Ministry Opportunities at First United Methodist Church We serve God and His people in many ways at our church. Below are short descriptions of volunteer opportunities.  If you would like more information about any of these activities, you may send for information online.  You will be contacted by someone who can answer your questions.  For more information: click here. You may also call Laura Hemenway at the church: 352-8604.
Usher- Handing out bulletins and collecting the offering - being helpful, courteous and welcoming is the priority.  Ushers needed for regular rotation for all 4 worship services.	Greeter- Welcoming people to our worship services, helping them find their way around our church with a warm and friendly smile. Greeters needed for regular rotation for all 4 services.
PowerPoint Tech- All four of our church services rely heavily on powerpoint technology.  Volunteers are used to run the powerpoint show at each service.  Help is also needed occasionally for funerals and weddings.  We will give you training.	Sound Tech- Volunteers are used to manage the sound at all of our services.  Experience in technology is helpful but not necessary.  Also, occasional help is needed for funerals, weddings, UMW events etc.  We will give you training.
Nursery Helper- Julie Walton needs assistance caring for our little ones 2 and under in the nursery every Sunday.  Get on a rotation and help once every 3 to 6 weeks. There are 3 shifts on Sunday mornings 8:30 (1 hr), 9:30 (1 hr), 10:30 (1 1/2 hrs)	Faith Chest Carpenter- Every time a baby gets baptized, we give the baby a Christian book for kids, a blanket, and a homemade chest with the baby's name and date of baptism wood-burned onto the front.  Volunteers build the chests and are reimbursed for the cost of the materials.
Sonshine Squad- Send out cards and visit the ill and shut-ins from our church family.  Often make and deliver homemade  craft, card and/or cookies.  Led by Lorene Cavigielli.	Carpenters for Christ- carpenters, painters and handy-folks who do projects for those who need assistance (painting houses, storm windows, clean eaves troughs, electrical & plumbing needs etc...) Led by Jeff Hemenway.
Flower Delivery- each Sunday a volunteer delivers the altar flowers to 2-3 shut-ins or those who need special cheer.  Led by Lois Polfus	Communion Steward- Get on a list to be called to help serve communion several times a year during worship.
UMW- United Methodist Women- support missions nationally and internationally as well as working hard within the church.  UMW circles (small groups) meet monthly for fellowship and study.  Julie Walton is the UMW president.	Men's Breakfast- The men of our church meet weekly for breakfast on Saturday morning.  An excerpt from books often by Max Lucado is read and a small donation given weekly to support a child from another country.
Quilting- Work on quilts to be donated to the Ingathering for World Hunger or raise money for charity.  Muriel Simmons is knowledgeable about this activity.	Mission Market- bring baked goods, hand-made crafts or garden produce to the Mission Market on Sunday mornings.  Money raised will be donated to missions.  Led by Missions Team.
Ingathering- Methodist churches all over the state donate quilts and home-made silent auction items to the Ingathering for World Hunger held in Mitchell during the month of Sept.	Mission Team Member- Meet monthly to help plan fundraisers that support mission work - locally, in our state, country and worldwide.  Help plan and work on mission trips.   Bob Peskey leads this team.
Discipleship Team Member- Meet monthly to promote spiritual growth in our church by helping to plan educational opportunities for adults, families and kids.  Laura Hemenway leads this Team.	Fellowship Team Member- Meet monthly to promote and plan opportunities for our church family to get together in a variety of social events.  Jill Meyer leads this Team.
Adult Teachers- Do you enjoy leading discussions among adults- or are you skilled in a topic of interest to adults- such as parenting, money, dealing with stress, etc?  Consider leading a class or small group for adults.	Milestone Ministry Team Member- The Milestone Ministry makes stoles that mark kids' journey of faith from birth through graduation.  Each child has their name on a stole, and when they celebrate milestones like baptism, communion, confirmation, receive a Bible, etc., a representation in felt of the event and the date is added to their stole. Tasks: Help cut out felt pieces, glue them to stoles, and make prayer pillows for 3 yr. olds - 5th graders.
Wednesday Nite Alive Supper Crew- Join a rotation of workers to help prepare and serve the Wednesday night meal once a month during the school year. Workers needed from 3:30 or 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  Christian Ed. organizes this crew.	Chair Crew- Help our church by setting up and taking down chairs and tables for various events.  Set up and take down is often done during the day on a weekday.  Nancy Tofflemire organizes this crew of volunteers.
Chancel Choir - An adult choir of about 30 members that sings during the 11:00 Family Worship Hour from September - May.  No audition is necessary.  The choir rehearses each Wednesday at 5:15pm.	Chancel Bell Choir -  A hand bell ensemble of about 8-12 ringers.  The choir plays 4-6 times a year for the worship services.  Rehearsals are Wednesday night at 7:00pm.  Basic music reading skills are helpful.  No audition is required.
"Firm Foundation" Praise Team - This contemporary group leads worship for the 11:00 Rock service held in the gym.  Because of the rehearsal commitment and leadership qualities needed in the group, an audition is required.  Contact Laura Petersen for audition information.	Landscaping Crew:  Plants shrubs and trees as needed.  Weeding always welcome.  Helps maintain our outdoor space.  Donna Steele is chair.