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Revised: Sept. 19, 2022
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ActivitiesDescriptionMinistry Area
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50-PlusMeets the first Thursday of the month (no July) at 1:00 pm. Co-ed group for anyone who would like to join them. Each month there is a program that can be educational or for entertainment. Fellowship
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Acolyte/CrossbearerAssist in worship service approximately one time every other month. Youth in grades 6 and up are invited to participate by attending a 45 minute training session. The training is usually offered two times per year by the Acolyte/Crossbearer Coordinator. Wonderful opportunity to enhance the worship experience for our youth.Worship
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Adult Education LeaderClasses meet on Sundays during the Sunday School hour at 9:15 a.m. from September through May. You can teach as few as one class per year. Curriculum, often a video presentation followed by a discussion, is provided. Volunteers should be comfortable leading discussions and working with adults.Youth and Family
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Altar GuildWeekly assistants serve approximately 20 minutes after each communion service, every 2 to 3 months. Men, women and families are all welcome! Refill trays with communion cups, wash all communion vessels and vacuum as needed. Training provided by Altar Guild chairs.Worship
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Archive CommitteeCaretakers of the historical documents and physical items that are of historical importance in the history of the congregation. The committee meets rarely, as needed.
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Art Hallway MinistryThe Art hallway, located around the corner from the choir room, provides an opportunity for church members to share their special talents and interests with the rest of the congregation. The group meets in the evening during the week, as needed, to plan the displays.
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Assisting MinisterServe approximately once every two months. Working with the Pastor you will lead some parts of the service, distribute bread for communion and write the prayers of the church. (Online resources are available!) Wonderful opportunity for both Adults and Senior High students. Training provided by the Pastor.Worship
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AV/Lighting TeamFor traditional worship services, arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the service. Ensure the sound system is turned on and working properly and a blank CD is in the CD recorder. During the service monitor the microphones, lights and record the service. Training is provided as needed and initially you will work with an experienced person until you are comfortable on your own. You will be scheduled approximately once every other month.Worship
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Book ClubMeets every two months, third Tuesday at 1:30, for discussion on book of choice. It's a wonderful way to open your mind to books you might not otherwise read. Join us!
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Bread & Wine PresenterReport to the Narthex during the Offertory on your assigned week. Carry the Communion Elements from the Narthex to the Pastors during the Presentation of Gifts. The head usher will cue you when it's time to enter. Children are welcome to help. Serve approximately once every three months.Worship
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Cemetery CommitteeOversees the organization and care of the church Cemetery and Memorial Garden. The Cemetery Committee meets the second Thursdays of February and August and the second Tuesdays of May and November at 3:30 pm.Reports to Council/Council President
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Children’s Ministry CommitteeMeets about once every other month. Helps to plan and implement Children's Ministry activities.Children's Ministry
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Children’s Sermon LeaderWrite, implement and lead a children's sermon for the Traditional or New Day service about 4 times per year.Children's Ministry
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Church CouncilThe governing body of St. Peter's as defined by the Congregation Constitution. The members, except for the pastor(s) are elected by the congregation during the month of November and serve a four year term. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, financial and property matters, preparing an annual budget for adoption by the congregation, planning and running the annual congregational meeting. Meetings are one evening per month.Reports to Council/Council President
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Clothing Bank (River's Place)Organize and distribute donated clothing to local families. Meets the first Saturday of every month from 10:00am -12:00pm. Come whenever you are able and stay for as long as you can. Donations of used clothing and new socks or underwear are accepted in the Church Office. The name of the clothing bank is River's PlaceLocal Social Ministry
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Coffee Bar Helper8-11 am Sunday morning, approximately once every 4 months. Make coffee, serve baked goods and greet parishioners. Some like to bake and bring their own items although it is not required.Fellowship
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Communications CommitteeMeets monthly. Facilitates the management of the overall public image of the church in the community, and helps groups within the church communicate their message both within and without. Coordinates information via a variety of media such as a website, Facebook, Youtube, press releases, and ad promotions. The committee is always looking for those who possess either a keen interest in storytelling or knowledge of the various aspects of communication to help get the word out about opportunities and events at St. Peter's.Community Relations
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Communion AssistantServe communion elements (usually the wine cup) at communion worship services, once every two months on average. Open to adults. Training provided by the clergy.Worship
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Community Meals-Kitchen
St. Peter's prepares, delivers, and serves one full evening meal on the first and second Wednesday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church on North Queen St. in Lancaster. The kitchen crew typically starts around 1:30pm at St. Peter's to prepare the meal. You are not obligated to help at every meal but can volunteer as your schedule permits.
Local Social Ministry
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Community Meals-Servers
St. Peter's prepares, delivers, and serves one full evening meal on the first Wednesday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church on North Queen St. in Lancaster. Our servers gather and leave from St. Peter's at 5:00pm to transport the food and serve the meal at Grace Lutheran Church. Typically they return to St. Peter's at 6:45/7:00pm. Some servers meet us at Grace Lutheran at 4:00pm. You are not obligated to help at every meal but can volunteer as your schedule permits.
Local Social Ministry
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Confirmation TeacherConfirmation Ministry is a faith and discipleship educational ministry in the Church, where young adults prepare for a formal rite of Affirmation of Baptism (described as "making one's Confirmation"), usually in the spring of their 9th Grade school year. Classes meet on Sundays during the Sunday School hour at 9:15 a.m. from September through May. Those who wish to serve as teachers will typically be matched up with a another teacher. In our Confirmation classes, these co-teachers are often pastoral staff members. Teaching experience is helpful but not required, but an active life in the church is a requirement, as part of confirmation teaching is modeling healthy discipleship in your life. Training can be provided for those who need it, and the co-teacher arrangement typically provides for ongoing support and direction as needed.Youth and Family
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Congregational MealsThere are many occasions when meals are planned for the congregation as a whole or for part of the congregation such as the Palm Sunday breakfast or breakfast for the Confirmation class and their families. Volunteers are needed for preparing food, in some cases shopping for supplies, serving and clean up afterwards. As events come up this list is used to contact volunteers for a specific event.Fellowship
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Constitution Committee-DormantMeets as needed. The committee is charged with updating and revising the congregation's Constitution.Reports to Council/Council President
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Deliver Altar FlowerOnce every 6-7 weeks, take the altar flowers to a mostly shut-in member and visit with them for a little a bit. Typically it is someone in a nursing home who isn't able to make it to church any longer. Great reward and even a great family opportunity.Parish Life
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Emergency Medical HelpMembers with medical training (EMTs, physicians or nurses) that may be called upon in case of emergency while they are at the church.Health and Wellness
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Endowment Investment CommitteeEstablished to consolidate, manage and utilize bequests and other received donations in a responsible manner.Reports to Council/Council President
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Fellowship Committee Plans and executes various social activities for the church including the church picnic in the fall, the Palm Sunday breakfast and the Strawberry Festival in the spring. Committee members help plan and run the various events.Fellowship
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Finance CommitteeFormulates, recommends to council, and monitors the adherence to the policies, practices, and procedures of all financial matters and activities of the church not otherwise delegated by the governing documents of the church. This includes but is not limited to setting an annual church budget based on committee budget requests, monitoring outstanding debt obligations and providing a monthly report to council.Finance
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Food Bank VolunteerCollect donated food from the carts in the Narthex and deliver to organizations who in turn provide the food to those in need.Local Social Ministry
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Funeral HospitalityRequires a flexible schedule but ample people to handle if you cannot help on a particular date. Needs vary depending on the wishes of the family but typically preparation starts for a luncheon around 9:30. The group serves the meal after the service and stays to clean up afterwards so it will likely take a few hours from start to finish in the typical scenario. Sometimes, it is a Narthex reception which lessens the time commitment. Usually only 2-3 times a year.
Parish Life (This is no longer included in the Parish Life committee description)
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GreeterAs a greeter you would arrive 20 minutes prior to the start of the church service. A pre-printed name tag for you to wear, can be found on the welcome center table. Stand at the front door and greet people as they enter building welcoming them to the church. If someone would identify themselves as a visitor, you would direct them to the Welcome Center or answer any questions they may have. Volunteers serve approximately once every other month.Evangelism
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Health & Wellness CommitteeOversees and coordinates various ministries within the church that relate to our congregation's health and well-being.Health and Wellness
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Human Resources CommitteeOversees the support, direction, compensation, and evaluation of our paid church staff, ensuring employee manuals, employee reviews, compensation packages, staff conflict resolution and other matters related to staff ministry oversight. Time commitment is estimated at 5-7 hours per month, but some months may require additional time.Human Resources
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Junior/Senior High
Sunday School Leader
Lead a Sunday School class, grades 5 to 12. Teaching experience is helpful but not required. An active life in the church is a requirement, as part of teaching Sunday School is modeling healthy discipleship in your life. All lessons and materials are provided.Youth and Family
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Just For Fun GroupThis is an informal adult group, strictly of a fellowship nature, that gets together several times a year with planned events. A varied number participate, usually 10 –30, based on the type of event, schedules, the weather, etc. Participants share the cost of the food.Fellowship
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Kitchen HelpThere are many occasions when help is needed in the kitchen. It may be breakfast for a confirmation class or helping with a Wednesday night Lenten meal, among others. You will be contacted as needs arise and volunteer as it fits your schedule. Typically someone is in charge of the meal who will guide you in the tasks that need to be done.Fellowship
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Knitting MinistryA self-paced knitting activity that prepares requested items for various organizations. Requested items vary and may be prayer shawls, scarves, hats, mittens or small blankets.Local Social Ministry
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LectorRead the first and second lesson, and possibly lead the congregation in a psalm, during the worship service approximately once every other month. Text will be mailed during the week you are assigned to allow time to review and practice before the service.Worship
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Local Social Ministry CommitteeMeet as needed; no scheduled regular meetings. Coordinates several outreach ministries (Food bank donations and community meals, for example) focused on helping those in need in the local community.Local Social Ministry
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Love Inc.Love INC (Love in the Name of Christ of Lancaster County) receives referrals daily from social service agencies and pastors with clients that need help. St. Peter’s partners with Love INC to aid those right in our own neighborhood. We receive approx. 3 – 4 requests each month. 99% of the requests received is to drive a client to a medical appointment. If you are available to drive weekday hours, please consider volunteering. My promise is to make your volunteer commitment as painless as possible. I email a need to 5+ volunteers and you either respond to all that you will volunteer, OR, delete the email. It’s that simple!Local Social Ministry
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Membership & Evangelsim CommitteesFollow up with Sunday visitors to St. Peter's via phone and/or email and help them get acclimated with the various committees and volunteer opportunities within the church. In addition, follow up when New Member classes are offered.Helps members become more involved with the various ministries at the church by facilitating connections between lay ministry leaders and individual members.Membership
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Memorial Garden MaintenanceHelp with ongoing maintenance (weeding, raking, mulching, etc.) of the Memorial Garden.Cemetery
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Monday Quilting GroupMeet Monday mornings 10 a.m. - noon, to pin, tie and socialize. No experience necessary! Also need volunteers to sew tops on sewing machines at home as well as sewing edges once quilts are tied and pinned. Quilts are donated to individuals and many different charitable organizationsLocal Social Ministry
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Musical Arts CommitteeConcerts are scheduled at various times throughout the year, usually on Saturday evenings at 7:00pm. This group helps with the public relations responsibilities such as advertising in local newspapers, mailings and flyers for retirement communities. The night of concerts members help with ushering and clean up after the concert. Occasionally they serve meals to performers. There are meetings scheduled throughout the year on an as needed basis.Worship
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Music-Handbell Choir- Exsultate RingersExsultate Ringers is primarily made up of less experienced ringers of all ages. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 6:30-7:15. Worship leadership generally occurs once per month for each group, dependent upon the schedules of the group members, families, and church schedules.Worship
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Music-Handbell Choir- St.Peter's RingersSt. Peter's Ringers is primarily made up of more experienced ringers of all ages. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7:30-8:30. Worship leadership generally occurs once per month for each group, dependent upon the schedules of the group members, families, and church schedules.Worship
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Music-InstrumentalistIndividuals who play a musical instrument and would like to participate in services as a soloist or part of a musical group. Candidates work with the music director on the specifics.Worship
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Music-Vocal Choir - Children & YouthJubilate Choir for 2nd-5th graders meets Thursdays from 6:00-6:30. Youth Choirs for 6th-12th graders meets Mondays from 6:00-6:30. Jubilate and Youth Choirs each help lead worship approximately once a month. All ensembles are led by the Director of Music.Worship
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Music-Vocal Choir - Adult CanticleCanticle Choir typically helps to lead worship the first Sunday of the month at the 8:00 a.m. traditional service, rehearsing after the 8:00 a.m. service for 15-20 minutes the last two Sundays of each month.Worship
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Music-Vocal Choir - Adult HeraldHerald Choir helps to lead worship at the 10:45 a.m. traditional service, rehearsing Thursday 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.Worship
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Music-Vocal SoloistSt. Peter’s is blessed with many people of all ages willing to offer special music at various services. Soloists work with our Director of Music to determine specifics about your participation.Worship
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Mutual Ministry CommitteeMeet the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm. The group focuses on the mission of St. Peter's by serving as the eyes and ears of the church and measuring the spirit of the congregation. They discuss and evaluate possible needs to help meet our mission as well as identify our successes.Mutual Ministry
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Nursery Care-First Service Adults from the congregation oversee the nursery approximately one Sunday every three months. Volunteers report to the nursery approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the early service.Worship
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Nursery Care - Second Service Adults from the congregation oversee the nursery approximately one Sunday every three months. Volunteers report to the nursery approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the second service.Worship
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Office Volunteers may be contacted as special projects and/or needs arise in the church office. There are no regular meetings or prescheduled, ongoing responsibilities.Office Staff
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Office ReceptionistHelp out in the church office as your schedule permits. Generally one half day, usually the afternoon, per week. Substitutes are also needed. Typically answer the telephone and help the church secretary in whatever way she needs. She will teach you what you need to know when you start.Office Staff
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Parish Life CommitteeMeets quarterly. Members help coordinate various ministry groups within the church focused on the needs and well being of members of the congregation. This is an organizational committee that promotes communication between the many and varied committees that help us to serve and support our church family.Parish Life
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Pastoral Care-Home CommunionBring pre-consecrated communion elements to a few homebound members each month. Usually 3-4 visits a month are scheduled, and all visits are local to the Lancaster and surrounding areas. Training provided by the clergy.Pastoral Care
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Pastoral Care-In Touch TeamMembers of the In Touch Group are organized to reach out to church members who are recovering at home, facing an illness or personal struggle, or have lost a loved one. This is done through phone calls, cards, and visits if needed. Confidentiality, compassion, and good listening skills are required.Pastoral Care
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Pastoral Care-Nightingale
Hosp Visitors
Visit with members who are recovering in the hospital. Time spent during your assigned weekend is dependent upon the number of people recovering in the hospital.Pastoral Care
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Pastoral Care-VisitationUnder the direction of the Pastors, volunteers visit with members of the congregation in times of illness and grief, and in times of life transitions. Time commitment will vary depending on congregational needs, and the availability of the visitation team members.Pastoral Care
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Planned Giving CommitteePromote giving in support of St Peter’s mission through Planned Gift by educating potential donors about strategies to optimize their gifts to family members, St. Peter and other charitable organizations as well as minimize their own taxes. The group meets a few times per year as needed. Volunteers receive training from members who are professionals in philanthropy then make a non-technical presentation to church members. If they are receptive to the idea volunteers arrange a meeting with the chairman of the committee to advise on specifics.Stewardship
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Power Pack HelpersOn Thursdays during the school year collect food from the warehouse, deliver to Brecht Elementary or Hand Middle School, sort it into bags with recipes and distribute to the families at the school. Generally divided into two tasks on Thursday afternoon, warehouse and sorting/distribution. Typically work in a group of two. Time commitment is approximately 1 to 2 hours at a time, finished by about 4:00pm at the latest. Volunteers can participate once or twice a year or a few times per month. Whatever they wish!Local Social Ministry
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Prayer ChainSeeking to add to our list of Prayer Chain members. The power of prayer is amazing. Emails are sent out throughout the week with current concerns and/or updates. Access to email isn't necessary- we make phone calls as well to prayer chain members with the same news as our emails! Great opportunity for someone that wants to do meaningful work while being at homeParish Life
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Preschool BoardMeets at least once per quarter. Includes church members, parents of preschool students who are non-members and a representative from the Finance Committee. Discuss issues related to the preschool and assist with decision making, policy creation and enforcement.Reports to Council/Council President
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Property CommitteeVolunteers meet one evening per month. In support of the Parish Administrator volunteers will assist in the responsibilities for building and maintenance of the church both inside and out. They will also assist in planning for upcoming projects, ongoing maintenance, and resolve any problems that may occur.Property
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Provide Baked GoodsThroughout the year there are various occasions where baked goods are needed such as dessert for a meal at the church. You may be contacted as needs arise.Fellowship
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Provide MealsIf you like to cook you can help! When the church is notified a member needs some temporary help with meals, often after recovery from a health issue, surgery, or the birth of a child, the Meal Train is launched. Volunteers are notified via email and asked to visit the meal train website to sign up for whatever meals they are able to prepare and deliver to the member who needs help. Can opt in to help or not based on your schedule. Requests only come 3-4 times a year.Parish Life
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Provide TransportationGive someone a lift! There are various occasions when members need some help with transportation. It may be a ride to church on a Sunday or help with getting to a doctor’s appointment. As needs arise you will be contacted via email to see if you can help. No commitment required- if you're available you are, if not maybe next time.Parish Life
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Recovery Ministry CommitteeThe committee is made up of four main parts, Outreach, Education/Prevention, Prayer Ministry and Health and Wellness. Volunteers can work in any or all groups within the committee. It is brand new at St. Peter's so it's still evolving. Our prayer group meets in the cry room at 10:30 on the first and third Sunday of the month to pray. Anyone is welcome to join us. We are planning various activities to help the congregation learn about addiction and how St. Peter's can play a role in solving the problem. We meet as needed.Local Social Ministry
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Retreat HelperRetreats are typically held for a weekend in the January-February time frame. Generally they run from Friday night to Sunday afternoon. We are always in need of adult help in the kitchen or with general chaperone responsibilities.Youth and Family
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Safe Church CommitteeMeets two to three times per year to review the health and safety procedures for the church building, including the preschool students that come during the week.Reports to Council/Council President
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Sages Birthday CardsTo ensure our Sages are recognized on their birthday a member of the congregation gets a list of birthdays on a monthly basis. He/She follows up with the Pastors to see if there is anything going on in their lives that should be addressed and mails the cards at the appropriate time.Parish Life
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Sages Special EventsHelp us host just three special events for our Sages, those who have reached the age of 80, at the church. Two special Communion services are held on Maundy Thursday and the Thursday before Christmas where volunteers prepare and serve lunch. We also have a Sages Recognition Sunday at the end of the August. Volunteers help in various ways such as preparing food, setting tables, or serving during these events or hosting the coffee bar in August. Very limited time commitment.Parish Life
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Sanctuary DecoratingVolunteers may be contacted to help with seasonal decorations, especially at Christmas time, in both the sanctuary and the rest of the church.Worship
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Softball TeamSt. Peter's softball team starts up in the spring. The team is a part of the a church league playing other churches in the surrounding area. Games are typically twice a week and run through July. Players of all ability levels are encouraged to join, all you need is a glove. Players receive a team t-shirt.Fellowship
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Sponsors for New MembersVolunteers will be matched up with our new members when they join St. Peter's to help ensure a smooth transition into their church life. This ministry is just beginning but it is envisioned individuals will be the main contact person for each new member and their family to help in whatever way necessary. It may be answering questions, following up with various ministry chairs, helping to navigate Sunday School or anything else the new member may need.Evangelism
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SS Age 2/3 Co-TeacherAt this time, St. Peter’s is not offering a 2/3 Sunday School class.Children's Ministry
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SS Age 4/K Co-TeacherTeaches the PreK/Kindergarten Sunday School class with another volunteer. All lessons and materials are provided each week; no planning or preparation is required. Teachers can volunteer for as little as 1 month or the entire year! Currently, we are following the Spark House Lectionary Year B schedule. Each weekly lesson corresponds to the gospel reading for that Sunday. There is a 15 minute opening followed by a lesson, craft and game related to the lesson for a total of 45 minutes. In addition to the teacher/leader, parent volunteers are encouraged and welcomed!Children's Ministry
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SS Grades 1 to 4 Teacher/Leader and AssistantServes as a teacher at one of the stations for the Rotation Sunday School program, grades 1 - 4. Teaches the same lesson for 4 weeks in a row. All lessons and materials are provided; no planning or preparation is required. Station leaders can volunteer for as little as 1 unit (4 week commitment) or all of them! There are a total of 6 units each year.Children's Ministry
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Stewardship CommitteeOversees support and encouragement of the offering of time, talent and treasure gifts to God through the church. Included is oversight of fall pledging and time and talent drives, Planned Giving sub-committee and three primary sub-ministries: Stewardship
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Tanzania Mission CommitteeMeets once a month. Supports our companion congregation, Busoka Lutheran Church, in Tanzania, Africa. Funds raised support the orphans, the church and the Busoka Community. Various projects such as the cookie walk at Christmas time are organized by the group. Some of our members have travelled to visit the village!Global Social Ministries
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UsherServe during worship service approximately once every other month. You may serve as an individual or as a family. Children are welcome! Arrive half an hour before the service, greet worshipers, distribute Bulletins and open doors for people entering the sanctuary until the service begins. Help with collection and communion as needed. After the service straighten up the books and check the pews for anything that doesn't belong. At each service there is a head usher that will give you specific instructions.Worship
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Vacation Bible School HelperA volunteer to guide and assist the children during VBS. There are five consecutive evenings, approximately 6 to 8 pm, in the month of July. No planning or teaching required. Children range in age from 4 years to 6th grade.Children's Ministry
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Vacation Bible School LeaderA teacher for our VBS program. All lessons and materials are provided. There are five consecutive evenings, approximately 6 to 8 pm, in the month of July. Children range in age from 4 years to 6th grade.Children's Ministry
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Wednesday Bible StudyMeets September through early May in the Cafe, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Any member or friend of the parish is welcome to this lecture and discussion format of examining books of the Bible along with thematic biblical topics. The class usually numbers around 30 participants of which some are active discussion participants, and some are just listeners. All that is needed is a Bible and an open mind to learn. Light snacks are offered. Pastor Rockwell leads the class with occasional guest leaders from the staff and congregation.Fellowship
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Weekly Offering CounterMeet at Mondays for approximately 3 hours. Count all money collected the previous week from all income sources. Make the deposit at the bank and enter the information into our church software called Shepherd's Staff.Finance
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WELCAWomen of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America meet the second Thursday of every month (no June, July, or August) at 9 am. Informal women's group that usually includes a program and brunch type meal provided by a different member of the group each month. They also help with the Sages Luncheons and Assemble Personal Care Kits for those in need.Parish Life
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Welcome CenterArrive approximately 20 minutes before the service starts and stand at the Welcome Center until the service begins. Volunteers serve approximately once every six weeks. Keep an eye out for people you suspect may be visitors and offer assistance. If they seem interested, encourage them to sign our Guest Register.Evangelism
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Widows GroupThe widows group is for women who have lost their husbands. It could be recent, or many years ago. We discuss what it's like to be without our partner and share how we cope. It's a safe place to talk about how we feel when faced with the world. We currently meet monthly either at St. Peter's or for lunch at a local restaurant for about an hour.Fellowship
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Worship CommitteeOversees all elements directly related to the Worship Services. This includes volunteers, music, scheduling, staffing and all required supplies for both traditional and New day blended worship. The committee meets about six times a year.Worship
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Youth And Family CommitteeMeets every other month to plan activities for youth in grades 5-12. Committee includes adults and youth.
Youth and Family - This YAC is inactive - this sounds more like the description for the Youth and Family Committee
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Youth Event ChaperoneIn order to have an active youth program we need active adults to help! As events come up you may be called to help out during the activity or provide transportation.Youth and Family