Our Ministry Teams
Ministry is the heartbeat of Columbia Congregational Church. It is how we put our faith into action, extending God's love beyond our walls and into the lives of our neighbors. Whether through service, study, or fellowship, our ministries offer a place for everyone to belong, grow, and make a meaningful difference.
Following are brief descriptions of some of our Ministry Teams.  All are welcome to new members and even occasional support.  For example, the Deacons can use additional help during the Lent and Advent.
The Church Council consists of the Officers, representatives from each Board, and Members-at-Large. The Council meets monthly to bring all representatives together to discuss church issues and make decisions if needed. The members of the Church are the ultimate decision makers on any signficant issues.
Each Board has a representative on the Council
Boards
Deacons
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Our Deacons support the Pastor in nurturing the spiritual life of the congregation through worship, sacrament, and pastoral care. They review and discuss all aspects of worship, coordinate ushers and greeters, prepare and serve communion and coordinate pastoral care.
Faith Formation
The Faith Formation Team is committed to nurturing a lifelong journey of Christian learning, spiritual growth, and discipleship for people of all ages. Grounded in the teachings of Jesus and the inclusive spirit of the United Church of Christ, we seek to create meaningful opportunities for children, youth, and adults to explore faith, deepen understanding, and live out God’s love in daily life.
Finance
The Finance Team is responsible for most church financial matters from the weekly collection to operating budgets, auditing boards and committees, and approving funds for the day to day operation of the church.
Missions
The Missions Team involves the church in local and world-wide missions. The Board stimulates interest in current social issues and problems so that our church may have some understanding about the relation of the Gospel to society.
Stewardship
The Stewardship Committee promotes the understanding of stewardship responsibilities throughout the year, and organizes the annual canvas of the membership for pledges of time, talent, and treasure toward the program of the church for the coming year. Â
Trustees
The Board of Trustees is a group of individuals that provide for the care and management of all church property, equipment, and furnishings. They create and maintain an environment conducive to the spiritual, educational, and fellowship needs of the church in a manner reflecting effective stewardship of the church’s property.
Additional Teams
Accessibility to All (A2A)
ADAPT
Care Team
2nd Saturday Community Breakfast
Simple Sustenance
Holiday Fair (Crafting)
Other Ways to Serve
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To name a few:Â Â Communication, Gardening; Fellowship hour (set up/clean up/make goodies); Hospitality (assist with receptions); Decorating; Technology/Video.Â
The Accessibility to All Team is committed to ensuring that every person—of every ability, body, mind, and identity—can fully participate in the life, worship, and ministries of Columbia Congregational Church.Â
We are honored to have received Accessible to All (A2A) certification from the United Church of Christ, affirming our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and belonging for all.
ADAPT team designed to help the congregation clarify our identity.  Their goal is to guide the church to assess our current realities (membership, ministries, finances, mission) so that we can discern God’s call for our next chapter!​
The Care Team is dedicated to offering compassionate, confidential, and consistent support to members and friends of Columbia Congregational Church who are experiencing illness, transition, hardship, or moments of personal need.
The 2nd Saturday Community Breakfast team could always use new helpers.  Help with setup up the day before; clean up afterwards; serve the food; cook - omelets, waffles; bake goodies. Join us for food, fun, and fellowship.
The Simple Sustenance team makes homemade soup and mini quick breads to sell in October, January, February, and April. In March the team makes homemade pierogi. In April, we bring soup to the Empty Bowl event in Willimantic. No cooking experience needed. Chop, take orders, clean up, enjoy the fellowship in the kitchen.
The Holiday Fair is held each year on the first Saturday of November and features handmade crafts, local vendors, delicious food, and wonderful fellowship.
Beginning each January, the Holiday Fair team gathers every Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. to create crafts and plan for the event. All crafters are welcome, whether you bring your own ideas or make use of the many supplies and project kits provided. Whether you enjoy crafting, helping with projects, or simply spending time in fellowship, there is a place for everyone to participate and contribute.