Introduction to St. Luke’s Ministry and Mission

Altar Guild
The Altar Guild offers a pleasant and loving service to our Lord’s church in a variety of ways: caring for and changing the altar paraments and linens, the communion vessels, lovingly making baptismal napkins by hand, cleaning the robes for the Elders and Acolytes, caring for the United States and Christian flags, arranging flowers, and replacing bulbs in the candelabras. They meet on the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the church library. For additional information about the Altar Guild, contact Rachel Meissner (724) 352-4741. 

Handbell Choir
Handbell ringers meet in the church balcony on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. through the early part of June. We invite you to come and ring praises with us.  We follow the choir's schedule and take turns sharing our music at the various worship services, usually every other Sunday.  Dedication to attend rehearsals each week is really necessary for a joyous sound to praise our God and King.  A knowledge of music is helpful but not necessary.  Contact Judye Abernathy (724) 763-8487.

Orchestra and Ensembles
This is a new musical ministry.  People in Grades 7 through adults are invited to join us for Christmas or Easter. Ministry Leader: Ingrid Tallerico (724) 283-5598

Readers
This ministry provides the opportunity to serve during the worship services through the reading of the lessons. Those men interested in participating in this ministry opportunity should contact Judy O’Brokta in the church office (724) 352-2777.

Ushers
Through the ministry of our ushers, worshippers are served in a number of ways:  receiving bulletins, announcement sheets and other information; seating and communion assistance; and the gathering of their tithes, offerings, and record of fellowship. To volunteer to serve in this ministry area, contact Brian Bocian or (724) 822-3842.

(Open Ministry Catalog with Table of Contents)

Computer Team
This team helps lead the congregation in worship through the ‘on screen’ visuals. Using software ‘Sunday Prologue Plus,’ the computer operator works in the sound room to project song lyrics, sermon slides, digital movies, etc. during the service. Training is provided in running this user-friendly software. Prior to the service (9:00 – 10:30 a.m.), the operator runs through the service with the band.  Further training is available to those visually creative individuals who would like to put the service together using the Prologue Plus Software.  This is done during the week at your convenience and takes two to three hours.  For more information, please call Cheryl Prybock (724) 285-4725.

Drama Team
The Drama Team is made up of a group of people with a passion for communicating Christ’s love through the powerful medium of drama. Dramas are selected to reinforce the sermon topic for a service. This is a growing ministry with potential for impact. Volunteers can get involved in acting or in making sets and props. Participation can be on an occasional or regular basis. For more information, contact the church office or (724) 352-2777.

Set-Up Team
Members of the Set-Up Team meet on Saturday mornings each week to set up chairs, stages, altar and cross in the Activity Center for the New Life Worship services, and to pray for those who will attend the worship. All that is required for this team is a heart for service to our Lord in an effort to reach lost people and help His children draw close in worship of Him. Both men and women are welcome to join this vital team. If interested, please call Mike Fabrizzi at (724) 283-5560.

Tear-Down Team
This team provides the good stewardship of the equipment and furniture God has provided us for the New Life Worship. Each week at the close of the service, this team works together to carefully take down and store the chairs, stages, cross, altar, flags and decorations. Families can join this team and work together for one-half hour on scheduled weeks to serve the Lord as they serve others. Ministry Leader: David Neel at (724) 352-7085.

Tech Team
The Tech Team sets up the sound equipment each Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. for the New Life Worship. They mix sound and operate lights for the worship teams, the Pastors and the dramas. If you have an ear for sound/music, a heart for service, and a willingness to commit to a job done well for the Lord, you would enjoy this ministry. Responsible teens are welcome. Training is provided. For more information call Scott Emmel at (724) 283-3446.

Welcome Team
This ministry serves to welcome all who come through the doors of St. Luke in the name, the love and the warmth of Christ Jesus. This team seeks to make sure that no one feels like an ‘outsider,’ especially those who are new to St. Luke. The Welcome Team has three "sub-teams":

Greeters warmly welcome people as they enter the building and help direct them to the Activity Center, the Nursery, or Sunday School classes.

Ushers hand out bulletins to people as they enter the Activity Center, help people find seating and collect the offerings.

Information Table Hosts/Hostesses stand at the Information Table to warmly greet people and answer questions about St. Luke. If someone is in need of prayer, this team will take time to pray with them.

For more information about the Welcome Teams, contact Valerie Neel at (724) 352-7085.

Worship Teams
The New Life Worship Team consists of musicians and vocalists with a heart for reaching the lost and the unchurched with God’s message of salvation, and a desire to provide the believer with an opportunity to worship and praise our Lord.  Rehearsals are usually Tuesdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m.  Participants are in Grade 6 through adults.  If you have a gift for vocal or instrumental music and are interested in participating occasionally or on an ongoing basis, please contact Barb Snyder at (724) 352-2777 or Jason Turner (724) 477-0053 to make arrangements to sit in on a practice.

(Open Ministry Catalog with Table of Contents)

Saturday Evening, 6:00 p.m.: Divine Worship in the Sanctuary. One can sense a casual, relaxed atmosphere in the way people relate to each other. Holy Communion is celebrated on the second Saturday of each month.

Sunday Morning, 8:00 a.m.: Divine Worship in the Sanctuary. A blended service of traditional liturgy and music, along with newer hymns and responses. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month.

Sunday Morning, 10:30 a.m. Divine Worship in the Sanctuary. A blended service of traditional liturgy and music, along with newer hymns and responses. Holy Communion is celebrated on the third Sunday of each month.

Sunday Morning, 10:45 a.m.: New Life Worship in the Activity Center. Built on the solid ground of God’s Word and a contemporary style of worship, this service speaks to today’s needs in a relevant and heartfelt manner. Those who did not grow up in the church and those who prefer contemporary music will find New Life Worship a great place to be on Sunday mornings. Holy Communion is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of each month.

For more information about our four worship services, or to share your thoughts in regard to future planning, please e-mail the church office or call (724) 352-2777.

(Open Ministry Catalog with Table of Contents)

Fellowship

Fellowship Team
The Fellowship Team plans and organizes opportunities for our church and school families to gather three or four times a year for Christian fellowship and a sense of oneness. These Fellowship Gatherings will help people meet and get to know each other: for families in the school to meet and get to know families in the church, for people who regularly attend one worship service to meet and get to know people who regularly attend another service, and for newer members to meet and get to know seasoned members. For more information on how you can be involved, contact the church office (724)352-2777.

4x4 Fellowship Groups
The 4x4 Fellowship Groups provide an opportunity to get to know more people and develop relationships.  These are shorter term and lower commitment than the Small Groups.  An individual or family can sign up and be placed in a group with four other individuals or families.  This group makes a commitment to get together for fellowship once a month for four months, with each family taking a turn to organize one of the gatherings.  For more information about the 4x4’s, contact the church office at (724) 352-2777.

Junior High Ministry
ACDC (Awesomely Created Disciples of Christ) is the fellowship group for our 6-8^th grade youth.  ACDC generally meets twice a month:  the third Thursday of each month and a floating day - often a Sunday afternoon.  Our fun is centered on Jesus and friends are always welcome to join us! Watch the bulletin for more information. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Cyndi Alviani, our Director of Christian Education, at the church office:  724-352-2777 or  or contact our Junior Youth Counselors, Chris and Shannon Schroeder. 

Kids Club
The purpose of Kids Club is to introduce children in Kindergarten through Grade 5 to Jesus and to teach them God’s purpose for their lives.The children have a light dinner and then enjoy group activities such as Bible lessons, skits, crafts, songs and prayer. Kids Club meets from November through early March on Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  For more information about Kids Club, contact Mary Jean Montag at (724) 352-9235.

Senior High Ministry
Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”  This is the theme verse for our Senior High Youth Ministry for youth in grades 9-12.  Through weekly youth nights and other exciting activities, 12:2 is a place where youth can dare to be different from the influences of today’s society and where they can experience the transforming love of Christ.  Currently the “Transformers” of 12:2 meet every Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30 PM for fellowship, Bible Study, and prayer.  For more information, contact DCE Cyndi Alviani  (724) 352-2777.

Small Group Ministry
In a large, growing church in the midst of a lonely world, people gathering together in Small Groups is one of the most effective ways of accomplishing our purpose of Making and Maturing Disciples for Ministry and Mission.  A Christian Small Group is a gathering of three to 12 people on a regular time schedule in order to develop meaningful and lasting relationships and to grow in the abundant life in Christ.

The Burning Bush
The Burning Bush is a new fellowship and outreach ministry for teens ages 13-19.  The Burning Bush is open every Saturday night from 7-9 PM in the Old School House and is an open house night where youth are free to drop in.  Teens are welcome to just hang out and listen to music or play a game of pool, foosball, air hockey or Wii.   Youth can grab a cup of coffee and/or munch on the snack items available for sale.   The environment while Christ-centered is comfortable and non-threatening enough for youth to bring even their un-churched friends as a first exposure to St. Luke.  Contact youth director Cyndi Alviani  (724) 352-2777.

Volleyball
Co-ed volleyball for teens and adults meets in the Activity Center on Monday evenings at 6:30 for Christian fellowship, exercise, and fun.  Contact Jason Turner at (724) 477-0053 for information.

Women’s Ministry
Women nurturing women by providing support, service, and encouragement through prayer, fellowship, Bible study, and the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Women’s Ministry sponsors Share-A-Meal which provides support, fellowship and meals to families who have just had a baby.  Throughout the year various opportunities arise for women to help and serve on various committees such as the Cradle Roll Party, the Women’s Retreat, Come to the Quiet, Christmas Gatherings and much more.

The Women’s Ministry Task Force would like to invite any women of St. Luke to join in the planning of events for this ministry.  To learn more about this ministry, please contact Brenda Fett at (724) 352-2777.

(Open Ministry Catalog with Table of Contents)

Discipleship

Christian Day School
St. Luke Lutheran School offers a Christian education to as many children as possible, pre-schoolers through the eighth grade. It is the school’s goal to assist the parents in providing Christian training and nurturing, so that our students will be equipped to lead a life of service to the Lord. There are many opportunities to serve as a volunteer in the school: in the office, the classroom, the library, or a number of other ways. For more information about St. Luke School, contact the Principal, Mr. Mark Wilt, at (724) 352-2221.

Confirmation Classes
Catechism classes provide instruction of basic principles of the church for young adults who desire to become communicant members.  Classes are held on Thursday evenings from September through April.  The sixth grade class meets from 5:30-6:30, and the seventh and eighth graders meet from 5:30-7:00 p.m.  For more information about confirmation classes, contact Cyndi Alviani, Director of Christian Education at (724) 352-2777.

Confirmation Mentoring
A Mentoring Ministry is provided for students in the seventh and eighth grade confirmation classes. An adult is paired with a confirmand to offer spiritual guidance in their journey. For more information contact Mary Jean Montag, (724) 352-9235.

Discipleship Series
"Growing in Discipleship" is a four-level series designed to portray St. Luke’s mission of "Making and Maturing Disciples for Ministry and Mission." Every member of St. Luke and those who desire to know more about our beliefs and our vision are encouraged to take part in all four levels. More than a class, "Growing in Discipleship" is a journey of transforming our lives to the likeness of Christ. We believe you will discover there is a difference between being a member and being a disciple, between knowing Christ and being committed to Christ, between practicing a solitary faith and belonging in the "community of faith" with other devoted Christians.

Discipleship 101: Discovering Membership in Christ’s Body
Knowing Christ both in a personal relationship and in His community of faith.

Discipleship 201: Discovering Spiritual Maturity
Growing in Christ and striving for spiritual maturity.

Discipleship 301: Discovering My Ministry
Serving Christ by discovering and developing spiritual gifts for a personal ministry to others.

Discipleship 401: Discovering My Life Ministry
Sharing Christ with others through a personal life mission.

Discipleship Classes are generally held on Sunday mornings during the Adult Bible Study hour from 9:30-10:30. At times they are also scheduled in the evening. For more information about the Discipleship Series, contact the church office (724) 352-2777.

Parish Board
The Parish Board of Education is responsible for overseeing the educational mission of the church. Education spreads far and wide across St. Luke Lutheran Church and School and the job of the board is to assist in the functionality of the education system as well as assist in developing visions and planning for the educational ministries aligned under The Parish Board.  Ministries that Parish Board supports include Sunday School, Adult Education, Youth Group, Kids Club, and St. Luke Lutheran School.  The Board is comprised of 6 elected seats serving a term of three years. For more information about The Parish Board of Education, contact Karen Bartos at (724) 352-0676.

SHAPE Ministry Guides (Spiritual Gifts)
Ministry Guides help people discover their SHAPE for ministry (Spiritual Gifts, Heart’s Passion, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences).  The Ministry Guides meet one-on-one with individuals who have participated in Discipleship 301: Discovering My SHAPE for Ministry.

Through their conversations, the Ministry Guide helps to steer them in the direction of a meaningful ministry. The Ministry Guide later follows up to see where the process has led. People interested in becoming a Ministry Guide should first participate in the 301 Discipleship course.   Training is provided through the SHAPE Interviewer Training Course or through a mentoring relationship with the Director of Discipleship.  For more information, contact the church office at (724) 352-2777.

Stewardship
The Board of Stewardship is dedicated to helping everyone grow spiritually by educating them in the proper stewardship of all the blessings God has given them.  The stewardship emphasis is not only on financial blessings, but includes the blessings of time, talents and skills, and all other material treasures as well.  To be able to give some of these gifts back to God, and share them with others, is a blessing in itself.  For more information about our Board of Stewardship, contact Lynn Capestrani at (724) 285-5948.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Studies
St. Luke invites you to be in the study of God’s Word each Sunday morning from 9:30-10:30. Throughout each session of Sunday Morning Bible Studies, the goal is to make available selections from the following areas:

1. Bible - Studies examine particular books of the Bible or topical studies and discussions on people, history, or events in the Bible.

2. Doctrine - Studies that examine Lutheran doctrine (teachings) and early church history.

3. Family Issues and Concerns - Studies geared toward parenting, grandparenting, and topical issues within the home.

4. Spiritual Growth - As part of our purpose to grow as mature disciples, these studies are focused on assisting one’s individual spiritual journey.

5. Reaching the Lost and Unchurched - Studies and discussions to train and equip the believer as well as developing and gaining an understanding of who the unchurched are.

For more information about our Sunday Morning Adult Bible Studies, contact Cyndi Alviani in the church office (724) 352-2777.

Sunday School
Our Mission:  To assist the family in their spiritual growth and in creating a foundation that in God’s time will lead a child into a personal relationship with their Lord and Savior. Classes for age 2 through Grade 8 are held on Sunday mornings from 9:30 – 10:30.  Devotional books are provided for use in the home.  Please ask for a copy of “My Devotions” and use these as a means for growing together spiritually as a family. Dedicated teachers and helpers spend an hour sharing Jesus with the children.  For more information about the Sunday School, contact Mary Jean Montag at (724) 352-9235.

Time for Two
Time for Two is a program for two-year-olds and their parents.  Through the use of age-appropriate Bible stories, songs, and seasonal units, teachers and families nurture children in their faith in an interactive classroom setting.

Weekly sessions will encourage children to explore God's world through songs, finger plays, puppets, art and Bible stories, all geared especially toward very young children. Children choose from different activities for the beginning of the time and are never asked to sit for very long. Contact St. Luke School office for more information at 724-352-2221.

Upward Sports
This ministry seeks to develop the self-esteem of boys and girls in grades 1 through 8 while teaching sportsmanship, athletic skills, faith in God, and respect for authority. Upward  flag football and cheerleading will be held on the grounds of St. Luke. In order for this program to be effective many volunteers (high school and older) within our church and school are needed. If you would like to be a part of this outreach team please contact Jason Turner at (724) 477-0053.

(Open Ministry Catalog with Table of Contents)

Christian Witness Training
Christ’s command is to “go and make disciples” (Matt. 28:19).  While not everyone has the spiritual gift of preaching or evangelism, we are called to be His witnesses: “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. . . and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria (Acts 1:8, 8:1). St. Luke regularly provides opportunities for people to grow in their desire and confidence to witness through various classes and workshops, such as “Courageous Christianity,” “Share Life,” and “Heart to Heart.”  For more information, e-mail Cyndi Alviani or call (724) 352-2777.

Leadership Training
Leadership carries many challenges, many demands, and provides many joys. Leadership in the church seems to get more and more complex. One must understand what is happening inside the church and what is evolving outside the church in an ever-changing world. As a way of preparing, equipping, strengthening and celebrating, Leadership Events are scheduled. While focused on the leadership of the church, everyone is invited as the principles apply to any aspect of life itself. Contact Pastor Barry at the church office (724) 352-2777 for more information.

Retreats
Throughout the year, opportunities arise for men, women, teens, leaders and staff to participate in a one-day or weekend retreat for spiritual renewal and recommitment.

SHAPE Ministry Guides
Training is provided for Ministry Guides through the SHAPE Interviewer Training Course or through a mentoring relationship with the Director of Discipleship. For more information, contact the church office (724) 352-2777.

Small Group Leaders Training
Training and ongoing mentoring is provided for Small Groups leaders in order to uphold the vision of the Church and the small group ministry and to provide leaders with the doctrine, leadership skills, resources, and support necessary to effectively lead others. Contact the church office the church office at (724) 352-2777 for more information.

Stephen Ministry Training
Christian caregivers provide one-on-one support and encouragement to those who are experiencing crisis.  Ongoing training for caregivers is held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.  Training for new Stephen Ministers is offered periodically. To request a Stephen Minister or to learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Vicki Bachman at (724) 352-9281.

Sunday School Teachers Training
Periodic training is provided for the Sunday School teachers. Contact Mary Jean Montag (724) 352-9235.

Visitation Ministry Training
Meeting/Training sessions are scheduled periodically to equip the trainee with hospital and home visitation skills. Contact Jerilyn Cordes at the church office (724) 352-2777 for more information.

(Open Ministry Catalog with Table of Contents)

Ministry

Bus Ministry
People in this ministry take turns driving Concordia’s bus on Sunday mornings to bring residents to the 10:45 worship service at St. Luke. A driver must have their CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) to serve in this ministry. Contact Duane Keck (724) 352-3510.

Card Ministry
Since 1984, St. Luke has supported a quiet, but caring ministry made up of devoted people who reach out with encouraging notes and cards. These faithful followers share Christ’s love with others at eventful times in their lives, including births, baptisms, weddings, anniversaries, confirmations, church membership, graduations, birthdays, hospitalizations, convalescence, being homebound, and deaths. Contact Margie Klein at (724) 285-4526.

Caring Hands
A new ministry is beginning in our midst. In light of the seven mission responses from our Ablaze! journey, here are some things we want you to know about this important and new ministry. LEARN We are a group of 37 people who prepare meals for people who have experienced the death of a loved one. PRAY You can pray for “Caring Hands” and those that are receiving the ministry. GIVE The Lord has blessed this ministry with servants who provide a heartfelt gift of love with food. You can help by giving monetary donations for the purchasing of supplies. TELL others of this ministry so that we can reach out to those who are in need of comfort. Tell us if you know of anyone who would benefit from this ministry. SEND We are sending our “Caring Hands” to share the love of Christ. GO If someone close to you needs this ministry, you can go and share the gift of “Caring Hands” to your loved one. CELEBRATE knowing that this ministry has set our Hearts Ablaze! For more information, you can call Gwenn Neubert (724) 352-3768 or Lorraine Thiele (724) 352-1872.

Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery ministry at St. Luke offers support and hope for all of us who are suffering with hurts, habits, and hang-ups, a catch phrase used to encompass many of the ways we have been affected by sin.  Most people are familiar with the classic 12-step program used by AA. This ministry presents the principles outlined in the Beatitudes, along with the 12 steps, presented from a Christian perspective. It’s about the physical and emotional chaos of addiction, abuse, and dysfunction. But it’s also much more.

Celebrate Recovery offers a place where all of us who are burdened can find acceptance, understanding, and finally, a means to find peace. This is for ANYONE who hurts.  For more information, contact Eric Rettig at (724) 360-0105 or Sandi Dixon at (724) 283-8114.

Elders
It is the duty of the Elders to be concerned with the spiritual life and welfare of the congregation which includes the doctrine being taught, the public life and conduct of those in leadership, participation in worship and Holy Communion by our members, the needy, aged, and homebound members, the nature, purpose, and conduct of God-pleasing worship, the music in the worship services, the needs of the altar, the instruction of adults and youth for confirmation and membership, carrying out church discipline, and being bound to confidentiality. For more information about our Board of Elders, contact Head Elder, Brian Bocian (724) 822-3842.

Food Pantry
Throughout the Bible, we are told by God to help, encourage and support one another spiritually and physically.  Supported and funded by the congregation, the Food Pantry was started to help families in our own area with the physical support of groceries.  Recipients—families in need due to illness, job loss, divorce, or other situations—can be short or long term and are kept strictly confidential. 

Non-perishable items are collected in baskets in the church narthex and school lobby on the first weekend of each month.  For more information, call the church office (724) 352-2777.

Funeral Dinners
People who serve in the ministry of Funeral Dinners offer comfort and show the love of Jesus to families and friends who are mourning the death of a loved one by preparing and serving a mean following the funeral service. Call Gwenn Neubert, 724-352-3768 or Nancy Witenski (724) 295-9886.

Love in Action
Love in Action strives to help where help is needed, to give aid to the least of God’s people.  Love in Action takes seriously the commands of Matthew 25:34-40 to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome strangers, visit the sick and those in prison.  Contact Diane Olmstead, (724) 352-2443.

Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is an ongoing ministry where commissioned caregivers provide one-on-oneconfidential lay Christian care to those who are experiencing  a challenge or crisis.  St. Luke Stephen Ministers care for the needs of people within our congregation and the community. Your support is vital to its success and we ask that you support it in whtever way you can: through prayer for the ministry, noticing someone's need for care and bringing it to the attention of pastors or leaders, being open to receiving care yourself, serving as a Stephen Minister and/ or "Thinking Stephen" by always sharing what you know about the ministry with others. Ongoing training for caregivers is held on the second and fourth Tuesdays from 7:00-9:30 p.m. in Room 207 (Bridal Room.) Training for new Stephen Ministers is also regularly offered. To request a Stephen Minister, or to learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Vicki Bachman (724) 352- 9281.

Tape/CD Ministry
Through this ministry, audiotape cassettes of the worship services are available after worship in the narthex and are delivered weekly to at-home members of the church.  Tapes are also available to anyone upon request.  To obtain a copy of a tape or CD or to learn more about the Tape and CD Ministry, contact Ray Koegler, (724) 352-1627.

Telephone Prayer Chain
There are many devoted caregivers who share one another’s burdens by praying together on the phone and passing the prayer along to the next prayer partner. To join the Telephone Prayer Chain, or to request prayers, contact Nancy Witenski (724) 295-9886, or Phyllis Neubert at (724) 352-1977.

Transportation Ministry
The purpose of the Transportation Ministry is to offer transportation to individuals who need a ride to worship or in time of need, such as to a doctor’s appointment. People in this ministry are available during the day, have a car, and are willing to share this resource with others who do not have transportation available in a time of need. For more information, contact Jan Frohn at (724) 294-0154.

Visitation Team Ministry
Members of the Visitation Team offer support and prayer to those who are at home or hospitalized. Meeting/training sessions are held periodically. Contact Jerilyn Cordes (724) 352-2777 to join a visitation team or to request a visit.

Y-Child Care
The Butler YMCA operates a child care program at St. Luke Lutheran School for children ages 3 (potty-trained) through eighth grade.  Children do not have to attend St. Luke’s school to participate.  Care includes breakfast, lunch, and a snack.  The programs have curriculum based structures/schedules to complement the child’s ongoing education.  Please call Butler YMCA Child Care if you are interested or have any questions at (724-287-0045).

(Open Ministry Catalog with Table of Contents)

Administrative/Office Ministries
People in this ministry offer their assistance and support to the pastoral staff by completing a wide variety of administrative tasks related to their ministry projects. Administrative and office assignments can be completed in the office or sometimes at home. Responsibilities may be on a regular weekly basis, or occasional short-term projects. Skills needed include typing, copying, filing, sorting, mailings, answering the telephone, computer data entry, computer graphic design, newsletter editing, record keeping, web page maintenance. For more information, contact Barb Snyder in the church office (724) 352-2777.

Maintenance Ministry
Those who have skills such as cleaning, painting, carpentry, plumbing, electric, masonry, or any other maintenance skills assist the Trustees and serve the congregation by helping to maintain the facilities and grounds. Call Joe Klein at (724) 285-4526.

Parent-Teacher League
The main focus of this group is to promote the welfare of children, especially to bring the home into a closer relationship with the educational ministry of the church so that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in gaining the best conditions in the training and education of the children in both the parish school and the home.  PTL sponsors many of the programs and events associated with the Day School.  For more information, contact Heather Casey at (724) 353-0313.

Weed 'N Feed
A group of dedicated helpers plant flowers, weed the flower beds weekly, and occasionally prune the shrubs on the church property to beautify the church grounds with God’s glorious creations. Yard work is done whenever the need arises for planting, weeding, watering, etc. Call Rich Ambrose at (724) 352-2089 for more information.

(Open Ministry Catalog with Table of Contents)

Counseling
The Samaritan Counseling Center is a full service counseling center committed to using the resources of the Christian faith in helping individuals and families achieve emotional, spiritual and physical well being. Licensed and certified professional counselors provide all services. Available services include individual, marital, family, child and adolescent counseling and are provided on a sliding fee scale basis, which reflects a balance between the Center’s expenses and the client’s ability to pay. In some cases, health care may reimburse for counseling services.

Individuals may call on the Samaritan Center for a variety of reasons including depression, anxiety, stress, help in overcoming current or past physical, emotional or sexual abuse, grief, and self-esteem issues. Couples also call, seeking help in improving communication and intimacy patterns. Family counseling is provided, which addresses issues such as discipline, parenting skills, sibling conflicts, and step/blended family situations. Counseling for children and adolescents addresses school difficulties, adjustment to traumatic events, social phobias, and self-concept.

St. Luke provides office space for the Samaritan Center. The office is located in the Wilhelm House, the two-story house located next to the church. For more information or to make an appointment, call Carl Baughman, M.Div., M.S., Executive Director of the Samaritan Center at (724) 352-7117.

DivorceCare
DivorceCare helps those going through divorce or separation find help, discover hope and experience healing while keeping Christ at the center. The group meets on Tuesdays, 6:30 PM in Room 111 (Art Room). For more information contact Cheryl Polena (724)352-3439.

Nursery
We provide a safe, happy environment for healthy, active children who find it difficult to sit quietly through an entire worship service. Nursery is provided in Room #110 during the Sunday services.  Nursery is offered during the Sunday 10:30 and 10:45 AM worship services. We provide Bible stories on video for the children to watch and listen to, pictures to color, books to read, puzzles and other age-appropriate toys, and a snack.  There is plenty of room for more children.  All children age five and under are welcomed with open arms and lots of hugs.  We have a paging system in place if your child needs you and a sound system so you can stay and listen to the service. For more information or to volunteer to serve, call Lori Salsgiver (724) 355-7738.

Pre-Marital Counseling
A series of pre-marital counseling sessions are provided as a way of helping couples prepare for marriage. Contact the church office (724) 352-2777 for more information.

(Open Ministry Catalog with Table of Contents)

Evangelism

Braille Ministry
This ministry group travels to the Braille Center at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Freedom, PA on the second Monday of each month.  Three people are needed at each meeting to assemble Braille books of scripture to be shipped all over the world.  For more information about this ministry, contact Nancy Macurdy at (724) 352-9273.

Bread of Life Teams
St. Luke congregation offers a fresh loaf of bread inside a woven basket, delivered each week to first-time visitors at our worship services.  The loaves of bread are homemade by loving members of St. Luke who offer their quiet behind-the-scenes ministry so that others will know the love of Jesus, “the True Bread of Life” (John 6:33).  To learn more about this outreach ministry or to become involved in baking or delivering bread, please contact Jan Frohn at (724) 294-0154.

Greeters
There is nothing like a warm welcome to help everyone feel at home in God’s House. Warm hearts and friendly smiles greet worshippers at each entrance through the loving ministry of our Greeters. Assistance is also offered in finding locations of Sunday School and Bible classes or restrooms. To become a Greeter, call Michael or Laurie Hancheck, (724) 283-2434.

International Lutheran Laymen’s League
The objective of this mission group is to support the ILLL’s media outreach and to assist enrolled congregations through its broad program of Christian service. Through Bible study, stewardship, and evangelism, ILLL promotes the Gospel through newspapers, radio, television and internet, as well as in our neighborhoods by distributing Christian material. Contact Alfred Maurhoff, (724) 352-2629.