October is STEWARDSHIP month here at Saint Jacob’s, the time of year when we prayerfully consider how we can use our God given gifts of time, talent and possessions to serve God and our neighbors as STEWARDS of His Kingdom here on earth. The stewardship team has chosen this year to use the offertory prayer as our theme for STEWARDSHIP month.
Merciful Father, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us – ourselves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In these words, we declare to all that STEWARDSHIP is a way of life, not just something that we talk about, but something that we live out in our daily lives. These words declare our true belief that all that we have is a gift from God, and we give back to Him only a portion, asking Him to “receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord” – the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL!
There is much work to do and many ministries that require our time, talent and abilities here at Saint Jacob’s. We need teachers, grass cutters, cooks and dish washers, lay readers, acolytes and greeters, team leaders and council members, computer geeks, singers and musicians, bell ringers and bus drivers, prayer warriors and accountants. The list can go on and on, but you know what is needed, and you also know what you are capable of and willing to offer.
It has been said countless times by some, “I would like to do that, but I just don’t think I am the right person”, or “I would do that, but there are others here who can do it better than me.” You are a child of God, and He has given you one or many gifts. Remember, you are the STEWARD of that one, or those many gifts. Do not be afraid to use them in service to our Lord. Offer them with joy and thanksgiving!
We have provided a brief description of our teams, the name of the 2018 team leader, and the Council Representative for each ministry group. Please pray about how you will use your time and talents at St. Jacob’s in 2019 and fill out the Time & Talent form on the reverse and place it in the offering plate on any Sunday up to and including October 28th, the final Sunday of the month.
Thank you.
Your Stewardship Team
ST. JACOB’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
MINISTRY TEAMS
2018 Team Leaders & Council Representative
SHORT TERM MINISTRY TEAMS – Ministries that have specific goals to accomplish with definite beginning and ending time periods. These teams are active on an as needed basis – Council Rep: Don
Audit Team – Responsible for auditing all church expenses which includes all auxiliary groups (Lutheran Men, Lutheran Women, Up & Going and St. Jacob’s Youth). Team Leader: Frances
Building Team – Assists in the planning, evaluation and guidance needed in the call to build or expand the property of the church and its ministries. Team Leader: Don
Constitution Team – Reviews the church constitution and makes recommendations for amendments as needed. Team Leader: Robert
Historical Team – Maintains and stores historical books and records of St. Jacob’s. Team Leader: Kayla
MINISTRY TEAMS FOR WITNESS – Ministries that include community outreach and participation; and shares with the community what’s happening at St. Jacob’s – Council Rep: John
Outreach Team – Reaches out and shares God’s love and good news by organizing opportunities of Christian service within our community and beyond. Team Leaders: John and David
Publicity Team – Publicizes church news to make the congregation and the surrounding community aware of events and activities at St. Jacob’s. Team Leader: Walt
MINISTRY TEAMS FOR PARISH LIFE – Fellowship ministries for congregational members – Council Rep: Frances
Congregational Care – Responsible for demonstrating Christian love and providing for the well being and care of the congregation. Assists with congregational fun events including Homecoming, 5th Sunday Fun Night and 1st Sunday Coffee & Lemonade. Team Leader: Billy
Congregational Safety Team – Responsible for the safety of the church and congregation. Team Leader: Jeff
Other fellowship groups for our Congregation: Lutheran Men (Billy); Lutheran Women (Phyllis); Up & Going (Helen); and St. Jacob’s Youth
SUPPORT OF MINISTRY TEAMS – Ministry teams that support the financial and physical assets that belong to our church. – Council Rep: Barry and Brandon
Long Range Planning Team – Studies and evaluates the demographics, spiritual culture in our area and our ministries. Makes recommendations on how we as a congregation can respond to needs in ministry. Team Leader: AJ
Property Team – Responsible for the care and maintenance of all church property at large including all church buildings, the church bus, and cemetery grounds. Team Leader: Chad
Stewardship Team – Encourages the congregation to recognize all they have is a gift from God and to help them understand the Bible tells us a portion of what God gives to us should be returned to Him. Team Leader: Larry
Technology Team – Responsible for the care and maintenance of all office equipment and systems; manages the sound system for all worship events and ensures that the sermons are recorded. Team Leader: Brandon
STAFF SUPPORT MINISTRIES – Ministries that support paid staff – Council Rep: Kathleen
Staff Support Team – Works closely with Pastor to supervise and support all employed or contracted personnel (Music Ministers, Administrative Assistant, Youth Director, Cleaning Staff and Nursery Director). Team Leader: Susan
MINISTRY TEAMS FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE – Ministries to help us grow in our spiritual life and worship. Council Rep: June
Altar Guild Team – Responsible for preparation for Holy Communion; changing paraments; cleaning Communion vessels, linens and acolyte robes; acolytes, banner bearer, crucifer, and lay readers and notifying members of their assigned Sunday for altar flowers. – Team Leader: Brenda
Christian Education Team – Works closely with Pastor to provide opportunities for members of all ages to study and grow in understanding of Christian faith and life. – Team Leader: Open
Prayer Team – Assists in communicating prayer needs to the congregation – Team Leader: Bob & Gloria
Worship & Music Team – Works closely with Music Director and all music related groups: Hand Bells, Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs. Assists in planning music for worship services. – Team Leader: Open
