Joy in Christ
Lutheran Church
Thanksgiving for God's Work Among Us
Committees and special groups form the backbone of much of the church's work...both within in our congregation, and among the larger community and world.
Business Services
The Business Services committee manages the church's operational and day-to-day administrative needs and ensures that resources are allocated wisely and in alignment with the church's mission and values. Responsibilities are divided into three categories: IT infrastructure (network, phone system, and hardware/software; office personnel and office operations; communications (website, promotional material, other means of interaction with the community and members).
Communications
manage and find methods to communicate within the church and community, using various methods of outreach. Working with other committees to inform them of congregational events, website management, newsletter overview, submissions to the Voice, POA and other community sources and developing marketing materials. This committee is part of Business Services.
Christian Education
The Christian Education committee develops education programs for congregation members and others who wish to participate and learn. This includes opportunities such as Advent and Lenten study programs and Bible Study, with a focus on Lutheran interpretation of the Scriptures. The committee also prepares and presents education programs with practical applications, such as "Aging with Grace" and "Preparing your Legacy."
Endowment
The Endowment committee manages the congregation's Endowment Fund to enhance the church's mission outreach. It strives to educate the congregation about the Endowment Fund and to encourage members to consider the fund as part of their stewardship planning. It actively manages fund assets to maximize investment returns and minimize risk. And it distributes the investment earnings to non-profit organizations to extend the mission outreach of our congregation.
Evangelism
The Evangelism committee develops ways to increase the congregation's witness and presence in the community. It is the act of sharing the good news of God's love in Jesus and inviting others to join in God's work. This committee also assists the pastor in planning and executing programs to call prospective members and encourage members who have become inactive. In addition, outreach activities and services help to spread our mission into the community.
Fellowship
The Fellowship committee promotes activities that encourage fellowship and camaraderie in the congregation. It develops ideas and provides leadership for social functions and helps maintain policies and procedures for kitchen use and events.
Finance
The Finance committee oversees all financial matters of the church, including income, general expenditures, capital expenditures, solicitation and budget preparation. This oversight includes bank deposits, the posting of transactions to congregation accounts, and year-end reports. A monthly financial report to the church council.
Missions
The Missions Committee supports outreach and service efforts in the local community where congregational members actively share their time, talents, and gifts. We are committed to encouraging hands-on involvement in meaningful work that serves others and strengthens our community. In addition, we provide financial support to selected mission efforts approved by the AR/OK Synod.
Property
The Property committee ensures that land, land improvements, the Memorial Garden, and all church building structures meet the needs of the church, are properly maintained, and are following local, state, and national codes.
Worship & Music
The Worship and Music Committee seeks to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ through Word, Sacrament, music and liturgical arts. It assists the pastor in finding ways to enhance worship services. It also provides oversight for the church's music ministry and encouragement and support for lay leadership in worship.
Church Council
The Church Council acts as the church's board of directors and provides oversight and guidance, taking responsibility for the activities, finances and property of the church. It strives to ensure that the activities of the congregation are in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It seeks to do long-range planning, set goals and priorities, and evaluate its activities considering the church's mission and goals.
Other committees, such as the Audit committee (the auditing of church finances) and the Nominating committee (identifying and selecting congregational leaders), serve more specific and time-sensitive roles.