As 2018 nears its end, it is time to consider how we may best share our time and talents with the church.  In January, the Church Council hopes to establish the make up of each church committee and team.
     So, now is the time to consider how you can step up and help.  Now is the time to talk to other committee members to see what is involved.  To keep providing ministry and services, we need to come together to vision, plan and execute the daily functioning of Peoples.
     Here is a list of some of the opportunities to serve.  There are openings on all committees and teams.  Many hands make light work, so we ask to you to prayerfully consider your place in the ministry of Peoples and we thank you for your discernment and help.

CHURCH COUNCIL:  This is the overseeing body of the work of the church.  A representative from each of the other committees is asked to serve as we keep each other informed as to what each group is undertaking.  There are also ad-hoc members of this committee who serve not as representatives of other groups, but to supply other ideas and considerations.   This team is also where visioning is taking place.  Where will we be in five years?  What are the gifts and graces of our community?  Where should we be focusing our energy and resources?  The committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.   If you’d like to be part of this looking toward tomorrow, please see Pastor Tom about joining this committee.

STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS (SPRC):  This is a group that works with the pastor to better serve the community.  They do an annual review of the pastor’s work, as well as all paid employees of the church.  They work with the conference in matters of pastoral change and other related issues.  To belong to this committee you must be a full member of Peoples.  There is a limit of nine that can serve.  The committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 2:15 pm.  (The day/time is flexible if it does not meet your availability.) If you would like more information, please speak with Pastor Tom or Keith Snoddy.

FINANCE:  While this group reviews budget numbers, it is not just about accounting.  Most of the focus of this group is visioning how to best teach and/or demonstrate stewardship as a foundation of our faith.  Meetings are the Thursday before the Church Council meeting at 6 pm.  If you’d like to know more, please see Pastor Tom, Kathy Brann or Sue Angell.

CHURCH LIFE:  This committee is really a large umbrella that covers many areas of interest.  Church Social Events, Christian Education,  Outreach Ministries, all fall under the heading of Church Life.  You need not be involved in each of these areas.  If your passion is for a specific area or event, you are welcome to join and participate in the creation, planning and development of your area of interest.  If curious, please see Pastor Tom, Carol Bruneau or Rosemary Herd for more information.

TRUSTEES:  This group maintains the church and parsonage buildings and properties.  They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.  There is a limit of nine members on this board. If interested, please see Walter Greer, Brad Morrison or Pastor Tom.

SUNDAY SCHOOL/NURSERY: Spend some time with our children.  You’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn. Circumstances have made our need great in this area, as we need a Sunday School Superintendent to oversee the children’s faith growth and a nursery coordinator to schedule volunteers for this vital ministry.. Please see Pastor Tom if called to this ministry!

BUT I CAN’T MAKE IT TO MEETINGS VOLUNTEERS:  There are ways to serve that do not require monthly meetings and can even be done at home. If you’d like to learn how to help, please see Pastor Tom or any of the listed names in your area of interest.

AND LET’S NOT FORGET:  We have so many other groups that provide vital ministries to the community—The Worship Team, Choir, Bell Choir, The Prayer Shawl/Craft Ministry, The Men’s Group, United Methodist Women, The Garden Club, Church Archives, serving at the Bean Suppers to name a few.  We can always use extra hands and hearts.