Somers Congregational Church
Church Leadership
Management Structure
The secular and financial affairs of our church are managed very much
like those of many New England towns, with an annual meeting making
decisions, and a Church Council taking care of management decisions
throughout the year. Our Annual Meeting is held on the last Sunday in
January. During the meeting, the congregation approves the annual budget,
receives the reports of all income and expenditures, and elects officers and
members of Boards and Committees.
The Church Council is the policy making body of the church between Annual
Meetings. It is made up by the chairs of our Boards, along with the
Moderator, Treasurer, Clerk, Collector, two Members-at-Large (from the
congregation), a representative of the Women’s Fellowship and the Pastor.
The council acts on behalf of the congregation between annual meetings,
makes church policy, and is responsible for planning, overseeing and
evaluating the entire church program. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday
of each month and are open to all members of the church.
Officers, boards and committees, made up of members and friends of the
church who volunteer their services, have responsibility for specific areas
of our church life: Deacons, Finance, Christian Education, Missions, House
and Grounds, Membership, and Music and Arts.
Church Officers
Moderator presides over Church Council and our Annual Meeting, and
any special meetings of the congregation.
Clerk maintains official records and records minutes of all annual
and special meetings of the congregation and serves as secretary to the
Church Council; officially records church members, baptisms, weddings and
funerals.
Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer receives all monies contributed to
the church, and disperses all monies paid by the church; makes monthly
reports to Finance Board and to the Annual Meeting.
Collector/Assistant Collector keeps a record of all pledges to the
church budget, accounting for payments made toward each pledge; reports
monthly to Finance Board and to the Annual Meeting.
The Historian is the custodian of church mementos, papers and
documents; provides such items for display as appropriate, and keeps the
history of the church alive for the members of the church.
Committee Descriptions
Board of Deacons works with the pastor in caring for the spiritual
needs and welfare of the congregation. The Board assists in weekly worship,
baptisms and communion. The Pastor reports to the Board monthly. The Board
of Deacons is responsible for worship and the spiritual life of the
congregation.
Board of Finance is responsible for the management and use of
funds and investments of the church; develops and monitors church budget.
Board of Christian Education provides opportunities for Christian
Education for all generations in our church: Sunday School, Youth Groups,
Bible Study and Adult Study.
Board of House and Grounds is responsible for the care and
maintenance of all the church property.
Membership Board is responsible for making the church known in the
community, bringing new members into the church and helping them get
assimilated into the life of the church.
Board of Missions engages the church family, individually and
collectively, in serving the needs of local and global communities; provides
assistance locally to Friendship Kitchen, Somers Food Pantry, Somers High
School Safe Graduation Program, Network Against Domestic Abuse, Prison
Ministry, Johnson Memorial Hospital Pastoral Care, Habitat for Humanity,
North Central Hospice, Enfield and Somers VNA, radio station WIHS, and the
Traumatic Brain Injury Association of Connecticut. Supports the wider
mission of our denomination through the United Church Board of World
Ministries, Global Ministries, and the Connecticut Conference of the United
Church of Christ.
Board of Music and Arts is responsible for the music program of
the church, and for encouraging members to be aware of and participate in
the fine arts. The Music Director reports to this Board.
Caring Ministry Board oversees a program of caring for members and
friends of the church that includes friendly visits, short-term meals,
transportation, and the sharing of information about local services.
Stewardship Committee carries out a program to encourage
stewardship of time, talents and funds; coordinates the annual drive for
commitments of financial support.
Investments and Trust Committee is responsible for the management
of all investment funds of the church and bequests to the church, and for
encouraging a program of deferred giving.
Nominating Committee is responsible for enlisting members and
friends of the church to fill roles on other Boards and Committees, and for
maintaining a list of members’ talents and interests.
Pastoral Relations Committee fosters, supports and maintains an
open relationship between the pastor and the congregation.
Printing and Publications Committee assists in the publishing of
the monthly newsletter, and with other mailings of the church
Ushers provide ushers for each service who perform duties
appropriate for that particular service, including distributing worship
bulletins, receiving offerings, and assisting worshipers as needed.
Flower Committee beautifies the sanctuary with flowers each Sunday
and on holidays; secures donation of flowers for each week, and displays
special decorations for Christmas and Easter.
Reception Committee is responsible for securing greeters and
coffee hour hosts for each Sunday worship
|
