United Congregational Church

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	United Congregational church bylaws were amended in February 2006 to include our new Covenant Ministry structure. This is a fluid, dynamic and flexible, structure that provides varied opportunities including short-term focused tasks that better accommodate members' busy lifestyles. It allows members to participate in ways that are most meaningful to them and supports United Congregational Church's Mission and Vision. It incorporates ways for members of the congregation to increase their sense of belonging, provide ways to express their faith and to use their gifts in ministry. It promotes volunteer contributions that can be meaningful and encourages communication between clergy, staff and laity. Members of the Covenant Ministries are elected by the congregation. Each Covenant Ministry develops the vision for programs, activities and responsibilities using the results of the Discernment Process and continuing input from the congregation. Task Teams perform the ongoing activities of a ministry. They operate on a seasonal, temporary or project basis. Task Teams serve as long as there is interest, passion and need. The four ministries are:
	Deaconate Covenant Ministry
	Parish Life and Education Covenant Ministry . This Ministry is responsible for providing opportunities to strengthen our communal life, family life and to support and encourage a life of faith for our members . It provides educational resources and programs for the church school, youth programs, and adult study, and plans activities for fellowship within the membership of the church. “Many hands make light the work!” describes the approach of the ministry members. They are task team oriented! A member of the Covenant Ministry either heads up a task team, or oversees one led by a non-elected member who recruits others to do specific tasks. They welcome new ideas for programming and encourage you to come forward with your ideas. With their approval, they will tell you to “go for it!” Members of the Parish Life and Education Leadership Team includes Jason DeFalco, Mary Dzaugis, Peg Manoogian, Lisa Owanisian and Heather Prunier. Ann Lewis is also serving as an advisor. There are vacancies on this important Leadership Team. Please contact any member of this Ministry Team if you are interested in helping out with any of the areas listed below or in learning more about becoming a member of the Leadership Team . The Parish Life and Covenant Ministry is responsible for (not an all inclusive list) Church School Curriculum Teachers Training Youth Programs – ensuring leadership and support for youth programs Nursery Care – Coverage during worship Children's Christmas Pageant (in conjunction with the Diaconate) Heritage Sunday after service event Church community events such as, but not limited to: Caroling October Family Fun Night' Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras Ice Cream Social (Sunday for Church School registration) Secret Pen Pals Church Picnic Camp outs
	Our Wider Church Covenant Ministry The Wider Church Covenant Ministry provides Christian outreach and financial support for local, national and global mission causes. This ministry strives to keep our congregation informed, set goals for mission spending and help to support mission projects. Housing and hunger related issues have been a primary focus for this ministry. Here is a brief list of some recent Wider Church activities: · Coordinated/distributed Thanksgiving baskets · Coordinated Crop Walk · Hosted meeting on Hurricane Katrina recovery effort · Helped coordinate workdays event at Goddard School with United Youth Group · Provided substantial funding for Deacons Fund · Awarded Special Projects Fund to Interfaith Hospitality Network and Aids Project Worcester
	Stewardship of Resources Covenant Ministry