Ministry Opportunities

Worship

Our worship services are enhanced by lectors, communion assistants, acolytes, the many vocalists and instrumentalists who inspire us with sharing their musical talents, liturgical arts teams, altar guild, ushers, and the sound system crew.  Prayer ministries include the telephone and email prayer chains, Easter prayer vigil, and monthly Time for Prayer meetings. Specific worship and music opportunities are listed here.

Grow 

Educational ministries offer opportunities for working with children and youth by teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation classes, and leading senior high ministries in mentoring and small group experiences.  Opportunities to help adults to grow in their faith include teaching, mentoring, and leading groups. Specific opportunities in Children's and Youth ministries are listed here.

Connect

Relational and caring ministries include serving in Health Ministries, as a Befriender, Care Team member, assisting older adults, people in crisis or with special needs.  Other ministry areas help people to connect and build relationships through membership events, such as the summer picnic and Thanksgiving Pie Fest, and group ministries.  Contacts with guests to our worship services by the Welcome Teams, and Guest Calling Teams, new member sessions, and new member support ministries also serve to help people connect at Bethlehem.  Current Connect opportunities are listed here.

Reach

The mission of Bethlehem reaches far into our community and the world. Outreach ministries into our community include Loaves and Fishes, Habitat for Humanity, Ebenezer, TRUST, as well as mission trips and support which reaches to India, Argentina, Africa, and other places around the globe.  Current Reach opportunities are listed here.

Serve

This congregation wouldn't run smoothly without the many people who provide office assistance as telephone receptionists, bulletin copiers, stuffers, newsletter mailing crew, counters and clerical support. Hands-on projects of beautification and maintenance of our facility include sanctuary cleaning crews, gardening, lawn care, repair work, painting, and "operation broom", our spring clean-up day.  Others offer service in kitchen hospitality, preparing and serving meals for funeral receptions, Lenten lunches, and other events. Specific Serve opportunities are listed here.

Worship & Music Opportunities

Worship Ministries

 

Immediate ministry opportunities at Bethlehem for small groups or individuals to consider.

Sunday 7:00 PM Worship Hospitality:  Sanctuary setup.  Contact Pastor Mary Pechauer 612.312.3407, mpechauer@bethlehem-church.org.

Welcome Team Member: Greet members and guests at Sunday morning worship at one of the building entrances or the welcome booth. Assist with directions and questions. 10-12 times per year. Sundays: Half hour, choice of worship times; 9:00, 10:15, 11:30 a.m., or 7:00 p.m.  Contact Anastasia Pydych, 612.312.3368, a_pydych@hotmail.com.

Pray in the chapel Sunday mornings or day/time of your choice for the concerns of the church and members.  Contact Pam Paulson, 612.312.3415, ppaulson@bethlehem-church.org.

 

Ongoing ministry opportunities at Bethlehem.

Eucharistic Ministers: Participate in a service of Holy Communion by assisting the presiding pastor in serving the bread and the wine.  Bethlehem regularly celebrates the Eucharist on the first and third Sunday of each month at the morning services.  The Eucharist is celebreate each week at the 7:00 pm service.  In addition, special Holy Days such as Christmas, Ash Wednesday, and Easter may also contain a service of Holy Communion.  Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled at the service(s) of their choice occasionally throughout a calendar year.  There is a guideline that sets the standard.  Training is available.

Lectors: Take an active part in worship services by reading the lessons aloud.  A schedule is sent out every three months and each person has two assignments during the quarter. Ages 11 and up welcome!

Music, Music, Music!:  Join in songs of praise and worship with one of Bethlehem's choirs:  Men's Choir - rehearsals Sun. mornings; Senior Choir - rehearsals Wed. evenings; Youth Choir (high school age) - rehearsals Wed. evenings

Liturgical Arts Team: Work with team to study text and theme of church season. Plan visual depiction of theme. Creative ideas and design capability. 4-5 month commitment includes, planning, assembling, display and removal of visual art. Choice of season: Advent/Christmas, Epiphany, Lent/Easter, Pentecost, Celebration Sunday

Audio/Video Operator: Operate the sound mixer and video camera during worship services.  Serve one or more times per month. Training & support provided.

Worship Hospitality Partners: The Sunday evening worship community continues to grow, as do opportunities for hospitality.  Consider serving one or more Sundays a month:  Set-up team (45 min. before the service), Connecting team (make and/or serve bars for 60), Tear down team (30 min. after service).  

Usher: Service with a smile!  There's nothing more welcoming than to be greeted in the sanctuary with a friendly smile. Share your smile and make a significant difference in someone's worship experience. Choose service time: Sundays 8:00, 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 a.m.

Altar Guild Member: Prepare for communion, change altar candles and paraments as needed, clean communion ware and other brass items twice a year. Time commitment: serve two months/yr plus one cleaning session per year.

Baptism Towel Stitcher: Persons who are adept at embroidery to prepare the handmade Baptismal cloths given out to the Baptism families. Supplies provided. Work at your own pace.

If you are interested in participating in any of the ministry opportunities listed, please contact Pam Paulson at ppaulson@bethlehem-church.org or call 612-312-3415.
If you're interested in an area of worship not listed here, please contact Pastor Mary Pechauer at mpechauer@bethlehem-church.org or call 612-312-3407.

 

Music Ministries

Adult Choirs (Sept. - May)

Senior Choir: Choral singing experience and reading ability. Practice Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Sanctuary. Sing for 9:00 & 10:15 weekly worship. Sept. through May. 

Worship Ensemble: Singers and/or instrumentalists for Sunday worship at 11:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. Sing or play twice a month.

Men’s Choir : Choral singing experience and reading ability. Practice Sundays, 8:00-8:40 a.m. Sing for 8:00 worship twice a month, Sept-May.

Children's Choirs (Sept. - May)

Cherub Choir: K-2 grade. Practice Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45, Assembly Room. Sing for worship every 4-6 weeks.

Chorister Choir: 3-6 grade. Practice Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45, Choir Room. Sing for worship once a month.

Youth Choir: 7-12 grade. Practice Wednesdays, 5:15-6:05, Choir Room. Sing for worship approximately twice a month at 10:15 or 11:30.  

If you are interested in participating in any of the Music ministry opportunities listed, please contact Maria Bucka at mbucka@bethlehem-church.org or call 612-312-3411.

Connect Opportunities

Christmas Ministries Opportunities: 

Worship Hospitality!  Welcome guests and members at one of the entrances as they arrive for one of the Christmas Eve Services (2:00, 3:30, 5:00, 9:00, or 10:30 pm).  Contact Anastasia Pydych at 612.590.8753, a_pydych@hotmail.com.

Luminaries Coordinator & Crew!  Light the way to Christmas Eve Worship.  Set up luminaries outside church doors for the 5:00 pm service and/or be part of the take down crew following the 10:30 pm service.  Contact Pam Paulson at 612.312.3415, ppaulson@bethlehem-church.org.  

Immediate ministry opportunities at Bethlehem for small groups or individuals to consider.

 Bake cookies or bars for Sunday Evening Worship fellowship.  Bake approx. 50 servings of cookies or bars, and deliver them to Langemo Lounge during the day on Sat. or Sun. for the Sunday Evening Worship service.  A great opportunity for small groups!  Choose single dates, or choose a series of dates.  Please contact Nikka Deskin at 612.312.3404, or ndeskin@bethlehem-church.org to schedule a time. 

 Prepare and deliver a meal to a Bethlehem member in need.  Contact Diane Waarvik, 612.312.3405, dwaarvik@bethlehem-church.org.

Deliver a prayer shawl to a Bethlehem member in need.  Contact Diane Waarvik 612.312.3405, dwaarvik@bethlehem-church.org.

 

Grow - Service Opportunities

Do you have a gift for teaching? Music? Art? Mentoring? A special love for children or youth? If you have an interest in helping young people grow in their faith, there are some immediate ways for you to put your gifts and interests to work!

Children's Ministries

Immediate ministry opportunities at Bethlehem for small groups or individuals to consider. 

Sunday School Music Leader: Early childhood (ages 2 - kindergarten) November and December.  Contact Heather Roth Johnson 612.312.3420, hrothjohnson@bethlehem-church.org

Christmas Program Planning Team: Elementary grades 1 - 6 (director, set design, reception hosts) afternoon programs, December 16.  Contact Kris Tostengard Michel 612.312.3410, ktostengardmichel@bethlehem-church.org

Christmas Program Planning Team: Early Childhood, 2 yrs. - kindergarten (help with set design, decorating, hospitality).  Morning programs, December 16.  Contact Heather Roth Johnson 612.312.3420, hrothjohnson@bethlehem-church.org

 Sunday School - One on One Assistant.  Contact Kris Tostengard Michel 612.312.3410, ktostengardmichel@bethlehem-church.org

Sunday School Techie (sound, Power Point, video) Contact Kris Tostengard Michel 612.312.3410, ktostengardmichel@bethlehem-church.org

Ongoing ministry opportunities at Bethlehem.

Birth to 6th Grade

Nursery Caregiver: Provide care for infants & toddlers (3 months-3 yrs) One time/month. Sundays at 9:00, 10:15, or 11:30 am.

Sunday School Teacher: 2 - 4 Sundays a month at 9:00 or 10:15 am for preschool through 6th Grade.  Very little prep time needed.  Big heart for kids required.

One-on-One Sunday School Companion:  9:00 or 10:15 Sunday mornings, as your schedule permits.  There are a few kids in Sunday School who need extra help participating.  Ideally, the child's family and the companion would communicate about the schedule, and the companion would participate with the child as often as possible.  This is an important ministry to both the child and to the parent(s) who sometimes need a break from care-giving.

Sunday School Lifeguard: 9:00 or 10:15 Sunday mornings, every other week.  Accompany a small group of elementary kids to the workshops and participate with them.  Occasionally lead activities with the kids.  Main role is to develop relationships with kids and help them participate.

Sunday School Workshop Leader:  9:00 or 10:15 Sunday mornings, every Sunday for 4 - 5 weeks, or 2 - 3 times per month, November through May.  Present Sunday school lesson through art, games, computer, drama science, storytelling, movie-making or viewing, sign language, choral reading or cooking.  Sign on for one month or the whole year.

Music Team:  Be part of a team who lead kids in singing for Sunday School worship.  2 - 4 times/month at 9:00 or 10:15 am.

Hospitality:  Warm smile.  Friendly spirit.  Welcome kids to Sunday School.  Help new families register.  September 9, or 2 - 4 times/month.  9:00 or 10:15 am.

Behind-the-Scenes: Help prepare Sunday School materials for early childhood or elementary workshops.  2 - 4 times a month; Wed. evenings or Friday mornings.  9 month commitment.

"Day Away" Leader: Help with one day events for children and their families 5x a year.  3rd Grade Bible Day Away, First Communion Training, Seder Meal, Baby's First Christmas, Children's Journey to the Cross.

Confirmation Ministries  

Youth - 7th & 8th Grade

Confirmation Leader:  All you need is the joy of teaching students this age. Materials and training provided.

Sunday Morning Teacher: Teach one or more 7 week sessions of a class on books of the Bible or a topic of interest for Jr. High students.  9:00 and/or 10:15 am.

Wednesday Night Small Group Leader: Weekly commitment 6:30 - 8:00 pm September - May.  2-year commitment.

Confirmation Mentor: Connect with a confirmation student from 7th - 9th grade on a monthly basis; discuss topics of interest.  Meet monthly.  3-year commitment.

Sr. High Ministries

High School Adult Leader: Minister to 9th-12th graders. Help organize/lead Sunday high school discussions. Keep in contact with a 6-10 member care group. Assist with retreats, fellowship and outreach events. Monthly meeting 2nd Tuesday, Sept- May. Age 21 or older.

Peer Ministry Adult Leader: Teach a curriculum-based training to high school students to equip them for ministry with other students. Training provided includes sessions on communication with adults & peers, values & decision-making, faith sharing. Meets Wed. nights, Sept-May, 6:30-7:45.

If you are interested in participating in any of the ministry opportunities listed, please contact Pam Paulson at ppaulson@bethlehem-church.org or call 612-312-3415.

*All who work with children and youth must attend Risk Management Training, complete an application, interview, and background check. Training and support provided.

Reach Opportunities

 

Loaves & Fishes:  Work with others to provide a meal.  One-time or ongoing opportunity.  Dates are 3rd Friday of every other month.  Feb., April, June, Aug. and Oct. at River of Life Church at 22nd & Fremont Ave. N.  _Cook: 2:15 - 4:30 p.m.  _Serve: 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Meals on Wheels: Deliver noon meals to seniors and persons with disabilities.  Deliver once a month or once a week.  Takes about an hour at lunch time. 

Handyworks: Help the elderly remain in their homes by providing household chore and maintenance service.  TRUST neighborhood skills bank matches workers wtih those needing assistance. 

Habitat for Humanity: Our summer project will be dedicated on September 24.  Habitat needs additional help keeping this date!  People need to work one or two weekdays leading up to the dedication date. 

Click here for information about Our Mission Partners.

Please contact Pam Paulson, 612.312.3415, ppaulson@bethlehem-church.org for more information.

Serve Opportunities

Immediate ministry opportunities at Bethlehem for small groups or individuals to consider. 

Weekday Telephone Receptionist:  Answer phones at church office - transfer calls to appropriate staff person or provide information directly; greet visitors in church offices; occasional light clerical duties.  Training and support provided.  Work your choice of shift and days each month. 

Sunday Morning Receptionist: Greet visitors to church offices and provide requested directions, materials and information.  Answer telephones; connect with appropriate staff person or provide information directly.  Hours: 8:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  Approximately 6 - 8 times per year.  Resources and training provided.

Funeral Reception Server: Help serve buffet style lunch, coffee, clear tables.  3 - 4 hours; choice of dates.  Generally 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

New Member Small Group Host: Help guide Sunday small group discussions with new members.  4 sessions; materials provided.  Choice of dates _Sept./Oct. _Nov./Dec.

Dessert Baker: Put your love of baking to work!  Provide a cake, bars or cookies for a church event (funeral reception, congregational meeting or other event).  Deliver baked goods to church on day of event.

Beacon Mailer Crew: Help prepare newsletter for mailing.  Collate pages, fold, bundle by zip code for mailing.  Tuesday mornings, once a month.

Sanctuary TLC Crew Member: Great service for individuals, small groups or families!  Replenish welcome cards, envelopes & pencils, straighten hymnals and Bibles in pew racks.  Work can be done during day or evening.  Time needed - about an hour a month. 

Hands & Hearts Estate Sales Assistant:  The Ebenezer Hands & Hearts Moving and Estate Sales Program helps ease the transition for families faced with moving from one home to another home.  Ebenezer staff and volunteers clean and price merchandise; conduct the sales that are open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays; and pack and remove unsold items for charities.  Serving opportunities include both weekdays and weekends.  Typical tasks are: sorting or pricing items, arranging displays, making phone calls, assisting customers.  For more information, contact Sally Newbury, Volunteer Director, 612.872.8515 or snewbur1@fairview.org.

Please contact Pam Paulson, 612.312.3415, ppaulson@bethlehem-church.org for further information about these opportunities.

Risk Management Policy

Bethlehem's Risk Management Policy on the
CARE OF MINORS AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

Bethlehem has adopted a policy and procedures for people working in ministries involving minors and vulnerable adults. Its purpose is to provide a safe environment for all who participate in these ministries.

This policy, CARE OF MINORS AND VULNERABLE ADULTS, utilizes training, screening and interviewing processes for selection of volunteer and paid staff in ministry areas involving minors and vulnerable adults. This policy is designed to establish a unified, systematic and thorough process for selection, training, and supervision of people working in all these areas. 

Applications, reference and background checks are processed for all church workers who wish to be involved in these ministries. We require participation in this process for the protection of our congregation's greatest resources: its people.

Training sessions: 

  • Wednesday, August 29, 6:30 - 7:15 pm
  • Thursday, September 6, 6:30 - 7:15 pm
  • Wednesday, September 12, 6:30 - 7:15 pm

For more information, please contact Pamela Paulson ppaulson@bethlehem-church.org.