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First Congregational Church Committees| Budget & Finance | Christian Education | Church Council | Congregational Life | Membership | | Neighborhood Caring | Nominating | Outreach | Parish Care | Personnel Committee | | Pastoral/Parish Relations Committee | Property Committee | Strategic Planning | | Trust and Endowment | Worship and Fine Arts |
Budget & Finance The Budget and Finance committee is responsible for monitoring the income and expenses of the church and developing a yearly budget with the staff. The budget is then presented to the Church Council and the congregation to be voted on. The committee works closely with the staff person , the Director of Finance and Property Management. No special accounting experience is required to be a member of this committee. The committee meets when necessary. Christian Education The Christian Education Committee is responsible for the planning of all educational opportunities for the youth and adults of the church. For the youth, this means planning the church school year. The committee recruits volunteers to staff the nursery, pre-school area and volunteer teachers/shepherds for the first thru seventh grade school rotation. For the adults, they plan book studies and the activities for the Faith Festivals and plan and cook the food for participants as well. This committee collects and assembles items for the college student members "Kram Kits" or kits for those in the military service. This committee meets the third Tuesday each month. Church Council The Church Council is the governing body of the church comprised of not more than 21 active members of FCC. The Council and the Executive Committee of the Council is approved by the full membership at the Annual Meeting each June. The Council enforces the policies of FCC; ensures that the business matters of the church are administered in accordance with the policies and by-laws and prepares the annual budget and financial records. The Church Council is responsible for the employees of the church and provides for the care of the church property. The Church Council must be actively involved in the total life and health of the church, both temporal and spiritual. The Council meets once a month or as deemed necessary in special meetings. Congregational Life The responsibility of the Congregational Life Committee is to select activities that will enhance the social life of the members of FCC and create opportunities for members to meet each other and new people. The selection process includes planning and organizing events for each month of the year. These events have been suggested by groups, individuals or membership questionnaires. Members of this committee are expected to attend the events and facilitate the activities. Activities have included card parties, dance instruction parties, golf outings with a picnic, hay rides, trips to sport events, pig roasts, after service refreshments for special holidays, luminaries and wassail fellowship on Christmas eve and other church social functions. There are ten members on this committee and they meet once a month. Top of Page
MembershipThe Membership Committee of FCC is responsible for a number of items. First and foremost is maintaining the feeling of friendship that is felt when members and visitors walk into our church. Committee members are available each Sunday at the Welcome Center to answer questions and give tours, if requested. When new members are welcomed into our faith community, the committee plans a short coffee time before church begins, escorting new members into the sanctuary, helping to conduct that part of the service when they are united in membership and making sure they and their partners in faith are introduced at the fellowship hour. The Committee is always seeking new ways to attract new members who may be looking for a church home. While the Committee is charged with these duties, it is also the entire congregation that is ultimately involved in attracting new members - remembering the motto: "I, Too, Minister Here!" Neighborhood Caring The Neighborhood Caring Committee focuses on helping people in need. We concentrate on areas around our church neighborhood and extend to areas close to downtown. In recent years, our projects have included: establishing a library at CIR, building a raised garden at Gracious Homes, providing lunch for a week at the Habitat 'FAITH' Home and organizing the FCC Christmas Family Project each year. The committee meets once a month from September to May. Nominating In the spring each year the Nominating Committee develops the slate of Church Committee Candidates that is presented at the Annual Meeting in June. The list includes approximately 75 positions. They solicit input from through-out the church; deliberate in April and May and conclude the slate in 2-3 meetings. Top of Page
OutreachThe Outreach Committee stewards the money of the Outreach portion of the Church's operating budget. The Committee decides where and how much to give to missions locally, nationally, and internationally. FCC has supported such organizations as The Haven of Rest, Santa's Helper, Habitat for Humanity, Nursing Clinic, Gracious Homes, the Community Action Agency, Missionaries Susan and Scott in Africa, Franklin Food Pantry and canned soups from the FCC Soup Outreach Sunday. The Committee has supported the Third World Mission Trips to Guatemala with the purchase of stoves for the Mayan families FCC works with, as well as the Crop Walk, Tsunami and Hurricane Relief efforts. The Committee sponsored additional programs such as the Regional Seminary Support; SWA of Michigan Conference; Greater BC Outreach Projects; Food Pantry-Franklin Site; J.O.N.A.H.; United Campus Ministry and In-House Emergency Community. The Committee meets once a month. Parish Care The Parish Care Committee is composed of 12 members with one staff liaison. The Committee duties have a primary focus on developing, planning and supporting programs for those in our congregation with special needs. Currently the Committee is involved in the following ministries:
Personnel Committee The Personnel Committee assures compliance of laws, rules and regulations and policies in personnel matters affecting the Church through recommendations to the Senior Minister, Council President, Executive Committee or the Church Council. All matters considered by thei committee must be initiated by the Executive Committee, Church Council or the ministers. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Pastoral/Parish Relations CommitteeThe Pastoral/Parish Relations Committee provides guidance and counseling for the informal resolution of conflict in personnel matters affecting the Church. All matters considered by this Committee must be initiated by the Executive Committee, Church Council or the Ministers. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Property Committee The Director of Finance and Property Management and the Head Custodian work with the Property Committee to perform day to day duties to keep the building clean, safe, comfortable and available for use by the members of FCC, its staff, and the community of Battle Creek. The Committee is kept informed of significant issues, emergencies and larger building and site related maintenance planning. The Committee is created of members who are knowledgeable about the operation of a buildings - construction, mechanical systems, maintenance, repair and expense. The Committee usually meets quarterly, or more often, if necessary. Strategic Planning The Strategic Planning Committee focuses on where our congregation needs to be going in the future three to five year plan. The Committee assesses what FCC if currently doing in programming, outreach, membership and growth and measures where we are for those future goals. The Committee is challenged to be innovative and focused outside the usual expectations and encourages creating plans for new growth in spirit, mission and goals that reflect what we believe God has called us to do. This would include our vision for our families spiritual growth, our church family growth, our community responsibility and larger vision for the world. The Committee meets once a month for one hour. Trust and Endowment The Trust and Endowment Committee oversees the investment and safekeeping of the Endowment Funds and Agency Account. The Committee invests through managers and closely monitors the performance of the funds. The Committee meets 2-3 times a year, or more as needed, and receives quarterly reports. Worship and Fine Arts The W&FA Committee works with the Pastors, the Music Director and staff to shape and expand the worship experience. Monthly meetings include discussion about planning the season, processional responsibility, youth participation in the processional, elements in the sanctuary, Lenten Devotionals and special events planning. This Committee defines, with the guidance of the Ministers, the overall appearance of the church, it's sanctuary and the worship experience for attendees. The Committee meets a minimum of once month, or as necessary. Top of Page
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