107 North Orchard Street • Mackinaw, Illinois 61755 • (309) 359-5511 • Pastor Jack Wolfe

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men...  Ephesians 6:7

Committees and Teams

(Updated  01/03/2008)

Click on any title for the full committee description

Other Officers of the Church

Committee chairs are required to report on behalf of their committees (in person or through an alternate) at each meeting of the Church Council.  In addition, all committee members are also members of the Church Council, and welcome to attend and take part in the monthly Council meetings on the first Thursday of the month.

Education   

2008 Chairperson:  Jo Trombini

Team Members: 

Purpose:

To provide learning experiences for people of all ages in our church so that they may grow in understanding the gospel and become better equipped for daily living as faithful Christian disciples.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate the planning and implementation of a Christian education ministry for our congregation  and community.

2. Be familiar with the overall goals of the congregation, how these influence our educational programs, and how these goals may be extended.

3. Make available the use of United Methodist curriculum resources.

4. Learn about the educational opportunities useful to people of all ages in our congregation and community.

5. Responsible for weekly Sunday School program, providing teachers, teaching materials, teaching supplies, and proper storage of materials.

6. Monitor the use potential of each Sunday School room.

7. Keep lines of communication open between Sunday School teachers and education team.

8. Recruit a co-chair for vacation bible school

9. Attend monthly Church Council meetings to keep the council aware of our educational procedures, opportunities, and activities.

Meeting Frequency

Monthly meetings are held on the 3^rd Wednesday at 6:30PM

Additional Opportunities Offered and Implemented by the Education Team

1. Promotion/Teacher Appreciation Sunday  (Last Sunday in August during regular worship service)

2. Supplying and presenting Bibles to 2^nd graders on Promotion Sunday

3. Banners for our church (Oversee the purchasing of ready-made banners and the making of our own banners for our church)

4. Provide “Pockets” devotional magazines for the youth.

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Youth

2008 Chairperson:  Lori Carlson

Team Members:   

Purpose:

Provide leadership in the ministry to the young people of this church and community, so that they may know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.   To help them become Disciples of Christ. The target age group for the Youth Team is from Grades 5 through young adult up to age 35.

Responsibilities:

1. Introduce Youth to Jesus as our living savior so that they may have a relationship with him.

2. Work along with the Director of Youth and Young Adult activities to organize and hold youth activities such as Junior United Methodist Youth, Senior United Methodist Youth, and Young Adult activities.

3. Work with the Happiness Seekers directors and the Puppet Ministry directors in planning and holding the annual Choir Camp.

4. Ensure that the congregation, pastor, and staff meet the needs of the youth by the team chairperson or other team member representing the youth at the monthly church council meetings.

5. Organize and implement Habitat For Humanity activities and fund raising.

6. Assist with fund-raising as needed for Youth activities.

7. Involve adults from our congregation with Youth activities.

8. Encourage youth to assume a leadership role.

9. Make God a priority in the lives of the Youth and Young Adult.

10. Create a sense of ownership of the church among the Youth.

11. Promote events that make the church a fun alternative to other activities.

Meeting Frequency

At least monthly.

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Witness

2008 Chairperson:   Diane Smith

Team Members:    

Purpose

To ensure that your congregation reaches out to people with the good news of Jesus Christ and receives them into its care so that these people may develop a relationship with God and live as Christian disciples.   To establish a program of contact with inactive members, as well as non-members, to help all spiritual needs.

Responsibilities

1. To work with the pastor and the church council to make witness ministries a vital part of the congregation’s total ministry.

2. To care for all members of the congregation (including those who are inactive), as well as for people who are not members of any congregation; to help all know and respond to the love of God in Christ.

3. To keep an updated prospect file and to provide for visitation programs.

4. To be familiar with the overall goals of the congregation.   The chairperson or an appointed representative of the committee will be at every church council meeting.

5. To propose goals for the congregational growth and to plan specific evangelistic events and missions.

6. To develop and carry out programs of membership care.

7. To learn about recommended programs and resources that assist the congregation in its witness ministries.

8. Organize and promote the Supper Club within our church.

Meeting Frequency

Committee meetings will be on the 4^th Thursday of each month.

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Pastor/Staff Parish Relations

(In 3-Year Classes)

Purpose

Support our pastor and other paid staff so that they can work effectively in managing the ministry of our congregation for witness and service.  The staff includes all paid staff of the church including the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, church secretary, and custodian, etc.

Responsibilities

1. Prepare the annual Assessment of the Church and the Pastor/Staff form for submission to the District Superintendent.   In order to help our church be increasingly effective in carrying out God’s vision, the District asks the committee to assess our church’s ministry and mission.

2. Review the Pastor’s Self Assessment form that is due to the District Superintendent.   Both due to be submitted by November 15^th.

3. Develop and approve written job descriptions and titles for paid staff.

4. Hire new employees for the church.   Advertise for job openings and interview candidates.  After consulting with the committee(s) that the new hire will work with and the church council, follow through with the new hiring.   (This is for all paid positions including custodial, choir, youth directors, etc.)

5. Evaluate staff performance annually and recommend any warranted pay increases.

6. Recommend annual budget for pastor and staff to the Finance Committee and the Church Council.

7. Discuss regularly with the pastor and staff the personnel conditions that affect the congregation’s total ministry.

8. Counsel with the pastor and staff about priorities for the use of gifts, skills, and time.

9. Communicate openly with the pastor, staff, and congregation.

10. Identify continuing education needs and support.  Encourage continuing education and spiritual renewal for the pastor and staff.

11. Educate the church community on the value of diversity of selection in clergy and staff.

12. See, interview, and recommend to the charge conference lay preachers and qualified candidates for ordained ministry.

13. Committee members are assigned a paid staff member to represent at committee meetings.

14. The chairperson or other designated individual is to represent the committee at every board meeting.

Meeting Frequency

Regular meetings are held monthly.  Special meetings are held as needed for such things such as interviewing candidates for open positions.

Committee members assigned to represent a staff person with the committee will periodically meet or call their staff person in order to update the committee at regular meetings.

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Trustees

(In 3-Year Classes)

Purpose

To supervise and maintain all property belonging to the congregation so that the ministries or the congregation can be effectively carried out.

Responsibilities

1. To oversee, maintain, and supervise all local church property.

2. Report monthly to the Church Council

3. Report annually to the Charge Conference.

4. To be responsible for adequate insurance coverage on all church property.

5. Plan for future capital improvements and maintenance needs.

6. Submit annual budget requests to the Finance Committee for property maintenance and improvement.

7. Recruit qualified volunteers to help with church maintenance projects when possible.

8. Obtain bids for projects requiring professional services.

Meeting Frequency 

Regular meetings are held monthly.   Special projects may require additional meetings.

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Committee on Lay Leadership

(In 3-Year Classes)

Purpose

Our task is to to match the spiritual gifts of our congregation’s members with the spiritual needs of our congregation and it’s mission for Jesus Christ.

Responsibilities

1. To become familiar with members in the congregation of all ages.  List their gifts, skills, interests, knowledge, and commitment.   Maintain a system to keep this up to date.

2. Work cooperatively with committees, to maintain an updated committee and or job descriptions.

3. Nominate individuals to serve as officers and committee members and secure their consent to serve.

4. Present the yearly slate of officers to the annual Charge Conference for adoption.

5. To fill vacancies that may occur throughout the year, as requested by the Church Council and individual committee/teams.

Meeting Frequency

Meetings are held several times in the fall, prior to the Charge Conference.

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Worship

2008 Chairperson:    Steve Duitsman

Team Members:    

Purpose

Our purpose is to enable and enhance the worship services of our church so that our congregation will find a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate lay participation in services such as ushers, greeters, acolytes, and nursery

2. Enhance the worship experience through the use of music and drama

3. Cooperate with the PPR Committee in the hiring of any needed staff used in the worship service. (Organist, Choir Directors, etc.)

4. Seek out volunteers for leadership positions in worship related groups

5. Coordinate and choose the chairman for the ‘Hanging Of The Greens’

6. Coordinate special ecumenical services

7. Plan any additional services such as Lenten, Sunday Nite Life, Church in the Country, and oversee regular events like Coffee House

8. Advise the church council on the selection of memorial gifts for worship related items.

9. Select hand-out gifts for special days

10. Purchase ‘Upper Room’, daily devotional guides, Lenten and Advent devotionals

11. Altar arrangements for Sunday mornings and flowers for special occasions such as Easter, Christmas, and birth of a child.

12. Coordinate meals or refreshments for special services such as the Easter Sunrise Service.

13. The Chairperson or other designated individual to represent the committee at every board meeting.

Meeting Frequency

Regular quarterly meetings plus as needed such as to plan a special event.

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Outreach Ministries

2008 Chairperson:    Lois Bennett

Team Members:      

Purpose

Our goal is to give attention and help to local community needs – global and worldwide missions, health and welfare ministries, and ecumenical ministries within our church and social issues.

Responsibilities

1. Local Community and Personal Needs

   1. Prayer Chain

   2. Tapes to homebound

   3. Care notes

   4. Devotional Booklets

   5. Emergency Fund for Needy

   6. Senior Nutritional Meals

2. Larger Societal Needs and Issues

   1. Blood Drive

   2. Emergency Fund for Transients

3. Global and National Ministries

   1. Lenten and Advent Collections

   2. Beef Barbecue Receipts

   3. Special appeals

4. Ecumenical Activities

   1. Periodic Cooperative Bibles Studies

   2. Young at Heart Club

5. Health and Welfare Agencies (of our conference), collections, Golden Cross

   1. Children

      1. Baby Fold - Normal, Annual collection

      2. Chaddock - Quincy, separate Christmas offering

   2. Youth

      1. Cunningham Home – Champaign

   3. Community

      1. LBD Neighborhood House – East St. Louis

   4. Hospitals

      1. Methodist Medical Center – Peoria

      2. Alton Memorial Hospital – Alton

      Retirement Facilities

      1. Evenglow Lodge – Pontiac

      2. Sunset Home – Quincy

      3. Wesley Village – Macomb

      4. United Methodist Village – Lawrenceville, Godfrey

   5. Midwest Distribution Center

   6. The Chairperson or appointed representative of the committee to attend every church council meeting to represent the committee.

Meeting Frequency

Monthly meetings plus as needed.

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Finance

(In 3-Year Classes)

Purpose

To propose, raise, manage, and distribute the financial resources of the congregation to support and strengthen the mission and ministry of the congregation.

Responsibilities

1. To gather budget requests from committees.

2. To propose an annual budget which supports the ministry of the church and submit it to the Church Council for approval.

3. To develop and carry out plans to raise enough income to support the approved budget.

4. To guide and assist the work of the treasurer and financial secretary.   To keep them informed of any new fund raising activities which need to be tracked.

5. Maintain and improve the church’s financial tracking system.

6. Arrange for an annual audit of all the church’s financial assets. 

7. To be accountable to the charge conference through the church council.

8. To attend the monthly Church Council meetings to stay informed of any possible future financial needs of the congregation.

9. The Finance Chairperson is to provide a monthly financial report to the Church Council and advise the Church Council of any budget adjustments that may be needed, for the council’s consideration and approval.

10. To ensure the congregation is informed of the church’s financial situation.

Meeting Frequency

Regular meetings are held quarterly.   Special meetings may be held for budget preparation or to plan special fund raising.

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Vision

The Vision Team is inactive for the year 2008.  Special team will be assembled if need arises.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the visions team is to assist our congregation to stay focused on the future.  With emphasis on nurturing programs, “feed my sheep” John 21:17 and outreach, “therefore, go and make disciples of all nations” Matthew 28:19-20.

Responsibilities

1. Every 3 years update the church’s Blueprint For Progress Report.  After approval of the Church Council, present it to the congregation.

2. To monitor on an on going basis progress towards reaching 1, 3 and 5 year goals.    Report the progress to the Council, and recommend updates to the goals as needed.

3. Continue to explore new ideas with emphasis on nurturing and outreach programs.   Share these ideas with effected groups or committees within our church.   Then present developed ideas to the Church Council.

4. Assist other committees and groups as needed to achieve the church’s goals.  Coordinate larger projects that effect multiple committees or groups.

5. Organize an annual workshop, where all committees or teams meet to discuss future plans and goals for the upcoming year.  This is to be done prior to the adoption of the next year’s budget.

6. Communicate to the congregation updated goals and accomplishments, quarterly or as needed.

Meeting Frequency

Meetings are to be held every other month to discuss new ideas and monitor progress towards achieving our church’s goals.  Special meetings will be required when working on a special project of goal.

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Communications

Communications Team has been deferred until future date as roles within the team are redefined and restructured. 

Team being assembled now!  Want to be a part of it?   Send Email

Team Members:      

Purpose

To develop and carry out a communications program so that members and others in the community will understand and become interested in participating in the congregation's ministry and activities.

Responsibilities

1. Gather information, calendar dates and other items of interest and for the monthly newsletter, prepare master for the newsletter to be copied & mailed by church secretary and volunteers

2. Maintain & update the church website.

3. Coordinate all advertising & promotional efforts for the church to maintain consistency, and to ensure that all events and programs are promoted to our community in a way that makes these programs inviting to newcomers.

4. Work with other committees to disseminate information on each and their activities to our own congregation.

5. Create and distribute press releases to promote and to report on outcome of special events and/or programs. 

EDITOR POSITION AVAILABLE NOW

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Kids Club

2008 Chairperson:    To be announced

Team Members:      

Purpose

The purpose of Kids Club is to provide after school care in a Christian environment.  This service is available for children in grades K through 6 in the Dee Mack school district.

The Kids Club Structure

The Kids Club is governed by the Kids Club Board, which consists of several church members, a Kids Club parent, and the minister of the church.  The Director of Kids Club also attends the Board meetings to report on the status of the program.  There is currently no requirement for the length of time a member serves on the Board.

Responsibilities of the Kids Club Board Members 

Committee members attend Kids Club Board meetings once a month.  They provide support for the kids Club by making decisions regarding procedures, financial matters, public relations, and the employment process (if new employees are needed).  They support the Kids Club Director by offering suggestions and locating resources he/she might need.  Committee members also attend the Kids Club Open House in August, when enrolled children and their parents visit the church to learn more about the program.

The Chairperson of the Kids Club Board organizes the agenda for and leads monthly meetings.  He/she delegates board members to complete various tasks as needed.  He/she also monitors the financial status of the Kids Club by keeping in contact with the church’s treasurer.  The Chairperson compiles a monthly status report, which he/she presents at the Administrative Board meeting.  The Chairperson acts as a liaison between the Kids Club and other church committees.  He/she also keeps in contact with the Kids Club Director throughout the month to check on the status and needs of the program.

The Kids Club Board Meetings

Kids Club Board meetings are held once a month, unless more frequent meetings are needed for some reason.  Currently, the meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month, at 7:30 p.m., in the Ladies’ Sunday School room.

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Membership Committee

2008 Chairperson:    To be named soon

Team Members:      

Committee description not available at this time. 

Classroom Committee

2008 Chairperson:    TBA

Team Members:      

Full Committee description not available at this time.  General purpose is to explore options and make recommendations for use of classroom space.  Primary focus is on former Library room and includes preparation of cost estimate for possible renovations, etc. 

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Other Officers of the Church:

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Lay Leader

2008 Lay Leader:  Duane Siedschlag

Purpose

The primary purpose of a Lay Leader is to listen and gather the hopes and concerns of the congregation and community and work with the appropriate leadership and committees to address these hopes and concerns.

Responsibilities 

1. To function as the primary lay representative of the laity in our church.

2. Listen to the ideas, hopes and concerns of the congregation.

3. Represent the church laity at Church Council meetings. 

4. Present ideas, hopes, and concerns of the congregation to the appropriate committees and the Church Council.

5. Attend meetings of committees including Finance, Worship, Visions, the Committee On Lay Leadership (Nominating Committee)

6. Plan and execute Laity Sunday by recruiting congregation members to participate.

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Treasurer

2008 Treasurer:   Jane Warrick

Purpose

Oversee and disburse all funds received into the church treasury in a responsible and organized manner, with funds identified and bills paid when due, so that the ministry of our congregation can be effective.

Responsibilities 

1. Oversee deposits, matching them to the report provided by the Financial Secretary.

2. Oversee the identification and categorization of bills and see that they are paid in a timely manner.

3. Process Payroll.

4. Process payroll taxes on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis.

5. Present an accurate treasurer report at our monthly Church Council meetings.

6. Work with the finance team to maintain and update the church’s financial record keeping system.

Meeting Frequency

The treasurer attends the monthly Church Council meetings and the quarterly Finance Team meetings.

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Financial Secretary

2008 Financial Secretary:   Peggy Serpette

Purpose

The Financial Secretary’s primary task is to receive, record, and deposit all funds received by our congregation.

Responsibilities 

1. Collect the weekly Sunday offerings.

2. Collect weekly, in addition to the Sunday offering, deposits from groups such as the Kid’s Club, High School class for the Habitat Trip, and/or other fund raising programs.

3. To record and deposit all funds as soon as possible.

4. Record all designated gifts such as memorials and special offerings.

5. Maintain confidentiality regarding the amount of individual contributions.

6. To provide a weekly report to the pastor, treasurer, and finance chairperson, documenting the total amount deposited.  Show a breakdown of the amount going to the general fund, designated programs, memorials, or any other special gifts.

7. Provide comprehensive reports of collections to the Finance Committee upon request.

8. Provide year-end giving summary for tax purposes to all who gave to the church during the year.  Provide a special gift record as requested for larger gifts.

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Join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 9:25am and Sunday School at 10:40am

Contact us by email:

Church office:  information@mackinawumc.org 

Pastor Jack Wolfe:  PastorWolfe@mackinawumc.org
webservice@mackinawumc.org for questions or comments about this web site.

Copyright © 2006 Mackinaw United Methodist Church