Our Committees
Worship
The Worship Committee is responsible for the worship life of Northminster. As with all committees, Worship includes three active elders from the Session; particular to this committee are one choir representative, one at-large member of the congregation, and the Music Director, who serves as an ex-officio member. In concert with the Minister and Music Director, and directed by the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Worship committee guides regular and special worship services. The Music Director, the organists, and accompanists all work under the direction of the Worship Committee. Various subcommittees secure and train ushers, organize elders to serve our Lord’s Supper, and oversee maintenance of music equipment and materials. Everything the committee does is in order to provide a meaningful total worship experience. The Worship chairperson for 2007 is Nancy Dye.
Christian Education
The Christian Education Committee oversees Northminster’s learning. In addition to regular Sunday School classes, the committee directs the youth group, Vacation Bible School, Kids’ Club for the smaller children, and several special events throughout the year. The committee also works in concert with other committees to facilitate learning in different ways and environments. The nursery attendant is overseen by this committee, which also has the Minister as an ex-officio member. Sarah Plymale is the 2007 Christian Education chairperson.
Stewardship and Finance
The Stewardship and Finance oversees the financial health of the church. It is this committee’s task to provide leadership for the congregation in all matters of financial stewardship both current and long term. This committee works closely with the Financial Secretary to monitor giving, assets, and expenditures of the church. Each year, the committee is responsible for having an audit done of the church’s financial records for the previous year and reporting the results to the Session. The Stewardship and Finance Committee works closely with other committees in budgetary matters, and it places an emphasis on funding strategies that will enhance Sunday School, youth, worship, and music ministries at Northminster. Stewardship is a spiritual discipline, and this committee works diligently to serve the church faithfully in this regard. The 2007 chairperson of Stewardship and Finance is Dick Mills.
Mission
The Mission Committee loves and cares for all persons in the name of Jesus Christ. This committee promotes ways for the congregation to become involved in meeting the needs of the community and the world by giving of their time and talents. Yearly, a calendar for special offerings and charitable efforts is recommended to the Session, and throughout the year, we consider and recommend mission projects and special offerings. Locally, volunteers are organized at Roanoke Area Ministries, the Presbyterian Community Center, and at the Huff Lane Tutoring Program. The Open Arms Ministry welcomes all persons by greeting guests, providing visitor packets, and introducing them to other people if possible. The Shepherding Ministry offers daily prayer for each ‘Sheep’ in their group, and maintaining personal contact each month. The Mission Committee coordinates the Memorial Fund, and the Connecting Links ministry offers help in many ways: Transportation, minor home repairs, sermon tape ministry, and meals provided when a death or other significant life event occurs. The committee aids church communications via a monthly newsletter, a church directory, and a telephone prayer chain. David Wood is the 2007 chairperson of the Mission Committee.
Building and Grounds
The Building and Grounds Committee has the duty of using Northminster’s physical facilities to enhance worship, study, service, and fellowship. The committee has purview over building maintenance, landscaping, and cleaning and upkeep of building and surrounding grounds. Physical properties that embellish worship include an ongoing enhanced lighting system for the sanctuary and headset systems for the hearing challenged. Long term projects to strengthen Northminster’s worship and fellowship include outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, a picnic shelter, and a children’s playground. This committee’s chairperson for 2007 is Jim Deaton.