At its meeting Jan 17, the Council unanimously adopted a new structure by which to organize Gloria Dei’s current ministries. The current structure takes its shape from the purposes outlined in the beginning of the constitution:
C4.02: To participate in God’s mission, this congregation as a part of the Church shall: a. Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service. b. Proclaim God’s saving Gospel of justification by grace for Christ’s sake through faith alone, according to the apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture, preserving and transmitting the Gospel faithfully to future generations. c. Carry out Christ’s Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent with the understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all. d. Serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and powerless, and committing itself to their needs. e. Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and to use the gifts of the Spirit for their life together and for their calling in the world. f. Manifest the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love of Christ and by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve the unity which the Spirit gives. To assist the council in facilitating these congregational objectives, five “Ministries” were created, each referring to the purposes in the constitution: Worship (a), Evangelism (b, c), Service (d), Discipleship (e), Fellowship (f). One council member will represent each of these Ministries and the Ministry Teams that relate to its purpose:
WORSHIP Worship planning team Choir Worship Band Training Altar Guild Christopher Ministry Centering Prayer
EVANGELISM Global Mission Team Radio Ministry Advertising Newsletter Website Archives Directory Green Team
SERVICE CHUM/Gabriel Project Lutheran Social Service—LSS ELCA World Hunger Neighborhood Breakfast CROP Walk Tax Service Health Cabinet RIC/Lutherans Concerned
DISCIPLESHIP Sunday School Adult Forum/Bible Study Oasis/Confirmation Youth Group Vacation Bible School – VBS Memorial Lecture Series Seekers Class
FELLOWSHIP Coffee Hour Homebound Treats Nursery Birthday Cards/Annual Party Valentine Party Softball Team WELCA Lutheran Men in Mission
In addition to these ministries, other standing committees include: Property, Stewardship, Long Range Planning, Finance, and Personnel, which will also have representation on the council. Some patience in adapting to this Ministry Team structure is needed! Thanks for your role in smoothing the transition.
"Empowered by Christ's love, Gloria Dei reaches out as an inclusive, welcoming church through worship and social action."