Our Work at St Paul
The members of St Paul are involved in many ministries. You can find information about each ministry by clicking on the list items below.
Stewardship and Resources Committee
Acolyte - The word acolyte means “attendant” or “one who helps”. An acolyte may perform a number of important functions before, during and at the close of the worship service including lighting and extinguishing candles, assisting with communion, carrying in the cross and the book of readings. Any interested youth should speak with Pastor Jerry
Altar Guild- Members of the altar guild faithfully and reverently prepare the house of the Lord for scheduled worship services. Altar Guild members serve for regularly scheduled Sunday services and other services such as funerals, weddings, and other special services. Their duties include cleaning and properly preparing the chancel, altar, and baptismal font. They insure that all the items needed and used during the service are prepared and properly placed. They change the paraments (altar, pulpit, lectern linens) to match the appropriate season of the church year. The Altar Guild sets the weekly table for Holy Communion and insures that clean linens are available as required. Members also clean the altar area following the service. If you would like to learn more, contact MaryLee Cushing at mlcush@frontier.com or Jeanne Lemasters at jeannelemasters@aol.com
Audit Committee – The Audit committee reviews the policies and procedures governing the financial reporting and operations process of St. Paul. It also performs annual audits of the financial records to ensure balances presented are correct, procedures are properly followed, and records are accurately kept. To learn more, contact Kathy Powell at kathykpowell@gmail.com
Bereavement Committee – The Bereavement Committee:To bury a loved one is very difficult for each of us.To lessen the burden, the Bereavement Committee offers several options of food, depending on availability of committee members, at the time of death of church members and their families, church personnel, or former members returning to bury their dead.Many church members help in preparing the room and the food, and cleaning after the event.The committeeshort notice pulls togetherthreads of activity necessary to provide bereavement services in a most loving and caring way.Contact person:Willa Jarvis at 304/599-1123 or Willa645@aol.com
Bible Study – An adult Bible study is offered on Tuesday mornings at 10am in the lounge. Please come when you can. If you would like additional information about the current study, please contact Pastor Jerry.
Camp Luther - Camp Luther is a unique setting that fosters the development of young people for service to Christ and His church. It is literally a life-changing place, where spiritual, emotional, and physical growth have no limits. We encounter God through our worship, prayer, cabin devotions, music, crafts, recreation, and our special relationships with each other. Camp programs are available for those in grades 3 through 12. To learn more about the next camp session visit camplutherwv.com
Card Ministry - On a monthly basis, the church sends greeting cards to our homebound members.You can participate in this ministry by making cards, purchasing cards to send out on a selected month, providing postage, etc.Generally, 10 greetings are sent each month.If you would be interested in helping with this ministry, contact Kathy Powell at 304-296-6963 or the church office
Christian Education – The ELCA states that Christian education is at the very heart of the church. In the educational process, the Spirit of God encounters people of all ages so that they are nurtured in faith, grow in knowledge and experience, and are inspired and empowered to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. This call to discipleship compels us to share our faith and serve others in the home, the community and the world. At St. Paul, Christian education is achieved through Sunday School for all ages, weekly Bible study on Tuesday mornings at 10am, Lenten and Advent devotionals, confirmation classes and Vacation Bible School. If you would like more information about any of these activities or would like to assist with Christian education, please contact Tamara Riegel in the church office at office@stpaulmorgantown.org or Pastor Jerry
Choir - Adult mixed voice (SATB) choir sings for Sunday worship from September through May and Christmas Eve and occasional special services. choir sings a variety of styles of music. reading is helpful, but not required. are Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8 pm. For more information, Beth Dameier at bethdameier@msn.com or 304-216-6735
Circle of Friends - is a dedicated group of volunteers from various churches, civic organizations, college groups and friends that provide food for those in need in the Morgantown Area.St. Paul prepares and serves the meal the fourth Sunday of each month at the First Baptist Church on High Street (time is from 3:30 to 5:15).1 week prior to the meal day, an e-mail is sent out to those on the e-mail list with the planned menu and what items are needed.volunteer to purchase items, prepare the food and/or serve, depending on availability.more information or to join the e-mail list, contact Kathy Powell at kathykpowell@gmail.com or Debby Borrelli at debra.borrelli@mail.wvu.edu
Congregation Council – The church council has general oversight of the life and ministries of the congregation, and in particular, its worship life and finances. Council meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month. Voting members may be elected to serve on the congregation council. If you have an interest in serving on council, please speak with the Congregation President or other leaders in the church. Contact info can be found on the right margin of many pages on this website.
Confirmation – The ELCA has said:“Confirmation ministry is a pastoral and education ministry of the church which helps the baptized person through Word and Sacrament to identify more deeply with the Christian community and participate more fully in its mission.” Confirmation will help you to feel more at home in the church and teach you ways to be active in the different ministries of the church. To learn about the next confirmation class, see Pastor Jerry
Counter – Each Sunday, a congregation member and council member count the offering. Congregation members are trained and paired with a seasoned council member on a rotating basis. These two individuals are responsible for the accuracy of the weekly deposit and recording the general and restricted funds correctly. One of the counters makes the offering deposit on Sunday at the United Bank on Elmer Prince Drive in Suncrest using the night deposit box. Counters from the same family are prohibited from counting together. If you would like to learn more, please contact Debby Borrelli at debra.borrelli@mail.wvu.edu
Church Landscaping – The members of this group take on the tasks involved in weeding and maintaining the landscaping around the church. Church members of all ages are welcome - no experience is needed.Someone will be available to walk you through theand tasks. We hold Spring and Fall clean up days and ask for one day a month to help weed during the summer. Weeding can be done on your schedule, making this a wonderful volunteer opportunity for a first-time volunteer or for people who may not have the ability to make a weekly commitment. Getting involved is easy! Just come to clean up days when they are announced, or contact Laura Bonsall 304.376.9074 or lbb223@yahoo.com for more information
Fellowship – The fellowship committee works together to create a warm and welcoming environment for members and guests. The committee supports social time after worship, social gatherings throughout the summer, church dinners and other social events for the church family. Many volunteers work together accomplish the goals to meet the fellowship needs of the congregation. Our fellowship events are a good opportunity to get to know one another and make new friends. If you would like to learn more, please contact Brenda Stiles brenstiles@hotmail.com or Lisa Moherman at ljmoherman@aol.com
Financial Secretary – The Financial Secretary is appointed by the Congregational Council to keep the giving records for the congregation. They record each donation by date and purpose of the donation and provide annual giving statements to each member of the congregation in January for the prior year. Contact Sandy Price at saprice@hsc.wvu.edu with questions
Food Baskets - Each year we set goals to collect food to fill baskets for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.Food baskets are delivered to local food pantries for distribution. The members and friends of St Paul support this project with enthusiasm. Watch for announcements and information in the newsletter on how you can help at the holidays. For more information, contact David Stiles at dave.stiles@gmail.com or check out the church website at stpaulmorgantown.org
Jesus Over Java – Jesus Over Java is an informal gathering of folks at Panera Bread in Suncrest on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 730pm. The group discusses faith topics and theology in an informal setting. To learn more, contact Greg Kullman at gregkm@aol.com or Pastor Jerry
Lector – The lector reads the First and Second Lessons during worship. Along with the preacher, the lector proclaims the Word of God to those gathered for worship. If you are interested in learning more about this ministry opportunity, speak with Pastor Jerry
Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) – The Lutheran Men in Mission meets for breakfast at Eat ‘n park on the Last Monday of the Month from 8-9 am. In addition, the men work on special projects around the church and have other evening social gatherings. All men are invited to come for breakfast or any activity. Watch for announcements or information in the bulletin or newsletter. If you would like more information or have suggestions for an event, contact Steve Woodruff at steven.woodruff@comcast.net
Memorial Gifts Committee – This ad hoc committee is developing a process for managing monetary and material gifts to St. Paul. It is currently meeting on an as needed basis. For more information, contact Laura Bonsall at lbb23@yahoo.com
Mutual Ministry/Staff Support – The mutual ministry committee is a selected group of individuals who act out of mutual concern for the pastor, lay professional and congregation. This committee cares for the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the pastor and lay professional. It also cares for the needs of the congregations by openly communicating conditions and cares expressed by the congregation. If you have questions about this committee, please contact Mary Ferer at mary.ferer@mail.wvu.edu
Outreach Committee – The outreach committee works to attract people into our church and to foster ways for our church members to take our faith into the community. This is achieved through supplying tools for members to share with others about upcoming services and special events. The committee also sponsors “Jesus Over Java” at Panera Bread in Suncrest on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 730pm. This is a gathering of folks who discuss faith and theology in an informal setting. For more information, contact Greg Kullman at gregkm@aol.com or Nancy Atwell at atwelln@comcast.net
Panera Group - The Panera group started years ago as an hour break from our children to discuss our children, things going on in our lives and from time-to-time, current events. moved to Panera Bread (Suncrest) after the parsonage was demolished and continue to meet every Sunday at 9:00 AM in the Panera meeting room. We are an extension of the Parking Committee but it's not a requirement to join us. If you're looking for enlightenment and deep discussions, we would recommend one of our other excellent Sunday school classes. If you're looking for light banter come join us.
Parking Committee – The parking committee raises money during WVU home football games and select basketball games and donates the proceeds to regional charities, food banks and other local causes as part of St Paul’s outreach mission with the goal of improving the lives and opportunities of those within the community we serve. If you would like to be a part of this committee or would like more information, contact Aaron Metzger at askmetzger@gmail.com
Piece Makers – Piece Makers is a quilters group that meets at the church on Fridays from 10am – 2pm. The group assembles quilts and donates them to Lutheran World Relief. No experience is needed to join this group for a time of quilting and fellowship. For more information, contact Renate Strakal at rymousi1@gmail.com and watch for updates in the monthly newsletter.
Prayer Opportunities – Anyone at St. Paul may ask for prayer in a variety of forums. Prayer requests may be called to the church office at 304-599-0620. Requests can also be placed in the notebook on the table in the narthex to the right of the center door into the sanctuary. Requests submitted by these methods will be placed in the bulletin. In addition, there is an e-mail prayer group. This group prays for persons in crisis (health concerns, family needs, loss of loved one, ) brief description of the person’s need is helpful but not required.If you would like to submit a prayer request to the e-mail group or be a part of this prayer ministry, contact Sue Lynch at 304-291-0277 scklynch@comcast.net
Property Committee – "The Saint Paul Lutheran Church committee for the oversight of fixed property maintenance repair renewal enhancement improvement beautification operation teardown rebuild install uninstall tweak adjustment and take care of it". The committee is commonly know by all as the "Property committee" The purpose is: To oversee contractors who work for our church. To plan for short term and long term maintenance and improvement projects. To maintain the Church building and facilities of the Church. To ensure the building is protected, members and visitors are safeour property, and the Church is ever ready for use by the members for worship and service to the community.There are no regular meetings. When necessary, Steve Gabbert, Larry Springer and Bill Graham will meet and discuss items that need attention. To get more involved: A member may speak with Bill, Larry or Steve to learn about projects that are in progress, on the waiting list, or planned for the future. Any member can offer their time to assist with a project to help with a group (as we did with the storage shed roof replacement) or be responsible for a task on their own. Contact Person(s): Bill Graham property chairperson at bmg532@comcast.net, Larry Springer council liaison at springerlws@comcast.net
Stewardship and Resources Committee – The stewardship and resources committee’s purpose is to encourage people to become more active in the parish. It is striving to develop a sense of community where people can interact and stay in touch. In addition, it is working to make it easier to communicate, grow, give, serve and meet needs together. The committee is currently meeting monthly. If you would like to be a part of this committee or learn more about it, contact Lisa Moherman at ljmoherman@aol.com
Sunday School Teacher -The ELCA states that Christian education is at the very heart of the church. In the educational process, the Spirit of God encounters people of all ages so that they are nurtured in faith, grow in knowledge and experience, and are inspired and empowered to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. This call to discipleship compels us to share our faith and serve others in the home, the community and the world. If you would like to serve as a Sunday School teacher or assistant, please contact the church office.
Usher – The ushers are an important part of our ministry. They are at the entrance of our worship space to welcome everyone, distribute bulletins, answer questions and assist members and guests with basic needs. Our ushers offer assistance to guests with unfamiliar aspects of our service such as explaining how we partake in the sacraments. Ushers collect the offering, present the elements and gifts and invite to communion. If you would like to learn more about becoming an usher, contact Pastor Jerry
Vacation Bible School – Vacation Bible School (VBS) is offered in the summer for all ages. Please watch announcements in the bulletin and newsletter for dates and volunteer opportunities. If you would like to help plan VBS, please contact Tamara Riegel at office@stpaulmorgantown.org
Worship Assistant – The worship assistant has an important role during the worship service. The assistant participates in the liturgy, leads the intercessory prayers, assists with distributing the sacraments and other functions necessary during the service. If you would like to learn more about being a worship assistant, please speak with Pastor Jerry
Worship and Music Committee – The worship and music committee works with all aspects of the worship experience including the pastor, worship assistants, ushers, acolytes, office staff, musicians, and the altar guild to develop a coordinated and unifying experience. To learn more about this committee, please contact Mary Haas at maryhaas1@mac.com or Pastor Jerry.
Women of the ELCA (WELCA) – The Women of the ELCA meet on the second Wednesday of each month for a time of study and fellowship. Meetings in May through September are held at 7 pm; October through April meetings are held at 1 pm. The WELCA unit has the opportunity to meet with other units in our synod units at least 3 times per year and often participate in service activities, including coordinating the St. Paul Walk to End Alzheimer’s response.If you would like more information, contact Debby Borrelli at debra.borrelli@mail.wvu.edu
Youth – The New Beginnings Youth Group (NBYG) usually meets on the second Sunday of each month. The youth participate in Bible study and various social and community service activities through the year such as food basket preparation and assisting the parking committee to raise funds. Many of the youth also attend Camp Luther annually and the national Youth Gathering held every third summer. To learn more about what is coming up, please watch for announcements, contact David Stiles at dave.stiles@gmail.comor Brenda Stiles at brenstiles@hotmail.comor visit the church website stpaulmorgantown.org.