The Maple Spring Church is comprised of many Commissions who maintain and lead church activities throughout the year. Commission members serve a five year term of office and meet four times a year or more for any additional meetings when required . The members are also expected to attend Church Board and Council meetings along with supporting church doctrine and the church by-laws.
Trustee Commission
The Trustee Commission is a very hands on Commission. They hold the title to all church property as well as maintain and provide all improvements to the building and other structures of the church. The Commission recommends and directs all expansion programs. They arrange regular upkeep of the church, such as snow plowing the parking lot, garbage removal, set up tables and chairs in the Fellowship Hall, winterize and clean up the church grove, and supervise the church custodian.
Music and Worship Commission
The Music and Worship Commission presides over the church sanctuary and plans with pastor the most effective worship service. They acquire acolytes and supervise and schedule ushers as well as appoint the choir director, pianist, and organist. The Commission also arranges regular and special music for church services. They decorate the church sanctuary for each season and holiday.
Finance Commission
The duties of the Finance Commission are to make a careful survey of the activities and obligations of the Church in cooperation with other Commissions by estimating the probable expenses for the coming year (and beyond) and to present an annual itemized budget to the Board of Administration for consideration and approval at the October Church Council Meeting. Upon approval by Council, the commission is responsible to provide the means for meeting those obligations as needed. Therefore, the Commission is responsible for keeping accurate and complete financial documentation that appointed auditors annually inspect and report their findings to the Finance Commission, Board and Council.
The Finance Commission is responsible for appointing a Church Treasurer and Financial Secretary and assisting their needs. It is through these appointed Ex-officio members and this Commission that all financial demands shall be made and payments be authorized. This Commission also has the general responsibility for educating the congregation in matters of Christian Stewardship by encouraging tithing and member participation in the financial programs of the Church.
Christian Education Commission
The Christian Education Commission meets quarterly. The commission picks Sunday School curriculum for the Tiny Tots grades through Junior High. They appoint a Librarian and Nursery Director. All teachers and assistants have criminal background clearances from the state. The Sunday School Superintendent greets members at the entrance every Sunday and will help direct new persons to the correct classrooms.
This year, the Commission have a staffed nursery available, a class for Tiny Tots (3 & 4 year old) and a class for Kindergarten and First grade. Also, a Second grade class, 3, 4, and 5 grade class, a Junior high class for 6, 7, 8 graders and also a Senior High Youth Class. There are six adult Sunday School classes and each class chooses their own curriculum.
Deacon Commission
The Deacon Commission is charged with the physical arrangements and supplies necessary for the rites of Baptism, Feet washing, Love Feast and Communion. The Deacons may assist the Pastor in the anointing service. The Commission plans for and engages in regular visitation with members of the congregation, especially the sick and shut-ins.
Those chosen as Deacons should be faithful and loyal to the doctrines, principles, and practices of the Church of the Brethren, and spiritually minded with wisdom and judgement in the work of the church. Deacons are called to the office by an open ballot, a majority vote is required.
Mission and Service Commission
The Mission and Service Commission selects and supports home and foreign mission and service work. Those serving on the Commission conduct fundraising campaigns for various organizations including the Blanket Fund and Heifer International. They distribute devotionals to those who are home bound, students and other church members who live away. The Commission members also administer Helping Hands Funds and Maple Spring Disaster Funds in response to disasters in local and other areas in cooperation with the District and Brotherhood through a Disaster Coordinator. They designate charitable tithing in the yearly budget and support relief efforts through New Windsor by providing Health and School kits. For more information on charities receiving support from Maple Spring, please call us at 814-479-7062.
Ministry and Evangelism Commission
The Ministry and Evangelism Commission supervise the pastoral program and develop a year round program of evangelism. This includes services to welcome new members and to revitalize inactive members. The members of the Commission serve as the pastors counselors and annually review terms of the pastors contract. They hire and supervise the church secretary and youth and young adult coordinator. The Commission also arranges for guest speakers and promotes an annual revival service. These members also must continually promote a healthy pastoral-congregational relationship and seek to adjust any differences in the pastoral-congregational relationship.
Youth Ministry
The Maple Spring Church of the Brethren youth group exists to provide biblical teaching on the person and work of Jesus Christ on a weekly basis, to offer encouragement in building a real relationship with Jesus daily, and to develop the foundation of fellowship within the body of Christ in the lives of 6th-12th grade students.
Sunday school is provided in the Youth Room. We use our Sunday school hour as a time to teach students the truth of God’s Word (the Bible), taking each Biblical event and digging deeper for the application in our current society.
Our Wednesday night Youth Program exists to teach and discuss the basics of following Jesus Christ on a day-to-day basis and what it looks like to be a Christian in classrooms, hallways, sports fields, and homes. Being a Christian begins with understanding who Jesus Christ is, so that is our starting point. We encourage students to be bold in their belief and spread the Gospel.
Other Activities
*Periodically, the youth at Maple Spring host a fellowship meal for the entire church immediately following the morning worship. This meal serves two purposes: First, it provides and opportunity to grow and develop relationships for church members and visitors as they eat and talk together. These meals also give the youth the opportunity to serve the church body by setting up tables, refilling drinks, and cleaning up at the conclusion of the meal.
*We also participate in activities that help strengthen friendship and fellowship among the youth. These include bowling, lock-ins, sled riding, movie nights, hayrides, bon fires, video game extravaganzas, conferences (Acquire the Fire, National Youth Conference) and more!
Sisters in Christ Women’s Ministry
The Sisters in Christ Women’s Ministry is a fulfillment of a vision from God. In 2002 a core team of five women built the Women’s Ministry on a foundation grounded on God’s word. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken (Isaiah 28:16b). Our first event was held September 11, 2003. Today the ministry continues to grow as our Butterfly Prayer Ministry is being formed under our licensed minister Linda Beachley.
Sisters in Christ Women’s Ministry is a Christ centered support group, where women meet for prayer, praise, encouragement, fellowship and worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We offer hands to hold, shoulders to cry on, and knees to join you in prayer. Most importantly, to study God’s word, to help each other cope with the problems and trials of this world. Our speakers are Christian women speaking on spiritual topics.
Sisters in Christ Women’s Ministry reaches out to the community and surrounding areas. They provide a Sunday school class each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for women of all ages to grow and disciple one another. Bible studies start in January of each year. Come and learn to know our Savior, Jesus Christ, on a more personal level than ever before.
All women are welcome to attend our events and programs. As the Bible says Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. Come and enjoy our fellowship with the Lord!