A Guide to Connect holy Cross Members with 
Volunteer Opportunities within the Church and Community

What we are is God’s gift to us . . .
What we become is our gift to God.

INTRODUCTION

This guide was written to assist you in sharing your gift of time and talent with God and the community of Holy Cross. It contains brief descriptions of volunteer opportunities available among our various committees and support groups.

We hope this will help you in choosing ways to share your gifts and talents, and help you to become more involved in the activities and community of Holy Cross. If you have any questions regarding the opportunities listed within, please call the church office at (925) 447-8840 or the contact person.  The contact person names have been abbreviated on this web version.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE

MISSION:
To plan and implement a learning ministry program to nurture adults, youth, and children in Christian growth. To recruit and provide training for teachers and other staff. To purchase materials and supplies.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Committee Member

• Attend monthly meetings.

Sunday School Co-Superintendent

• Overall administration of SCS.
• Recruit SCS staff.
• Recognition, appreciation, and orientation for staff.
• Review, select, and requisition supplies and curriculum materials. Provide teachers with materials.
• Assist teachers in rewarding positive attendance.
• Assist in follow-through with absenteeism.
• Keep attendance/enrollment records.
• Provide reports as required, including year-end summary.
• Time Required: 1-1/2 hours each Sunday, plus 1/2 hour per week during SCS year, and about 4 hours per week in July and August. Monthly committee meeting.

Sunday School Teacher

• Prepare and teach lesson from the curriculum provided.
• Attend the staff meetings/workshops held periodically.
• Attend church services regularly.
• Follow the basic teachings of the Lutheran Church.
• Time Required: 1 hour each Sunday plus preparation time.

Adult Education Coordinator

• Oversee the adult education ministry.
• Recruit leaders and speakers for the Sunday morning forums.
• Recruit leaders/teachers for any additional adult classes offered on Sunday.
• Serve as a program and idea resource person in adult education.
• Identify the education needs of the congregation.
• Time Required: 1 hour each Sunday plus preparation time

Bible Activity Time

• Provide special activities for children ages 4-8 during sermons (teaching and assisting).

Cradle Roll Coordinator

• Contact all families soon after birth of new baby and enroll newborns at the time of their baptism.
• Maintain roll of children ages birth to three years.
• Mail packets monthly to families of all children on roll.
• Time Required: 4-8 hours per month

Librarian

• Receive donations and/or select library materials.
• Catalog, shelve, & maintain check-out of library materials.
• Take annual inventory. Discard materials as needed.
• Write articles in CrossRoads encouraging library use.
• Develop and maintain Good Book Store receipt program.
• Review and act on materials sent to the church library.
• Time Required: 4-8 hours per month

CONTACT:
Jennifer W

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COMMUNITY CAREGIVING COMMITTEE

MISSION:
To be well-informed about the social concerns of our community and world; identify priority concerns for our congregation; organize programs; recruit leadership; lead the congregation in studies or identified concerns; provide members the opportunity to respond with their gifts of time, talent, or money to community concerns. . .

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Become involved with committee-sponsored program:

• Backpack project
• Open Heart Kitchen
• Blood drive
• Hunger events
• Prison ministry
• Organic garden
• Advocacy
• Interfaith Housing

TIME REQUIRED:
4 hours per month plus monthly committee meeting.

CONTACT:
Audrey S

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CONGREGATIONAL CAREGIVING MINISTRY

MISSION:
To coordinate and provide services to members of Holy Cross in order to care for their needs, offered in the name and love of Jesus Christ.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Assume responsibility for one of the committee programs, organizing as necessary, and preparing reports.
• Coordinate program for rides for senior members of the congregation.
• Coordinate meals-in-need.
• Coordinate receptions following memorial/funeral services.
• Meals for New Moms – support new moms by providing a freezer-type meal.
• Coordinate altar flower program. Send reminder letters to those who will donate flowers. Coordinate/schedule delivery of altar flowers to sick or shut-ins.
• Coordinate volunteer service in the Nursery. Prepare and maintain a schedule for volunteer service, and keep a record of volunteer service. Be responsible for the safety, comfort, and suitability of the nursery environment.
• Prayer Chain participant
• Stephen Ministry
• Christmas cookies delivery coordinator.
• Small maintenance jobs for elderly.
• Visit members and seniors.
  

TIME REQUIRED:
Monthly meetings plus committee projects.

CONTACT:
Linda H

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FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

MISSION:
To provide opportunities for members and friends of Holy Cross to form closer relationships with each other. To plan and coordinate social functions. To oversee the Koinonia groups.

Our purpose is to promote fellowship and fun within our congregation. We are not a "kitchen and cleanup" group for all functions.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Committee Member

• Assist with social functions.

• Potlucks/barbecues

• New member receptions

• Advent Fair

• Mother/Daughter Tea

• Monthly meetings

Sunday Coffee Server

• Prepare coffee, serve, and clean up
  (about 2-1/2 hours per week).

Dessert Sunday Coordinator

• Prepare schedule for dessert volunteers.
• Prepare schedule for set-up and clean-up.

CONTACT:
Joan H.

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FINANCE COMMITTEE

MISSION:
To oversee all financial affairs of the congregation to make sure they are being conducted efficiently. This includes preparing budgets, paying the financial obligations of the congregation, and providing for the annual audits of the accounts of the treasurer and financial secretary, the school, and organizations within the congregation

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Committee Member

• Meet on a monthly basis
• approximately 2 hrs. per month.

Auditor

• Work in a team of three people at or near year-end
• approximately 6-8 hrs.

Offering Counter

• Work in teams of two people after the 11:00 service preparatory to making a bank deposit.
• Approximately 30-45 minutes on a rotating cycle, usually once every six weeks.

TIME REQUIRED:
Time varies with jobs.

CONTACT:
Bob C.

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MEMORIAL COMMITTEE

MISSION:
To determine best use of memorial funds.

CONTACT:
Pastor Ken Mikulasek Church office (925) 447-8840

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MUSIC TEAM

MISSION:
To share the love of Christian music with the congregation by choosing music, providing instrumental accompaniment, and providing vocal leadership for the musical portions of the contemporary/celebration worship services.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Singer

• Have the ability to learn and then teach new songs to congregation; lead congregation in singing/worship.

Musician

• Provide instrumental accompaniment –variety of instruments welcome (flute, trumpet, oboe, recorder, piano, keyboard, percussion, violin, mandolin, guitar).

Arranger/Composer

• Have the ability to transpose, arrange, and compose (i.e., harmonies, descants) to enhance and augment already existing music.

Sound System

• Run and coordinate sound system levels and mixes for the music team. Training provided.
  

TIME REQUIRED:
Weekly meeting to choose music and practice for services. (Approximately 2-2 1/2 hours.) Provide musical accompaniment and vocal leadership at worship services one or two Sundays a month.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS:
All ages welcome! Appreciation for a variety of Christian music styles. Basic music skills.

CONTACT:
Jan W

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MUTUAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE

The Mutual Ministry Committee keeps the Pastor(s) and staff advised about the conditions within the congregation and interprets to the congregation the ministry of the professional leaders. The committee serves as a conduit for open communications between all members of the congregation, committees, council, Pastors, and staff. Committee members serve as a sounding board, listening to concerns, new ideas, and a variety of current issues. Mutual Ministry also acts as the personnel committee with responsibilities for recommendations for staff salaries, job descriptions, performance evaluations, and reviewing continuing education opportunities and requests.

TIME REQUIRED:
Monthly meetings, plus additional meetings as needed for special issues and action items. Personnel function may require extra work at home and additional meetings.

TERM OF SERVICE:
Members serve on the committee for a two-year period, with the option for renewal for a second two-year period. Members are nominated for this committee. Please let the Pastor(s) or committee chairman know of your interest.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS:
Members of the Mutual Ministry Committee must be willing to express their opinions and also represent the entire congregation, be level-headed, honest, and serious in their commitment to serving the Lord. They must be able to maintain the confidentiality of many of the issues brought before the committee.

CONTACT:
Michael H.

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OUTREACH COMMITTEE

MISSION:
To educate the members of Holy Cross in the importance of evangelism and invitation; to provide specific opportunities for invitation; to provide an initial and follow-up welcome to all visitors, and to heighten community awareness of Holy Cross.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Greeter

• Greet people as they come to worship (15-20 minutes, about 4-5 times per year).

Visit First-Time Visitors

• Welcome first-time visitors to Holy Cross by a brief home visit (an hour or two on Sunday afternoon).

New Member Sponsor

• Sponsor new members for several weeks involving them with worship and church members and encouraging their participation in church activities (once a year).

All Committee Members

• Continue to make Holy Cross a welcoming place to visitors and members.
  

TIME REQUIRED:
Committee Members – Monthly meetings plus committee projects. Other times required as stated above.

CONTACT:
Sue M

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PROPERTY COMMITTEE

MISSION:
To oversee the maintenance, improvement, and protection of the property of this congregation, and to keep all property in good repair. To work with the Finance Committee in order to keep all property adequately insured.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Project Coordinator (assistant to committee chair)

• Call prospective volunteers.
• Prepare special events.
• Establish and maintain project schedules.
• Help establish church project needs.
• Contact Volunteers
  

Building and Grounds Maintenance

• Repair/assist in repairing: sprinklers, roofs, plumbing, miscellaneous fix-its.
• Rough and/or finish carpentry.
• Painting.
• Electrical work.
• Pick up janitorial supplies monthly
  

TIME REQUIRED:
4-8 hours per month plus monthly committee meetings

CONTACT:
Ron W

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STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

MISSION:
To lead the members of the congregation to higher levels of proportionate giving for the Lord’s work. To inspire informed and grateful giving, the committee will promote the expression of Christian faith in daily living; teach the Christian use of time, talent, and money; conduct an annual every-member response, and interpret the work of the church at all levels from local to worldwide ministries.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Educate the congregation about stewardship and the various ministries supported by Holy Cross.
• Plan and execute the pledge campaign each Fall as well as any other campaigns deemed necessary.
• Encourage members of the congregation to meet their pledges.
  

TIME REQUIRED:
Monthly meetings plus committee projects

CONTACT:
Dave O.

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TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY

MISSION:
To enhance the ministry of Holy Cross through the creative use of technology. This includes installing and maintaining telephone and computer equipment in the office, audio and video equipment throughout the church, and responsibility for the Holy Cross web site. (www.holycrosslivermore.org).

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Audio equipment configuration and maintenance.
• Video equipment configuration and maintenance.
• Computer equipment configuration and maintenance.
• Computer software selection and configuration.
• Gathering information, pictures, etc., for the web site. (No web experience required.)
• Web design and support.
• Committee member

TIME REQUIRED:
Time varies with job.

CONTACT:
Bill N

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VOLUNTEER MINISTRY COMMITTEE

MISSION:
To broaden the volunteer base at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. To help individuals discover, develop, and use their skills and gifts in service to the congregation and community by creating an environment where each member can reach their potential in God’s ministry.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Develop methods of recognizing volunteer activities.
• Educate the congregation about volunteer opportunities through the Volunteer Guide, Committee Fair, and Time and Talent form.
• Highlight the activities of committees and groups through Holy Cross publications.
• Update the Time & Talent form on a yearly basis.  Update the church database with this information
• Guide new members through the Time & Talent form and Volunteer Guide describing volunteer opportunities.

TIME REQUIRED:
Monthly meetings plus committee projects

CONTACT:
Joyce C

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WORSHIP COMMITTEE

MISSION:
To plan and implement meaningful services of worship. The Committee shall recruit and provide training for assisting ministers, lectors, acolytes, ushers, wedding assistants, altar guild, choirs, and other musicians; provide and care for worship books; arrange for the care of worship paraments, vestments, and musical instruments; and furnish music supplies and other worship materials and supplies. It will provide and encourage the use of devotional booklets during the week.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Committee Member – Attend monthly meetings (2hrs)
• Acolyte – Usually Jr. High and High School youth. Assist the Pastors during worship services. Training is provided. (Approximately 2 hours per month on a rotating basis).
• Altar Care – Set up and clean up materials for day of communion, with some additional duties. (Approximately 2 hours on a rotating cycle, usually once every 6-8 weeks).
• Choir – Provide music at worship services.
• Chimer - Provide music for service using hand chimes.
• Church Drama – Participate in dramas during mid-week Lenten services and other times (See Holy Cross Players).
• Lay Lector – Assist in a service of worship by reading the lessons (approx. 1/2 hour during week prior to Sunday service, 3-4 times per year).
• Lay Minister – Assist Pastors in leading the service, read second lesson, prepare prayer, assist with communion, greet people after service. (Approx. 3 hours every 6 weeks on a rotating cycle.)
• Music Team - See Separate Listing
• Puppet Ministry – Assist the Pastors with puppet drama during children’s sermon.
• Sound System Operator – Operate sound system during Sunday morning worship services. (Approximately 2 hours per month on a rotation cycle).
• Usher – Attend to various duties before and during worship service to make people feel welcome and comfortable. (Approximately 2 hours per month on a rotating basis).
• Visual Arts - Help design and prepare visual arts for decorating inside sanctuary for various seasonal events in church.
• Wedding Assistant – Work with Pastors and engaged couples to facilitate weddings in the church sanctuary.

TIME NEEDED:
Varies with jobs.

CONTACT:
Jan W
Pastor Ken Mikulasek at the church office: (925) 447-8840

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YOUTH COMMITTEE

MISSION:
This committee provides a ministry to and with youth by identifying needs, recruiting and training leadership, organizing and implementing programs, identifying gifts of youth, and providing opportunities for youth to serve in the congregation and wider work of the church. .

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Advisory Member of Youth Committee

• Both Adult and Youth members.
• Supervision and direction of youth programs: God’s Glads (Grades 3-5), Jr. High, and High School (Luther League).
• Help generate new approaches and ideas.
• Participate in youth programs and activities when feasible.
• Participate in youth program planning retreats (usually in May and October).
• Time Required:  Monthly meetings plus committee projects. Two half-day planning retreats. Encouraged to attend youth programs.
• Term of Service:  Two Years.

Youth Advisor

• Directly responsible for the planning, organization, and accomplishment of the youth program at Holy Cross.
• Attend monthly youth advisors meetings.
• Work closely with Youth Pastor and Youth Committee in the planning of youth activities; responsible for the conduct of the planned activities, soliciting help from youth and parents for a successful program.
• Actively participate with youth in activities.
• Coordinate and implement youth programs in areas of interest.
• Participate in youth planning retreats.
• Time Required:  LOTS! But the rewards are tremendous! Monthly meeting of youth advisors and youth groups. Special activities and trips.
• Term of Service: One year, renewable.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS:
Patience, tolerance, understanding, organization, and activity coordination, love of working with youth, sense of humor, and more.

CONTACT:
Pastor Berni Fricke Church office (925) 447-8840

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OTHER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

OFFICE SUPPORT:

• Newsletter – editor
• Collate newsletter and bulletins
• Computer/data entry
• Routine office jobs
• Vacation substitute

CONTACT:
Church office (925) 447-8840

CHURCH COUNCIL:

• Council member (monthly meetings)

CONTACT:
Council President/Pastors Church office (925) 447-8840

HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN SCHOOL:

• Board member

CONTACT:
Kathy Boeche or Dolores Furrey         School office (925) 447-1864

HOLY CROSS PLAYERS:

• Particiapte in short dramas for church service.

CONTACT:
Salome R

• Share talents and mutual interest in crafts and needlework.
• Embroider baptismal napkins.  Skill will be taught

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