Committees - Westminster Church

Westminster has many committees…

Christian Education

The area of Christian Education is broad when applied to the ministry of the church. The Book of Forms suggests that it is the “Session’s responsibility to provide for the programme of Christian Education for persons of all ages in order that they may be confronted by the Gospel, may grow in faith, participate in the life of the Christian Community and be active witnesses to Christ in the world.” (BF 112) Some of the following may help to stimulate the committee in this responsibility.

Baptism follow-up
Sunday School
Bible Studies
VBS
Communicant’s classes
Youth – Youth orientation in services, youth retreat, youth music opportunities
Nursery

Worship Committee

The Worship Committee plans for special services, encourages occasions for fellowship, and to bring new members opportunities for growth and inclusion into the community of faith. Specific areas of responsibility may be in the provision of:

Welcoming/Greeting
Name Badges
Ushers
Flowers in the church
Special Services:
- Mission Sunday
- Anniversary Sunday
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Eve
Minister’s holidays – Supply ministers, hospitality
Organist’s holidays – Supply organists, hospitality
Special Music events, guests
Special Speakers

It is noted that the minister alone is responsible for the conduct and content of public worship.

Mission and Outreach

The session is given the responsibility to keep before the congregation the life and work of the church around the world, encouraging participation in that work through prayer service and gifts…for seeing that the congregation develops and maintains programmes of mission and outreach both related to the immediate community and beyond…for outreach to children, youth and adults in the community by encouraging them to participate in worship and programmes of education and fellowship, and by inviting them to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord (BF 113.1-3). The following areas may be useful upon which to focus the attentions of the committee:

Ecumenical services
Food Bank
WMS
Newsletter
Visitation Program
New members, especially families
Friendship Group (Special needs)
Promotional events
New moms
Needs analysis (community)

Pastoral Care Team

This group works under supervision of the minister and Session. Its goal is to offer support to members and adherents of Westminster who are unable to participate fully in church activities.

Regular contacts with designated recipients for care are made in person, by telephone, mail or email as appropriate. PCT members also offer support to any member of the congregation who is ill or coping with other life stresses.