We believe serving our sisters and brothers within FPC is a welcome opportunity to respond to God’s grace. This theology draws from the example of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. There are many ways to serve at FPC, organized into elected bodies and ministry teams.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Elected Bodies
Serving on an elected body could include a role in a session, as a deacon, or on the nominating committee.
Session
The congregation elects nine ordained Elders who form the Session. The Session is responsible for all decisions regarding the program and policies of the congregation.
Deacons
Deacons are ordained officers focused on ministries of compassion, witness, and service. They are often described as the "hands and feet of Christ." Deacons extend the pastoral care of the church.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee seeks God’s will in identifying and securing a full slate of nominees for leadership positions in the Church for the appointed term and to fill any vacancies that may occur. This elected committee has significant membership rules from the Book of Order. Point of contact: Bobbi Lower.
Ministry Teams
There are many ways for our full congregation to serve. The congregation could not function without the generous contributions of time and talents from every member.
Some of these roles are listed below. To find a volunteer opportunity, fill out this interest form.
The purpose of the Adams Scholarship is to encourage people to continue their education in preparation for leadership in various fields of Christian vocation, including (but not limited to) the ministry of word and sacrament, mission work, sacred music, Christian education, and youth ministry. This committee organizes the scholarship process each year. Point of contact: Bobbi Lower The focus of the Adult Education Team is to offer opportunities for adults to grow deeper in their faith while adhering to the broader vision of the church. The team organizes educational opportunities on Sunday mornings and throughout the week, and provides resources for small groups as needed for Bible studies, fellowship, support, and prayer. Point of contact: Sally Klum Interested congregation members are paired with someone who needs some extra TLC. These may be older congregation members interested in monthly home communion or someone going through particular challenges in life. By partnering people with similar life circumstances or backgrounds, we uplift each other. If you are interested in providing or receiving support, please reach out. Points of Contact: Jean Nicholson or Sherese Kelliher The Children’s Ministry Team supports all of our programs: Point of contact: Kathie Douma The Décor Team is a group of volunteers who enjoy decorating the sanctuary and other areas of the church. They use the liturgical calendar as a resource and also follow the pastors’ lead for special themes or events. Point of contact: Jo Erickson and Shelly Simantel-Horr This team stewards FPC’s physical resources by maintaining and managing the church building, equipment, and grounds in a safe, efficient, and sustainable manner. Meetings are the first Wednesday of the month. Point of contact: Denny Erickson, Tony Dwire, or Jacob Forstein The Finance Team of FPC supports the church’s mission by establishing sound financial controls, managing financial processes, providing financial reports to leadership and the congregation, and evaluating resource use to support ministry objectives and funding decisions. Meetings are the first Monday of the month at 5 pm. Point of contact: Amy Engebretson or John Ulmer We are a compassionate church family that cares for one another. When one of us dies, we come together to celebrate that life and mirror God’s love to those who are grieving. Guided by the family, we provide the reception following the church service. Points of Contact: Anita Braunschmidt or Anja Hoekman The team oversees the library at FPC. The team meets as needed, but volunteer members serve independently to purchase, process, repair, and shelve books. Point of contact: Ruth Parry The MMT nurtures growth of all members by supporting various church activities and projects, encouraging membership involvement, and giving every member a sense of belonging at First Presbyterian Church. Specific duties include welcoming and following up with visitors, hosting new member classes, updating the church directory, and reviewing the membership rolls. Point of contact: Judy Rops The Mission Team seeks to connect members of First Presbyterian Church with the needs of people in our community, region, and the world. The team allocates the annual 10% church tithe, called the Good Samaritan Fund, given to external mission activities. The team meets monthly on the third Tuesday. Point of contact: Mindy Braithwaite This team studies, manages, and takes responsibility for personnel administration and salary/benefit administration issues for the benefit and guidance of First Presbyterian Church. Point of contact: Cam Hunter. This team is dedicated to facilitating Christian stewardship based on the Biblical principle of first-fruits giving. Tithing and pledging are encouraged so that all may know the joy of participating in God’s mission in the world through the ministries of FPC. This team organizes and carries out the annual financial commitment campaign. Point of contact: Amy Engebretson This team provides a connection from FPC to any couple being married in our church, helping the wedding party navigate the building and the services provided. Point of Contact: Jo Erickson The Worship and Music Team provides support and guidance for staff on all worship-planning and music-related matters, including details like ushers and greeters, service readers, media, decor, and anything else worship/music related. The team is especially active in helping decide and fulfill themes for Advent and Lent. The team meets at least quarterly, but more often as necessary. Point of contact: Claire Gillaspey Point of contact: Hilda Bosch Point of contact: Linda Rasmussen This group serves as an umbrella over all the youth programs and activities. It recruits and supports leaders for the various youth activities and serves as a guide to keep those groups aligned with FPC’s mission. The team provides a forum for the coordination of youth activities and programs, reviews the calendar of events, and promotes youth activities to the entire congregation. Point of contact: Kathie Douma