The Organizational Structure of East Congregational Church

East Church front doors

East Congregational Church belongs to the United Church of Christ denomination. Although we embrace the policies of and participate in many of the programs and initiatives of the UCC, as a church community we are largely self-governed. It takes many committed individuals and many committees to keep East Church functioning. Following is a list of the Standing Committees at East Church with brief summaries of each committee’s scope and mission.


Church Council:

This is the group that oversees the business of the church. The East Church Council is the executive and policy-making body of the church and is entrusted with promoting the Vision of the Church.

The East Church Council consists of all officers, paid staff and committee chairpersons of the church (however, anyone is welcome to attend). The meetings, which are run by the Moderator, are held once a month from September to June for the purpose of doing the business of the church. The church council must first approve any proposal that comes to a special church meeting. Some of what we do includes:

The Officers of East Church are described at the bottom of this page. The individual committees that make up the over-arching Church Council are listed and described below.

Deacons

The Deacons support the Pastor in nurturing the spiritual life of the congregation through worship, sacrament and pastoral care. They review and discuss all aspects of worship, prepare and serve communion, visit the sick and at-home members and generally tend to the welfare of the congregation. Meet monthly.

Christian Education Committee

This committee oversees the church school, youth groups and adult education. It also organizes intergenerational events such as the Birthday Bash and the picnic. Meets monthly.

Benevolence and Social Action

This group distributes benevolence money to different missions, and supports the outreach of the church. Meets as needed.

Finance And Budget Committees

These two committees are responsible for all church financial matters from weekly collection to investments. Members work with financial officers of the church. Meet as needed.

Church Growth And Development

This committee seeks to attract, welcome and assimilate new members and friends. It organizes events to strengthen the relationships in the church such as the Pastor’s Open House and the Progressive Supper. Meets monthly.

Hospitality

The Hospitality committee organizes volunteers and serves Coffee Hour weekly.

Music Committee

This group works with the organist/choir director to enhance the musical programs and ministries of the church. Meets 2 or 3 times a year.

Property

This committee is responsible for maintaining the physical plant of the church.

Stewardship

The Stewardship committee organizes the annual pledge drive in the spring. (Lest that sound like a rather narrow and dry reason for a committee to exist, please read the page on Stewardship that goes into detail about the broad definition East Church applies to Stewardship. It’s not just about money!)

Small Group Ministries

These groups are often offshoots of standing committees and they provide places for individuals to deepen their faith and use their gifts in service to the church. Some of these small groups are detailed on the “Growing in the Spirit“ page on this website.

The Women’s Society

This is a long standing women’s group that seeks to create opportunities for informational and spiritual fellowship among the women of the church. Meets monthly from October to May.

Officers Of The Church:

Church Moderator

Head of the Church Council

Comptroller and Treasurer

Manage the finances and budget of the church and maintain the computer system.

Clerk

Keeps the records of the church and minutes of the Church Council.

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