Chairperson--Russell Edeal
Vice-Chairperson--Phil Hinrichs
Secretary--Christy Drews
Treasurer--Ivan Samuelson
Committees
Twelve committees are under the direction of the Council and most meet monthly to oversee the operations of the church. Click on each link to view the policies and operations of each committee.The committees are:
Christian Education
The Christian Education Committee of Bethel Lutheran Church oversees the total educational program of the congregation. This includes determining the educational policies and selecting the personnel to facilitate the educational program. The committee has two paid part-time positions which they oversee. Teri Jorges is the Director of Tutoring Tots Preschool and Lori Swanson is the Christian Education Director.
Programs that the committee oversees and the personnel in charge of them are:
Library -- Mary Anna Anderson & Renate Emken
Tutoring Tots Preschool -- Teri Jorges
Confirmation -- Pastor Sites
Sunday School -- Deb Roberts
WINGS -- Jodi Thulin
SPLASH! -- Hulda Peterson
Vacation Bible School -- Judy Wissmann & Jane Weed
Bible Study Groups
To read about each of these programs, click on Ministries: Christian Education.
Community Care
The purpose of the Community Care Committee is to extend Christ in compassion and helpfulness to the ill, the aged, and the underprivileged. Duties include:
1. Plan and recommend a program of support for Lutheran World Relief (school, health and sewing kits, and layettes)
2. Maintain ministry to local nursing homes by delivering DVD's of Sunday worship services
3. Collection of donations for local, state and national benevolent, charitable and social agencies (S.A.F.E. Center, The Bridge Prison Ministry, Orphan Train, Parent-Child Center in Lexington, Food Pantry, etc.
4. Delivery of magazines to the Phelps County Jail.
Evangelism
Finance
Lay Ministry
Job Description for Lay Ministry Committee
PASTORAL SUPPORT
1. Pray for the pastors and other spiritual leaders
2. Encourage the Pastors in his work by word and action
3. Assist the pastors in carrying out pastoral duties. (Stephen Ministries)
CONGREGATIONAL ORDER AND MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY AND TRAINING
4. Take spiritual charge and oversight of the geographical or familial groupings assigned to them in liaison with the Pastor(s) and other concerned committees of the congregation. (Shepherds Program)
5. Insure that the congregation functions in accordance with the established doctrine of the Church as listed in the Constitution.
6. Lay Ministry Committee will bring, to the new church members, information about organizations, volunteer projects and services. The new members will be invited to join and participate.
7. See to the transfer of all members who move away and of the new Lutheran families moving into the community. Keep record of their membership decisions.
8. Encourage member involvement in discipleship training in conjunction with the Evangelism and Stewardship Committees.
REVIEWING MEMBERSHIP AND MEMBER NEEDS
9. Engage in continual review of communion and church attendance of all members and care for those who have become inactive in the life of the congregation.
10. Train and supervise a visitation committee and engage in the visitation of all the sick, hospitalized, aged, and shut ins in the congregation continually with the Evangelism Committee and Stephen Ministry.
11. Investigate Cases of financial need or other needs within the congregation and make specific recommendations to the Pastor(s) and Stewardship committee. (Shepherd Program)
12. Recognize the new confirmed members and initiate their growth in church membership and participation in the church life. Place group photo into display in basement.
13. Recognize Graduating Seniors. Quilt project started with 2008 class.
WELCOME TO WORSHIP/NEW MEMBER RECEPTION
14. Be responsible for a friendly personal welcome of visitors at worship and for orientation and integration of new members in conjunction with the Evangelism
15. Be present for periodic training as determined by the Pastor(s) and this committee
ADMINISTRATIVE
16. Submit an annual budget request in the form and at the time requested by the Finance Committee.
17. For administrative purposes and program development -- supervise the total work of the auxiliaries of the congregation.
18. Oversee special ministries in the congregation such as small groups, Stephen Ministry etc.
19. Encourage recognition for those in various areas of service in the congregation.
Memorial
Property
The basic objectives of the Property Committee are the proper maintenance and repair of all Church Property, and the general protection of the Congregation against loss or damage of what ever nature. Church properties include the church buildings and grounds, the Parsonage, and the Church van/vehicles.
Duties include annual inspections, inventories, carrying out of PPC resolutions, oversee the Custodian's maintenance of the facilities and equipment, supervise, control and recommend adequate storage facilities for all Church property and equipment, ensure adequacy of all types of insurance, maintain compliance with all fire codes, negotiate service contracts , administer the affairs of the Lutheran Cemetery Association, prepare and submit an annual budget and prepare reports as required.
Scholarship and Grant Committee
The Scholarship and Grant Committee was established to award grants to members of Bethel for:
• Higher education after graduation from high school
• Attendance at church camp as individuals or with a confirmation class
• Leadership training for adult members of the congregation
The Scholarship and Grant Committee does NOT have a budget of its own but receives funds for grants from six sources. These sources are the Christian Education Committee, Fund-raiser meals, Card and Calendar Sales, the Burger Bash, Kick In a Dollar for Kids envelopes in the Sunday bulletins, and the Bethel Church Foundation.
- Scholarship Form to print
Click this link to see the Policies for awarding the higher education grants.
The first page is the actual grant form and the second page is the policy.
Staff Support
Stewardship
The goal of the Stewardship Committee is to teach and promote the giving of our time, talent and treasures in the service of the Lord.
Worship and Music
The Worship and Music Committee at Bethel coordinates the worship experience in accordance with ELCA guidelines. Many individuals are involved with the worship services and we use patterns, words, actions, and songs to express our unity with our Lord.
