You Were SHAPED for Serving God Spiritual Gifts Heart Abilities Personality Experiences This guide is to help you align your SHAPE with areas of service to Christ s body at Locust Grove, the local community and the world at large. OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE Ministry Guide 1
Table of Contents Children s Ministry Nursery... 4 Preschool... 4 Children s Church... 4 His Kidz... 4 Vacation Bible School... 5 Weekday Education... 5 Upward Sports... 5 Student Ministry Disciple Now Weekends... 6 Youth Ministry Team... 6 Student Ministry Praise Team... 6 Lunches of Love... 7 Student Worship Chaperones... 7 Recreation & Events... 7 Congregational Care Hospital & Bereavement Ministry Team... 8 Homebound Ministry... 8 Discipleship After Dinner @ the Grove... 9 Life Groups... 9 Education Resource Team... 9 Facility Maintenance Properties Committee... 10 Security Committee... 10 Building Committee... 10 Hospitality Celebration Ministry Team... 11 Shower & Tea Committee... 11 Usher... 11 Welcome Center... 11 2
Other Church Ministries Publicity Committee... 12 Stewardship Committee... 12 Set-up/Take-down Team... 12 YAH-WHOs... 13 Family Ministry... 13 Missions Community Benevolence Ministry... 14 Food Pantry... 14 Missions Leadership Team... 15 Local Missions Team... 16 Disaster Relief/Emergency Response Team... 16 International Missions Team... 17 Operation Christmas Child... 17 Music & Worship Ministry Baptism Committee... 18 Decorating... 18 Lord s Supper Committee... 18 Musicians... 19 Preschool & Children s Choir... 19 Sound & Media Operators... 19 Vocalists... 19 Women s Ministry Grove Girls... 20 Administration Finance Committee... 20 Nominating Committee... 20 Personnel Committee... 20 3
Nursery is provided on Sunday mornings ( 9:00am and 10:00am) and Wednesday nights for children ages 6 weeks - 3 years of age. Children are divided into age groups with at least two volunteers in each room. Our nursery volunteers rotate serving one Sunday per quarter. Contact Mary Osborne 256-379-2813 (ext. 28) Preschool is provided on Sunday mornings at 9:00am for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Contact Mary Osborne 256-379-2813 (ext. 28) Children s Church is provided for ages 4-6 during the 10:00 AM worship service on Sunday mornings. Volunteers rotate serving once per quarter to lead children in their own time of worship with music and age appropriate Bible stories and activities. Contact Mary Osborne at 379-2813 (ext. 28). His Kidz On Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM, children are divided into age groups (age 4&5, grades 1-5) for music, crafts, games, and Bible stories. Volunteers are needed to teach Bible stories and lead the games and craft activities. Contact Mary Osborne at 379-2813 (ext. 28). His Kidz On Sunday mornings for all children in grades 1-5. Our opening worship lasts from 9:00 9:15 and includes fun, music and drama. Class rotation time begins at 9:15 and includes Bible Study, Crafts, and small group activities. Volunteers are needed to teach Bible stories and lead the games and craft activities. Please contact Mary Osborne at 379-2813 (ext. 28). 4
Children s Ministry con t Vacation Bible School is our biggest children s outreach event of the year. Volunteers are needed to decorate, paint sets, distribute snacks, take pictures, be small group leaders, craft leaders, recreation leaders, music leaders, registration helpers, and much, much more! Vacation Bible School 2018 will be June 11-15. Contact Mary Osborne 256-379-2813 (ext. 28) Weekday Education Committee Our Weekday Education Program is non-profit and licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources for children ages six weeks to 5 years of age. We also offer an After-School and Summer Care program for children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Members of this committee serve in an advisory capacity as well as a ministry liaison between the weekday education ministry and the church. Contact the church office at 256-379-2813. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Upward Basketball, Cheerleading and Soccer: Our Upward Sports program began twelve years ago and has become a vital ministry and community outreach for our church. Our volunteers help children learn the basics of basketball, cheerleading, and soccer but more importantly, teach them memory verses, Bible stories, and the ABCs of accepting Christ into their lives. Volunteers are needed to coach, referee, help with concessions, give half-time devotions, and much more! Upward, would also like to have people willing to lead the areas of recruiting, coaching, refereeing, etc... Contact Brenda Bethune BrendaBethune@LocustGrove.com 5
Disciple-Now Weekend: Disciple-Now Weekend is a fun filled Christ centered weekend that's /packed full of small group Bible studies, crazy games, and awesome worship services! This event is held annually each spring and is open to all students in grades 6-12. Adult volunteers are needed to provide meals, transportation and host homes. Contact Rob Collins Robcollins@LocustGrove.com Student Ministry Team: Youth Ministry team members assist in the planning, organizing, brain-storming, and running of the various youth events that take place throughout the year. Team meetings are scheduled about every six weeks and members are expected to attend whenever possible. Youth Ministry team members are a pivotal part to the success of the LGBC youth program. Contact Rob Collins Robcollins@LocustGrove.com Student Ministry Praise Team: The praise team practices regularly on Sunday afternoons to prepare for the Wednesday night student worship. Students that play or sing for the praise team are expected to be active in the youth group and overall church. They should attend Life Group and Sunday morning worship services regularly and be members of the church. Members of the praise team must attend practice in order to play. Praise team is considered a ministry, not a gig. Therefore students that are part of the praise team are also expected to be of high moral character possessing attitudes that reflect our Lord Jesus Christ. Contact Rob Collins Robcollins@LocustGrove.com 6
Youth Ministry con t Lunches of Love Mission Project: Provides food for local elementary children that otherwise would not have enough to eat over the weekend. If you d like to help, we can always use money and food donations. Contact Rob Collins at RobCollins@LocustGrove.com. Student Worship Chaperones: Provide watchful eye to the gathering and departing times of the Student Worship Service on Wednesday s from 6-6:30pm and 7:30-8pm. Contact Rob Collins at RobCollins@LocustGrove.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recreation/Events: The Recreation/Events Committee develops and promotes Activities that are church wide fellowship and a way to connect people in our Community to our Church. Contact Brenda Bethune BrendaBethune@LocustGrove.com Fall Festival Church wide Trips (skiing, cruises, New York City, etc ) Back to School Pool Party White Water Rafting Six Flags 7
Homebound: Our Homebound members receive regular cards and visits. They are mailed a church bulletin weekly and an audio cd of the sermon is delivered if they wish to receive one. Volunteers are needed to send cards, make visits and deliver sermon recordings. Contact Linda Hill at lindahill@locustgrove.com Hospital and Bereavement Ministry: Volunteers are needed to serve on a rotating basis to make hospital visits and minister to families who have lost loved ones. Contact Shelli Kirby at thekirbys01@comcast.net 8
After Dinner @ the Grove: This is an informal time of adult Bible Study and fellowship on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM. Volunteers are needed to provide snacks on a rotating basis throughout the year. Contact Linda Hill lindahill@locustgrove.com Life Groups: Life Group classes are offered for all age groups at 9:00 am on Sunday mornings. Volunteers are needed to teach preschool, children, youth and adult classes. A wide variety of adult classes are offered which range from 6 week short-term special topic studies to full-year traditional Bible study classes. Special Needs Class Volunteers are also needed. Contact Mary Osborne for preschool and children, Rob Collins for youth and adults. Education Resource Team: Responsible for assistance, selection and approval of Life Group study materials. Contact Rob Collins at RobCollins@LocustGrove.com. 9
Properties Committee: The Properties Committee assists the church in the management and maintenance of all church real estate (buildings and ground.) The committee s duties include: Determination of maintenance needs and the meeting of those needs, either through the use of church volunteer labor or a recommendation to the church to engage professional assistance. This applies to both buildings and the maintenance of grounds. Recommending to the Personnel Committee the hiring of janitorial personnel, with church approval, and overseeing this function. Recommending policies to the church regarding the use of properties. Volunteers to maintain flower beds. Contact the church office at 256-379-2813. Security Committee: The Security Committee assists the church in securing the buildings nightly and ensuring that all doors are locked, lights turned off, heat/air conditioning units are turned up or down as needed and the security alarms are set after all activities for the day are completed. 10
Celebration Ministry Team: The Celebration Team plans, organizes, and carries out all major church-wide functions such as Marriage Enrichment Events, our annual Fall Hoe-Down, banquets, dinners, etc. Volunteers are needed to plan menus, shop for groceries, prepare meals, and decorate for events. Contact Jenny Cleary at theclearygang@yahoo.com Shower and Tea Committee: Our Shower and Tea Committee provides showers for all church members who are preparing for their first wedding or the birth of their first child. Volunteers are needed to schedule and plan showers, prepare or purchase food, decorate and serve refreshments. Contact Sherry Gage at B.Gage@att.net Ushers The Usher Committee responsibilities are: See that ushers are available at all Sunday services and at special services as needed, such as revivals, music programs, and funerals. Distribute the order of worship, direct members and visitors to available seats, and take the initiative in ensuring comfort of the congregation during worship services. Receive offerings Establish and maintain a training program for new ushers Seek to promote a spirit of worship at all church services Give special attention to visitors of the church Contact Dorrell Benefield at mcbene@knology.net Welcome Center: Our Welcome Center is open before and after Life Groups and morning worship services. Volunteers are needed to greet guests, answer questions, offer informative literature, and help them find Life Groups for each family member to attend. Contact Donna White at dmwhite5942@hotmail.com 11
Other Church Ministries Publicity Committee: The Publicity Committee s purpose is to communicate the church s work to church members and to the community. Specific duties of the Publicity Committee include: Publicizing special events of the church in local and denominational media. Design, prepare and erect outdoor signs relating to major events. Increase church members awareness of the value of good church public relations. Assist in the production of a general church directory, when needed. Recommend policies and actions to improve church public relations and thus enhance the attractiveness of Locust Grove to the community. The pastor and church secretary serve as ex-officio members of this committee. Contact Linda Hill at LindaHill@LocustGrove.com. Stewardship Committee: The Stewardship Committee develops and promotes stewardship education and activities that result in church members giving as distinctive Christian stewards. Duties of the Stewardship Committee include: To lead in all aspects of stewardship promotion throughout the year, including the stewardship of time, talents and money and the Biblical principle of tithing. To solicit support for and promote the needs of the church s general operating budget. To offer training opportunities for personal and family financial management. To educate the church membership in the opportunities within the church programs for service and financial support. The chairperson of the Finance Committee and the pastor are ex-officio members of this committee. Contact Niles Prestage at napjr@aol.com Set-up/Take-down Team: A group to help with setting up and taking down tables and chairs for special events. It is a small commitment but very important so that events run smoothly. 12
Other Church Ministries con t YAH-WHOs (Young At Heart We Help Others) This Senior Adult group meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 6 pm for a covered dish meal. The YAH- WHOs are very active in many areas of the church. They provide food for World Changers, One Harvest Distribution Days, Church Wide Cleanup Days, Vacation Bible School and many other events. The YAH- WHOs enjoy taking day trips to different locations and always find a way to combine good food and fun. Contact Louise Klimek 256-859-6543 or lklimek1959@gmail.com Family Ministry: Exists to strengthen families in Christ, through conferences, Life Group Studies, and special events that are meant to enrich marriages and help guide the journey of parenting, as we stay focused on the One who designed it all. Contact Robby White at RAWhite@LocustGrove.com 13
Community Benevolence Ministry: The Benevolence Committee consists of members who perform acts of benevolence to persons in need. The committee s responsibilities are: Investigate requests for personal emergency assistance, whether physical or social. Take action appropriate to the circumstances of each case. Be aware of community agencies that are available to provide assistance so as to refer persons to these agencies if necessary. Supervise church benevolence fund and request an appropriate amount be included in the church budget each year for this purpose. Contact Linda Hill at LindaHill@LocustGrove.com. Food Pantry: Our food pantry is used to help families in our community who are in need of food. We store non-perishable food and toiletry items and give them out as needed to local families. Volunteers are needed to donate food, shop for groceries, organize the shelves in the pantry and prepare food boxes. Contact Linda Hill at LindaHill@LocustGrove.com Suggested Donations for the Food Pantry: Breakfast items, boxes of liquid milk (no refrigeration required), macaroni & cheese, spaghetti & sauce, peanut butter & jelly, instant potatoes, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, soup, crackers, tuna fish, and kid-friendly foods such as Spaghettios, Ravioli, Vienna sausage, etc. 14
Missions con t Local Missions Team Our local missions team is focused on mission work within Madison County, Alabama. This may include (but is not limited to) local repair work, feeding the hungry, benevolence projects, building houses and hosting LGBC partner teams who may travel to New Market to do local mission work. This team works closely with the Disaster Relief/Emergency Response team (Team Nehemiah) in the event of a local crisis. Team Jerusalem also identifies local organizations and churches that can partner with LGBC to work together on local needs (in support of the LGBC reciprocating relationship goal). This team offers help to several LGBC groups that are already in place doing local kingdom work. Contacts: Philip Brown at pbrown520@gmail.com Disaster Relief/Emergency Response Team" is primarily focused on ensuring that LGBC is prepared in the event of disasters and emergencies through the mobilization of supplies, financial resources, tools, equipment and volunteers. This team will work Team Jerusalem and other sub teams to recruit resources and support when a disaster or emergency need presents itself in the sub teams area of responsibility. As with the other teams, this team will also be responsible for identifying organizations that LGBC can partner with to enhance our ability to react in the event of disasters/emergencies. Contact Philip Brown at pbrown520@gmail.com 15
Missions con t International Missions Team Our international missions team has been very active in missions in Guatemala for the past several years. Locust Grove has adopted the village of Chuluc and has installed clean water systems in several neighboring villages. Our mission teams also build homes and beds for the villagers, lead worship services and Vacation Bible Schools, host medical and dental clinics, lead teacher training seminars, and provide food. Contact Kim Broyles at kimbroyles@outlook.com Operation Christmas Child: Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ. Watch for announcements and get involved! Contact Becky Pillsbury 256-489-9500 Lifeliner6@aol.com 16
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Baptism Committee: The Baptism Committee assists the pastor and the baptismal candidates before and after the service of baptism as needed, concerning the filling of the baptistery, dressing rooms, equipment and accessories. They also make sure that there is an adequate inventory of towels and they are laundered and ready for the next service. Contact Penny Brink brink.tp@juno.com Decorating - Stage set up for special programs and seasonal events requires people with skills in décor. If you are interested in helping in this area, please contact the church office at 256-379-2813. Lord s Supper Committee - The Lord s Supper Committee duties are as follows: Preparation of the elements and the table for the observance of the Lord s Supper service. Responsibility for cleaning, maintaining and storing equipment. Recommending purchases of new items when needed. Contact Sally Jacobs mrsjake06@bellsouth.net for more information. 18
Worship and Music con t Musicians - Instrumentalists for orchestra and worship bands. Orchestra members should have at least three years of study to be able to play. Auditions required. Worship band uses guitars, drums, keyboards, etc. Auditions required. Contact Jordan Lawson at jordanlawson@locustgrove.com Preschool & Children s Choirs - Our preschool and children s choirs are seasonal (short term) age graded choirs that perform at Christmas and Easter requiring two to three adults per class. Some understanding of music is very helpful, as well as a gift to work with children. Highly rewarding! Contact Jordan Lawson at jordanlawson@locustgrove.com Sound and Media Operators - Provide behind the screens leadership for each of our worship gatherings. Sound techs need to have a good ear and some basic skills with sound equipment. Media operators need some limited understanding of our presentation software, Media Shout and basic computer skills. Contact Jordan Lawson at jordanlawson@locustgrove.com Vocalists - Worship Choir is an all volunteer group that requires no audition, just a love for music in worship. All small groups such as worship band singers, and ensembles require choir membership and are auditioned. Contact Jordan Lawson at jordanlawson@locustgrove.com 19
Grove Girls: Grove Girls is the Women s Ministry at Locust Grove designed for women college age and up. Grove Girls provides various Bible Studies, Book Clubs, Social Events and Ministry opportunities in our community and internationally throughout the year to help us grow, be equipped and stretch us so that we may better serve God and those around us. Contact Denise Tyriver at dktyriver@bellsouth.net -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Church Administration (Selection is responsibility of Nominating Committee) Finance Committee: Our Finance Committee provides financial administration and management of church operations, and plans the annual budget of the church. Contact Mike Durboraw at mike.durboraw@gmail.com Personnel Committee: The Personnel Committee evaluates the need of church staff positions, prepares position descriptions, and recruits, interviews, and recommends to the church (in coordination with the Finance and any other appropriate committee) proposed additions to the staff. Neither members of the personnel committee nor their family members may serve in salaried church positions. Contact Jim Pillsbury at James.Pillsbury6@gmail.com Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee is responsible for recommending to the church all persons for volunteer, that is, non-paid, positions of leadership, with the exception of the deacons. Also selects and enlists program organization leaders, committee members and chairpersons, general church officers and members of the Finance and Personnel Committees. This includes filling vacancies that occur during the year. Contact Linda Hill at LindaHill@LocustGrove.com 20