Stewardship Commission
You, Your Time and Your Talents:
Where do you fit in?
Dear Friends,
The Apostle Paul wrote to the congregation that he had led in Corinth, "There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone" (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
This list is designed to inform you about the variety of services and activities that our parish does so that, as you reflect on your gifts, you might see how you might use your gifts in our parish in ways that serve others and nurture yourself. We hope it will help you see if this parish is a good place for you to spend your time and talents.
God has blessed us richly in our parish with people of diverse gifts. We use these gifts for God’s glory and to build up God’s people.
Faithfully,
Maria Tjeltveit, Rector
Following is an alphabetical list of all the activities at Mediator
ACOLYTES AND CRUCIFERS - Acolytes and Crucifers provide assistance at the Altar during the worship service. Young people, 4th through 12th grades, participate in this ministry. Adults as well as youth serve as Acolytes and Crucifers during both services on Sunday. The Crucifer carries the processional cross and Acolytes assist the priest by performing various tasks in the worship services.
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION - Christian education is a life-long process and we provide various opportunities to learn and grow in our faith. The Adult Education Commission oversees our Adult Forums and mid-week classes, and welcomes suggestions for topics and speakers. (See also Inquirers’ Class, below.)
Adult Forum meets on Sunday mornings between services, from 9:00 to 10:00 in the Commons Room. Topics range from Bible study to end-of-life issues to interfaith dialogue, with outside speakers or in-house leaders. We welcome people to come regularly or drop in occasionally.
Midweek classes mostly focus on the Bible, using the Kerygma series, which provides a resource book for students and experiential learning in class. Morning classes (currently on Mondays at 10:00) are led by Patricia G., and evening classes (usually on a Thursday from 7-9:30) are led by The Rev. Maria Tjeltveit. Up-coming classes are announced in the Media-rite and bulletins.
ALTAR GUILD - A very meaningful ministry in our corporate life is being part of St. Mary’s Altar Guild. The members of the Guild care for the linens, silver, brass, candles, and vestments that are used for our many worship services. There are four teams that prepare the Altar for worship on Sunday and other members of the Guild staff any weekday or special services. We also assist when there are special services, such as weddings and funerals. Once a month several members of the Guild polish our brass and silver. Corporate worship is central to our coming together as a community, and facilitating that part of our life is most meaningful.
BOOK CLUB - Each month, the Mediator Book Club meets in the church library to review and discuss a chosen book and to enjoy one another's company. We currently meet at 3:00 pm on the third Friday of the month and our theme for books is "About or For or By Episcopalians." This broad topic allows us to read mysteries, biographies, drama, theology or just about any subject area. The name of book of the month is posted on the parish hall bulletin board and all members of the congregation are welcome to attend the meetings. Reading the book is suggested but not required. Light refreshments including tea and sherry are served.
BREAD BAKERS - Bread Bakers make bread that is consecrated and served at Communion during the monthly Family Eucharist services. An easy recipe is provided, and you don’t even have to attend any meetings! Currently each baker is asked to bake about three times a year.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMISSION - The Buildings and Grounds Commission consists of many volunteers who work on an as needed basis to take care of the maintenance of the church buildings, assess safety, plan repairs, and formulate a budget. While most routine cleaning and maintenance is performed by the sextons, parishioners provide additional help as needed for special projects, including changing light bulbs, cleaning windows, and other typically handyman duties. Outdoor landscaping and gardening falls under the domain of the committee of those with green thumbs. One does not need to be "handy" or have a green thumb to assist in this very important work. No particular time commitment is required. Crews are organized on an ad-hoc basis.
CHOIR - Mediator’s Adult Choir sings regularly at the Sunday morning 10:15 a.m. liturgy from September to June and is open to all who love to sing, have a passion for the great choral literature of the church, and enjoy harmonizing with other voices singing in various parts. The ability to read music is a great advantage, but not necessary. Many people have innate musical sense and learn quickly by rote learning and listening to others nearby.
The Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings, during the singing season, for two hours beginning at 7:15 p.m. There are occasional extra rehearsals for special occasions such as extra services during the liturgical year and Evensongs of which there are four yearly. An average weekly time commitment would be about four hours, including the Wednesday rehearsals, the rehearsal preceding the Sunday liturgy, and the liturgy itself. There is a greater time commitment during the seasons of Lent, Ash Wednesday through Holy Week, Christmas, and for Evensongs.
The nature of the group requires a faithful commitment, but members of the choir testify that the love of singing and the satisfaction that comes from the active worship experience makes the commitment worthwhile.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY COMMISSION - Sunday School teachers, Rite-13 and J2A mentors and the Director of Children and Youth Ministry make up the Children and Youth Ministry Commission. Meetings are held as needed to plan and discuss the curriculum and activities. Parents are always encouraged to attend. Some of the activities discussed are parties, crafts, music, Christmas Pageant, Easter Egg Hunt, lock-ins, baptisms and confirmation, outreach opportunities, youth trips, and much more.
COLLECTIONS COUNTERS - This small group of people who work in pairs process the Sunday offering. The commitment is a few hours on Monday or Tuesday morning every third week.
COMMUNICATIONS AND EVANGELISM COMMISSION - The Communications and Evangelism Commission organizes and disseminates information about Church of the Mediator for newcomers, among the congregation, and in the wider community. We produce the monthly newsletter, the Media-rite, as well as brochures and other in-house publications about Mediator’s services and programs. We are also the starting place for news and information designed for placement in media sources such as newspapers and broadcast outlets and on our website. This is a small commission that meets monthly, but all congregation members are invited to send their thoughts in for publication consideration. News and announcements should be sent to the church office. Articles and information for the Media-rite are due by the second Tuesday of the month preceding publication. We also oversee our ministry to invite, welcome, and incorporate new people into our parish. We develop materials to distribute to newcomers, make contact with visitors, and provide periodic newcomer fellowship events.
DINNER GROUPS - Small groups of 6-10 gather once a month at members’ homes for fellowship and a simple meal. Hostess provides main course and everyone else brings a dish. Groups reorganize each September with a kick-off potluck supper at the church. New participants are welcome at any time.
ECUMENICAL SOUP KITCHEN – is a program of the Lehigh County Conference of Churches. Members of the parish gather on the fourth Wednesday of each month to prepare and serve a hot nourishing meal to approximately 200 homeless and at-risk people. The kitchen is located at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Allentown.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN -The ECW at Mediator is comprised of all Mediator women. We seek to find ways to value each woman’s individual ministries to better witness to Christ within our congregation and in our community. ECW meets monthly on the first Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., with the exception of July and August, to discuss outreach opportunities and make plans for events that will enable us to meet our goals of serving both our congregation and the community beyond.
The United Thank Offering is a national endeavor of ECW to raise funds for outreach worldwide. Monies accumulated throughout the year in traditional "blue boxes" and newer blue envelopes in thanksgiving for personal blessings are joined with those of congregations throughout the nation and then distributed internationally.
Receptions following funerals and memorial services are a special congregational ministry. Women of the congregation provide and serve simple refreshments or full luncheons to bereaved families and friends, offering them an opportunity for fellowship with one another at what is often a very difficult time.
Our annual Soup Sampler, the Giving Tree, filled Easter Baskets for needy children, the sale of homemade apple dumplings, and the sale of wall and pocket calendars are just a few of our several opportunities in the course of a year to develop friendships and share fellowship as we minister together. Come join us!
FELLOWSHIP COMMISSION - This is a ministry of hospitality for our whole parish. Members do not meet often, but people are needed to take responsibility for parish events and receptions. If you have a gift for hospitality, we invite your help. Coffee Hour is one of the main fellowship opportunities we provide at Mediator, and we are always looking for hosts to serve refreshments following the 10:15 a.m. service. Instructions and a sign up sheet are usually in front of the Commons Room.
FLOWER GUILD - The Flower Guild is a group that enjoys arranging flowers, decorating the church at Easter, Christmas, and other special occasions as requested. Membership is always open. We also distribute the altar flowers each Sunday, remembering special moments in members’ lives that they may be celebrating.
GREETERS - Following the Ushers at the door, the Greeters are the most important people seen by newcomers, visitors, and parishioners alike. This ministry requires no special talent other than those you already have – a smiling face and a hearty handshake. Greeters are asked to arrive ten minutes before the service to be in place to greet the early arrivals, to wear their name tag and a badge signifying you are a Greeter, and to smile broadly. It is also helpful if you return to the back of the church at the close of the service to again greet new people that you greeted on the way in and invite them to coffee hour, to come back again, and to please sign the guest book if they have not already done so. Accompanying a newcomer or visitor to the coffee hour after the 10:15 a.m. service and introducing them to other people is extremely helpful in making them feel welcome.
INQUIRERS’ CLASS - This class is designed for people who want to explore their faith, are considering becoming a part of the Episcopal Church, or want to renew their commitment to Christ. The class normally meets for about ten weeks in advance of the Bishop’s visitation for confirmation. The commitment is for a two-hour class once a week and a day-long retreat. This is a fun opportunity to inquire and learn together.
INSTRUMENTALISTS - Instrumentalists are a welcome addition to the liturgy, individually or as ensembles, and are used on special occasions. Please let us know if you play an instrument!
INTERCESSORS - The ministry of the Intercessor is to lead our congregation in The Prayers of the People during the 10:15 a.m. service. Training is provided to learn how to integrate a weekly prayer list with the forms for prayers in the Book of Common Prayer. A strong voice and a prayerful heart are the only prerequisites.
JUST FOR KIDS - JFK is an after-school program for Raub Middle School students, grades 6 to 8, and is held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. about 20 weeks a year. Activities include basketball, cooking, crafts, games, etc. We provide a safe and welcoming environment for the youth. Volunteers are always needed. The JFK Advisory Council, working with the rector and the JFK director, oversees the program, prepares the budget, and writes grants. The Council meets about six times a year and as needed at other times.
KIDS KLUB - A program for interactive learning for children four years old through second grade, Kids Klub, is held each Sunday at 10:15 a.m. between Sunday School and Church Communion. It is not held on the Sunday we celebrate Family Eucharist (which is usually the second Sunday of the month) when that service features a children’s homily.
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS - Lay Eucharistic Ministers were formerly called Chalice Bearers. They are licensed by the Bishop for a period of two years. They can then be licensed for another two years, but after four consecutive years must step down for at least one year before being licensed to serve again. Following training, the Lay Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled on a particular Sunday of the month and for no more than two other special services during times other than Sunday morning. The 8:00 a.m. Lay Eucharistic Ministers also serve by reading the lessons and leading the Psalm and Prayers of the People.
Each year in October we begin the process of replacements for those going off the schedule. The new schedule begins in January each year.
LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS - Lay Eucharistic Visitors are licensed by the Bishop and trained to take the Eucharist to sick and homebound church members as an extension of the parish Eucharist on a Sunday morning.
LAY READERS - Lay Readers are members of the Parish who read Morning Prayer in the chapel at 9:00 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, on a rotating basis. At these services, the members of the Parish family are prayed for on a monthly schedule. The rector can provide training for anyone interested in this ministry. After training, they can then be licensed by the bishop.
LECTORS - Lectors read the Scripture readings at Sunday and special services. As a group, they do not meet regularly; however, new lectors are required to attend an initial training session. Typically, training sessions last one hour. After that, your commitment involves practicing the reading at home and attending the scheduled Sunday or special service.
LIBRARY – The Harry and Mary Green Memorial Library - When compared with other church libraries our library at Mediator should be considered one of the best among parishes of our size. We welcome everyone in the congregation to make full use of the collection, which covers a wide variety of subjects of likely interest. Our children's books are especially appealing and our fiction section is growing steadily. Donated books are regularly integrated into the collection and books are purchased within the constraints of a modest budget at the request of the rector, staff and parishioners.
MEN’S GROUP - The Mediator Men’s Group meets for breakfast every other Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at the Trivet Restaurant on Tilghman Street in Allentown. The group is informal, open to all, and its primary function is social in nature. The work activities of the group are limited, although some members cook for each year’s Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. Activities have included such things as painting the dining room, refinishing a storage room, building a garden resting area with landscape pavers, etc.
MINISTRY WITH YOUTH - Adults are always needed to help with our Youth Ministry in a variety of ways. Youth Mentors work with either our Rite 13 group or J2A group on a weekly basis, on Sundays from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., for a two-year period. The commitment includes availability for periodic afternoon activities and youth trips. Adults are also needed to help out periodically on Sunday mornings or be chaperones for other activities.
Confirmation Sponsors are paired with a student who is to be confirmed. They meet on a regular basis and follow a confirmation curriculum. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your faith with a young person.
MOVIE GROUP - The movie group meets once a month at the home of a parishioner to discuss a movie that the members have viewed in a theater or in their own home. Lively discussion, good food, and fellowship are staples, and new people are always welcome.
NURSERY CARE - Nursery care is provided for our youngest members to three years old during both the Sunday School hour, between 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., and the 10:15 a.m. service. Our nursery is a warm and welcoming place where your child is cared for by a loving Nursery Attendant and a volunteer each week. Adults are needed to assist in the Nursery during the Sunday School hour and the 10:15 a.m. service. Our commitment to Safeguarding God’s Children requires that two persons be in attendance in the Nursery at all times. Older teens can also serve in this ministry.
Children of all ages are always welcome at our services as well.
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS - Volunteers are needed for a variety of purposes which include assembling the bulletins on Fridays; preparing the Media-rite for mailing on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, answering the phone if the staff is out of the office and helping periodically with other mailings.
OUTREACH COMMISSION - The Outreach Commission helps members of our congregation develop ways of reaching out within our own church family, our local community, and the world. Some specific ministries are listed here. Members of the Outreach Commission meet quarterly to discuss projects and plan events, as well as to assist with individual project implementation.
OUTREACH ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE - The Endowment Committee disburses funds to local outreach ministries that have connections to the parish or parishioners. The Trustees include the Junior and Senior Wardens, the rector, and three at-large members, elected by the parish at the Annual Meeting, who serve for staggered six year terms. They meet once a year, in December, to review applications submitted by parishioners and disburse roughly $6,000. Small grants are also available during the year for parishioners doing short-term missions.
PASTORAL CARE COMMISSION – The Pastoral Care Commission meets monthly on the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Our ministry is bringing the Eucharist to homebound parishioners and making visits to shut-ins and those in the hospital. Several members of the commission are on call a week at a time for pastoral care to assist the Rector. Pastoral Care provides parishioners with meals when recovering from an illness, and transportation to church and fellowship opportunities. We see to it that homebound parishioners receive flowering plants from the Altar at Christmas and Easter. Our mission statement is to share Jesus Christ with one another.
PASTORAL VISITORS - Much of the ministry of the Pastoral Care Commission is carried out through pastoral visitors who are paired with a parishioner who is homebound or in a nursing home. Pastoral Visitors usually visit once a month, but the frequency is based on the availability of the visitor. Pastoral Visitors do not need to be a member of the Pastoral Care Commission to carry out this very vital ministry.
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE - This is a small group that advises the rector and Vestry on issues related to staffing, including hiring and developing policies. People who have expertise in this area are encouraged to share their gifts.
PRAYER GROUP - The Prayer Group is dedicated to a ministry of intercessory prayer for the parish and the world. It meets in the library, following the Tuesday Healing Eucharist, beginning with a brief Bible study. The group also sends cards to people who are sick or having a special event in their lives. This is our longest-standing small group and always welcomes new members.
STEWARDSHIP COMMISSION - Christian stewardship involves all persons in their relationship with God. Mediator’s Stewardship Commission is a body of dedicated individuals who meet once a month to plan the annual Consecration Sunday in the fall. If your skill set leans toward organization and planning and you enjoy seeing your plans come to successful fruition, please join us in giving back to God a small portion of all God has given us.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Precious Lambs – 3 years old to Kindergarten – "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd" is a Montessori-based program rooted in the Bible and the liturgy of the Church. Children gather in an "Atrium," a special room prepared for them, where hands-on materials on the life of Christ and his teachings help make the mystery of God concrete for the child. Our first few lessons will teach your child how to use the Atrium, followed by presentations of geography of where Jesus lived and ministered. Children will also learn the liturgical year and colors, all about the altar, events of Advent, Christmas, and Easter.
The Rainbow Kids – Grades 1, 2, and 3 -- The Faith Weavers – Grades 4, 5, and 6 - An exciting and interactive Church School program is provided for our children using the "Seasons of the Spirit" curriculum. This is a creative and comprehensive teaching tool that lays the building blocks on which children can grow in their Christian faith and apply it to their world today. This curriculum is based on the Episcopal Liturgy. In these Sunday School classes, the children will have lots of fun with crafts, storytelling, games, music, puppets, scripture and prayer.
Rite 13 - For our middle school students, Journey to Adulthood’s multi-year youth ministry curriculum is designed to build community and faith. To help our youth grow toward adulthood, they are taught Bible stories that relate to their self, society, sexuality, and spirituality. Classes are based on Bible study, discussion, fun activities, food, and building friendships with each other and with their mentors. As members of the group turn 13, there is a semi-formal dinner and reception for the class and their families followed by the Celebration of Manhood and Womanhood that takes place at our worship service, acknowledging a new step toward adulthood.
J2A - The second part of Journey to Adulthood is for 14-16 year-olds and continues to teach the youth about skills they will need to become adults. Classes continue to be based on Bible study and discussion related to the areas of self, society, sexuality, and spirituality. During the first year the members of the group are also preparing for Confirmation. There is an Urban Adventure in the spring and a pilgrimage at the end of J2A.
Children's Choir - A small group of young children have been meeting at the home of Susan B. on Saturday afternoons and not only sing, but are also composing, which includes putting their work onto the computer, listening to the computer playback or a "live" rendering at the piano, and editing. Some compositions are being turned into chants and anthems to be used in worship.
USHERS - Serving as an Usher plays an important part in our church service but requires a relatively small time commitment. This commitment over the year generally involves taking part in six to twelve services. Usher duties include being at the church about a half-hour early to prepare for the service, performing the Usher’s tasks during the service, and delivering altar flowers to a designated parishioner after the 10:15 a.m. service. Ushers are needed at both the 8:00 and 10:15 a.m. services. Men, women, and couples who would like to serve together, are welcome. New Ushers are trained and provided a complete, but simple, set of instructions to guide them. Young people are also encouraged to be part of our commitment to serving our parish.
VEGGIE TALES MOVIE NIGHT - A group of young families meet on a periodic basis to have pizza, and watch a Veggie Tales movie on the large screen TV. The parents usually hire a couple of youth to watch the kids during the movie so that the adults can gather in a nearby room and have adult conversation. A fun time is had by all!
VESTRY - The Vestry is the governing body of the parish, and, subject to the canons and bylaws, accountable for the operation and ministry of the parish. The Vestry is comprised of the rector and twelve laypeople. The term of office is three years, with four new members elected at the Parish Annual Meeting in January. The Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden, Clerk, and Treasurer are selected from the Vestry membership each year. The Vestry focuses on enabling the various ministries of the Parish through close coordination with the Commissions. It serves as a central body to set strategic direction and priorities for the focus of our ministry together. The Vestry is accountable for the administration and stewardship of the Parish’s monetary and physical resources. One or more of its members serves as delegate to the Diocesan Convention every year. The Vestry meets once a month. Additionally, each Vestry member is assigned as a Liaison to a Commission and may attend that Commission’s meetings as well. A Retreat is held on the first weekend in February for the newly constituted Vestry and commission heads to organize and determine the priorities for the upcoming year.
WOMEN’S COFFEE GROUP - Meets once a month for breakfast at a local restaurant. Day and location vary. This group started in 2008 and new members are always welcome.
WORSHIP COMMISSION - Worship is the central part of parish life at Mediator. To support this, a great deal of effort and coordination goes into the planning of our worship activities. This is the function of the Commission. The commission is open to all, and anyone interested is welcome to join. The commission usually meets on the second Monday of the month, September through May, to give support to the rector in planning our worship. The commission consists of representatives of the groups directly involved in worship activities and other interested parishioners. The groups represented include: Acolytes and Crucifers, Altar Guild, Bread Bakers, Flower Guild, Lay Readers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Music, Ushers, and a Vestry Liaison. Membership and help in these groups is always needed and appreciated.
YOUTH CHOIR - Please see the section on Music under Sunday School, above.
YOUTH GROUP - The older, Senior High youth gather monthly for fellowship or service opportunities to which they can invite their friends.
Missing anything, or want to see a ministry that’s not here? We welcome new ideas, initiatives and ministries. Please share your ideas with The Rev. Maria Tjeltveit, 610-434-0155, revmariat@verizon.net .