Calvary UCC is governed by an elected twelve member Consistory. Its ministries and activities are guided by volunteer committees working with the Consistory. The roles of each of these committees (and their 2006 leaders) are described below.

Church & Ministry is the committee of Calvary’s Consistory responsible for the ongoing management of the Pastor and paid staff. Duties include but are not limited to an annual personnel review, interviewing and timely progress interaction. The committee needs to develop means to inform the congregation as a whole with respect to pastoral and staff while keeping personnel issues confidential. Another duty of the committee is to develop and critique new ideas to foster and enhance the ministry of the church. The committee also has the responsibility and duty to develop a system that encourages ideas and interaction from the congregation.

Mission Statement

Our Mission in Christian Education is to teach the Word of God, its history and its relevance in our daily lives. In an increasingly complex, materialistic and chaotic world, both children and adults need to know the steadying influence of God and the church families in their lives. Our children are taught about the infinite love and wisdom of God and they accept this. Youth and Adults, however, are able to question their faith and we must strive to continue to find ways to reach these groups. In making important personal, moral and ethical decisions, the power of Jesus Christ can literally transform our lives.

On-going Programs and Responsibilities

" Providing a meaningful and spirit-led Sunday School for all ages
" Recruitment and training of staff- SS and VBS
" Confirmation classes and Youth Groups (Pastor Steve and Megan Huesgen)
" Vacation Bible School
" Rally Day and Teacher Workshop
" White Gift Pageant
" Church- time Child Care (Rooms 125 and Crib)
" Social activities for children too young for Youth Group
" Selection, ordering and distribution of curriculum materials-SS&VBS
" Attendance Record Keeping and Awards Program
" Teacher Dedication/Commissioning - SS and VBS
" Program Evaluations
" Publicity and communication with families
" Coordination of shared facilities

Goals for 2007

1- Increase attendance, working in conjunction with the Evangelism Committee
2- Hire a Director of Christian Education-either full or part-time
3- Increase interest and enthusiasm for leadership
4- Make Christian Education more visible
5- Provide greater diversity in Adult classes
6- Have more family-oriented programs and activities
7- Promote spiritual growth

The Worship Committee and its various subcommittees are responsible for a wide range of worship aspects; including advertising, candles, flowers, pastoral substitutes, devotional materials, bulletins, seasonal decorations, Lenten supplies, ushers, communion set up and clean up, altar flower delivery to shut-ins, and administration of several special funds associated with music and arts.

As a subcommittee, the Music Committee (Jackie Unger, Chair) is responsible for sheet music and supplies, the Calvary Chorale, the Children’s Choir, the Handbell groups and the Arts at Calvary.

This committee is responsible for both local and global outreach and charitable support activities. Please see the brochure on Calvary’s missions included with these handouts. It also serves as the Consistory liaison with Pied Piper.

The Property Committee is responsible for maintenance, repair, replacement, additions to or enhancement projects, and security of the church’s physical assets. This committee is also responsible for the purchase of consumable items related to rest rooms and cleaning; and for maintenance contracts, lease contracts, and the maintenance of almost everything the church owns.

Goals for 2007:

The Congregational Nurture Committee handles a broad scope of events providing fun, fellowship and Christian nurturing experiences for our members. These include the pre-worship fellowship half-hour; the Annual Meeting; the Lenten soup suppers; Easter brunch; Women’s brunch; various receptions; church picnic; family camp; 40 year member recognition; and the annual Advent event.

From time to time, issues may come to our attention which seem to cry out for Christian intervention in the pursuit of social justice. This committee is responsible for evaluation of opportunities for Calvary participation and for appropriate responsive activities.

Christ has called us to care for one another and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Doing justice, seeking peace and building community are all central to our UCC identity. The Social Justice Committee endeavors through social actions to bring peace and justice to our community. Examples of our outreach include: sponsoring and mentoring a refugee family from the Democratic republic of Congo, refurbishing a room at the women and crisis center, volunteering at the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, organizing a voter registration at our church.

We reach out to people in the name of Jesus Christ so they might find a personal relationship with him and a community of faith with us. We actively call Calvary members, potential members, and visitors to respond to God’s message of Grace and Forgiveness; and to commit themselves to the work of God and Jesus Christ, in Reading and Berks County.

The Finance Committee is responsible for preparation of the annual budget and for recommendations to Consistory regarding the budget; for monthly and annual financial reports, including analysis of trends and problem areas; and for review and decisions regarding our investments. Through the Treasurer, they also oversee the Pied Piper budget, insurance coverage, bookkeeping, bill payment, banking, and taxes.

There are also a number of other committees including: