Annual Report 2013

“The committee on Membership and Personnel Care has the responsibility of administering to the spiritual welfare of congregational members and other employees, individually and corporately.”

Calvary received 64 new members into the congregation in 2013.  As part of the welcoming process for these new members, Membership and Personnel coordinated two new member luncheons.  We are grateful  and extend our thanks to all who participated not only in making the luncheons such special occasions for our new members, but also for all whose encounters and connections with these new members encouraged their decisions to become members in the first place. 

The loving care and dedicated service of all those who lead, serve, and otherwise assist the various ministries organized under the Membership & Personnel Committee are what truly enable this committee to fulfill its purpose. These ministries include Calvary Care Program, Funeral Committee, Homebound/Shut-In Visitation, Office Support, Prayer Chain, Cards, Wedding Committee, Member Care Program, Intern Committee, and Pastoral Care Committee.  Some of these are committees of one, others of many, and we wish to express our gratitude to each one of them for all they do, for their commitment, and for their faithfulness.

The Member Care Fund is administered by an anonymous committee appointed by the pastors to manage the distribution of available funds to help members in financial need.  In 2013, the fund provided $4,869.28 in support of members of Calvary with financial emergencies.  The fund is maintained through individual donations, in addition to being a line item in the budget.

The Membership Task Force, established in 2012 to introduce new members to Calvary and weave them into the fabric of the many ministries available here, includes the chairpersons of Membership & Personnel, Outreach, Fellowship, and Stewardship Committees.  This past year, the Task Force has been working to revise, refine, and implement a plan that fosters periodic contact with each of the new members during their first year of membership.  We are hopeful that we are moving in the right direction and will continue to find ways to improve and refine it as may be needed.

We give thanks for the opportunity to have served on the Church Council as co-chairs for the Membership and Personnel Committee in 2013, and we pray for God’s blessings on all of the human hands at work in His service at Calvary Lutheran Church and in the world.

In His Love and Service,

Cathy Conroy and Lynn Boyk