Weekly Word

SF&D Report

Hello Everyone!

I would like to take a moment to tell you a little about the Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Committee.

Our purpose is to coordinate different working committees in the church and assist them in bringing their program successfully to both our congregation and to programs near and far away.

Included in our group are the following program ministries and staff:

AdultEd, co-leaders, Monica LaRose and Ginny Swiatek, Children and Family Ministries, Shelly Stienbarger, director, Missions, co-leaders, Dave and Loretta Wilson, Care Ministries, currently looking for a new leader, Connection Ministries, Isie Barclay, Reconciling and Inclusivity Ministries, Mandy Hale, and Music Ministries, Jeff Hunt, director, Communications, Michele Claney, Lay Leader, Justin Masterman, and Pastor David.

Communications is being done by Michele Claney. She develops and publishes all of the wonderful documentation and website information that we use in the church. Michele gives us the opportunity to discuss our individual committee needs and then assists in the publicity of upcoming events.

Our Lay Leader, Justin Masterman, attends to enable him to get a clear overview of all of the areas of work going on in the church. He also attends other committee and Strategy and Adminstration meetings and is able to contribute to our meeting by linking ideas and actions going on outside or working areas to us.

AdultEd provides studies of topics and books throughout the church year with the purpose of expanding our adult member’s understanding and knowledge of both the Bible and contemporary events.

Children & Family Ministries bring us BakerKids VBS, Sunday School, Sunday Funday, and many other events. These events are a way to nurture our youth and families by giving everyone environments in which to participate that are both fun and educational.

Pastor David coordinates our monthly, multigenerational Faith Food and Fun events. Programs have included a Fiesta of Friendship, campfire night, a thankfulness tree, Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, praying in color, and yoga & breathwork. Thank you to everyone who cooked, served, led programs and participated this program year. 

Missions creates opportunities for the congregation to do outreach and fund missions both locally and abroad. The Rummage Sale, mission trips, Lazarus House, Hesed House, Angel Tree, Stuff the Turkey, Salvation Army bell ringing, etc… are held throughout the year to raise money and to give each of us a chance to help others. Money raised by these events is distributed to worthy causes here, near and as far away as Cambodia. Get connected here.

Care Ministries is a group of members who reach out to first time visitors, college students through our Church Mouse program, and to members who are shut ins.

Connection Ministries includes greeters, ushers and fellowship time. Fellowship time takes place after service each Sunday. This is a time for folks to casually meet with each other and to enjoy coffee, juice, and treats. Isie is always happy to add another member or a member family to the calendar of volunteers to work the Fellowship coffee time!

Greeters serve to welcome people to worship and other events. We are looking for friendly faces to help us kick off our Sunday mornings with a smile! Whether you are an individual, a group of friends, or a family, we invite you to help us make everyone feel at home as they walk through our doors on Cedar, 3rd & 4th Avenues. Sign up via our website under “Volunteer.” Time Commitment: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Social Justice/Inclusivity Ministries is a new area of programming for our church. It is planning programming that will help all of us increase our awareness of the need to include all people into our church body who express a desire to become disciples of Christ.

Music Ministries includes children’s choir and bells, Men’s Ensemble, Women’s Ensemble, Chancel Bell Choir, the Chancel Choir, and special programming and concerts throughout the year. Make sure you check your Baker events calendar to see what is coming up next.

So many opportunities for growth as we all seek to become disciples of Christ!

I encourage you to attend the programming being offered. And, to get involved in events and programs that help you to become closer to Christ and each other in our wonderful congregation.

Yours in Christ, Allan Scales