The St. John’s Committes are defined by the church Constitution and designed to maintain the worship vitality, spiritual health, outreach efforts and physical properties of the church community. A Church Council Representative is appointed for a one year term to maintain the activities of the committee. That representative is not necessarily the chairperson or the person responsible for its activities. The church membership is welcomed and encouraged to join these committees so their continued existence has consistent direction and activity to assure the vibrancy of our church life.

Purpose:

The committee shall determine young adult and family needs; and provide for events, which can meet these needs.  It shall also be alert to the social concerns and needs within society, studying church, local, state, and national issues as invited to do so, and making recommendations to the Congregation Council and/or congregation as to appropriate responses.

Council Representatives Responsibilities:

v     Work in conjunction with the Social Concerns Council Representative and the Pastor.

v     Assist people to know an enriched social life and contribute to the welfare of their daily life.

v     Be the official liaison to, for and with all activities of Thrivent.

v     Shall study and maintain a list of social agencies which are available to help with such problems as alcoholism, drugs, delinquency, family and marital breakdown, mental retardation, emotionally disturbed, unwed mothers, and any other similar needs.

v     Together with the Pastoral leadership study possibilities for the implementation of spiritual care to hospitals, homes for the aged, prisons, institutions, home bound, and any situation where people need our concerns.

v     To study social and moral issues relative to state of local actions and especially where referendums are involved.

v     To make known to the parish any changes relative to new or revised programs that will affect the elderly, special need people, and low income situations.

v     To aid in community cooperation regarding social needs and such programs as meals on wheels, daily meal programs, food distribution (Care Closet), health care or flood bank needs and similar endeavors.

v     To work with special committees for World Hunger, Mississippi Self-Help, Lutheran World Relief (school kits, layettes, soap collection, quilts, health kits, sewing kits, clothing).

v     To review ELCA social related study documents and official policy statements taking action as needed.

v     In summary, to be charged with any concern that has to do with the physical, mental, social, and spiritual welfare of the parish in particular and of the community in general.

Purpose:

Formulate and supervise adult education programs, confirmation program, library, Sunday School, Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School and Christmas Program.  Also, see that there is adequate staff and educational materials that are in accord with our Lutheran confessions.

Council Representatives Responsibilities:

v      Work in conjunction with the Parish Education Council Representative and the pastor.

A.    Adult Education

a.      Provide opportunities for discussion groups, Bible study, etc.

b.      Cooperate with other parish groups in education – WELCA, Life and Growth Committee, Social Concerns Committee, etc.

B.    Youth Education – Sunday School

a.      Select Supt.

b.      Establish curriculum

c.      Assist Supt. In teacher inservice.

d.      Provide for teacher selection

e.      Supervise financial budgeting and expenditures.

f.        Supervise selection of materials.

g.      Assist in the establishment of a Sunday School Board.

h.      Have responsibility for all other areas dealing with the Sunday School program.

C.    Supervision of Vacation Bible Church School

a.      Selection of Director

b.      Establish curriculum

c.      Assist Director in teacher inservice.

d.      Supervise financial budgeting and expenditures.

e.      Provide for teacher selection.

f.        Supervise selection of materials.

g.      Have responsibility for all other areas dealing with the VBS.

v     Assist the Pastor in the Confirmation program.

v     Cooperate with the Youth Committee in the education program.

Purpose:

Worship and Music shall evaluate and make recommendations concerning worship forms and services, oversee the work of the Ushers, Greeters, Acolytes, Soundboard, Worship Assistants, and Altar Guild.  They shall maintain liaison with the Music Director, Organist(s), and choirs; shall arrange for music instrument maintenance and tuning, and make recommendations thereon to the Council. (Taken from Pg. 7 Bylaws of St. John’s Lutheran) 

Council Representative’s Responsibilities:

v     Act as Council liaison to Music and Worship Committee

v      Attend Council meeting on a regular basis.

v      Present summary at Council meetings of Music and Worship activities

v     Work in conjunction with the Music and Worship committee and pastor.

v      Prepare a report for the Annual Report and give to Parish Secretary.

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Purpose:

Fellowship shall have as its basic objectives the strengthening of the fellowship between congregational members spiritually and socially: the integration of new members into the life of the congregation; planning and implementation of outreach events in which the large community’s participation is invited; and the general building of mutual cooperation, trust and enjoyment among the members of the congregation. . (Taken from Pg. 8; Bylaws of St. John’s Lutheran)

Council Representative’s Responsibilities

v     Work in conjunction with the Fellowship Council Representative and pastor.

v      Provide monthly calendars for members to signup for providing snacks during the fellowship times on Sunday mornings September through May.

v     Assist with times of fellowship on Sunday mornings between services when a particular person/persons have not volunteered.

v      Assist the Fellowship Council Representative for special church and community sponsored activies.

Purpose:

Youth Ministry Committee shall support and supervise the activities of various youth groups formed within the St. John’s congregation.  Youth ministries will be provided for youth of all ages.  These groups are formed to bring a greater understanding of God’s word and thus provide a foundation from which their Christian faith can group.  The committee shall coordinate service and fellowship activities In addition, it will provide the opportunity to collaborate for leadership needs, fund-raising activities, and offer mentoring opportunities for the youth and their leaders. (Taken from Pg. 8; Bylaws of St. John’s Lutheran)

Council Representative’s Responsibilities:

v      Attend Council meeting on a regular basis.

v     Work in conjunction with the Youth Leaders committee and pastor.

v     Prepare a report for the Annual Report and give to Parish Secretary.

Personnel Committee

 1.  The purpose of the Personnel Committee is to provide oversight review of the paid employees of the congregation, including the pastor(s).

 2.  The Personnel Committee, as an arm of the Council, shall:

A.                  Review matters involving personnel policies

B.                  Recommend various personnel policies

C.                  Conduct at least annual evaluations

D.                  Handle special personnel responsibilities which may arise

E.                  Draft minutes of meetings

F.                  Document personnel matters

G.                 Provide recommendations to the Council dealing with salaries, wages and benefits, hiring, and terminations.

 3.  The Council through the Personnel Committee shall take any necessary action relative to employment including hiring, job description, evaluation, remuneration and termination for all staff including the pastor(s) with the exception of hiring and termination of rostered leaders.

 4.  They shall review at least annually all positions to assess the need for staff assignments, changes, expansion, or reduction. They shall assess at least annually the job performance of the Senior Pastor and all other positions and set the appropriate remuneration for each.

 5.  Membership on the Personnel Committee shall be by appointment of the church council.

 6.  Appointment by the church council shall occur at the regular council meeting in March of each year that the term expires

 7.  The Personnel Committee shall consist of three persons, each for a three year term, except in the initial formation of the committee.  No member shall be re-elected for more than one additional term.

 8.  A member of the Personnel Committee shall not be a member of the Council.

 9.  The chairperson of the Personnel Committee shall:

A.                  Serve as a member of the Council with voice and without vote.

B.                  Serve as a liaison between the staff and the Council.

The Mutual Ministry Team currently consists of 4 members. The purpose of this team is twofold: 

(1)   To encourage and support the paid staff members on behalf of the congregation.

(2)   To direct parties with questions or problems regarding church issues to the appropriate channels for discussion and potential resolutions.  This committee is NOT involved in job evaluations. 

Purpose:

Memorials shall have oversight of memorial gifts and funds.  It shall be responsible for developing and maintaining a suggested list of needs, which can be met through memorials and other gifts.   (Taken from Pg. 8 Bylaws of St. John’s Lutheran)

Council Representative’s Responsibilities:

v      Committee consists of one person who collects and disburses memorial funds appropriately.  This person does not have to be a council representative.

v     Keep checkbook of memorial account.

v      Responsible for developing and maintaining a suggested list of needs which can be met through memorials.

v      Memorial funds are dispersed for requested items needed which are not in the budget and which are not operating expenses.

v      Memorial funds, which are designated for specific use by the family are either expended for such use or held in memorial account under specific designation.

v      Send acknowledgements to family of memorials received.

v      Send a thank you to family for memorials given.

v      Prepare a bulletin insert with Parish Secretary for All Saint’s Sunday noting deceased and memorials given.

Prepare a report for the Annual Report and give to Parish Secretary. 

Purpose:

Life and Growth shall develop a sound program of visitation and spiritual care for members and for outreach into our community.  The committee shall be especially sensitive to the needs of the inactive, the lonely, and the bereaved. Securing the training of visitation teams to assist the pastor (s) in this effort, making recommendations thereon to the council.  (Taken from Pg. 8; Bylaws of St. John’s Lutheran)

 Objective:

To instill a growing spiritual life in all members and to bring about a growing concern for the unchurched according to the great commission.  It shall also assist and help to provide in the areas of pastoral care for concerns of a total ministry.

Council Representative’s Responsibilities: 

v     Attend Council meeting on a regular basis.

v     Work in conjunction with the Life and Growth committee.

v      Prepare a report for the Annual Report and give to Parish Secretary.

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