WITNESS
“You are witnesses of these things.” Luke 24:48
“You are witnesses of these things.” Luke 24:48
In a general sense of the word, a witness is someone who reports what they have seen and heard. Following the resurrection of Jesus, the disciples were clothed with the Holy Spirit and sent into the world as witnesses with the message of the good news – sharing what they had seen and heard from Jesus. Christ also calls us to witness to the good that we have seen and heard. The mission statement of Saint Andrew gives similar words of encouragement: “From this gathering of God’s people shall come Christian love as members minister to each other, the community, the nation and the world.”
At Saint Andrew, primary witness comes through various ministry teams. Ministries meet monthly on ministry night, typically the second Tuesday of the month. Through prayer, conversation, and review of past events that were meaningful, the ministries discern the activities, events, and operations of our life together.
Each ministry of the church has a chairperson who is elected by ministry members to that ministry. Church Council is comprised of members who serve as various liaisons to the ministries. Each ministry, with some exceptions, is encouraged to meet at least once a month in order to carry out the ministry of the church. During any given year, numerous Task Forces may be appointed for specific tasks. At the end of the year, each ministry turns in a report that summarizes their ministry throughout the past year – which is then included in the Annual Report of the congregation.
If you are looking for a way to become involved in the life of the church, check out the ministry descriptions below and consider how you might witness your faith in and through Saint Andrew.
The Christian Education ministry provides faith formation opportunities and offers the support and guidance needed for all members to grow in their knowledge of scriptures, Lutheran identity, and development as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. The ministry coordinates volunteers, teachers and mentors – providing them with curriculum, training, and the needed resources.
The Fellowship ministry plans and coordinates various activities that foster the development of relationships, nurture a sense of belonging, and build community. While the activities vary in scope and form, they aim to be both fun and meaningful in nature.
The Finance/Stewardship ministry works to engage the congregation in intentional conversations surrounding a faithful response to the gifts of time and treasure that God has entrusted to us. The ministry provides learning opportunities to equip members in healthy stewardship practices and in conversation with the pastors, raises awareness of the Biblical witness of stewardship. In conjunction with the treasurer, financial secretary, and bookkeeper, the ministry maintains and communicates the financial information of the congregation reported monthly to the church council, and annually through a narrative budget.
Some members choose to share a portion of their legacy with Saint Andrew through gifted funds in memory or in honor of a loved one. The Memorial Gift ministry oversees those funds and prayerfully considers the wishes of the family or honoree in conjunction with the current mission and needs of Saint Andrew.
Saint Andrew calls and employs several part time and full time staff. The Personnel ministry maintains a supportive relationship to ensure that the staff and pastors are healthy leaders, equipped to serve the mission of Saint Andrew to the best of their ability and as they feel called by the Holy Spirit. The Personnel ministry also develops, updates, and maintains personnel policies and procedures – and annually makes recommendations for staff compensation.
In conjunction with the staff, the Property ministry oversees the care, maintenance, repair, protection and replacement of all equipment and furnishings within the church as well as the upkeep and landscaping of the church grounds.
Social Ministry provides opportunities for members to witness and embody Christ’s love and service as we minister to each other, the community, the nation, and the world. Primary work of the ministry includes oversight of the food pantry located on site at Saint Andrew that distributes food baskets on an “as needed” basis. Social ministry also fosters relationships with other social service agencies in Wausau, connecting members to volunteer opportunities.
The worship ministry partners with the Pastors and the Coordinator of Music to plan and enrich the worship life of the congregation. The ministry also tends to details including hospitality, oversight of the nursery, and special seasonal services so that members are nourished through the gifts of Word and Sacrament. The Altar Guild works in conjunction with the Worship ministry, baking communion bread and setting the communion table weekly.
Comprised of both parents and youth, the youth ministry team coordinates and plans youth activities which include opportunities for learning, service, and fellowship. This ministry team recently updated an intentionally welcoming space for youth to gather, learn, and build relationships. Along with the new space, the team is also currently undertaking a visioning process, considering both the shift in the paradigm for youth ministry across the church and the challenging cultural climate that youth face as they engage in sharing their faith through daily life.
Mission: Help create and tell the story of God’s work, as expressed through the ministries of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, to the members and surrounding community.
Communications ministry began in the fall of 2020, this team serves the congregation of Saint Andrew by assisting other ministry groups and members to get information about congregational news, events and relevant ministry information. Communications ministry also assists with