Committees
Membership and Fun'D(raising) Committee
The FUN'd Committee is tasked with the job of finding new, creative, and exciting ways to raise funds for Bethlehem Lutheran that will energize our members. Fundraising events are held throughout the year.
Committee Members
Vicki Johnson, Pastor Smith, Laura Szcenchewski, Anthony Tartamella, Marietta Tartamella
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee is focused on the recognition that life is a gift from God. It communicates that awareness and educates the congregation on the Biblical aspects of stewardship and the spiritual blessing of worship through giving. The Committee writes Builder newsletter articles regularly and sponsors the annual Pledge Drive.
Committee Members
Elaine Kriz, Martha Meyer, Pastor Smith
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild plays an integral part in the worship service. On a weekly basis the Altar Guild members prepare the altar for communion, order and arrange the flowers, change the paraments and linens as needed and prepare the sanctuary for special services such as baptisms, first communion, confirmation, weddings, and funerals. Flowers are ordered weekly and for special services such as Easter, Christmas, and Confirmation.
Committee Members
Karen Adamo, Judith Borga, Theresa Brown, Gloria Holke, Vicki Johnson, Elaine Kriz, Doris Lucas, Laura Szenczewski
Building and Grounds Committee
The Building and Grounds committee is responsible for maintaining the electrical, plumbing , heating and structural elements of the sanctuary, Seidel Hall, the classrooms and the parsonage. The committee also oversees the maintenance of the exterior grounds on all church properties. The committee is assisted by members of the congregation on a regular basis.
Committee Members
Mike Brawley, Doug Dye, Pastor Smith
Finance Committee
The finance committee overseas the finances of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Typically the committee meets monthly to review the prior month’s income and expenses and cash assets. The committee monitors the church budget, financial recording and reporting as well as disbursements and make recommendations to Church Council as needed. Any financial issue of the church can be first discussed in the Finance Committee meeting before being reviewed at a Council Meeting with the finance committee’s recommendations. The committee includes the Financial Secretary, who reports on the income of the church, and the Treasurer who reports on the expenses of the church. A separate committee, created by Council, is established every year to audit the financial reports. The finance committee recommends an annual budget to the Church Council for review which then gets presented to the Congregation for a church vote. The finance committee is open to all interested church members.
Committee Members
John Meyer-Chair, Greg Pietrzak, Pastor Smith
Mutual Ministry
The ministry of any pastor in a congregation is strengthened when a small group of people exist who act out of mutual concern for their pastor and congregation. This mutual ministry becomes specific by providing for:
• Open communication concerning the attitudes and conditions within the congregation.
• Early warnings of misunderstanding within the congregation.
• A “listening post” for the pastor and the congregation.
• Appraisal of ministry of the pastor in the congregation.
• A sounding board for the pastor in times of personal, family or professional stress.
• Identification of continuing education that would assist the ministry of the pastor and the goals of the congregation.
• Concerns for the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the pastor and their families.
Through listening, interpreting, advising, conferring, evaluating, recommending, affirming, and forgiving, the ministry of the pastor is strengthened as well as that of the congregation.
Committee Members
Dianne Arato, Elaine Kriz, Anthony Tartamella, Pastor Smith
Evangelism and Outreach
The Evangelism and Outreach Committee provides opportunities for Bethlehem's fellowship to fulfill its mission through activities and outreach programs for the congregation as well as for the community at large. Some programs include Blessing Buddies events twice a year for the Sunday School youth and their adult mentors, ongoing food collections for the hungry, and Cookies and Caroling, when members visit shut-ins, sing Christmas carols, and deliver tins of holiday cookies.
Committee Members
Elaine Kriz, Greg Pietrzak
Christian Education
The Christian Education Committee oversees Sunday School, Adult Bible Study, Confirmation classes, and youth activities held throughout the year at Bethlehem.
Committee Members
Pastor Smith, Julian Baker
