“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all of them.” –Romans 12:4-5
Committees and teams are the official structure by which the business of the church is conducted. The chairpersons of the various committees and teams are elected at the Annual Conference in December of each year. Other committee/team members may be elected at the Annual Conference or appointed by the various committee/team chairpersons. For the most part participation on committees/teams may be either by members or friends of the church. Our committee/team chairpersons are always looking for new members. When you visit our church, you will find copies of our Annual Conference report in the lobby.
Administrative Council
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” –Ephesians 4:1
The Administrative Council of the Yorkville United Methodist Church oversees the administration and organization of our ministry. Short-term and long-term planning comes through the Administrative Council for implementation. The life of our church is directly affected by this body’s decisions. Do you think that our church may become your church home? Come visit us at one of our Administrative Council meetings! Our doors are always open to members and visitors alike! As a member, you may well be nominated for a position of leadership!
More about the Workings of the Administrative Council
- Provide for effective pastoral and staff leadership and their support, and for lay leadership for the mission and ministry of the congregation.
- Provide for financial support, physical facilities, and the legal obligations of the congregation.
- Provide for the connectional responsibilities of the congregation.
- Constantly monitor the current reality of the congregation.
- See that the congregation has (a) a shared vision that is clearly understood and supported by its members and (b) goals that are consistent with the mission of our church and that lead our church toward its vision.
- See to the congregation’s involvement in ministries of nurture, outreach, witness, and leadership development, and to the evaluation of the discipleship of the congregation in these areas of ministry.
- Promote organizational learning in the congregation.
- Encourage and support inclusive and ecumenical spirit within the congregation.
ALL members have something to contribute and we welcome you!
Evangelism/Membership Care Team
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” –Matthew 28:19
The first evangelist was an angel. Notice how the word angel shows up in the word evANGELism. The word evangelism is derived from the Greek words “good message.” In succeeding translations it became “gospel” and “good news.” There is no more important work of the Church than the task of reaching out to people with the good news of Jesus Christ!
What We Do
- Welcome members and guests with genuine Christian hospitality.
- Help our church continue to be a place that welcomes, supports and cares for our members and neighbors.
- Help members of the congregation understand that we are all disciples.
- Share our faith with others within and outside our church’s walls.
- Send welcome notes to visitors.
- Provide welcome packets.
- Greeter ministry at entry door.
- Participate in Union Grove Super Saturday.
Do you like to share your faith and encourage others? We welcome you to serve on our team!
Missions Team
“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability.” –2 Corinthians 8:3-4
The work of the Missions Team is to lend a helping hand to those who are in need. This is a concern of the United Methodist Church in general and Yorkville in particular. This team is open to all who are interested. Check out our Missions page for more details on the missions projects we support through our local church.
What You Can Expect of the Missions Team
- Provide support in the community (food bank, clothing drives).
- Provide support nationwide (work camps).
- Provide support internationally (UMCOR).
If God is calling you to lend a helping hand, contact us to volunteer!
Staff/Parish Relations Committee (SPRC)
“There are different kinds of gifts… Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” –1 Corinthians 12:4,7
The Staff/Parish Relations Committee has a clear understanding of our Church’s mission and vision, built upon reflections on the mission of the wider Church and its ministry. A clear understanding of our church and prayerful listening to God’s direction helps to guide our work with individuals and groups. This committee has primary responsibility in the area of relationships within and between the various groups. The committee must consist of at least five persons and not more than nine. One member must be a young adult. The Discipline also requires that a lay member of annual conference be on the committee. No employee of the church or member of the pastor’s or staff member’s immediate family may serve on the committee. If you are a person who can guide, teach, mentor, tend to conflict and organize celebration of ministry of ordained and lay staff, we would like you to become a part of this very important committee!
Tasks of the SPRC
- Explain the nature and function of ministry to the staff and the congregation.
- Confer with the congregation and the staff/pastor about ministry direction.
- Assess the ministry of the congregation and the staff/pastor.
- Confer and consult with the District Superintendent.
- Support life long learning (continuing education) for all staff.
- Identify individuals from the congregation whom God seems to be calling for ordained ministry.
If you are a “people person,” consider becoming a part of the SPRC!
Trustees
“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” –Matthew 7:25
The Board of Trustees is composed of not more than nine nor fewer than three members. At least one-third of the trustees must be laywomen, one-third laymen, and two-thirds must be members of the United Methodist Church. The chair of the committee must be a member of the local United Methodist Church and is elected by the committee at its first meeting.
Examples of the Trustee Responsibilities
- Conduct an annual inventory of all real property.
- In conjunction with the Pastor/Staff Relations Committee, conduct at least one inspection and inventory of the parsonage each year.
- Inspect and inventory all equipment and set up a maintenance schedule.
- Set up a schedule for painting and redecorating.
- Consider the merits of service contracts on large equipment such as air conditioners, refrigerators, heating systems, copiers, computers and other such equipment.
- Ensure that the facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities.
- Develop guidelines for receiving and managing wills, trusts, bequests and other investments given to the church.
- Contact local utility company for an energy audit.
- Evaluate insurance coverage annually. Work with insurer to develop risk-management policies for the church.
If you see yourself in any of the above roles, this may well be your committee. Why not go for it?
Communications/Web Team
“We write this to make our joy complete.” –1 John 1:4
The Communications/Web Team has been formed to tell the Yorkville United Methodist Church’s story. We believe that we have an exciting ministry and want to share it with one and all.
Our Communications Team activities include both internal and external communications. We tell our story through the media — printed and electronic. We write news stories, create brochures, produce posters, design banners, and advertise in the telephone directory. We publicize future events and ongoing services.
Our Web Team activities are specifically geared toward telling our story on the Internet.
Interested? Let us know!
Worship Team
“As you go, preach this message: The kingdom of heaven is near.” –Matthew 10:8
The work of the Worship Team is to learn about worship and about people in our congregation and community so that we can plan worship appropriate to the needs of the congregation and community. This is a team that is open to all who would like to participate – members, visitors and guests alike.
The Work of the Worship Team
- Collaborate with the pastor and music leaders in planning worship.
- Develop and support effective musical leadership in the church.
- Promote and foster regular individual and family spiritual formation.
- Consider other opportunities for strengthening worship.
- Utilize literature and other available resources.
- Consider the worship hopes and concerns of people in the congregation and community.
- Explore and become familiar with the primary worship books and resources used in the congregation.
- Evaluate the congregation’s worship.
- Participate in training activities related to worship.
If planning the worship program for our church sounds like the answer to a prayer, join the Worship Team!