc.
Dinners For Eight – is a group of Church members who function as the host for dinner at their home and as an invited guest at another member’s home, as designated by the group organizer.
YOUTH
Youth GroupOur Youth Group serves young people grades seven through twelve. We emphasize the importance of Christ in our daily lives and enjoy fellowship activities together.
Social events:
Overnights at the Church
Bowling
Video/pizza/taco etc. nights
Picnics
Outdoor events
Ropes courses
Church league volleyball
Weekend retreats
Service projects:
Summer work project
MS Walk
Cleaning/painting projects with fellow church members
Holiday parties for children
Youth Sunday Services
G.A.N.G. – God’s Awesome New GenerationThe G.A.N.G. is our ministry emphasis to children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Monthly activities are planned for fellowship, fun, and educational opportunities. Current emphasis has been placed on participation with the Social Ministry Committee to highlight the Sunday School Mission Projects.
PARISH RESOURCE COMMITTEES
PARISH ADMINISTRATION
Parish Administration oversees the daily financial and administrative functions of the church. These duties include:
- Supervision and evaluation of staff and administration of salaries.
- Oversight responsibilities with regard to Church office and office resources (files, supplies, equipment), to include developing, recommending and implementing related policies and procedures.
- Budget preparation, working in conjunction with the Finance Committee. This takes place in September or October. Budget includes staff salaries.
- Shall be available for any staff concerns.
PROPERTY
Plan for the maintenance and development of the Church facility and grounds. Facilitate repairs and restoration; set up a preventive maintenance schedule and establish an annual property budget.
Work days are posted for repairs and maintenance to the Church facility and grounds. All members, young and old, are invited to volunteer their help to the Church.
STEWARDSHIP
The committee is responsible for interpretation of the Parish Ministry to all members and motivation for response. Response is encouraged in three ways:
1. Volunteering of time devoted to a specific ministry.
2. Sharing a specific skill or providing assistance for a needed task within church life.
3. Giving of dollars to support the financial needs of ministry and the congregation.
Fall Stewardship Campaign
-Interpretation of needs for ministry to all members of the congregation.
-Solicitation of volunteers for specific ministries and assistance for given tasks.
-Commitment of dollars for overall program of church.
Church Appeals
-Interpretation of needs of specific agencies, institutions, or national and synodical church appeals.
-Promotional literature and pamphlets for information.
FINANCE
The Finance Committee’s primary function is to prepare the annual Church budget based on input from the various other committees, and monitor monthly receipts/expenditures with respect to the budget. The committee also has the lead for long-term, financial related planning and assists the Parish Administration Committee as needed.
Church Envelope CategoriesCurrent – salaries, utilities, insurance, maintenance, educational materials, programs, etc.
Benevolence – agencies, institutions, causes outside the congregation; includes hospitals, senior citizens’ homes, seminaries, colleges, hunger appeals, etc.
Building – reduces mortgage on present facility.
Other – memorial funds, flowers, wine, Family Fund, etc.
WOMEN OF THE ELCA
All women of Christ's Lutheran Church are participants in women of the ELCA and are invited to attend any or all activities. Participants of Women of the ELCA subscribe to the Purpose Statement.
Purpose of Women of the ELCA
As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society and the world.
Mission of Women of the ELCA
Mission Community – In this area, we reach out to others beyond our own congregation to build up and celebrate relationships which are global, diverse, and interdependent.
Mission Growth – Provides for each woman’s personal growth in faith through Bible Study, programs, etc.
Mission Action – is the area in which we put to work our faith through service projects.
Meetings
A group of women meet on each Tuesday morning at 9:30. This is our Christian service group. These women take on sewing projects such as making laprobes, hospital gowns and wheel chair bags for various hospitals and organizations. Besides sewing, they make favors, cookies, Christmas items, etc. They also keep the church kitchen clean and stocked, as well as perform other tasks in the congregation.
Another group of women meets on the second Saturday of the month at 9:30 a.m. Breakfast, fellowship, informational programs, and projects are the basis of these meetings.
The greatest benefit derived from Women of the ELCA is the love and support received and given by the women of Christ's Lutheran Church. We STUDY…We SHARE…We LOVE… We GROW in faith.
Activities
-A Prayer Chain which responds to individual needs for prayer.
-Mother-Daughter events
-In the past, Women of the ELCA have sponsored Epiphany events, the Meal in the Upper Room, Advent events, and the Hanging of the Greens.
Women have opportunity to join other women outside our congregation in participating in retreats, Cluster events, and conventions, where Christian love is shared with women from all over the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod.
Lutheran Women Today is a monthly magazine for all women. It is developed by Women of the ELCA and published by Augsburg Fortress.
