WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL LIFE MINISTRY

APRIL TEAM MEETING HIGHLIGHTS...

Lenten Sub-team report.  The Lenten Sub-team provided a very comprehensive program of worship services throughout the Lenten season.  Each service was meticulously planned and executed, and our desire is that more of our congregation can and will participate next year.

Spiritual Life sub-team report.  Tying in with the Lenten programs, was the Prayer Vigil in which members of our congregation participated in the 24-hour prayer vigil held from 1:00 p.m. on Good Friday to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.  Prayer guides were also provided which were extremely helpful.  Next up is assisting the ministers in planning "leadership retreats" for August and January.

Worship Sub-team report.  Linda Gallagher reported on the approved change in start times for worship and Sunday school.  The new times will go into effect on the first Sunday in June (June 6th). Sunday school will start at 9:30 a.m., and worship will start at 10:30 a.m.  This change will have a positive impact on the rehearsal for choir and praise band.  Don Thomson reported on an improved method of preparing, delivering, reviewing, and presenting slides for announcements and praise hymn lyrics.  This new system seems to be working well.  Ruth Lignitz reported on the procedure for providing flowers for the sanctuary each Sunday and also the procedure for ordering Easter Lilies and Poinsettias.  Ruth provides a wonderful service to our church with this ministry.  Projects for the coming weeks:  find more people to work on the sound and audio board; work on the order of the service to accommodate choir participation; acolyte roster and schedule.

Music sub-team report.  Joan Thomson reported on a number of activities.  Communication between musicians, ministers, and the coordinator was emphasized.  She also interrelated her work with the Personnel Committee in updating job descriptions, many of which had not been updated for several years.  Dr. Fred Burrack added greatly to the discussion of how music fits into our worship service.  The exchange with the ministers was invaluable for future insertions to the bulletin and to special music offerings.

Theatre & Dance sub-team report.  Linda Uthoff was unable to attend the meeting and did not submit a report.  Kasey Kile stated that she had spoken with Linda about assisting with this sub-team and will visit with her again to find out where we are on getting this important program off the ground.

Advent sub-team report.  Pam Russell submitted a comprehensive plan for the execution of the Advent season that will enable anyone to step in and execute the plan.

Senior Pastor Paul Allen, on his first meeting with our team, gave very good guidance.  He spoke to us as a “newcomer with fresh eyes” and offered some ideas we could implement to add interest and comfort for first time visitors.  He first asked us to consider a new format for our worship bulletin.  Some discussion followed and the new format was unanimously accepted. We will most likely see the new bulletin format in our worship service immediately.  Paul also went through the worship schedule for May.  May 2nd is his Installation Service, May 9th is Mother’s Day, May 16th is Graduation Sunday, and May 23rd is Pentecost (a BIG birthday celebration!). The Worship and Spiritual Life team will work with the Fellowship Ministry Team to plan and set up for the "party".  The “set-up” will be on Saturday, May 22nd at 10 am.  More details to follow.  Paul also announced that two “Leadership Events” (retreats?) will be held on August 13th and 14th; and January 14th and 15th. Locations to be announced later.