Our Committees

Find out what we do at Bethel and the many teams of volunteers that make it all happen!

The mission of Bethel UCC is lived out through our different committees and subcommittees, made up of volunteers who who believe “church” is a verb. If you are interested in learning more about a specific committee and how to get involved, please contact our office at office@bethelbeaverton.org.

THE CHURCH BOARD:

The Church Board is the governing body of the congregation, and has ultimate responsibility, after the Congregation, for leadership of the Church. Its members include the Moderator, who leads the group, as well as six others elected by the congregation. The pastor, clerk, treasurer and financial administrator all assist the Board with its responsibilities. The Board also works with several Sub-Committees.

RESpond to Racism (Board Subcommittee)

Bethel UCC established a Respond to Racism (R2R) committee January 2021. A series of violence against people of color that occurred in the summer of 2020 (precipitated by the murder of George Floyd) demanded that we take action to confront systemic racism. This committee helps educate our community and works to progress us towards a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion is nurtured and celebrated.

Communications Committee (Board Subcommittee)

This team brings new people through the door and serves the congregation by sharing Bethel’s identity, mission and messages through our website, social media, signage, and ads. We achieve high search placement, make special videos, post process worship videos, contribute to worship streaming technology and help other committees deliver their messages.

Growth Committee (Board Subcommittee)

Our Growth Committee focuses on providing a welcoming environment for newcomers. This team maintains our ‘Connect Table’, provides tours of the church and history to new people, and additionally sponsors our ‘Young-ish Adults’ community group with events like Trivia Nights, Happy Hour get-togethers, and other themed programs. We also contribute to church participation in the community like Pride Beaverton.

Investment Committee (Board Subcommittee)

This committee is responsible for recommending investment strategies to the Board and managing church investments consistent with our socially responsible investing policy.

Personnel Committee (Board Subcommittee)

This committee is responsible for developing the pastor’s annual evaluation, assisting the pastor with annual evaluations of employees, carrying out the provisions of the dispute resolution procedures, and other tasks assigned to it by the Moderator. In addition, the committee advises the Board on application of the church’s Personnel Policies and suggests additions, amendment, deletions, etc. to the Board for its action. The committee also advises the Board, with counsel from the pastor, on the hiring, dismissal, and disciplinary action for all personnel except the pastor. It also assists the Board in its development and maintenance of the job descriptions for church employees.

Outreach Committee

Our Outreach Committee focuses on community service in our area and specifically targets food insecurity. This team organizes our Food Cupboard Ministry, which provides emergency groceries twice a week on Mondays from 11:30 am to 1 pm and Wednesdays from 6 - 7 pm. This committee also organizes volunteers to provide meals to Beaverton High School students experiencing homelessness during winter break and spring break. We also provide some food to the clients of the Beaverton Resource Center and we host and work with Faith Cafe to prepare and serve a hot meal on Sunday afternoons. Additionally, we work with Habitat for Humanity to create affordable housing in our community and we offer ESL classes in our education building.

Faith Development Committee

The core of faith development is relationships – growing connection with God, building healthy relationships with our
church family and each other, and engaging with our community.
Bethel’s Faith Development Committee seeks to be fully “intergenerational” – planning a variety of
different opportunities for all ages. We plan classes and activities for Children, Youth, and Adults on
Sunday mornings, as well as facilitate group activities that meet at various times throughout the year
including, but not limited to, Sunday school, book discussions, classes and bible studies, fundraising, and outings.

Facilities Committee

This group is responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of the Church building, grounds, furnishings, equipment, and art. They make recommendations to the Church Board on matters related to facilities use and budget, capital improvements, insurance, technical and aesthetic design. Committee members rotate the responsibility of opening and closing the church on Sundays.

Diaconate Committee

The Diaconate is responsible for worship, music, fellowship, and congregational care. The committee provides support to the Pastor on worship topics, schedules, and plans, directly and through the worship committee. Diaconate is responsible for scheduling worship-related volunteers and is engaged in the evangelism efforts of hospitality and advertising.

Nominating Committee

Members of the Nominations Committee identify and recruit potential volunteers to serve on the Bethel Board, committees and Board sub committees. A slate of Nominations for all ministry areas is then presented for election at the Bethel Annual Meeting each year.