   
Ministry Ideas
Check out some really cool ideas for ministry in your congregation.
We will update this page from time to time with new ideas gleaned from
congregations in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
Helping Families Share the Faith
St. John Lutheran Church, Farmersville
St. John, Farmersville, has 23 children between the ages of 3 and
5 attending church. These children are too young for the regular children's
bulletin, and combined worship and Sunday school pushes their attention
way past their abilities. So the congregation uses the Life Together
(Augsburg Fortress) curriculum for pre-elementary learners (age 2
through
kindergarten).
The first step was to purchase the downloadable version of the curriculum
(http://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/). Each week the weekly lesson
is printed and copied, then sent to each child.
Families use the materials by creating a time with their child(ren)
during the week to read the story and try some of the ideas presented.
In the plans are times for all the children to meet together for special
activities every 6-8 weeks.
The parents with whom St. John’s pastor, the Rev. Roxi Kringle,
has spoken say that they appreciate the program and are grateful especially
that the church has provided this way to help them teach their children
about the faith.
Want to know more? Contact the congregation at 610-866-9882 or email
Pastor Kringle at rkringle@enter.net.
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Prayer Partners
Emmanuel's Lutheran Church, Emanuelsville
Emmanuel's Church, Emanuelsville, has 16 trained Prayer Partners who
are available before, during and after worship to pray with any who
desire individual prayer. The prayer partner idea came from a few
council members who had attended a workshop given by a church that utilized
prayer partners.
At each Sunday service, one prayer partner offers prayer with the
pastors before worship, then offers the public prayers of the church.
As communion
begins, that partner comes forward and kneels as the pastor prays
for him/her. The partner then communes and goes to the prayer room (sacristy)
where others come to ask for prayer during communion and after worship.
Notes in the bulletin and on the screens let newcomers know about
the availability of the prayer partners and the opportunity to have
another
pray with them in times of joy and in times of need.
Want to learn more about Prayer Partners? Contact Emmanuel's at: emmanuels@fast.net.
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No Tricks, Just Treats
St. James Lutheran Church, Coopersburg
St. James, Coopersburg, began a new Halloween tradition last year.
They sent coupons home with Sunday church school children for families
to
distribute to visitors on Trick-or-Treat Night.
The coupon invited Trick-or-Treaters to enjoy a free hot dog and beverage
(coffee, hot chocolate, or soda) on Main Street during Trick-or-Treat
hours. The treats were available on the front porch of one of St. James’ members.
Members visited with those who stopped by and invited them to worship
and Sunday church school. They also gave out a card that told about
their new Saturday evening, family-oriented worship experience. Leftovers
were shared with the firefighters who patrolled the intersections
and streets.
The experience was such a hit with everyone that St. James is going
to do it again this year, without the coupons. "You guys are the
coolest people in town," said one visitor.
Want to learn more about No Tricks, Just Treats? Contact St. James
at stjamescoop@enter.net.
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Mile of Pennies
Zion Lutheran Church, Womelsdorf, Pa.
The confirmation classes at Zion Lutheran Church, Womelsdorf, challenged
all the Sunday school classes to raise a "mile of pennies" for
the World Hunger Appeal. They calculated that a "mile of pennies" would
add up to just a bit over $844.00. The kids (and adult SCS classes)
had a great time gathering the pennies. And they traveled a bit further
than a mile. A check for $905.00 was presented following a Sunday school
program.
By the way, almost the entire $905 did come in pennies!
Want more information? Contact the church at ZionWomelsdorf@aol.com
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Hospitality Liaison Ministry
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, Pa.
"I just love the leaders of the AA Group!" exclaims Sandy,
a member of the congregation.
Sandy serves as the hospitality liaison to this particular community
group that uses the facilities at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Bethlehem.
She is one of many members of Holy Trinity who have made new friends
and established relational ties with vital community organizations
through the congregation’s Hospitality Liaison Ministry program.
The purpose of the program is to deepen and broaden members’ personal
investment in the congregation’s community outreach ministries.
This is carried out by members who are appointed by the congregation
council to serve as hospitality liaisons to community organizations
that meet in the church building. The liaisons express the congregation’s
interest in and concern for the groups, listen and respond to their
needs, and make sure that these needs are met. They are, in summary,
good hosts.
In many congregations, group coordinators relate only to
the church staff and often only on a "business/formal" basis.
But at Holy Trinity, group coordinators find a friendly face and
one-on-one
communication with the hospitality liaison. Both group coordinators
and hospitality liaisons feel free to contact the other whenever there
is a need or concern.
The hospitality liaison program has been working
well at Holy Trinity for four years. It requires a good coordinator
to recruit new and
additional liaisons when needed and to make sure they understand
their job description.
Want to know more about this program? Contact
the church at 610-865-2684 or send them an email at holytrinity.lutheran@verizon.net.
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Quiet Time with God
Trinity Lutheran Church, Pottsville, Pa.
Trinity Lutheran Church,
Pottsville, Pa., recently began offering members an opportunity for
a "peaceful time of meditation" monthly.
It's an informal gathering with quiet music, candlelight, Scripture
and prayer; there's no speaking or sharing, just "listening
and being." The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Want
more information? Call Trinity at 570-622-9910 or email them at
plc1@ptd.net.
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