Gift Based Ministry

GIFTS BASED MINISTRY

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." - Romans 12:6

It is important to recognize that God alone is the source and giver of spiritual gifts. Our responsibility is to recognize that something has been given to us, and that we are expected to exercise due stewardship with regard to their use.

Spiritual Gifts are divine abilities, special energies and tools for ministry: distributed by God, through the Holy Spirit to all Christians, according to God's grace and design to equip and empower the Body of Christ to accomplish what God wants done in the world. Spiritual Gifts are not to be confused with natural talents nor should they be confused with the Fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), which are given to every Christian. Not every Christian has the same Spiritual Gift(s). Spiritual gifts are:

* Unmerited blessings from God.

* Job descriptions for ministry.

* A means for discovering God's will.

* Guarantees of effective service.

* A means of efficient service.

* Assurances for health and growth.

* The revealed presence of the living Christ.

Motivation for using our gifts is not competition, false humility or pride, but arises out of our love for God and love for humanity.

To find about about your spiritual gifts click here --------> My Spiritual Gifts

Please consider learning more about leadership opportunities at First UMC of Vidor.

Using our gifts by Serving within First U.M.C. of Vidor

Acolytes are youth (at least 9 years old and tall enough to reach the candles on the altar in the sanctuary) or adults who performs ceremonial duties such as lighting altar-candles and assisting the clergyperson in worship. Acolytes are used at both 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. services. This service involves gifts of leadership, service, listening.

Acolyte Trainers (Coming Soon) are adults who wish to add to the beauty of the First Methodist worship experience are encouraged to train, and coach youth who serve as acolytes to light and extinguish the candles used in Sunday services. This service involves gifts of teaching and encouragement, especially related to youth.

Adult Council provides oversight and coordination of adult education ministries under the direction of the ministers for Christian Formation. Focus includes Adult Sunday School, Disciple Bible Study, Alpha, Church Library, and other learning opportunities. This service involves gifts of teaching, encouragement, discernment, helping/serving, leadership.

Adult Education Volunteers are individuals who are inspired to accompany others on an intentional discovery of Christ can lead a Sunday school class. Classes' covers a wide variety of subjects and anyone interested in teaching a new class may work with the ministers for Christian Formation to select curriculum. Persons gifted as teachers, leaders and/or administrators may volunteer to teach these weekly Christian education sessions on either Sunday or Wednesday.

Altar Guild (Adults) (Coming Soon) members preparing the sanctuary to glorify God through worship requires gifts of serving and faith from members of the altar guild. Members polish the church's brass, prepare the communion elements and the altar in the sanctuary for all communion services. Members also help "rework" altar flower arrangements for other uses and deliver the flowers as requested. Persons gifted with helping/serving, leadership, hospitality are invited to participate.

Adult Leaders for UMYF (United Methodist Youth Fellowship) are adults (parents and others) are valuable mentors to First Church's Middle and High school youth and are called upon to lead or co-lead large-group experiences. The fun, invitational environments encourage relationship-building in a Christian context. Servants called to this area commit up to 90 minutes per week over the course of six months to one year, including a weekly UMYF gathering and a leaders' get-together. All servants are screened due the nature of the work. The spiritual gifts called upon include leadership, encouragement, hospitality, and helping/serving.

Bulletin Boards are an important communications tools and volunteers are needed to help create, organize and display information so that it is eye catching and appealing.

CD Ministry produces copies of worship services and special congregational events.

Chancel Choir This choral group is open to all interested individuals from the tenth grade and up. It is responsible for leading worship at the Sunday service at 11:00 o'clock throughout the year. It meets every Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. in the choir room. Two major choral works with instrumentalists are offered by this group during the year, one on the Sunday closest to Christmas Day and the other at Easter.

Children's Choir -- (Coming Soon) The Primary/Junior Choir is made up of children from kindergarten through fifth grade. It will practice on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Children's Choir Helper Help with administration and supervision of the Children's Choir.

Children's Ministry members are individuals who are inspired to accompany children on an intentional discovery of Christ can lead the formation of the Children's Ministry. Anyone interested in helping to design the children's formation ministry including vacation Bible school and appropriate missions activities in conjunction with the churches Outreach Ministry plan may work with the ministers for Christian Formation to select curriculum and activities. This service involves gifts of listening, encouragement, discernment, helping/serving, knowledge and leadership.

Church Mailings Assistants If you can stuff an envelope, staple, or affix labels, your talents can be used at First Church. Monthly, all church staff and program areas benefit from volunteer assistance with the church newsletter mailing and other special projects. Gifts include administration, and helping/serving.

Coffee Host Provide and set out coffee and snacks following the 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. services or coffee and snacks during the 9:30 a.m. on an occasional basis.

Communications Team Member Together, team members enhance the visibility of our church in the community through advertising, website and other means. The team also facilitates communication within the church through signage, assisting groups with brochure design, production of the church newsletter, and other communications projects. Members engage in creative layout and design projects, advertising, administrative support, and team meetings and minutes. Gifts called for include creative communication, administration, and helping/serving.

Communion Stewards Serve home communion once a month to a select number of shut-ins.

Cooks/Baker/Meal Server Can you throw a fantastic party or make a mean chocolate cake or chicken cordon bleu? You can share your talents with the church by helping with church-sponsored functions such as Retired and Ready monthly fellowships, Family Night quarterly fellowships and other events. Volunteers help with food preparation, host/hostess duties and meal service. Gifts called for include helping/serving, leadership, hospitality, and encouragement.

Fellowship Events Volunteer! Anyone who has felt the bond of friendship can assist with fellowship events at First Methodist. A variety of spiritual gifts are valuable and useful for producing successful events, including leadership, planning, decorating, service, greeting, serving, and others. Events include Wednesday night supper and activities, music and arts events, Dinner Conversation Groups, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, and Christmas Dinner, Potluck dinners, Church Picnic and other fellowship events.

Fellowship Friends Church members who are familiar with First Church understand the need to incorporate new members quickly and completely into the life of the church.

Hospitality volunteers are friendly, motivated, warm, and excited about the wide range of activities that First Church offers. Training will be provided for anyone who wishes to serve this ministry and share all First Church has to offer with new and prospective members. Gifts of knowledge, encouragement, hospitality, and serving also apply.

Financial Steward works as part of a team one Monday morning a month to count Sunday receipts.

First Methodist Mother's Day Out Volunteer First Methodist operates a weekday Mother's Day Out Program as a ministry to working parents and the Vidor community. Volunteers from the church serve as occasional storytellers and share other talents and gifts with our preschoolers. Spiritual gifts include hospitality, encouragement, and helping/serving. All servants are screened due to the nature of the work.

First Time Visitors Helpers Those who are committed to welcoming new members to First Church could use their gifts in the as a First Church Caring Helper. Members of this ministry make telephone calls to prospective members of the church. Serving includes the gifts of evangelism, faith, discernment, knowledge, and serving.

Gathering Center Host Agree to serve in the Gathering Space once a month following either the 8:30 or 11 a.m. worship service to greet visitors and members, answer general questions and help connect visitors/guests with worship and service opportunities at FUMC.

Greeters Persons willing to share their enthusiasm for worship with those who enter our doors. Greeters are important to each of the three services and need not have knowledge about the inner workings of the church. Greeters are given information regarding weekly activities and where classes are taking place on Sunday morning. Gifts used are hospitality and helping/serving.

Chimes Choir -- (Coming Soon) This group is open to all individuals beginning the the seventh grade. General music knowledge is not a prerequisite. However, love of music is a must! The musical literature knowledge done by this group reflects the five octave Marlmark Choir Chimes. Not only do they get to ring at church, but also attend area Handbell Festivals where they learn the finer points of ringing under the guidance of experts in the field.

Handy Helper/Craftsman Are you good with tools? Like to build or spruce things up? The church occasionally needs assistance with a variety of special projects. Sign up if you wish to share your gift of craftsmanship. Gifts used are knowledge, helping and serving.

Helpful Hands Works as part of a team to provide emergency childcare, transportation to or from doctor's appointments, home and/or yard maintenance, or run errands for a family facing an emergency.

Homebound Member Visitor Volunteers are needed to prepare and deliver communion kits to homebound members on Communion Sunday each month. People are also need to send the homebound newsletter, and be caring writers and callers. Gifts used include encouragement and hospitality.

Lay Reader (8:15, and 10:30 a.m. Services) If you can read and you would find fulfillment by sharing scriptural truth with other members you can serve as a lay reader. Readers share the scripture lesson for the 8:45 am service each Sunday. Gifts include knowledge and communications.

Landscape Team Be part of the team that cares for the landscape.

Library Committee Member Works in the selection, display, cataloging, and check out process for the church library.

Light & Sound Equipment Operator Individuals who are gifted at the behind-the-scenes aspects of production will serve as operators of the sound and lighting equipment in the church. Training is provided for all equipment. Service of this type would be on a regular rotational basis, serving during Sunday and special worship services, and uses gifts of administration, helping, and creative communication.

Martha Ministry -- (Coming Soon) Helping others cope with grief is at the core of this ministry, which provides food and other assistance for church families who have just returned from the Hospital or have suffered a death. It involves gifts of serving, mercy, giving, and encouragement.

Ministry Team Member Ministry teams and councils meet throughout the year and provide leadership in their respective areas. Examples of core teams are Finance, Trustees, Staff-Parish, and Property. General gifts used include leadership, administration, and discernment, and other gifts, depending upon area.

Prayer Team Member Serve on one of the weekly prayer teams to pray with individuals or pray for specific prayer requests.

Photographer/Videographer Individuals with special knowledge and skills are able to photograph new members, special services and church-sponsored events. These individuals serve on an occasional basis and use gifts of administration, helping, and creative communication.

Set-up / Take Down Set up and take down for church activities and fellowship events.

Small Group Facilitator Individuals with the gifts of teaching, knowledge, encouragement, mercy, and serving are trained to lead small groups, and in some cases, are asked to develop curriculum in collaboration with church clergy for support groups for church members and non-members. Some examples are: grief, divorce or other loss, study or spiritual formation groups on a variety of topics. Gifts used include discernment, knowledge, teaching, communications, evangelism, and helping/serving.

Special Children's Events Children and families engage in special fellowship events together throughout the year. Fostering a loving atmosphere for relationships requires coordinators and helpers with the spiritual gifts of encouragement, helping/serving, leadership, and administration. Events include Vacation Bible School, Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween activity, Advent Celebration, Short-term Bible studies and Plays. Servants will be screened due to the nature of the work. Spiritual gifts called for include teaching, encouragement, evangelism, knowledge, and faith.

Special Youth Events Helper Specialized opportunities in lay youth ministry include mission trip leader, confirmation class leader, fun excursion leader, or leader for the youth leaders' weekly gatherings. Other lay ministry options with youth include serving as a food provider, assisting with transportation, etc. These volunteer activities involve such spiritual gifts as leadership, teaching, hospitality, and missions.

Sunday School (Kindergarten) Teacher The curriculum of Christian education and spiritual direction utilizing religious language, parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action is critical to help children in kindergarten become more aware of God's presence in their lives. Parents and other adults who serve as facilitators and co-leaders will be committed to the children's deepening relationship with Christ. All willing servants will commit to one Sunday per month. This role calls for the gifts of teaching, listening, evangelism, hospitality, and helping/serving. Servants will be screened due to the nature of the work.

Sunday Nursery/Extended Session/Children's Worship Meaningful relationships with Christ can begin at a young age. Parents, grandparents and other adults who provide childcare during the 8:30, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services enable children to worship in their own way. Also, through the guidance of these adults, children engage in Children's Worship during the 11:00 a.m. service. Spiritual gifts include hospitality, encouragement, and helping/serving. Servants will be screened due to the nature of the work.

Sunday School (Toddlers, Twos, Threes, Fours/Readiness) Teacher Parents and other adults who are able to maintain and support a young child's innocent relationship with Christ are called to teach classes for younger children during the Sunday School hour. Servants will be screened due to the nature of the work. Spiritual gifts include teaching, encouragement, and helping/serving.

Sunday Worship Usher (8:15 and 10:30 a.m. service) Ushers understand the process of the worship service and seek to facilitate the worship experience for others. They welcome and seat worshippers, distribute bulletins, collect offering and assist with communion and serve at special worship, memorial, and funeral services in addition to weekly Sunday services. Training is required for all ushers. Gifts include helping/serving, faith, hospitality, evangelism, and encouragement.

Transportation Provide transportation to church for those needing a ride.

United Methodist Men -- (Coming Soon) The mission of the United Methodist Men is to assist men to know Jesus Christ, to serve Him, to grow spiritually and seek daily to do his will. Gifts used in this ministry include teaching, serving, helping, evangelism, faith and encouragement.

United Methodist Women -- (Coming Soon) is an organization of approximately one million members whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders and advocate for justice. Members raise nearly $25 million each year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world. There are a number of circles at FUMC that meet at various times and any woman of the church is invited to participate. Spiritual gifts include encouragement, evangelism, faith, missions, helping/serving and discernment.

Usher Welcome and assist those attending worship for 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. worship services, collect offerings, and assist with communion.

Vacation Bible School Volunteer Vacation Bible School is a one-week morning experience that usually occurs the last week of June. Volunteers are needed to help plan, as teachers, to work with arts and crafts, recreational activities, music, decorating, play production and set construction.

Youth Sunday school Teacher Parents and other adults who lead or co-lead small group and large group experiences with Middle School and High School youth create a learning environment that fosters spiritual growth and friendships. Servants commit 2 hours weekly over the course of six months to one year, including class preparation, leading the class, and a leaders' gathering. All servants are screened due to the nature of the work. Spiritual gifts called for include teaching, encouragement, evangelism, knowledge, and faith. Using our gift with an outward focus by serving Outside First Methodist

Angel Tree Ministry Provides gifts for preschool scholarship children and their siblings plus other selected groups of children. This ministry also provides Christmas cards to the local correctional facility and youth and adults and the women's correctional center. Gifts include encouragement, administration, helping, serving, and evangelism.

Bread and Blessings Those who are called to service at Bread and Blessings engage in fellowship with the homeless and working poor while providing a nourishing meal. Meals may be cooked at church or prepared in advance. Gifts include hospitality, encouragement, helping/serving.

Grant Proposal Writer Help write grants for Outreach Ministries.

Christian Care Center The Center provides food to the working poor on Gifts include encouragement, hospitality, administration, helping/serving, and evangelism.

Mission Teams First Methodist offers opportunities for adult and youth volunteers to participate on mission trips in the United States and abroad. Recent trips have included Liberty and Belize. Service includes gifts of missions, evangelism, teaching, encouragement, faith, and helping/serving.

Special Events Planning Team Help plan and organize large events such as mission events, and other Outreach related activities.

Special Projects Helper Missions are successful through those who are called to organize special projects for the trips related to mission trips. Projects may include helping to collect supplies needed for the trip, arranging prayer partners for team members, packing donations, organizing writing campaigns for cards and notes for trip participants, and others. Assistance for similar local projects is also crucial. Service includes gifts of evangelism, faith, and helping/serving.

Wesley Foundation This on-campus United Methodist community is designed to meet the spiritual needs of students attending area colleges. Assist by preparing a Tuesday Lunch to serve to students and participate in fellowship with them. Service includes gifts of missions, hospitality, evangelism, faith, teaching and helping/serving.

Spiritual Gift Seminars will begin in the Spring of 2010

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