Children s Ministry. Preschool. Sunday Mornings: Children and Family Special Events

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1 Children s Ministry The children s ministry strives to create a solid foundation for children and their families that connects them to God. We engage volunteers in ways that make a difference in the lives of children and their families. All volunteers with children must take Safe Sanctuary Training and consent to a criminal background check. Sunday Mornings: Nursery Caregiver Provide care for infants and toddlers for all worship services and programs on Sunday morning. Commitment: 1 to 2 hours, once a quarter. 2 volunteers needed. Children s Sunday School Teacher Teach Sunday School for a quarter to Preschool, K - 2nd Grade, and 3rd 5th Grade. Curriculum and activity materials are provided. Commitment: 2 hours each week. 1 to 2 volunteers per grade level needed. Substitute Sunday School Teacher Fill in for regular Sunday School teacher when they have to be absent. Sometimes a last minute call. All substitutes should observe the Sunday School classes in action so you can know the children and be ready to fill in. Commitment: 1 to 2 hours on an as needed basis. 5 volunteers needed. Summer Sunday School Teacher Our wonderful Sunday School teachers take the summer off and we need people to teach several Sundays during the summer. Lesson plans and materials are provided. We have two children s classes during the summer, elementary and preschool. Commitment: 2 hours per week during the summer months. Preschool We are proud of the Mt Carmel preschool. Not only has this preschool won awards in the community and in our church conference, the children of the preschool have won a place in our hearts. You can make a difference in the lives of children by volunteering at the preschool. Some upcoming opportunities are: volunteer to be a date for Pizza, mystery reader, attend the Breakfast with Santa, attend the preschool nativity play, donate a ream of colored paper, pray for the school and school leaders, and promoting the school. Commitment: as desired. Children s Worship Helper Help the Children s Worship leader with children ages 3-9 during 11:00 worship and/or 10:45 Sunday School class. Curriculum and supplies are provided. Commitment: 1 hour once per quarter. 2 volunteers needed per week. Children s Choir Leader Lead and direct children in musical performances in worship services and Christmas Pageant. Practice for worship usually takes place during Sunday School. Pageant practice is on Sundays during November and first of December. Commitment: 20 total hours for the Christmas Pageant, as desired for worship music. Children and Family Special Events Children s Council Help plan and carry out special children s activities during the year. Activities may include Fall Festival, Valentine s Workshop, Mardi Gras party, Easter Egg Hunt, Earth Day, and Kids in the Kitchen. Commitment: 2 to 3 hours depending on event. Number of volunteers depends on event. Christmas Pageant Team The annual Christmas pageant in early December encourages our children to act out their faith and grow as leaders in a safe and friendly situation. Help with practices and support ministries for this memorable service. Commitment: 1 to 3 hours weekly, November until Pageant. 3 to 5 volunteers needed. Lent/Easter Team Help plan and implement weekly events and worship for children and their families to prepare for and celebrate Easter. Commitment: 2 hours per week for 8 weeks. 4 volunteers needed. Wacky Wednesday Assistant Wacky Wednesday is a program for children ages 3-11 on selected Wednesdays during the summer. The hours are 10:00-1:00. Themes have included Heritage Day, Wet and Wild, Cooking, Pirates, and More Kingdom Rock. Volunteers implement activities to create a fun filled time for children in a loving God filled environment. Commitment: 3 hours per session. Each session requires 2 volunteers. Youth are encouraged to volunteer. Vacation Bible School Be a part of the exciting and largest kid s event of the year during the first week of June. There are many opportunities for leading in ways that touch lives while building relationships that draw kids and adults closer to Christ. Volunteers of all types are needed: leaders who work with children, the Decorating Team, Registrars, and the Snack Team.

2 Youth Ministry The Mount Carmel UMC youth group nurtures the youth of our church in a loving Christian environment. We strive to teach the love of Christ to the youth and how that is played out in the real world, to provide examples of how to be leaders among peers, and to teach a faith that is lived out over an entire lifetime. As such, we ask our volunteers to hold themselves to the highest standards by remembering that the example we set is as important as the words we say. All volunteers with youth must take Safe Sanctuary Training and consent to a criminal background check. Youth Council Youth council members are elected by the youth and volunteers from parents. The youth council plans youth ministry events. Commitment: 2 hours monthly plus participation and leadership at youth events. Sunday School Teacher Sunday School teachers are asked to lead the youth in Sunday School lessons on Sunday mornings. Additionally, Sunday School teachers are asked to look for curriculum, or ask the youth minister for curriculum when the previous curriculum ends. Much like Counselors in small groups, Sunday School teachers will lead in groups of at least two and must be Safe- Sanctuary trained. Commitment: 2 hours per week. Counselor Counselors are some of our most involved and most important volunteers. Counselors should be prepared to attend as many Sunday nights, retreats, and events as their schedules allow. Counselors are asked to lead a small group with other counselors/ the youth minister. The counselors are sent weekly updates and a small group lesson plan each week by the youth minister. Counselors are asked to provide feedback to the youth minister on curriculum, small groups, etc. All Counselors must be Safe- Sanctuary trained. Commitment: : hours per week. Meal Provider Meal Providers are responsible for preparing, bringing, and serving a meal for the youth group on Sunday nights. This is done on a voluntary basis as a signup sheet is circulated at the parents meeting and also via by the youth pastor. The meal provider should check with the youth minister if unsure of number of youth, food allergies, etc. Also, each youth in attendance brings $3 to help refund the cost to the Meal Provider. Commitment: hours per meal. Youth Dinner Theatre Support Team The Youth Dinner Theatre is one of the most of the most important fundraisers for youth going on the annual mission trip. Equally important are the bonds of friendship that form during practices and preparation. The Youth Dinner Theater takes place in March but preparation begins in January. Several tasks are available for team members, including: Actors/Actresses, Director, Production Manager, Stage Manager, Back Stage Manager, Kitchen Manager, Box Office and Tickets, Publicity, Lighting Technician, Sound Technician, Set Designer, Set Construction, Costume Manager, Prop Manager, Wardrobe Assistant, Hair and Make-up, Servers, Practice Assistant, T-shirt Coordinator. Commitment: as desired; the time commitment varies according to the task.

3 Adult and Family Ministry Picnic Planning Team Our annual picnic at Berkeley Lake is an evening of fun and friendship. Serve as a member of the hospitality team and help set up, serve drinks and paper goods, and help with clean-up. The team works with the minister and worship planners to organize the vespers service that concludes the day. Commitment: 5 hours on the day of the picnic. Down Home Holiday Planning Team We know that Christmas Holiday preparation can be overwhelming. In the middle of the busy season, the Down Home Holiday is a low key time of relaxation with your church family. The planning team organizes the evening entertainment, sets up and cleans up. Commitment: 2 to 3 planning sessions, plus leadership on the event night. Chapel in the Woods Team Chapel in the Woods is a hiking/walking group that meets regularly in the spring and fall. Trips usually last the morning, and include either breakfast or lunch. The group hikes out and shares in a time of devotion. The team plans trips and communicates with participants. Commitment: 2 hours monthly for organizing and planning, plus leadership on trips. United Methodist Women The United Methodist Women was founded to support women in mission throughout the world. Today we live out this mission through fostering spiritual growth at home and abroad, developing leaders and advocating for justice worldwide. In addition to the annual fall retreat and summer day at the lake, two small groups (circles) meet monthly for fellowship, a program, and encouraging one another: the Lola Belle Young Night Circle meets on the fourth Monday of the month and the Day Circle meets monthly on the third Tuesday. Opportunities to serve through UMW include: Wednesday Lenten Dinners The UMW encourages spiritual formation of the church by cooking Wednesday night dinners during Lent. These dinners are a time of fellowship, and encourage the church to be part of Wednesday night Lenten Bible Studies. Commitment: 4-6 hours weekly during Lent, plus time with serving and clean-up on Wednesday nights. UMW Sweet Shop The Sweet Shop, held during the Barbecue, raises money for missions. Volunteer to work the table during the Barbecue or to provide sweets to be sold. Commitment: 2-3 hour shifts during the Barbecue or time spent baking goods for sale. Sunday School or Bible Study Leader We never stop needing to grow in our relationship with God and in learning how to be the church. Our adult Sunday School teachers lead us in better understanding of God s word and what scripture says about leading the life to which God calls. Commitment: Weekly preparation and class leadership, 5-10 hours depending on the leader. Walking or Running Group Coordinator Running and the walking groups are a great way to get to know others while aspiring to keep healthy and respect the bodies given by God. De-stress and enjoy the companionship of others on the journey. Group coordinators set routes and times and communicate these to participants and the congregation. Commitment: 30 minutes weekly for communication and planning, plus time with the group running or walking. Hospitality Team At Mount Carmel we love to eat, and we love to enjoy conversation with one another. The hospitality team creates special moments for the congregation by preparing the Fellowship Hall for churchwide dinners and serving as hosts and hostesses for covered dish dinners. Commitment: For covered dish dinners, arrive 1 hour before worship for set-up, leave church 30 minutes early for final preparations, serve during the meal. United Methodist Men The Mt. Carmel Men s Club (United Methodist Men) invites and encourages all men of the church in service and spiritual growth opportunities. Monthly group meetings alternate between Sunday morning breakfast meetings and Thursday evening dinner meetings each month. An annual retreat weekend includes a program, food and the great outdoors. Opportunities to serve through UMM include: Spring and Fall Barbecue The Barbecue supports local charities such as the Norcross Cooperative Ministry, Meals-on- Wheels, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as ministries for children, youth and adults at Mt. Carmel. Commitment: Prep days (2-4 hours on a weekday evening), Serve days (half or full day on Friday or Saturday) Churchwide Thanksgiving Dinner Each Sunday before Thanksgiving the men host a churchwide Thanksgiving Dinner. Men provide the meat, dressing, green beans, potatoes, and beverages. Guests provide other sides and desserts. This meal is always a great time of fellowship and getting to know others in our church and community. Commitment: 4-8 hours on the day of the dinner to prepare the meal.

4 Music / Worship Ministry Our goal is to create an atmosphere in which worship participants of all ages, backgrounds, preference, and stage in their spiritual journey can connect to Christ. In worship, we deepen our relationship with God, develop meaningful bonds with one another, and become empowered to love and serve others. Our Greatest Need: Ushers The welcoming face of the congregation, ushers assist in a worship service by greeting members and guests, distributing bulletins, assisting guests find seats, taking up the offering, and directing participants in Holy Communion. Commitment: 1 ½ hours on an assigned Sunday. Chancel Choir Member Lead worship by singing in the 11:00 service. Ability to read music is helpful, although no previous singing experience or music reading ability required. Singing in the choir provides an excellent opportunity to form friendships and develop spiritually. Commitment: 1 ½ hours on Sunday mornings plus 1 to 2 hours for Wednesday evening rehearsals. Acoustic Worship Team Singers and instrumentalists lead worship by singing or playing in the 9:30 a.m. acoustic worship service. Ability to read music (vocal charts and lead sheets) is helpful and original compositions are welcome. Music is provided. Commitment: 1.5 hours on Sunday mornings, plus 1-2 hours for Wednesday evening rehearsals. Liturgist The example of our scripture readers on Sunday mornings demonstrates that all of us young and old, male and female are called to proclaim God s good news. Volunteers to read scripture receive the scripture readings early in the week. Commitment: One worship service every two months, plus practice reading the scriptures ahead of time. Sound System Monitor These persons ensure that everyone can hear the worship service clearly. The person can sit anywhere in the congregation and use the portable sound system adjustment to correct volume levels and mute / unmute microphones when speakers come to the microphone. Training is available from Ed McDonald. Commitment: One service (9:30 or 11:00) every other week. Must arrive 15 minutes before the service begins to review order of worship and get portable sound adjustment equipment. Visual Arts God's word can be proclaimed in many ways. Our Worship Arts Team works closely with the pastor to portray scripture using all of our senses. Whatever your media--digital, fabric, paper, flowers--and whatever your skill--photography, sewing, painting, draping, stapling, folding--your ideas and talents can make a difference in how we tell the good news. Commitment: 2-3 hours planning before special events and seasons (Lent, Easter, Advent, Christmas), 2-3 hours on weeks when you volunteer for a special altar table arrangement. Flower Arranger We serve a living God, and our floral arrangements each week remind us that our faith is alive. Purchase and arrange flowers that bring glory to God and celebrate special moments within the life of the congregation. Commitment: 2-3 hours on Saturday to purchase and arrange flowers. Each floral arranger serves once a month. Flower purchases can be reimbursed or credited to giving statement. Acolyte Coordinator This person recruits, trains and schedules our acolytes at the 11:00 worship service. The Coordinator sits with and directs the acolytes during the service. He / she also maintains the altar candles and the brass candlelighters. Commitment: Sunday mornings arriving 15 minutes early and attending the service, plus approximately 2 hours per month for organizing and communication with volunteers. Communion Steward In breaking bread, sharing the cup, and serving one another, we trust that Christ is present among us in a special way. Our Holy Communion stewards prepare for this meal, preparing small juice cups, serving cloths, and setting out bread. After the worship service, the stewards clean and prepare for the following service or dispose of remaining elements with dignity. Commitment: 2-3 hours on a Sunday morning, 1st Sunday of the month and holy days (Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Christmas Eve).

5 First Impressions & Encouragement We want our church to be a warm and welcoming place. For many visitors worship is the front door through which visitors enter the church. This team helps us create an inviting atmosphere, and encourages visitors and members into greater discipleship through greater participation in the ministries and events of the congregation. In addition to the roles and responsibilities described here, members of the team meet monthly to encourage and hold one another accountable, and explore new ways of welcoming and encouraging visitors and church members. Greeters The greeting team is aware of new faces in our congregation and makes a special point of greeting and speaking to our guests. The team encourages visitors to provide their contact information on the registration pad, answer any questions, and make sure that every first time visitors feels welcome and receives a visitor s bag. Commitment: Sunday mornings arrive 15 minutes before worship service. Coffee and Donuts Our congregation enjoys coffee, donuts and juice each Sunday morning in the Fellowship Hall before the 9:30 and 11:00 worship services. This time of fellowship is enjoyed by members and visitors alike. Commitment: 1 hour / month. Each volunteer purchases donuts and juice one Sunday morning each month and sets it up in the Fellowship Hall by 9:00 a.m. Expenses can be reimbursed or credited to giving statement. Card Writers This team sends hand-written notes to visitors to thank them for visiting Mount Carmel. Commitment: 1-3 cards / week. Card writers alternate months in which they are responsible for contacting visitors. Care Caller It s important for people to know that they are missed. Our care caller checks in with members and regular visitors who have not signed the attendance roll for a few weeks. Commitment: 1 hour / week. Member Care Join one of five teams of people who provide meals on an occasional basis for people in our church family who are experiencing challenging times such as a new baby, illness, or death in the family. Commitment: 2-3 hours on an occasional basis. Shepherd It is important that our new members and frequent visitors few welcome and have a friendly person with whom they can ask questions. A shepherd is intentional about connecting with an assigned new member or frequent visitor. The shepherd invites and accompanies his or her guest to church functions, checks in to see if there are any concerns or questions, and helps the guest or new member meet others within the church community. It is important to have shepherds of many ages and interests so that there is always someone who will naturally connect with a guest or new member. Commitment: Care for 1-2 persons or families at a time, 1 hour / week. Attendance Database Manager This person records who attends worship and Sunday School. This database is used to identify trends in worship and report to the denomination. In particular, these records help with congregational care by identifying persons who have not attended recently that may need to be contacted. Commitment: 1 hour / week. Must know how to use Excel.

6 I get to make a difference Opportunities to serve at Mt Carmel United Methodist Church Outreach Silent Auction Make a difference by helping the Transformers Class with this Silent Auction to support the Leave a Trace Foundation (clean water) and Imagine No Malaria. The auction is on Nov. 23 and you can help by donating new or slightly used items to be sold as Christmas gifts, services such as haircuts, oil changes, etc., crafts or special talent items, or money to be used to purchase gift cards. You can also help with set up on Nov. 22 or help during the auction. Berkeley Lake Elementary Food Bags Counselors at the elementary school identify families who need help with food and we provide several bags with basic food needs each week. Volunteers are needed to pack and deliver bags to the school, usually on Thursday afternoons. Approximately 1 hour per week needed. Harvest of Hope Gleaning An intergenerational weekend at Camp Glisson in the fall, gleaning apples which will go directly to local families in need. Commitment: Fri.- Sun. in dormitory style accommodations. $75 per person. Family Promise of Gwinnett Family Promise is a nationwide network of congregations that, together, provide shelter, meals, and support to families without homes. For three weeks in the summer, our church provides accommodations and meals to 3 5 families (up to 14 people) at a time. Our guests will arrive on Sunday evening for their stay. On weekdays they are here from 5 pm until 7 am and they spend weekends either at the church or at the day center. It takes everyone in the church to make this happen! Some of the roles include: Dinner Preparers Dinner and Event Hosts Van Drivers Overnight Hosts Saturday Breakfast Preparers Laundry Setup and Takedown Summer Lunch Ministry When school is out, kids who would normally get a free or reduced lunch sometimes go hungry. This ministry serves lunches to kids at nearby apartment complexes that have over 95% of children on school lunch programs. Packers check the lunches for contents, make sandwiches as needed, and organize the lunches so that children in the same neighborhood have similar lunches. Weekdays 10 am - noon. Drivers take lunches to the children. Drivers must provide a copy of your driving history (MVR) from the Georgia DDS and will undergo a background check. Weekdays at 11:45.

7 Outreach, continued Berkeley Lake Elementary Homework Club Every Thursday from 3:30 5:00 p.m., volunteers help Norcross High School students as they tutor Berkeley Lake Elementary students at Mt. Carmel. Commitment: 1 1/2 2 hrs. per week. Norcross Cooperative Ministry Donation Delivery NCM is a faith-based ministry dedicated to providing emergency assistance to families in Norcross and surrounding areas of Gwinnett County. We hold food drives and special offerings for NCM; however, we give year-round to this important ministry. Volunteers transport donations from the collection bin (in the walkway between the sanctuary and fellowship hall) to the NCM facility each week. Commitment: 1 hour every other week. Norcross Cooperative Ministry Volunteer Interact directly in ministry with those in need by volunteering at Norcross Cooperative Ministry. Volunteer opportunities include: Interview Clients, Translate, Work in Food Pantry or Clothes Closet, and Receive Donations. Commitment: 2-4 hours on an occasional or weekly basis Worship at Peregrine s Landing and Shekinah Assisted Living Facilities Volunteers demonstrate their love and commitment to the elderly on these bi-weekly visits; Sunday morning or afternoon lay led church services; supporting the Gospelites in their music ministry; or helping Pastor Cyndi serve Holy Communion every other month. Commitment: up to 3-4 hours per week. Christmas Angel Tree Team At Christmas our church works with several local schools and charities to provide toys and clothes to children in need. Church members take paper angels off a Christmas tree in the foyer, purchase the item listed on that angel, then return the gift to the church. A small team of volunteers organizes and carefully packs the gifts to make sure that each child gets gifts and clothing appropriate for their age and requests. The packages are then delivered to the school or charity that identified the child and where they are picked up by the parents. Commitment: Time is divided between 3 or 4 volunteers. 3-4 hours working with counselors at partner schools and charities putting together the list of children. 1-2 hours putting up Christmas tree and labeling and hanging the angels. Approximately 6-8 hours on the packing day, checking in, organizing and packing the gifts. 2-3 hours making the deliveries. Red Cross Blood Drive Blood drive are held twice yearly. Volunteer to coordinate, or serve during the drive by greeting donors or hosting the snack table. The coordinator recruits volunteers and advertises in local businesses and publications. A Red Cross advisor provides the posters, support and advice, as well as answers any questions. Commitment: 10 hours / twice per year for coordinator. 1-2 hours during the blood drive for greeters and table hosts. North Georgia Family Counseling Center (NGFCC) Parish Council NGFCC is a ministry of the North Georgia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church located at Mt. Carmel UMC. NGFCC equips and empowers local congregations to impact family wellbeing through counseling, education, and research. The Parish Council works with NGFCC leadership to connect the resources of NGFCC with the congregation and surrounding community in ways that both support the mission and vision of the church. Commitment: Three 1 1/2 hr. meetings per year. North Georgia Family Counseling Center (NGFCC) Community Liaison Work with the leadership of NGFCC and the Parish Council to understand the resources available through the ministries of NGFCC. Actively seek out opportunities to promote the ministries of NGFCC in the local community. Help develop materials to promote the ministries of NGFCC in the local community. Act as a point of connectivity in the congregation so that families are aware of and familiar with the resources available to them through the ministries of NGFCC. Commitment: As desired. Scouting Liaison The Scouting Liaison provides a vital communication link between the church and the troops that meet in our facilities. The liaison updates the church about troop activities while updating the troop about the church, facility and operations. The liaison helps to organize and plan the annual Scout Sunday worship service. Commitment: 4 hours per month.

8 Support Ministry Trustees Trustees manage the property, equipment and investments that God has entrusted to our church s ministry. This group is responsible, in conjunction with the pastor, for all use of the church buildings and grounds; the group works with the finance committee to develop a budget for property maintenance and improvement and new property purchases. Facility Support Team This team consists of persons willing to help Trustees with small projects around the church, but unable to commit to serving on the Trustees. You can volunteer for a one-time job, such as painting a room, or on a regular basis to cover ongoing needs as they occur, such as switching out light ballasts, replacing cabinet hardware, replacing thermostats, and cleaning out unused foods in the kitchen area. Commitment: as desired. Administrative Board The Administrative Board connects the vision and ministry in the church. The board sets priorities, and is responsible for aligning and directing the church resources to support these priorities. The Administrative Board, with guidance from the Finance Committee and Council on Ministries, sets the annual budget. The board acts as the administrative agency of the annual church conference. Finance Committee The finance committee is responsible for funding ministries that nurture persons in their faith. The group is responsible for developing processes of raising, managing and dispersing the finances so that the mission and vision of the congregation can be achieved. Stewardship Committee The Stewardship Committee works with the finance committee, the pastor, and other church leaders to encourage our spiritual formation as Christian stewards. The group encourages development of spiritual gifts, ecological stewardship, and the spiritual disciplines related to earning, saving, giving and spending; these lead us to a life style that challenges the widespread acceptance of hyperconsumerism and debt. Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) The SPRC has primary responsibility to work with staff so that the mission of the church is realized. The SPRC leads conversation between the congregation and the staff about ministry direction. The SPRC assesses job performance of the pastor and other staff members, confers with the District Superintendent, supports staff in their lifelong learning and spiritual renewal, and identifies and encourages members of the congregation whom God seems to be calling for ordained ministry. Committee members must be church members. Council on Ministries The council on ministries plans and implements a program of nurture, outreach, witness, and resources in the church. The council has the primary responsibility for creating and sustaining the congregation s plan for discipleship. We work with the pastor to build a shared vision for discipleship; plan ministries that help the congregation live its God-given vision; ensure that these ministries are aligned with the mission of disciple making; allocate human and material resources for implementing the ministry plan; and evaluate the effectiveness of the ministry plan. Communications Ministry Do you have an interest in communications, graphics, web and other social media or any other related field? The church Communications Team plans and develops printed and digital material that invites and communicates all to be part of the church s ministries and vision. Historian The church historian inspires the congregation in ministry by remembering the past. The historian provides for the preservation of records and historical materials, helps those who wish to do research about the church history, and encourages and assists in the celebration of significant anniversaries. I have an idea... Didn t see the ministry team you were looking for? Have an idea for a new ministry? Begin the process by checking this box on a make a difference card.