Williston-West Church

The Board of Deacons consists of 12 members who constitute the lay ministry of the church. Deacons are responsible for preparing the sanctuary for every worship service, preparing and administering the elements of Holy Communion, visiting the sick and elderly, assisting the pastor with Baptism and new member ceremonies and providing liturgists. They also try to lead the congregation into a deeper understanding and appreciation of the nature and mission of the church, and to better meet the spiritual needs of its members.

In conjunction with the Pastor, the Board of Deacons administers the Deacon’s Fund which offers emergency financial assistance to those in need.

MODERATOR / CHURCH COUNCIL

The Moderator is the lay leader of the church. The Moderator chairs the church Council and, assisted by the pastor, provides direction for goal-setting and program implementation to the Council. The Moderator presides at Special and Annual meetings of the church and assists the pastor in facilitating the programs and business of the church.

The Church Council is the executive body of the Church and is composed of the Pastor, the Moderator, four members each from the Boards of Trustees and Deacons, the Clerk, the Treasurer, and one member from each board and committee. At its monthly meetings, the Council oversees and promotes the objectives and goals of the Church as outlines at the Annual Meeting. The Council meetings are open to all.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

The Stewardship Committee works to attract and sustain members in our church community. They plan various social events and encourage members to invite others to visit our church. Through trained welcomers and greeters, they emphasize the friendliness of our church. They also review the information in the Friendship Registers, write welcome notes to newcomers, and inform the minister of those who might wish a pastoral contact.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Nominating Committee recommends Church members to serve in the following offices or committees: Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, Board of Trustees, Board of Deacons, Board of Missions, Board of Christian Education, as well as the Christian Enlistment, Stewardship, Music, Flower and Garden, Memorial Gifts and Pastoral Relations committees.

The Nominating Committee presents a slate of officers and committee members for approval and the Annual Meeting of the Church and recommends names to the Church Council to fill vacancies which occur during the year.

BOARD of TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the care and custody of the church’s facilities, grounds and financial affairs. The Trustees prepare and maintain the church’s operating budget and present it to the Council at the Annual Meeting. They also manage the financial affairs of the church throughout the year.

Sub-Committees:

DELEGATES

Each year Williston-West elects six to eight members as delegates to attend meetings called by the United Church of Christ conference Office and by the Cumberland Association of Churches.

CHRISTIAN ENLISTMENT

The Christian Enlistment Committee is responsible for the church’s annual pledge drive. They organize and supervise the raising of budgeted funds of the church; secure, train, and organize Christian Enlistment workers to assist in receiving the annual pledges of the people of the church; and seek pledges from new members and others.

They are responsible for the follow-up throughout the year. The committee works closely with the Trustees to understand the budgetary needs of the church.

MUSIC COMMITTEE

The Music Committee oversees an active and creative music ministry. Its members interact with the Music Director and the organist in planning the church’s music program. Other responsibilities include the upkeep of the church’s instruments and music collection. The committee is made up of both choir and non-choir members and meets monthly.

WILLISTON-WEST CHURCH CHOIR

The Williston-West Choir is made up of a creative, diverse and enthusiastic group or individuals. Participation is open to singers of high school age and above. There is also a Cherub Choir made up of our Sunday School children. Those interested in singing with us please contact the Director, organist, or any member of the choir.

FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

The Fellowship Committee is responsible for providing refreshments for the congregation after worship. They also maintain the church kitchen and occasionally sponsor social events.

MEMORIAL GIFTS / PLANNED GIVING

It is typical and vital for the continuation and perpetual care of any church and congregation to be the beneficiary of financial support through significant gifts and bequests. These are often designated in individuals’ wills or other estate planning vehicles which make the principal and/or interest earned from money or property available to the Church after, or in some cases, during the benefactor’s life.

The Memorial Gifts Committee is set up to work with individuals who feel they wish to make such a commitment to our church

GARDEN & FLOWER COMMITTEE

The Flower and Garden Committee is responsible for adding the joyous colors and scents of natures flowers to the sanctuary each Sunday of the year, as well as special flowers on Easter and Christmas. They also oversee the planting, maintenance and care of the church perennial and annual gardens and make recommendations for improvements to the church grounds.

Members of the congregation may sign up to donate flowers in memory or in honor of a person or event by contacting the Church office.

PASTORAL RELATIONS

The Pastoral Relations Committee is a small group responsible for providing an open line of communication with the pastor and the congregation in such a way that problems and concerns may be surfaced in a safe and non-threatening way. This committee meets regularly with the pastor offering both support and direction, when needed. They are also available to the congregation to hear concerns and address them in the appropriate manner.

The Pastoral Relations Committee is also responsible for reviewing the salary and benefits of the pastor and making recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

BOARD of CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The Board of Christian Education supervises and directs the educational needs of our church and promotes the development of Christian nurture and character among the congregation. They oversee the work of the Sunday School, which uses the lectionary and scripture from worship services as the basis for Sunday School lessons. The committee also plays an active role in special events such as the Christmas pageant. They also have as a goal to work with the congregation to provide adult education.

Nursery care is provided for children up to age 3 during Sunday worship.

CHILDREN and WORSHIP

Children help us begin each worship service and remain for a short story time with the minister before leaving for their classes. They also share worship with us on Communion Sunday (the first Sunday of each month).

BOARD of MISSIONS and CHRISTIAN OUTREACH

The Board of Missions and Christian Outreach is responsible for our outreach into the local community and beyond, encouraging the congregational support for those in need, whether in the Greater Portland area or the world.

Some of the budget for mission comes from the church operating budget designated for this purpose. Other funding is generously given by the church community in partnership with other congregations through the United Church of Christ.

Our mission is to ptovide outreach services
Directly and financially to adults and children in need
in our local community and in Our Church's Wider Mission.

Through effective communication of our activities,
caring people are given the opportunity to honor God
by serving those in need.

In the spirit of compassion, love and empathy
we share our talents and resources
to make a difference in the lives we touch.