Congregation Council

The Congregation Council consists of the pastor and up to twelve members of the congregation. Members are elected for three-year terms at the annual Congregational Meeting in January. The purpose of the council is to lead the congregation in long-range planning, make decisions about financial and property matters, and make spiritually-guided decisions about the worship life of the church in the community which we serve. The council meets monthly to discuss and vote on current matters.

Leadership

Council

Pat Austin
Alan Blackburn
Tim Dewalt
Shirley Harner
Rich Hawk
Chris Karasek
Carl Kerchner
Tony Lambert
Carole Miller
Karen Montag
Joyce Neal
Sherwood Robbins

Committees

Christian Education and Youth Ministry

Purpose of the Committee: The Christian Education and Youth Ministries Committee plans and discusses Reformation’s Sunday School program for children and youth, adult Bible studies, summer Vacation Bible School, youth group activities and special events, and fund raising initiatives.

Areas/Ministries Overseen by Committee:
Children’s Sunday School
Confirmation classes and projects
High school Sunday School
Adult studies
Youth Groups – Jumping Juniors (grades 3-6) and High School (grades 7-12)
Local, Regional and National Youth Events
Fund raisers

Finance Committee

Purpose of the Committee: The Finance Committee oversees the financial affairs of the church so that Reformation has the financial resources to carry out its ministries.

Areas/Ministries Overseen by Committee:
Prepare an annual budget of income and expenses
Monitor cash flow and budget throughout the year
Manage the investments for the endowment funds
Assist in organizing the annual audit
Determine how to pay for/finance capital expenditures such as building improvements/repairs and the purchase of equipment or furniture
Provide oversight for the church treasurer
Maintain adequate insurance policies

Hospitality & Fellowship Committee

Purpose of the Committee: The Hospitality Committee is responsible for organizing the food and volunteers for receptions and gatherings. They also make sure the kitchen is stocked and organized. The Fellowship Committee helps to organize events and outings for the congregation.

Areas/Ministries Overseen by Committee:
Receptions, meals, and special events
Purchasing, stocking, and organizing kitchen supplies
Annual Church Picnic
Lenten Soup Suppers
Summer Together Times

Personnel Committee

Purpose of the Committee: The Personnel Committee provides support that relates to the paid staff of the church. The members of this committee assist with matters related to the hiring, evaluation, and general effective functioning of the church staff.

Areas/Ministries Overseen by Committee:
Oversee annual Performance Evaluations for all paid staff
Support specific committees responsible for the hiring and evaluation of new employees
Work with council to address employee salary or benefit issues
Meet on an “as needed” basis to address any personnel-related issues encountered by the staff or congregation

Property Committee

Purpose of the Committee: The Property Committee oversees the proper maintenance, improvement, and protection of all church property, keeping it aesthetically pleasing and in good repair.

Areas/Ministries Overseen by Committee:
Manage short and long-term maintenance goals, including emergency and scheduled repairs or improvements
Keep our facility in compliance with public safety and code regulations
Secure in-house volunteers or hired contractors to fulfill maintenance goals
Oversee and support the work of the church sexton and housekeeper
Support church ministries and functions by managing daily operations of the interior and exterior of our church building
Conduct an annual spring clean-up of church yard and gardens

Scholarship Committee

Purpose of the Committee: The Scholarship Fund Committee is responsible for the management and distribution of fund from the Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church of Reiffton Scholarship Fund. The members of this committee provide yearly educational scholarship award(s) to Reformation members attending an institution of higher learning who have been actively involved in the life and ministry of the Reformation congregation and have demonstrated a need for financial aid.

Areas/Ministries Overseen by Committee:
Select recipients of scholarship award money
Manage the principal and income of the Scholarship Fund
Distribute Fund earnings
Generate additional principal for the Fund through gifts and donations

Scholarship Application 2022

Social Ministry

Purpose of the Committee: The Social Ministry committee provides oversight and support for many of the outreach activities at Reformation. With a special focus on our local community, the committee encourages the participation of the congregation in these service opportunities.

Areas/Ministries Overseen by Committee:
Exeter Area Food Pantry
Clothing Bank
Family Promise
Care Team
Opportunity House monthly meal
Hope Partnership
Burger-A-Month
Health Ministry
Clothing Drives

Stewardship Committee

Purpose of the Committee: Stewardship Committee focuses on the ways in which we, as individuals and as a congregation, give back to do God’s Work with Our Hands. We look for opportunities to celebrate and grow in our giving of time, talents, and financial gifts as a response to all the blessings that we have been given.

Areas/Ministries Overseen by Committee:
Annual Stewardship Emphasis
Recommendations for giving to the ELCA and Synod initiatives
Time and Talent Survey
Ministry Fair

Technology Committee

Purpose of Committee: The Technology Committee oversees the technological elements of daily operation at Reformation. The Committee provides support and plans and implements projects designed to advance the use of technology at our church. In a constantly changing environment, the committee strives to ensure Reformation is effectively using technology to the highest advantage as our church collectively works to spread the message of the Gospel.

Areas/Ministries Overseen by Committee:
Oversees audio/visual equipment
Maintains wireless network
Assists with technology projects

Worship and Music Ministry

Purpose of the Committee: The Worship and Music Ministry prepares the worship space, plans the worship services, and provide music. This committee’s goal is to enhance the worship experience for all those in attendance, encourage congregation members to share that experience with others, and embrace the homebound by providing communion and fellowship.

Areas/Ministries Overseen by Committee:
Reformation Singers
Reformation Ringers
Sunday School Music
Music Planning
Altar Guild
Eucharistic Ministers
Communion Assistants and Assisting Ministers
Acolytes, Crucifers, and Torchbearers
Seasonal Displays in Worship Space