First Congregational Church has five lay (non-clergy) permanent committees called Ministries which are composed of members elected from and by the congregation. It is the responsibility of the five Ministries to nurture and promote the spiritual vitality and growth of the Church.

Ministry of Discipleship

The Ministry of Discipleship is responsible for planning and implementing benevolence and missionary programs of the various organizations of the Church. This Ministry also informs members of the Church concerning the work and needs of our denomination; promotes study and consideration of other matters of Christian concern; and encourages individuals to express their Christian principles in statement or action.

Ministry of Worship

The Ministry of Worship is responsible for arranging the conduct of worship in the Church, as well as the preparation and administration of the sacraments. This Ministry arranges for ushers and greeters and determines the time and place of special worship services.

Ministry of Membership

The Ministry of Membership plans and implements programs to share the congregation’s faith with others; enlists others as willing servants of God through membership in the Church; works to make the Church visible in the community; and mobilizes the congregation to fulfill the biblical mandate to go and make disciples.

Ministry of Christian Nurture

The Ministry of Christian Nurture plans and implements educational programs for children, youth, and adults of the Church. This Ministry also has the responsibility to care for the needs of members and others, including visitation, transportation, and hospitality.

Ministry of the Building

The Ministry of the Building is responsible for operation and maintenance of all Church properties, including the Church building and its furnishings, and for stewardship of special gifts and bequests to the Church.

Elected Officers of the Church (2008-2009)

Names in italics are members of Church Council

Moderator - Grace Rinck

Vice-Moderator - Chuck Cojnowski

Secretary - Carol Penn-Romine

Treasurers - Bonnie Hughes, Varnell Lewis

Council Members at Large - Wesly Moore, Barbara Klein

Building Ministry - Jeff Tyler (Chair), Angie Schnapp, Robert Rinck, Natalie Maddox, Sue Miele

Membership Ministry - Nate Lewis (Chair), Cincy Speakman, Carol Biery, Don Hughes, Daniella McLea

Worship Ministry - Barbara Bonzo (Chair), Ann Appley (Council Representative), Ken Biery, Kim Story, Stacy Thomas

Discipleship Ministry - Peter Keller (Chair), Bettie Teel, Regina Meyers, Tim DeJarnette, Carolyn Olney

Christian Nurture Ministry - David Hughes (Chair), Tara Beasley, Lu Bured, Barbara May, Andy Romine, Millie Matlovsky (youth delegate)

UCC Annual Meeting delegates - Grace Rinck, Ann Appley, Stacy Thomas (alternate)

Nominating Committee - Cherryl Weaver (Chair), Robert Rinck, Barbara Bonzo, Bonnie Hughes, Judi Tyler, Jake Pomeroy (staff)

Budget Task Force - Chuck Wojnowski (Chair), Marlene W. Pomeroy (staff), Carolyn Smith Mueller (At-Large), Jeff Levison (At-Large), Varnell Lewis (Treasurer Liaison)

Investment Committee - Don Hughes (Chair), Jim Maddox, Chuck Wojnowski, Peter Keller, Bonnie Hughes (Treasurer Liaison)

Church Historian - Bonnie Hughes

Pastoral Relations - Jeff Tyler (past Moderator), Grace Rinck (current Moderator), Ken Winte, Irene Keller, Bettie Teel (Jake’s representative), Wesly Moore (Marlene’s representative)

Personnel  Committee - Jeff Levison (Chair), Barbara Bonzo, Ken Winte,John Mueller, Jake Pomeroy (staff)

Stewardship Committee - Marlene Pomeroy (staff)

Planned Giving - Peter Keller (Chair), Jeff Levison, Cherryl Weaver, Varnell Lewis, Jake Pomeroy (staff)