Leadership Teams at St. Paul Church

All members and friends of St. Paul Church are invited and encouraged to participate in the shaping and building up of ministry in and through the congregation. The Congregation Council is the governing Board responsible for oversight, management, and support of the vision and practice of ministry at St. Paul Church. The Congregation Council is also responsible for overseeing the implementation of the congregations FarView Long Range Plan adopted in 2008.

The Congregation Council
Council members are elected by the congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting, usually the last Sunday of January or the first Sunday in February. Terms are for three years. No one can serve for more than two consecutive full terms.

Council Members 2009
George Bailey
Dan Blackwood
Eleanor Bonafonte
Charles Brown
Steve Hansel, Secretary
Eric Larson
Gayle LaBrec
Pat Newborg
John Pavlos, Vice President
Michael Schlesselman, President
Kathy Smith
Donna Vinelli, Secretary

Officers of the Congregation
Ken Hartley, Treasurer
Tina Bascom, Financial Secretary

Committees/Ministry Teams

Stewardship Committee plans and coordinates a year-round emphasis of stewardship education and encouragement that has as it goals the generous percentage giving of financial resources and the generous sharing of all gifts and skills with which God has blessed the people of this congregation.

Finance Committee develops budgets, oversees the proper management of the financial resources and investments of this congregation.

Mutual Ministry Committee provides support for the pastor, evaluates and encourages the ministries of all paid staff personnel, and serves as a listening post for members of the congregation who have concerns about the life of the church.

Property Care Committee plans and coordinates the continuing maintenance and improvements of current church facilities and grounds, including the parsonage.

Nominating Committee elected by the congregation at the Annual Meeting to seek and nominate candidates for the Congregation Council at the next election. The President appoints the chair from among those elected.

Ministries for Children Team coordinates, plans, and provides leadership support for children's activities including Sunday Nursery Care for Small Children, Secret Angels, First Communion Preparation, Confirmation Ministry, Youth Ministry, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Kids for Christ, Family First Forums, Intergenerational Retreats and Events, etc.

Youth Ministries plans and coordinates ministries for Senior High youth including annual summer "mission trips".

Congregational Care Team provides care and prayer support for members and friends, as needed, including rides, meals, errands, personal visits. Includes the Shawl Ministry of knitting and crocheting prayer shawls for those experiencing difficulties in their lives.

Fellowship Ministry Team plans and coordinates occasional social/fellowship events for the congregation, special receptions, Sunday coffee, etc.

Growth in Faith Team plans and coordinates opportunities for adults to gather for periodic, topical learning groups and in small groups for the purpose of mutual support, growth in the faith, and prayer. Also provides leadership training for group leaders.

Welcome Team helps and encourages members of the congregation to assess and put into action their spiritual gifts. Guides a healthy assimilation process for new members, inviting them into full participation in the ministry.

Worship and Spiritual Development coordinates, plans, and evaluates worship life, choral and instrumental music, Altar Guild, and all worship-related ministries.

Ministry to the Community and Wider Church Team coordinates the church's "Caring for Creation Emphasis," Soup Kitchen Ministry, Tutoring Ministry, Christmas giving ministry, Heifer International, support of ELCA World Hunger Appeal Project, the HOPE Partnership for affordable housing, and other outreach ministries.