The Ministry Commission's main activities during the year were to develop budget recommendations for appropriate areas of activity, and to begin an inventory of past, current, and needed ministry teams.

It is obvious, however, that as ministry teams form themselves (some with short-term goals and others with long-term commitments) the process is marked by real commitment on the part of members to fill a needed gap in the array of services. Thus the real ministry commitment of First Presbyterian Church is reflected in the individual reports of ministry teams.

During one "Fifth Wednesday" potluck, the Ministry Commission asked participants to consider the meaning of membership at First Presbyterian. The most common responses were not the easily-quantifiable standards (attendance, volunteer work, and so forth), but rather a strong sense that everyone who is a part of the church community should be noticed, missed during absences, invited to join in the work of the church, and given opportunities to interact with others. Those responses have informed many Session discussions during the year, and we appreciated the seriousness with which our questions were taken.

1998 Report