Fellowship

from 2019 Annual Review

Congregational Care Highlight

Mission: To recognize the importance of being together as the Body of Christ. To provide intergenerational opportunities for Eastminster members and friends to gather for fellowship, food and fun. The Fellowship Committee serves as the umbrella committee for: P.E.P., EPW, the Kitchen Ministry, the Decorating Team, the Sportsmen’s Banquet, the Advent Retreat, and other church-wide opportunities.

Accomplishments in 2019:

• Fellowship facilitated the recruitment, training and scheduling of volunteer greeters who assisted members as they arrived for their print directory photo appointments with Lifetouch. • The 2019 EPC Print Directory was completed and made available to members. • The Decorating Committee Request Form was placed on the church’s website to make it easily accessible to members seeking assistance with decorating and food service for church events and to ensure that there is adequate time to plan for each event. • This year’s Advent Retreat in Black Mountain, NC, featured EPC members and staff sharing their personal stories of faith. Over 47 adults & 34 children gathered at Blue Ridge Assembly for an inspiring weekend of spiritual enrichment and fellowship. • PEP@EPC had a good year with entertaining and instructive lunch programs plus a couple of fun field trips. Efforts were continued to encourage more people to take advantage of PEP events. • In 2019, the Presbyterian Women created a scholarship policy for the development of women which was approved by the Session, as well as had new people come to events sponsored by EPW. • Supper Six continued to attract good participation with several groups meeting during the summer and into the fall. • EPC’s 2nd Adult Vacation Bible School: Becoming an Apostle, Journeys with Paul, a joint Fellowship and

NED event, was a great success with more than 100 in attendance all three nights.

Goals for 2020:

• Continue to provide opportunities for church wide fellowship through congregational meals and celebration of special events in the life of the Eastminster family. New options being considered for fellowship different nationality nights, a chili cook-off and themed Wednesday night meals • Plan and support the Advent Retreat to help the Eastminster congregation prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus • Assist with the Eastminster Courtyard Easter Celebration and the Eastminster Adult Vacation Bible

School next summer with NED • Continue to support and provide workers for the Kitchen and Decorations Teams including members who respond to the Time and Talent List, and new members looking for ways to serve. Continue work to improve the request process for groups who would like assistance with decorating and food for church events and determine guidelines for who may request decorating services. • Encourage the use of the new online member directory from Lifetouch which will be updated regularly and is easily accessible through a link on the church’s website. • Continue to financially support PEP’s monthly lunch programs and trips off campus. Efforts are continuing to find new officers and Planning Team members. • In 2020 the Presbyterian Women will educate the general congregation about EPW and continue to invite women to all of the EPW sponsored events and studies. • Financially support and decorate for the Sportsmen’s Banquet