In September 2004, four Ministry Teams were introduced to the congregation.

Scroll below to each ministry team and see when they meet and to get more information on each team.

•     Worship
•     Service
•     Witness
•     Discipleship

The ministry teams foster the application of the church's mission:  To know and serve Christ by reaching out in love to all. Each ministry has a banner displayed in the sanctuary throughout the year with an accompanying scripture verse and symbol.  Each ministry also has a section of the bulletin board outside of the parlor for announcements, sign ups, and photos of recent events.  Shepherds volunteer to guide the overall work of the ministry team.... to facilitate the work, not do the work!  The shepherds encourage, support, and inspire team members and others in the congregation and commit to a 14 month service beginning July Until September of the following year.  The shepherds and coordinator meet once a month (2nd Tuesday at 7:00 pm) with other shepherds to coordinate activities and reflect on process.  The shepherds are also responsible for collecting and maintaining a record of ministry activities for future use.

While shepherds make a year long commitment to serve, the congregation is invited to participate in projects or activities according to their interests and time availability.  For example, one may volunteer to help with the 5th Sunday services and not be obligated to assist with other Worship Ministry activities, attend monthly meetings, or help out with every 5th Sunday service.  Similarly, if someone has an idea for a new project or activity, such as the Lutheran World Relief Coffee Project, Adopt-A-Platoon, the Beth Moore Bible studies, or greeter training, he or she would focus on that one activity with assistance by the appropriate shepherd.  The four ministry teams and their respective shepherds for 2004-2005 are outlined below:

The purpose of Worship is to glorify God and to honor Christ.  The outcome of worship is to join us to Christ and to one another.  Worship is a visible witness of Christ in the world.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  Psalms 100:4

1. Worship Service
2. Music Ministry
3. Communion - Communion Bread Bakers
4. Altar Guild/ Ushers
5. Baptisms
6. 5th Sunday services – Oktoberfest, Hymnfest, Memorial Day Celebration, Church Picnic
7. Easter sunrise service at church cemetery
8. Luther League reunion and service

Planning for Easter Sunrise Service on April 8th is beginning!  A group (committee) is needed to brainstorm and develop the plan for this year's Sunrise Service.  This is a short-term commitment, 2-3 meetings as necessary and we disband after Easter.  All ages are needed to be involved in this - confirmation students on up.  Our first planning meeting will be on Monday, January 28 at 5:30 pm in the parlor. Come and be a part of creating a new tradition at St. Paul's.  If you have any questions, please contact Jan Bairoti.

PLANNING FOR EASTER

        Christmas is over, the gifts are now old
           The ground has a cover of snow, and it's cold!

       But Easter is coming, Only a few weeks away
           Our Savior has come to take our sins away.

       So won't you help plan and contribute a hand
           To the great celebration of His rising again!

Discipleship is a way to put Christian faith into action in answer to God's commandments.  Discipleship develops mature Christians who integrate their faith into their daily lives.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  Colossians 3:16a

1. Youth
2. Education - Sunday School, Study Groups, Small Groups

Discipleship meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm in the youth room.

Witness is the foundation of the church, which is the body of Christ and is our response to Jesus' great commission.  Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"  And I said "Here I am.  Send me!"  Isaiah 6:8

1. Information Center and tables in narthex
2. Greeter training
3. Banners and symbols for each ministry team
4. Community Outreach
5. Communications within
6. Congregational Outreach
7. Visitor Outreach

 The witness ministry needs people friendly people— We are looking for people who enjoy communication and outreach.  First is an energetic greeter program.  If you like to say “good morning” we need you!  Secondly we need two people to develop a “visitors follow-up program”.  If meeting new people is your cup of tea, we have the thing for you.  If you are interested call Randy Genther.

Service strengthens the faith of both the giver and the receiver and provides an opportunity for meeting the needs of the community and the needs of the giver. I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.  Matthew 25:40

1. Facilitation of giving opportunities throughout the year: Giving Star, Giving Tree, Chicken in Every Pot, Souper Sunday, Love Cans, Sonshine Baskets and Adopt-a-Platoon, Sheep & Goats.

A note from our adoptive platoon:

On behalf of Bravo Battery 5/82 FA 3rd Platoon, we would like to wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays.  Just want to let you all know that all of you are in our prayers and we are extremely Happy for what you do for us.  Let me tell you guys, you really do bring a smile to a soldiers face, when he opens a care package.  To be honest with you, some of these soldiers only get mail from all of you that have never forgotten the troops.  As a leader, I am thankful for all giving morale a boost,  we all need it sometime.  I am working on sending you pictures in the near future.  Please bare with us, we are always on the go.  As I am typing this email, soldiers are outside ensuring the equipment is ready for our mission, I know I can count on them to get it done.  they wanted me to send off an email before we go.  Once again thank you! SSG BustamanteMorales, Victor.

Contact information: North East Ohio Synod at www.neos-elca.org/   or The National ELCA at www.elca.org

Send mail to officestaff@stpaulberea.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 03/03/08