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Acolyte and Crucifer
Youth in grade six and above are invited to serve as acolytes and crucifers. (This service is a required activity of youth enrolled in the catechetical program.) Acolytes light and extinguish candles, and crucifers carry the processional cross to lead choirs into and from worship. Training for these responsibilities is provided by the Minister of Music. Back to Top Altar Guild
The Altar Guild, as its name implies, takes care of changing the color of the paraments on the altar, pulpit and lectern according to the church season. They also place the Communion Service on the altar and remove it after the service. They remove the chancel and altar flowers after the service and place the arrangements into containers for distribution as directed by the families who purchased them. Other duties include placing special service decorations, including Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies, around the sanctuary before the services. When there is a baptism, water is placed in the font. Oil shell and candles are also placed in their proper places. Two members of the committee are assigned two weeks of duty at a time. The group has occasional meetings, or altar guild "workshops," as necessary, to review responsibilities. These meetings usually occur on a Saturday. Back to Top Assisting Ministers
Those who are baptized are priests of God. As such, they are given the work of speaking God's word, praying for others, offering the meal, and serving the world's needs. This work belongs to all of us. That doesn't mean we all become "up-front" leaders of worship. But it does mean that worship leadership include a wide variety of people. That's why many parts of our liturgy are marked in our worship books with the letter A, for assisting minister. As someone has written, "The liturgy is the celebration of all who gather. Together with the pastor who presides, the entire congregation is involved. It is important, therefore, that lay persons fulfill appropriate ministries within the service." (LBW Minister's Desk Edition, page 25)
Assisting Ministers are chosen and trained by the Pastor and Minister of Music. Back to Top Audit Committee
St. Paul's Audit Committee serves the church by recommending policies to safeguard church assets. Annually, procedures are performed to evaluate the effectiveness of such policies. The committee, appointed by Congregation Council, is composed of at least two members of the congregation, excluding the treasurer and the financial secretary. Any church members who are financially-minded or willing to learn accounting procedures are encouraged to express their interest in the committee to a council member.
We generally meet as a group on two Saturday afternoons during February or March to review the accounts and records with follow-up by committee members if necessary. If you are looking for a way to contribute some time to St. Paul's in the winter months and have talent with debits and credits, please join us! Back to Top Bear Creek Camp
Bear Creek Camp is a camp and conference center owned and operated by the Northeast and Southeast PA Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In use throughout the year for retreats, environmental education, and many other programs, it is a co-ed resident camp for children ages 7 and up in the summer.
There are many opportunities to volunteer for Bear Creek. One is through the community of volunteers called "Friends Of Bear Creek." This group focuses on supporting and promoting the mission of the Camp, and is open to anyone who would like to be involved. To learn more, you can check the Camp's Web page at www.bearcreekcamp.org.
If you are interested in having your child attend Bear Creek's summer camping program, you can check with Mary Miller, St. Paul's Bear Creek Ambassador. Check with either of them or Pastor Scholtes for information about the camp. Camp info is also posted on the bulletin board at the Gathering Place in the large Sunday School room. Back to Top Cemetery Committee
St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery Committee is responsible for maintaining our cemetery, located on Route 443 between Mifflin and Church streets, and overseeing the investment of the Cemetery Fund, which is used to pay for upkeep of the cemetery and worker's compensation for the cemetery workers. For many years, the cemetery has been maintained by congregation members donating their time. If you are interested in assisting those volunteers, please contact the church office or Chairperson Glenn Kramer.
The Committee does not hold regular meetings.
Anyone wishing to make contributions to the Cemetery Fund may do so by designating it in their will or by contacting the church office. Our current cemetery does not have any additional plots available. Back to Top Church Choirs
CHERUB CHOIR: Ages 4-6. The purpose of this choir is to learn to love and experience music through rhythm, movement, pitch matching and musical games, as well as singing. Teaching simple Christian truths and biblical passages in these games is very important. This choir sings in worship approximately once a month or less.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR: Grades 2-6.This choir continues to grow in their understanding of rhythm, pitch matching, proper breathing and voice building. They also begin doing some music theory and ear-training, as well as relating music to worship. Lutheran doctrine and liturgy, and basic Christian truths are conveyed through the music. They also study hymnody and the Sacrament of Baptism. They learn more challenging music, sometimes in 2 part harmony. This choir sings approximately twice a month at the 10:30 a.m. service.
YOUTH CHOIR: Grades 7-12. This is an exciting choir, with many of the young men already having changed or changing voices. This allows us to do much 3 or 4 part music (SAB and SATB). This choir frequently sings with one of our adult choirs, as well, to get some additional experience and reinforcement in part singing. This choir also sings some contemporary Christian music on occasion, complete with their own rock band! They sing at worship approximately 2-3 times a month, at either service, but mostly at the 8:00 a.m. service.
CHANCEL CHOIR: Adults and sometimes some senior highs. This choir is our largest group and performs all styles of music in all voices, but generally SATB and also in varying levels of difficulty. We continue to review music theory as it becomes helpful or appears in our music, and we continue working on breath control and voice building in singing. This choir sings at worship almost every Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service.
JOY BUILDERS: Adults. This choir is made up of a small select group from the Chancel Choir which performs contemporary Christian and praise music at worship and sometimes for special programs throughout the community. This group generally meets before or after Chancel Choir rehearsals on Wednesdays and sings approximately once every 6 weeks.
WEDNESDAY AM SINGERS: Adults. This choir is open to any adult who is available during the day for a morning rehearsal. The choir performs mostly 2-3 part music and sings approximately twice per month, usually at the 8:00 a.m. service. In addition, they frequently sing for funerals that are held at the church during the day.
Back to Top Handbell Choirs
READ & RING BELLS: Grade 4-adults. This is the training choir for anyone who wants to learn to ring bells. All persons must have had at least one year of instrumental lessons before joining this group. They learn the fundamentals of handbell technique, bell notation, music reading and theory. They play for worship occasionally after at least a 3-4 month training period.
RENAISSANCE RINGERS: Children, youth and adults. This choir is made up of all those who have advanced from the Read & Ring training choir and now begin doing more difficult and advanced music. They perform in worship approximately once a month.
ANGELIC BELLS: Middle school and senior highs. This choir is made up of junior and senior high students who have mastered handbell technique. This choir performs very exciting and challenging music, and often performs for outside concerts or handbell festivals. They ring at worship 1-2 times a month.
JUBILATE BELLS: Adults. This bell choir is composed of adults who have mastered and are proficient at handbell technique. This choir also performs very difficult and challenging music, often in combination with other instruments, and they, too, often perform for outside concerts and festivals.
ST. PAUL'S ORCHESTRA: All ages. Since we have always been blessed with many fine musicians, our church orchestra gives us a chance to all come together to share our musical gifts, no matter what instrument we play. The orchestra is always different and includes all instruments. We perform several times a year, and rehearsals are set up as needed.
Back to Top Christian Education Committee
At St. Paul's there are many different opportunities for members of all ages to learn about the Bible's teachings and living the life of the gospel in today's world. The Christian Ed Committee is responsible for our Sunday School for youth and adults as well as summer Vacation Bible School. The Committee:
- recruits teachers
- chooses the school materials
- involves the youth in fun service-oriented projects like Make-A-Difference Day, visiting local nursing homes and making food and gift baskets
- plans and runs Vacation Bible School along with volunteers
The Committee meets as needed The Committee includes: a Superintendent who is responsible for collecting and overseeing the Sunday School offerings, recruiting teachers and substitutes, and approving the curriculum; the Sunday School teachers; a church council liason; a service project coordinator; and a Vacation Bible School coordinator.
Christian Ed is always looking for committee members as well as dedicated and substitute Sunday School teachers. You do not need to be a teacher to be on the committee.
Sunday School classes meet from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. September through May and are separated by grade/age. Preschool children meet in the nursery for Sunday School and should be accompanied by a parent.
There is also adult Sunday School, called "Adult Forum," which meets in the parlor. They discuss a wide variety of topics.
The committee also oversees adult bible studies during the week. See the Pastor or a committee member for current information. Back to Top Congregational Council
The Congregational Council consists of 12 members of the congregation who volunteer to serve a 3 year term and are elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting in January. Each may serve 2 consecutive terms. The council meets the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7:00PM and each meeting lasts up to 2 hours. At the meetings, the council hears reports from the church staff and each of the active committees. It also hears requests for using the church buildings for various functions, approves the annual budget, memorial gifts and property committee projects, responds to requests and suggestions, etc. Sometimes the council meets more often, if necessary.
The executive positions of President, Vice-President and Council Secretary are elected each February from among the council members. Council members are required to serve on, or act as liason for, at least one active church committee. They are also expected to participate in major church functions. They serve as greeters at each service, make announcements and collect and deposit the offerings. More details of the council's responsibilities are found in our Constitution.
If you are interested in serving in this very important position, please see any current council member. Back to Top Counters
Counters are those who count offerings. Each counter is assigned to a team, which serves once monthly (usually on Monday mornings.) Each team has a head counter, who picks up the bank bag, which had been deposited the day before. The offerings are counted in the church office and reported to the parish secretary. It usually takes 1 1/2 hours, but sometimes more. If you are interested in serving as a counter, contact Gladys Santee or the church office. Back to Top Day Care Committee
St. Paul's rents out the lower floor of the church to The Growing Tree, a nursery and day care run by member Nancy Sterner. The Day Care Committee works with Nancy on an as-needed basis regarding any questions that arise. Its goal is to have good communications and a good working relationship between the church and the day care. The committee does not have regular meetings. If you are interested in helping out on this committee, contact a committee member. Back to Top Evangelism
Over the years, the Evangelism Committee has been heavily involved in a large number of ongoing activities and new programs. These functions are opening many doors to evangelism and fellowship within the church and community. We have even taken advantage of some of these opportunities to bring the saving message of Jesus Christ to those individuals in the local Orwigsburg community. We are anxious to get new members to join this committee and interject new ideas and approaches that will help motivate and stimulate the Church of Christ.
The committee meets once a month and meetings last about 2 hours. If you have a passion to spread the awesome message that Jesus Saves!, but are looking for an area to start.....
JOIN THIS COMMITTEE! WE WANT YOU!
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved!" Acts 4:12 Back to Top Finance Committee
The primary responsibility of the Finance Committee is to enable and support the ministries of St. Paul's as follows:
* Evaluate the financial needs of the congregation with the preparation of the annual budget.
* Review and advise council on giving patterns and the financial health of St. Paul's.
* Review and advise on the use of special gifts and memorials.
* Supervise an audit of all St. Paul's financial records and procedures.
* Monitor invested funds.
* Advise the Treasurer on investment and accounting procedures.
This committee meets about once a month for about 2 to 3 hours each. The chairperson presents the draft budget to the congregational council for vote. The committee meets with Cornerstone Advisors, our current investment manager, twice a year. Back to Top Garden Group
The Garden Group is a subcommittee of the Property committee. It doesn't hold regular meetings, but it does get its hands in the dirt from spring through fall. The Group provides for the design, planting and maintenance of the gardens around the church. Check out the neat contemplation garden next to the ramp off of North Warren Street, or the garden in memory of Dick Teets in the front under the stained glass window. If you're interested in joining, contact a Garden Group member. Back to Top Greeters
"Greeters" are the people who say hello and hand you a bulletin when you come to church. We welcome and encourage church members who would like to be greeters to contact the church office for available dates. You don't have to a council member to help, and it really helps to have extra greeters! Please call the office at 366-2316 if you would like to greet! Back to Top Lay Eucharistic Ministry
This group provides the Sacrament of Holy Communion on a regular basis, providing a bridge between the congregation and home-based members.
These people have a sense of mission, are responsible, have compassion, are non-judgemental and can keep confidences. They are servants of the Lord who bring the blessings of their congregation to God's children with special needs. Back to Top Lectors
Lectors are congregation members who volunteer to read the lessons during the church services. The usually serve 2 or 3 times per year and they receive the lessons they are to read about one week in advance. Gloria Stine coordinates the dates. If you are interested in serving as a lector, call her at 366-2485. Back to Top Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels, which provides meals to home-bound residents, is administered by the Lutheran social agency, Diakon. Meals for Orwigsburg borough are dropped off to St. Paul's three days a week. Volunteers then deliver four to ten meals, usually taking less than an hour. Contact the church office at 366-2316 if you are interested in helping. Back to Top Memorial Committee
The Memorial Committee was organized in 1974 to oversee the many ways to remember a loved one or friend. "Living Memorials" may be presented in memory or in honor of a loved one or friend. Since the beginning of this committee, many useful and enhancing gifts have been presented for use in the church, Sunday School and offices. The committee works with the family to spend the money according to the family's wishes. The committee is responsible for acknowledging all gifts to the church. We meet about once a month for a few hours. Back to Top Merry Crafters
This group works throughout the year to create crafts to sell at St. Paul's annual bazaar. It is a subgroup of the Service Ministry Committee. They donate their time, talents and material for each project. The members gather at a hostess's home, who is responsible for the craft item which are made up in kits and then assembled that evening, keeping the crafts at their home until the bazaar. Contact a member or the office if you are interested. Back to Top Newsletter Helpers
Once a month, this group meets to help to collate and sort the monthly newsletter. If you would like to serve with this group, contact the church office at 366-2316. Back to Top Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is made up of the four congregational council members whose terms are ending this year. Their job is to find four replacements for council. Anyone who is interested in helping to find new council members, or to serve on council themselves, should see a nominating committee member. The current list is posted at the parish secretary's desk. Back to Top Nursery Helper
Parents with young children really appreciate the helpers who watch their children during the 10:30 service! Helpers serve from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. in the nursery and can listen to the service while caring for the children. We usually need one or two helpers each Sunday. Barb Sterner coordinates the dates. Please call her at 366-1675 if you would like to help. Back to Top Orwigsburg Food Pantry
The Orwigsburg Food Pantry is housed at St. John's UCC in Orwigsburg. Food donations are greatly appreciated. We keep baskets in the narthex for donations, and there may be a list for specific items needed. We sometimes have special services, like the Harvest Home service in October, during which we collect offerings of food for the Pantry. We need volunteers to take donated food over to the pantry - if interested, call the office at 366-2316. If you or someone you know is in need of Food Pantry services, contact Pastor Scholtes. Get into the spirit of. . . GIVING JOYFULLY! Back to Top Property Committee
The Property Committee is responsible for taking care of the church grounds and buildings. The Garden Group is a subcommittee. The committee's goal is to provide a safe and comfortable house of worship and to keep the church property in good repair. The committee works with our church sexton Leroy Maurer. The committee is responsible for routine repair and maintenance as well as a capital project to repair and replace major church elements such as the heating and electrical systems, roof, sanctuary walls, and so on. They also organize "Church Clean-Up Day" which relies on volunteers to do a church-wide cleaning, with each group or committee assigned a particular area.
This is a very active committee which meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. and holds additional meetings as needed. Meetings last about 2 hours. The committee is in need of additional members. If interested, come to a meeting or talk with a current member. Back to Top Service Ministry Committee
The purpose of the Service Ministry Committee is to extend help and compassion to persons in need, both members of the congregation and the extended community. Financial aid is given to those who have problems paying their bills, such as medical, food, utilities, etc. Monetary donations are also given to charitable organizations.
A very important duty of this committee is to visit the shut-ins at home and nursing homes and hospitals. These visits can be very rewarding experiences and we urge more members of the congregation to join this committee.
Service Ministry Committee hosts the coffee hour following the Vesper Service of Lessons and Carols at Advent. It is also involved with the Orwigsburg Food Pantry.
Each Christmas, gift certificates are presented to members of the congregation in nursing homes. Also, a gift is purchased for a child at the Lutheran Home in Topton, Pa.
The annual church bazaar in October is the only fundraiser to carry on the work of Service Ministry. The committee is very grateful for the many members of St. Paul's who help at the bazaar, both in giving of their time and also monetary contributions.
We meet as needed on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Check with the office to find out when our next meeting is. Back to Top Staff Support Committee
Staff Support is a new committee. It began in 2000 as a mutual ministry support for our new pastor and our existing Minister of Music. It acts as a confidential conduit of communication and feedback between them, other church staff and the congregation. The committee meets regularly with Pastor Scholtes and Mrs. Kriner. It also meets regularly with our parish secretary Mrs. Jill McCloy, treasurer Karen Travor and sexton Mr. Leroy Maurer. Staff Support prepares job descriptions, conducts yearly reviews and is alert to any concerns of the staff or congregation. It also makes yearly salary increase recommendations to the Finance Committee and the Congregational Council.
Members of this committee are selected by the Congregational Council based on recommendations made by the pastor, associate in ministry and council president. Back to Top Stewardship Committee
"Stewardship encourages us to use all that we are in response to God's mercy."
The Stewardship Committee is responsible for teaching and promoting the expression of Christian faith in daily living, the Christian use of money, spreading the word of our local, national and worldwide ministries, and leading our congregation to higher levels of proportionate giving: as God has given us all that we have, let us give back to God first, as he commands us to do. Let our gifts enable our congregation to do the work God has called us to do.
The committee coordinates all stewardship programs and the yearly collection of pledge cards. It is responsible for this Time and Talent booklet. It meets with new congregation members and is responsible for the New Members Corner on the bulletin board at
the Gathering Place. It works with the Finance Committee regarding congregational giving patterns. It also acts as a public relations group for many of the church's activities and spreads the word about those activities through different community media resources.
Stewardship meets about once a month on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Meetings last about an hour. More time is needed when we are running a stewardship program or activity.
We are really in need of additional members - please help by getting involved! Back to Top The Synod of Northeastern Pennsylvania
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) consists of 259 congregations with over 165,000 members in a fourteen-county area of northeastern PA. We are God's people, called to serve God and others in our daily lives. As God's people in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, we are rooted in the Gospel, connected with one another throughout the world, transformed by the love of Christ, and sent to speak the good news to all people. In faithful response to God's actions in our lives and the call to respond to the issues that confront us, we are committed to:
* Deepening our relationship with God
* Renewing our passion for sharing the good news
* Strengthening the connections among people and communities
* Developing leaders for a new church in a new world
The synod has formed four ministry teams to address goals related to each of these priorities. Each of the teams then puts together task groups to work with various aspects of these goals. You are welcome to participate in your synod's work in these areas.
The synod's website is www.godslove.org Back to Top Telephone Prayer Chain
Everyone knows the power of prayer. Here at St. Paul's we have a telephone prayer chain. This chain provides the ministry of prayer to anyone who needs it. Those on the chain call the next person to add or remove a name, and then pray individually. If you would like to add or remove a name for prayer, or if you would like to be added to the prayer chain, please call the church office at 366-2316. Back to Top Ushers
What do ushers do? They assist in our worship by helping people find seats among the pews and letting the pastor know if anyone needs to receive communion at their seat. They take a count of the number of worshippers and record it in a small book in the narthex. They always sit in the back row of the sanctuary in case anyone needs help during the service. They receive our offerings by row, and during communion they direct people forward by row. They are an important part of our worship.
Every so often there will be an usher "workshop." If you are interested in serving as an usher, contact the church office at 366-2316. You will be asked to serve as needed, approximately one Sunday a month. Back to Top Volunteer Home Care
Volunteer Home Care is an ecumenical outreach ministry of local church congregations working in cooperation with The Lutheran Home at Topton. We form teams which provide help to individuals or families in your area who are in need.
Volunteer Home Care invites you to become a volunteer to assist people in your community who need extra help in their homes. Reaching out to someone who really needs your help is one the most satisfying and rewarding experiences of your life. Your help could allow someone to live independently in their own home longer.
Training and support is provided by the professional staff at Topton. Each volunteer attends a one hour orientation meeting and additional training depending upon your interests. Your donation of time is flexible, depending on your schedule.
If you are interested, please pick up one of our pamphlets in the narthex and call Lois Sterling at 624-3014. Thank you! Back to Top Women of the ELCA
The women of this group focus on action, growth and community. To address these areas of concern the women have bible studies, speakers, video presentations, LWR projects and fun-type programs.
The fellowship and the learning experiences are open to all women of St. Paul's. Watch the church newsletter for dates and times of meetings. Back to Top World Hunger Appeal
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America established a World Hunger Program . . .
* Because the Holy Spirit calls us to share in God's continuing care for all people and for the entire creation;
* Because God asks us to love our neighbors as Christ loves us; and
* Because God places us in a global neighborhood, with neighbors near and far who suffer hunger & oppression.
The Hunger Appeal has four methods of carrying out its work:
* Providing immediate relief for people in need
* Providing the means for long-term, sustainable development for whole communities
* Advocating for justice
* Educating members of the ELCA in awareness of issue relating to hunger, poverty and justice
At St. Paul's, the Appeal is emphasized in a variety of ways. Watch for ways you can help! Back to Top Worship and Music Committee
The Worship & Music Committee has the responsibility of making sure regular services are conducted at St. Paul's, and that all facets are provided for the service. This includes providing music, ushers, hymnals and devotional materials, paraments (altar linens, etc.), communion ware, flowers, candles, and baptismal items. Worship & Music is also responsible for the Altar Guild who prepares the church for our services, and for the Lay Eucharistic Ministers who provide communion to our members in nursing/personal care facilities and those confined to their homes.
A large part of our responsibility deals with music, and we work closely with the Minister of Music to provide a spirited program. The annual Vespers/Concerts are scheduled from September to May and help to bring a variety of musical cultures to the Orwigsburg area. Coffee hours following the concerts are hosted by committee members. The committee also assists in the selection of hymns for our Sunday services.
The committee decorates the church for various special occasions such as Palm Sunday, Harvest Home and Advent, and greatly enjoys providing a beautiful house of worship for our fellow congregational members.
The committee usually meets the third Monday of the month, and meetings last about 1 to 2 hours. If you are interested in joining, please see Pastor Scholtes, Mrs. Kriner or chairperson Wendy Schuld. Back to Top Youth Ministry
Youth of St. Paul's participate in activities both at in our congregation, and in a community wide youth group. See Krista Orwig or Vicki Cable for more information. Back to Top |
