Ministries at a Glance At Resurrection our mission is to call all people to a vibrant life of faith in Christ! We will live and share the Gospel so that those who join us will... God has given you unique gifts and talents to use for His purpose and to help and encourage His people! Get involved in Resurrection Lutheran Church and use the gifts He has blessed you with to bless others!
You hold in your hand a passport to new adventures, the opportunity to explore ways you can experience the vibrant life of faith in Jesus. This Ministries at a Glance booklet is a snapshot of the wide variety of ministries that Resurrection Lutheran Church offers as together we seek to fulfill our mission to Trust in Jesus, Live the Call and Serve the World. Your participation is vital for two reasons. First, Resurrection as a community is dependent on all of us contributing our time and strengths to the mission. God has given this congregation a unique and creative place in God s work in the world; and that mission requires all of us to participate. You and I are God s feet and hands, voice and touch. God called this congregation to do his work and we all need to contribute to make God s will happen. Second, God calls you as an individual to experience the joy of serving and growing in faith. As you participate in these ministries, your own faith in Jesus will grow as well as your connections to other members and friends of Resurrection. You have unique strengths, gifts and passions that God has created within you and that only you can share. God does not call upon you to do everything, but to do a few things with passion and grace. This booklet can help you find that one or two things you can do. This booklet will need modification as new ministries are started and established ministries change. Resurrection s ministry is not limited to what is listed within. If you have a passion or strength that can help Resurrection fulfill its mission in a new way, talk with someone on the Mission Leadership Team or staff or complete the form at the back of this booklet. God has blessed you so you can be a blessing to others. Genesis 12:3 Pastor Paul Dean
Adult Education Alpha The Alpha Course is an opportunity for adults to explore the essentials of the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions. It is low-key, friendly and fun and is supported by all the main Christian denominations. Each weekly session begins with large-group learning time followed by small-group discussion and interaction where no question is regarded as too simple or too hostile. Book Discussion Group Adults gather monthly from October through April to discuss both fiction and nonfiction titles, selected to spark faith conversations. One book is discussed each month and refreshments are provided. Join others who love to read thought-provoking books. Watch for dates, times, and titles in weekly worship folders. Living Room This is s an opportunity to dive deeper into the week's Scripture. After a teaching time led by the Pastor, participants will gather in small groups for discussion, questions, and fellowship. Men s Bible Studies Evening Bible/Book study group meets on Thursdays from 7-8pm at the nearby Jerry s Foods in the 2nd floor community room. The group will explore studies as suggested, applying Lutheran, historical and scripture emphasis. No need to sign up - just come and bring your Bible. Senior Life Fellowship Members of Senior Life Fellowship share life-long experience in God s grace. Faith is renewed and strengthened through regular Bible study and fellowship, as well as occasional social gatherings at area restaurants. All seniors are invited and encouraged to attend. 4
Women s Events and Activities Book/Bible Studies ~ Study groups provide the opportunity to read and discuss a range of Christian books or Bible study guides. The groups explore ways in which knowledge and insight from both book and discussion can be applied to daily life and connected to Scripture. With a wide age range, participants benefit from the experience of others and enjoy this time of fellowship. Women s Winter Retreat ~ this annual, weekend get-away offers women time for spiritual and physical renewal and a rest from the demands of daily life. Offered in February, this retreat is held at an area Bible camp or retreat center where meals are provided and the beauty of nature can be enjoyed. The weekend schedule includes, free time, fellowship, small and large-group discussions or Bible studies, worship, and laughter. Recreational and Social Opportunities Church Celebrations Teams are formed, when the time approaches to coordinate various all-church celebrations. These may include church anniversaries, welcoming of new staff or other celebratory church milestones. Bible and Brew Young adults meet in homes or at area restaurants or pubs for laughter, fellowship and faith conversations. This emerging group is a place for adults in their twenties and thirties to get to know one another. Family Camp Camp WAPO is the site for this fun, family weekend. All ages are welcome to this opportunity to experience our Bible camp, get to know other families, and relax on the shores of Lake Wapogasset, near Amery, Wisconsin. A light schedule of family games, devotions, and campfires leaves plenty of time for swimming, walks, and more. Family camp is also an ideal way to introduce children to WAPO, where they can attend week and weekend camp programs each summer. Fellowship Events Adults of Resurrection plan a variety of social events to get to know others better. Time for socializing fosters a connection among members and an opportunity to develop relationships outside of Sunday worship. Past activities have included bowling, Bunco, game nights, an Amazing Race, best-ball golf outing, and a chili cook-off. 5
For in Him we live and move and exist. Acts 17:28 Men s Events The Men s Golf League is a summer league organized each spring to enjoy casual competition and fellowship on the golf course. The men also plan various events, experiences and outdoor adventures ranging from skiing out west, biking in the metropolitan area, canoeing in the BWCA and overnight retreats. Women s Events Resurrection is seeking women to form a planning team for seasonal women s gatherings. A spring lunch for women of all ages may feature a guest speaker. Coordinating plans to attend a concert or conference such as Women of Faith are also possible activities for Resurrection women and friends. Resurrection Supper Club The Resurrection Supper Club provides an opportunity for adults to meet new people and build friendships while enjoying delicious meals together. Small groups are formed in the fall and meet four times in subsequent months. Each member has the opportunity to host one dinner and provide the main course, while other members bring an appetizer, a salad, or a dessert. Dinners are rotated to a new host each month until each has hosted once. Recipes and a table topic are provided. Children s Ministries Angel Haven Nursery It is the mission of Angel Haven to minister to children 3 months to 3 years old by showing them the love of Jesus Christ through nurturing, responsive care-giving, and the use of stimulating Bible-based activities. Volunteers assist our paid staff in playing/working with children during each worship hour on Sundays. Guided Hands Puppet Ministry Guided Hands Puppet Team is for children in 5 th grade and older. This team provides both musical and dramatic pieces and practices on a regular basis. Leaders are needed to coach young puppeteers, write scripts, create props, or assist backstage. New team participants are always welcome. 6
Faith Outfitters Faith Outfitters names the people and the place we strive to be for children. Our mission is to equip children with: Friends in God s family, Adventures in God s word, Images of God s love, Trust in God s promises, and Hearts and Hands for God s world. Faith Outfitters children s ministries include Sunday School (the dock), Vacation Bible Adventures (June), an annual Christmas celebration, Bible Expeditions, Trek to the Table, a family ADVENTure, service projects, and more. We welcome and need the involvement of many youth and adults as we team with families for the Christian education and nurture of children. There are many ways to serve as a faith outfitter: teaching, planning, sharing musical or dramatic gifts, mentoring, organizing, serving on our leadership team, coordinating service projects, or offering prayer support. Summer Camps ~ Assist with Camp WAPO details or plan for a summer day camp for 2nd-5th graders. Special Events ~ Be a part of the team that puts on our Bible presentation event, our communion preparation workshop, or family Advent celebration. Vacation Bible Adventure ~ Held in June, Monday-Thursday mornings Youth Ministries Youth Ministries This ministry guides youth to refuel, refresh and redefine their faith in Christ. Youth Ministries is composed of middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) groups. Monthly large-group gatherings, Bible studies, numerous special events and mission trips, and a variety of service options are all planned to provide fellowship and spiritual growth opportunities. Key goals include building relationships with students, between students, and with God. Parents and interested adults are encouraged and needed to support this ministry, and to connect with youth, as program leaders, members of our leadership team, planners, drivers, or chaperones. Confirmation Ministry Confirmation is a basic course in Christianity and the Bible taught in many Christian churches during the middle school years. At Resurrection, our goal is to teach students as much as possible about Jesus Christ, the Bible, and our basic Lutheran confessions, so that, in the end, they express their faith in Christ publicly, seek to live a Christian life, and enjoy their participation in each church community of which they become a part. Students normally begin this three-year program in 6 th grade. 7
Caring Ministries Dinner for Friends This ministry is designed to help families during stressful or busy times, such as struggling with an illness, dealing with a death in the family or celebrating the birth of a new baby. Dinner for Friends lightens their load by bringing them prepared meals. Meals may be homemade or from a deli or restaurant. Faith in ACT!ON Day ~ is an annual event sponsored by Outreach Ministries during the Lenten season. On Faith in ACT!ON Day the entire congregation is invited to serve our neighbors in many different ways. Outreach activities range from serving breakfast at homeless shelters, to cleaning and painting seniors homes, to assembling health kits to send overseas. Helping Hands Members help members and friends of Resurrection by lending a helping hand to one another during times of crisis. Opportunities could include childcare, transportation, home care, shopping, lawn work or snow shoveling, as appropriate. Local Missions and Community Care CURE Ministries is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping meet the physical and spiritual needs of the underprivileged, providing a weekly meal, food shelf and Life Skills Center at East Immanuel Lutheran Church. Join others once a month in preparing and serving a meal, assisting with the kids program or distributing groceries. The Christian Cupboard Emergency Food Shelf is supported by area churches, including Resurrection. This ministry has been in existence for about 25 years. During the year, church members support with donations and volunteer at the Thanksgiving Food Give Away, Christmas Giving Tree, Souper Bowl Sunday and March Food Drive. All of you, serve each other in humility. 8 1 Peter 5:5
Hope for the Journey Home is an area shelter, for families facing homelessness, on an individual basis, or during the weeks Resurrection provides the volunteer staff for this Oakdale residence. Daytime, evening, and overnight shifts are available. Hope for the Journey Home can house up to seven families. Information can be provided about ongoing volunteer needs and donation needs. Missions Team is an emerging group working to respond to human needs, both locally and globally, out of gratitude for God's love. Opportunities are available for all ages, including events such as Rake-A- Difference Day, blood drives, and Salvation Army bell-ringing, or in planning roles as a member of this team. Prayer Ministry The Prayer Team is comprised of people who have experienced the power of prayer. Prayer requests are received from Resurrection members and their friends, treated with care, and lifted to God in faith. The team meets several times during the school year. Our Sunday Prayer Ministry is available following worship services each Sunday. If interested in praying privately with one of our prayer ministers, make your way to one of the prayer kneelers following a worship service. Training is provided for anyone interested in serving as a prayer minister. Pillowcase Sewing Participants cut and sew colorful pillowcases for children in homeless shelters and teens rescued from trafficking. While sewing skills are helpful, members assist by purchasing fabric, ironing, or delivering finished items. Church Leadership/Administration Counting Team Members of the Counting Team count and record offering after Sunday worship on a rotating schedule. Team members also prepare the offering for bank deposit. For more information contact the Pastor. Finance Team This team helps to manage the overall financial matters of the church, including the budgeting process. This team works in collaboration with the Stewardship Team, Mission Leadership Team, and Treasurer. 9
Funeral Assistance On short notice, and usually during the day, work with others to serve refreshments or a meal at a funeral. This also includes set up and clean up and may require ushering during the funeral service. Mission Leadership Team The Mission Leadership Team (MLT) was established by the Resurrection Constitution to provide general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the ELCA. Membership is elected. For further information contact the Lead Pastor or president of the MLT. Stewardship Team The purpose of the Stewardship Team is to foster stewardship growth within the congregation and manage the annual stewardship emphasis. This team works with the Mission Leadership Team and Finance Team providing insight to the budgeting process and overall finances. The Stewardship Team, through a variety of means, invite all who participate in the life of Resurrection to respond to God s love by giving of their time, possessions, and self. Wedding Assistance When a wedding is scheduled the bride and groom will meet with the Wedding Coordinator who will in turn need assistance in coordinating musicians, sound, video, and practice prior to the wedding. On the day of the wedding the Wedding Assistant is present to open and close the church and assist the wedding party and pastor. 10
Support Services Grounds Maintenance Help with the overall outdoor appearance of the church. Some projects include planting new plants, trimming and cutting back hedges, pulling weeds, spreading mulch, and other tasks as needed to help keep the church grounds beautiful. Marketing To further the mission of Resurrection through publicity, advertising, and communication, Resurrection welcomes members with marketing expertise or passion to contact the Office Coordinator. Focusing primarily on an external audience, staff and members who serve in this area strive to increase the visibility and accessibility of Resurrection in the southeast suburbs via both online and print publications. Office Support Resurrection has many office and production needs throughout the work week. Volunteers contribute to the production of Sunday s worship folder, various projects, and numerous mailings. The staff warmly welcomes volunteers into the office community, for both day or evening times during the week. Volunteers may assist on a regular or an as-needed basis. Property Image Team The Property Image Team is responsible for maintenance and improvement activities to the church property, both inside and out. This team meets monthly and typically attracts the handyman type, but also needs people familiar with contracts, have an eye for general aesthetics, and monitoring the janitorial needs. Congregational work days allow the congregation to join in on maintenance and improvement projects. Technology Provide technical expertise to the church by maintaining the computer hardware and software, and telephone and internet services. This group works with the staff to resolve issues, provide technical advice, and make technology purchases/upgrades as necessary. Website/Social Media Work in collaboration with the Office Coordinator, and Marketing and Technology teams, to monitor and provide feedback for the Resurrection website structure, format, and usage. 11
Welcome and Assimilation Get Acquainted Events Sunday mornings offer brief times to get acquainted. Members are encouraged to plan or participate in gatherings where adults or families can spend time having fun, getting to know one another, and celebrating the vibrant life. Past occasions have included Twins or Saints games, attending holiday plays or concerts, bowling, and campfires. Greeter Greeters welcome all worshipers with a smile and a friendly handshake. They are instructed to answer questions that guests may have about childcare (Angel Haven) during the services and/or Christian education opportunities (Faith Outfitters) for children. People who enjoy meeting others are encouraged to participate in this ministry. Refreshment Host The Refreshments Ministry strives to make the Sunday morning worship experience more comfortable and enjoyable by providing refreshments after worship. It also provides a means for fellowship among our members and guests. Usher Serving as an usher for a worship service involves readying the appropriate information (worship folders, nametags, etc.), assisting worshippers as they enter the worship area, guiding the offering process, and rechecking the worship area set-up after worship. Welcome Ministry The Welcome Ministry team strives to create a welcoming environment for guests and members. This team also invites members into hospitality ministry through Resurrection s greeting, refreshment, usher, and communion server teams. Fellowship opportunities are also offered. 12
Worship and the Arts Choir We hope to offer choral opportunities in the future for adults. Communion Support The primary responsibility of this service-oriented team is arranging the altar area and coordinating all physical preparations for the celebration of Holy Communion. Drama The Drama Ministry seeks to strengthen and enhance Resurrection s Sunday morning worship celebrations by opening up the issues and questions being addressed in the message that day. New performers, scriptwriters, directors, and props personnel are welcome to join this ministry. Environment Team This team decorates the lobby and worship area, designs banners, creates altar scapes, and may propose purchases to maintain or update our worship area and lobby space. Gathered together on a seasonal and project basis, this team seeks to create an inspiring atmosphere for worship. Musical Opportunities for Children and Youth Help lead or accompany music in Sunday School, work with students preparing Christmas programs, organize or lead youth musicians in a band setting, or develop new ways for our younger members to grow in use of their musical gifts. Outdoor Worship Support This team helps prepare for outdoor worship by setting up musical instruments, sound systems, kiosks, chairs and anything else that may be needed during our outdoor worship service. Solo or Ensemble Performing Solo vocalists or instrumentalists, or small ensembles, may prepare music for worship or church celebrations. 13 For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve. Mark 10:45
Sound Board As a behind-the-scenes ministry, the Sound Team provides essential support for Sunday worship services. Team members also give support to children's ministries, outreach, as well as weddings, funerals and public events at Resurrection. No experience is needed; training provided. Video Projection The Video Team gives key support to Sunday worship by creating and projecting the requested slides and videos. This team also gives video support to other ministries. No experience is needed and training is provided. However some computer experience will minimize training time. Worship Team Sunday worship celebrations are led by our Worship team. This musical ensemble seeks to connect worshipers with God s grace and love through their music and leadership. Numerous vocalists, instrumentalists, and technicians form the full team. Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. New members are encouraged to contact the Worship Leader. 14
Launching a New Ministry Idea Form Name Phone Ministry or event idea: Basic description: Others interested: (Are others also interested in this idea? Have they been approached about helping to lead or launch this?) Timeline: (When do you hope this can be developed and launched?) THANK YOU! Powerful ministry often originates in the passions and gifts of members like you. Resurrection staff and/or the Mission Leadership Team will be in contact to further discuss your idea. Feel free to contact the office with questions or to initiate conversation about your proposal.
9925 Ba iley Roa d Wood b ury MN 55129 651-730-1000 www.resurrec tion-wood b ury.org