Below is a description of the various committees, their activities, and meeting schedules for 2009.  Please contact Barb Hauck if you have questions or would like to get involved in any of these.

St. Paul's Committees for 2009

Buildings & Properties:  oversees the major maintenance/repair of the church buildings and grounds, including the bi-annual scheduled inspection of the complete exterior. Meets bi-monthly.

Celtic Garden:  planting, weeding, watering & having fun in our Celtic Garden.  Gathers regularly May-Oct.

Christian Formation: assists in program planning and implementation of: seasonal festivals, Vacation Bible School, intergenerational events, Sunday School, Children’s Church and nursery. Meets as needed.

Columbarium:  promotes education of the parish about our columbarium and oversees the operation and maintenance of it. Meets occasionally.

Communication: volunteers who work behind the scenes to further communication within/outside the parish: Messenger (mailing), website, press releases for special events, occasional advertisements. Meets occasionally.

Evangelism & Newcomers: developing plans to grow the St. Paul’s community; introduce newcomers to others here, setting up and assisting with newcomer events; assist parish staff with newcomer activities. Meets quarterly.

Finance & Budget: Aided by budget requests from staff/committees and the stewardship/finance numbers from the Treasurer, develops and recommends the annual budget to the parish.. It’s helpful, but not required, to have a background in finance, especially for the Chair Meets several times, Oct-Jan.

House:  oversees the necessary refurbishment of the interior of the church, utilizing funds from other committees, individuals, memorials and donations. Meets when projects arise.

Investment: supervises the activity of the St. Paul’s funds in the Pooled Investment Fund of the Diocese of Minnesota, as well as the local account held at Wells Fargo Investments in Duluth. Meets quarterly.

Library: assist the librarian with material selection and Library maintenance. Meets occasionally.

Memorials & Thanksgivings: receives monetary gifts given in thanksgiving and/or memory of loved ones. Works with families to use the funds in ways that honor their loved one and meet the current needs of the church.  Meets occasionally.

Nominating (for committees): using lists of volunteers from Annual meeting/Rally Day events, appoints committee members on a rotating 3-year term basis. Most work accomplished by phone, Oct – Jan.

Opening our Doors/Opening Our Hearts: assists in promoting a welcoming environment for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered persons in communities of faith. Main activity is planning the annual conference. Meets monthly.

Outdoor Ministries: helps organize/plan/hold small-group activities, gatherings, fellowship and spiritual exploration involving natural world settings. Meets bi-monthly.

Planned Giving/Mission Endowment:  encourages people to make legacy-type gifts to St. Paul’s. Meets quarterly.

Reception & Hospitality:  help with cooking/set-up/serving/clean-up for funeral receptions and special events. Gathers as needed.

Rummage Sale:  help plan, advertise, organize/price/display/sell items and clean-up after this annual event (usually held in early May)

Social Ministries:  grants funds to & actively participates with parish/community groups requesting help with projects which further the commission’s mission: promoting understanding, education and action through parish based ministries, to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being. Meets monthly.

Special Projects: helping organize/promote/set-up/decorate/serve at special events (Halloween Carnival, Giving Tree, Little Treasures Birthday Party, Shrove Tuesday, etc.), cook for CHUM’s annual Rhubarb Festival, etc.  Called when projects arise.

Stewardship: takes the lead in planning/organizing and implementing the annual Stewardship program  (pledging for annual general fund budget).  Meets most frequently Sept – Jan.

Twelve Baskets: organizing/planning/promoting the monthly events/collections for this annual project. Meets bi-monthly.

Understanding & Dismantling Racism:  strives for justice & peace, respecting the dignity of all persons as they promote the cause of undoing racism in all its forms. Films, discussions, book groups are all part of the effort. Training is required (support is available). Meets bi-monthly.

Worship: Construct an image of how worship at St. Paul’s looks, sounds & feels. Attention to major feasts and seasons. Works closely with other committees and the Pastoral Team. Meets monthly.