Making disciples for Jesus Christ Grand Forks Zion United Methodist Church

We are a United Methodist Church… … in the Upper Valley Ministry Team …of the Three Rivers District …of the Dakotas Annual Conference …part of the North Central Jurisdiction …of the General Conference of the UMC Or, in other words, we are here:

How Zion is Organized for Ministry In General: The Congregation elects persons to the role of leadership; each person serves in an area where his or her gifts and abilities will be most effective in service to God’s Kingdom. Each committee or team is led by a chairperson, who additionally serves on the Administrative Council, which is responsible for guiding the overall mission and ministry of the congregation.

The Administrative Council Chaired by an individual who is not a member of any other committee or team; has voice but does not vote except for breaking a tie. Members of the Administrative Council The Chairs of: Staff-Parish Relations Committee Finance and Stewardship Committee Trustees Missions Team Education Team Technology Team Worship Team Hospitality Team Zion’s Endowment Foundation UMW Representative UMM Representative Parish Nurse Two At-Large Members Additionally, the congregation’s Lay Leader and Lay Member of Annual Conference serve on the Administrative Council

What’s a “Lay Leader?” In the United Methodist Church, each congregation has a Lay Leader. The Lay Leader is the congregation’s representative within the congregation’s leadership structure, helping keep the Pastor and Council aware of the state of the church, and teaching the laity about the work of the Annual Conference and our denomination, The United Methodist Church.

What’s a “Lay Member of Annual Conference?” The Lay Member of Annual Conference represents the congregation’s laity in the Annual Conference meeting. This person, along with the Pastor, votes on proposed legislation, budgets, and other items.

The Education Team Responsible for guiding the Christian Education ministry of the church: Sunday School Adult Education Chaired by Cynthia Shabb

Hospitality Team The Hospitality Team focuses on welcoming people to Zion – whether new, or “coming home.” Chaired by Don Miller

Missions Team The Missions Team coordinates the missions work of the congregation. While this at times may involve sending teams forth for missions work, it also includes what we do to support the missions work of others: Missionaries Abroad Conference missions projects (Spirit Lake, Sidewalk Sonday School, etc.) UMCOR’s Work Health and other mission Kits Disaster Response Chaired by Joann White

Worship Team The Worship Team serves by planning, coordinating, and leading the congregation’s worship activities, along with the Pastor: - Music - Decorating the Sanctuary and Building - Special programs Chaired by Tim & Leann Carlson

Trustees The ministry of the Trustees is to care for the physical assets of the congregation: building, grounds, and the property contained within. The Zion Trustees are chaired by Gene Brown and Rick Myrick

Staff-Parish Relations The Staff-Parish Relations Committee serves as a link between the Pastor and the congregation’s employees and the congregation. Among its major functions are working with the Pastor to ensure that his/her ministry within the congregation is effective by setting priorities for ministry, leadership, and service. The SPRC also oversees the congregation’s employees, and participates in the hiring (and firing) processes. The SPRC also is charged with aiding the Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development in their work. The Zion SPRC is chaired by Roger Parkinson.

Finance and Stewardship The Finance and Stewardship Team is responsible for directing the congregation’s financial activities – not only budgeting and spending, but also guiding the congregation in good stewardship of their resources. Zion’s Finance and Stewardship Team is chaired by Lonnie Suckut

Technology Team The Technology Team works to address the congregation’s technology needs. Chair: Pastor Russ

Zion Endowment Foundation The Endowment Foundation works to establish and grow a strong financial base for the congregation so that its ministry can continue into the future.

Nominations and Leadership Development The Nominations and Leadership Development Team’s most visible job is working each year to make sure that all of the congregation’s leadership positions are filled, by inviting persons to participate in one or another of the church’s ministries. The NLDT also serves the church by identifying candidates for ministry – as pastors, missionaries, deacons, and so on. Chaired by the Pastor

Home Committee Zion’s Home Committee focuses on making sure the church’s interior is in good order and presentable.

The Caring Team The Caring Team has a ministry that is both inward- and outward-directed. Within the congregation, ministries of “prayer and presence” are performed: - Prayer Chain - Card Ministry - Visitation - Communion Delivery to shut-ins The Caring Team also helps the congregation look outward for the work of evangelism (inviting and welcoming). When a visitor comes to the church, a member of the Caring Team makes a contact with that person and helps him or her find a connection within the church, so they can find their place in the Zion family.

Others Who Serve Library Team Wedding Coordinator Audit Committee Stewardship Associates Lay Reader Coordinator Ushering Coordinators Membership Secretary