SPIRITUAL GIFTS

At First Presbyterian Church (FPC), we are committed to helping our members grow spiritually. One way we do this is by helping them discover their spiritual gifts and find God's calling for their life.

Spiritual gifts are unique endowments from the Holy Spirit. They are Proclamation, Servanthood, Teaching the Faith, Encouragement, Generosity, Nurturing Leadership, Mercy, Wisdom, Knowing, Faith, Healings, Miracles, Discernment, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Apostleship, Helping, Visionary and Managing Leadership, Evangelism, and Shepherding. The Scriptures tell us that every Christian has been given at least one of these and that it is to be used to help others.

Since February 2001, a Spiritual Gifts Course has been conducted periodically at FPC. During the course, participants learn which spiritual gifts they have received from the Holy Spirit and begin discovering what God is calling them to do.

A follow-on course has been developed and taught at FPC since November 2003. SG 2 provides an opportunity for thought and discussion about how we may use our gifts to build up the body of Christ.

What is the Spiritual Gifts ministry?

Following the courses, participants work with the Spiritual Gifts Coordinator to determine how best to put their gifts to practical use in the church and in the community. Some people are matched with existing positions. Others feel called to start a new ministry and are encouraged and enabled to implement their ideas. The emphasis in all cases is on placing people in areas in which they are gifted and to which they feel called to serve. After they are placed in ministries, they are assisted by the Spiritual Gifts Advisor, who ensures that they are nurtured and given the support they need.

What happens when people use their spiritual gifts? They find meaning and purpose in what they do, and they don't suffer from the burnout which occurs when they're involved in activities which do not utilize their gifts. Since they are gifted for their work, they achieve positive results and, afterward, feel good about what they've done. When people use their gifts, the church benefits as well. The church is Christ's body. Just as a human body functions most effectively when all its "members" are working together, so the church needs each Christian to use his or her gifts. The combined use of the different gifts results in eager and fulfilled members using their gifts in relevant, meaningful ministries for the good of the church and the community.

All are welcome to participate in the Spiritual Gifts Ministry, whether or not they have taken the course. The Coordinator is happy to work with anyone to determine how best to use his or her known talents and skills in service to others.

Ministries:

Some of the current ministries of First Presbyterian Church are described below:

BUILDING AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

Our church is a 90 year old landmark in Bozeman's historic district. As with many old things, tender, loving care can extend its life indefinitely. Those skilled in building maintenance or willing to help with snow removal and landscaping contribute their talents to this ministry.

CARING CARDS

Our church family cares, whatever the circumstance: illness, grief, special achievements. Joys are celebrated and sorrows are shared with an appropriate card and message, sent by a member of this team.

CHURCH DECORATIONS

The liturgical seasons of Christmas and Easter are reflected in the sanctuary and adjoining areas, thanks to the creative talents of this team. Members also add their artistry to the Fellowship Hall, in decorating for special occasions.

CHURCH SCHOOL

Christian faith grows through attendance in Sunday School classes and adult education. Teachers and helpers provide a nurturing environment, spread the Word, and instill good values in our children and our youth. Those who prefer working with older pupils conduct classes for adults.

COMMUNION GUILD

Faith is sanctified in Communion. Members of the Communion Guild prepare the sacramental trays on Saturday or set up the Communion table before and clean up after Sunday services.

CRISIS MEALS

Faith sustains us during difficult times, but so does home cooking and caring concern. Members of this team are alerted to illnesses, hospitalizations, and other crises in the congregation. They respond by preparing and delivering meals to the families.

DEACONS' SUPPORT

The Deacons can't do it alone. Members of the congregation assist with visiting and delivering sermon tapes to shut-ins, baking cookies for funeral receptions and fellowship coffee, and assisting during receptions and the Seder Dinner.

FELLOWSHIP MEALS

The seasons and liturgical events prompt these opportunities for community-building and fellowship. Team members help organize, arrange for publicity and any entertainment, plan and arrange for food if the event is not a potluck, prepare beverages,  serve food, and clean up afterward.

GREETING

New people entering our sanctuary are met with a smile and a warm welcome by the friendly and outgoing members of this hospitality ministry.

HOSPITAL VISITING

Careful listeners provide compassionate encouragement, prayer, and confidential sharing of burdens to hospitalized Presbyterians. Team members augment pastoral visits and are trained by hospital chaplains. Visits serve as reminders of the congregation's care and concern to FPC members and of Christ's love to those who are not members.

MISSION WORK

Opportunities for mission work abound. Deacons provide shoes and clothing for local area children. Hundreds of gift-filled boxes are sent every year to needy children as part of Operation Christmas Child. FPC members serve on the United Methodist Presbyterian Campus Ministry Board at MSU, work with Habitat for Humanity and Love INC, and devote many hours of service to numerous other local charitable organizations. They also assist the youth of the church with local, national, and international mission work.

MUSIC

Our church is known for music,  due to the sanctuary's wonderful pipe organ, which dates from 1910, the superb acoustics, and our many talented musicians. In addition to the adult, youth, and children's choirs, hand bell choirs plus instrumental solos and ensembles provide ways for the gifted to glorify God through music.

NEW MEMBER SUPPORT

Seasoned members help with Inquirers' Classes for those interested in joining First Presbyterian Church. They also serve as hosts for new members, helping them feel welcome, form friendships with other members, and become involved in church programs and congregational activities.

NURSERY AND CHILDREN SUPPORT

Volunteers provide a safe and comfortable environment for infants while parents attend services. Others provide diversionary paper games and coloring materials in packets for children during worship, essential to quality time in church for both children and adults.

OFFICE HELP

The nerve center for FPC is the church office. Volunteers assist with copying, proofreading, and preparing newsletters for mailing. Others pinch hit for the church secretary as needed and serve as  receptionists on Sunday mornings.

PRAYER CHAIN

Members of the prayer chain pray daily for healing, comfort, consolation, or other assistance as requested for congregational members and their families and friends.

ROCKHAVEN

This retreat in the lower Gallatin Canyon is unique in its beauty and rustic facilities, which include a chapel, meeting building with kitchen, and dormitories. Volunteers maintain the buildings and property and plan year-round programs and activities utilizing this special place.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS MINISTRY

Spiritual Gifts Team members assist with the spiritual gifts classes as course organizers, teachers, class assistants, or providers of snacks. Others assist the Spiritual Gifts Coordinator and Advisor with finding those who wish to take the course or be placed in a ministry. They also help with publicizing the program and mentoring those who have been placed.

TRANSPORTATION

Friendly and dependable church members provide rides to appointments and church events for those in need of transportation.

USHERING

Ushers help establish an atmosphere conducive to worship. They welcome worshipers, distribute bulletins, help those with special needs, receive the offering, and tidy up the sanctuary after the service.

WORSHIP SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

Congregational lay leaders enhance worship services through their participation as Liturgical Readers, Minute for Mission Speakers, and Children's Time Teachers.

For more information, email Spiritual Gifts Coordinator Jane Hodges  or call her at 586-6338 or the church office at 586-9194.