Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers and Lay Leaders at First†Met
In a positive Volunteer experience there is giving and receiving in the very best sense. When volunteers share their gifts with us, they can expect to give and receive the following:
What will you receive?
- The satisfaction of knowing that you have made an important contribution to the life of the church community and to everyone who participates in its programs.
- A choice of a suitable assignment with consideration for personal preference, life experience, skills and interests.
- Supervision and direction so that you know why the task is being done and that your work is effective through sound feedback, guidance and support.
- Being heard and treated as an equal partner: to have a part in the planning; to feel free to make suggestions; to have a respect shown for an honest opinion; to have the opportunity to make a difference.
- Recognition through on-going expressions of appreciation and formal training when feasible.
- A variety of volunteer experiences and assignments
What do we expect you to give?
- To be sincere in your offer of service: know that you really want to give your time, that you believe in and value what you are doing; accept only as much responsibility as you are willing and able to deal with.
- To be willing to learn: know all you can about your job and participate in training; and welcome supervision.
- To be dependable: do what you have agreed to do; make promises you can keep; notify your staff partner as soon as possible, when it is impossible to fulfill your commitment.
- To be a team player: be considerate, respect others’ contributions; ask about things you don’t understand, get the answers you need; to be persistent, and not easily discouraged; provide feedback, suggestions and recommendations to your staff partner and other volunteers.
- To understand the functions of the staff: work with your staff person and maintain a smooth functioning relationship.
- To follow the guidelines – the policies and procedures – as established by our Church Governance.
The fellowship hour that follows Sunday services is an important ministry that welcomes newcomers and visitors and provides a social time for all members of our congregation. We are looking for someone to help on the committee with the goal of assuming responsibility for chairing the committee in the future. The chair oversees the running of the Sunday morning coffee hour and some of the other hospitality functions that occur at the church. A friendly personality and willingness to engage in conversation are important . Organizational ability and FoodSafe training would be an asset. For more information:
Volunteer Leadership: Putting Your Faith into Action!
Helen MacKay, sound technician, Inner City dinner greeter and more!
When have you said “yes” and were glad you did? Few things delight the heart of God more than when we respond to the Spirit’s promptings by saying (and living) “yes” in ways which make a positive difference in the world and in our own lives.
First Metropolitan is committed to discerning, nurturing and celebrating the gifts of lay people. We want our volunteers to be engaged in ministry which is:
- meaningful
- manageable
- well-suited to their gifts and temperament and
- life-giving to both volunteers and those who benefit from their participation
In the process, self-awareness grows, faith is deepened, lasting friendships are forged, and the moving of Spirit is acknowledged and celebrated.
“As all Christians are followers of Jesus,
So each Christian is called to ministry…
Gifts are diverse
Ministries take various forms
All are essential to the work of the church.“
(from Faith Talk II – A draft statement of faith from the United Church of Canada)
See Also:
As planning moves forward for the 2012 Epiphany Explorations conference there are two coordinating positions that remain to be filled – billeting coordinator and special needs coordinator. If you are interested in volunteering for either position and would like more information, please contact Allan Saunders or Arlene Galloway Ford (250-384-5403 or e-mail: make@shaw.ca). We would like to fill these positions by the end of September so appreciate your considering these now.
Billeting Coordinator
Identifies those willing to provide billets and coordinates linking these with those who indicate on their registration form for the conference that they would like to be billeted. Those who take in billets provide housing, breakfast, and travel (if possible and required) to and from the church for some or all of the days of the conference. The maximum spaces for billets is limited to 25.
Special Needs Coordinator
Collects information from the Registrar about conference participants with special needs such as mobility, hearing or vision impairment and works with the Health and Wellness Coordinator, Sound and Light Technical Coordinators and Hosting Coordinator and volunteers to provide available support to these participants.
Volunteers at the conference
Are you interested in meeting the people who attend our event? We have many opportunities for volunteers. Consider being a billeting host, a host at one of the main sessions, assisting with hospitality or baking, driving our presenters, etc. Contact us for more information in November/December.
Are you looking for a new musical adventure? Consider joining the Sanctuary choir for the upcoming season and become part of the ministry of music at First Met. We encourage those who have a reasonable voice and some music reading skills to come and join us. You will be part of a warm fellowship of music lovers.
We are also looking for students to participate in our bursary program. If you know of a university age person that would qualify, please be in touch with Fran Pollet, our Minister of Music.
