Bethlehem Lutheran Church : Servants

Serving the Congregation
in many different ways,
each according to
his or her own talents.

Bethlehem workers

"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.... to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Eph 4:7, 11-12
Acolytes	Worship in the Lutheran tradition has a richness and depth that can bring great meaning to those who value symbolism and biblical imagery. Candles are a wonderful symbol in the church -- usually associated with celebrations. But candles are also an important symbol of Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. Acolytes help us focus our attention on Christ by lighting the candles in the sanctuary at the beginning of worship services. They start by lighting their wicks from the Christ Candle -- our light comes from Christ, who invites us to "let your light shine before men." Acolytes are young people in grades 5 through 8 who serve in this role as one way of helping them to recognize that they are a vital part of the body of Christ, the church. For more information contact Kathleen Stewart.
Altar Guild	Prior to every worship service, members of Bethlehem's Altar Guild prepare the altar area with the necessary linens, paraments, candles and communion ware. Members likewise assist with the care and maintenance of these articles. Each January, members are invited to a fellowship get-together for the purpose of reflecting on the past year of service and to plan the volunteer schedule for the coming year. Individuals and family groups are encouraged to serve and training is provided. For more information contact Laurie or Lisa Siewert.
Collating Teams	Volunteers meet on Friday mornings to assemble, staple, and fold the Bethlehem Star on the last Wednesday of each month. This group always seems to have a good time as they perform this simple but important task. Contact Carol or Kerri at the church office.
Board of Elders	At Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Elders are assigned to communicate with families about events at church and to assist with personal prayers and other spiritual needs. During each worship service, one or more Elders are on duty to handle the details of public worship while the pastor is occupied and to assist in the distribution of Communion. The board of Elders also serves as a "spiritual accountability" sounding-board for the pastors and staff. This ensures that our leaders are faithful to the calling God has given them -- the clear proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the sacraments according to Christ's institution.
Fellowship Committee	Purpose: To build the family of God through fellowship opportunities -- that is, planned events and activities that bring people together to develop and enjoy relationships. These events are sometimes called "community classics" to convey a welcome invitation for members of our community as well as our congregation. Some of these annual events include the summer salmon bake, fall harvest festival, St. Nicholas Night for families and a Progressive Christmas Dinner for adults. The Fellowship committee is an inter-generational group of volunteers that meets once each month to plan future events.
Gift-Oriented Ministry	Purpose: Help people identify their own personal spiritual gifts and talents and connect them with the appropriate ministry opportunities. One of the signs of a healthy church is that participants are involved in ministry based upon their own mix of spiritual gifts and talents. Too often we serve without knowing our own God given design, or what gifts are necessary for a particular ministry task. This group works at helping others discover their spiritual gifts, their passion, and their personality type -- consulting with them to find the best "ministry match" -- and following up with leadership to see that invitations to serve are given. This group also seeks to provide ministry position descriptions for all service opportunities and encourages leaders to seek out workers based on their giftedness by God.
Guest Host Ministry Greeters	Who was that first welcoming person you met when you came to Bethlehem? Isn't it great when you come to a new place and someone really cares that you are there? That is what our Guest Host Ministry tries to accomplish. More than just a handshake at the door, Guest Hosts are there to really welcome with warmth and depth. Need to know where the nursery is? Ask the Host. Want to know how to get to the balcony? Ask the host. Want to be sure to meet the pastor? Ask the host. Hosts are eager to learn the names of our guests; eager to make everyone feel special; eager to assist in any way with the needs of our guests. For more information contact: Dave and Lorna Zimbrick.
Information Counter Team	Purpose: To provide answers to inquiries regarding worship, child care, building locations, current activities and ministry life of the congregation. Volunteers staff the information counter before and after worship services and serve on an occasional basis depending on the number of volunteers available. For more information contact: Nancy Furby.
Library	Provides access to Christian literature and media for individuals and families of all ages on a short-term check out basis. The Library is located at the Information Counter. For more information contact: Lois Johnson. See also Bethlehem's Christian Book Clubs
New Member Hosts	Many of those who become members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church are already connected to others through family or friends. But many are not. This ministry seeks to ensure that every new member is welcomed by a friendly and familiar face. New Member Hosts can be very creative in their style of developing relationships -- A few phone calls; an invitation to coffee or lunch. Or perhaps an invitation to a concert of special event. In any event, its a real blessing to know and recognize a friend when you're new -- especially one who eager to see you as well. For more information about becoming, or connecting with, a New Member Host contact Bob Fossum.
Trustees	The Trustees are responsible for a multitude of tasks including grounds maintenance and landscaping, facilities upkeep including plumbing and electrical troubleshooting and repairs, painting, and small building projects such as shelves. Trustees also participate in planning changes in the church facilities such as new and future expansions and assist with execution of property documents. All Bethlehem members are eligible to be nominated and elected to a position as Trustee by the congregation. For more information contact Roger Lindquist or Dan Seim.
Website Team	Purpose: Provide useful information to 1. People who do not know about Jesus. 2. People who are looking for a new church home. 3. Members and friends of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Volunteers contributing to this effort include the reporters and photographers that provide the information regarding what is going on throughout the Bethlehem Family and people with knowledge and experience in web page design who format the stories and pictures and prepare them for posting on the website. For more information contact Dan Seim or Terry Beale.

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	Copyright © 2006, Bethlehem Lutheran Church/Aloha (LCMS). All rights reserved. 18865 SW Johnson Street, Aloha, Oregon 97006 Phone 503/649-3380 Office Hours: M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. E-mail: blc.aloha@verizon.net •webservant