Deacon's Ministry
“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”
I Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)
The Deacons Ministry acts as counselors and assist the Pastor in advancing the work of the church. They have in their care the sick, the needy and the distressed and elderly members of the church. The deacons assist in the preparation and administration of the ordinances of the church.
Deaconess
The Deaconess Ministry
Our Deaconess ministry assists in the preparation and effective administration of the church ordinances, encourage worship and prayer and concern themselves with the overall well being of the female members of the church.
Trustee Ministry
The Trustee Ministry of the St. John’s Baptist Church is responsible for the oversight of the all financial processes as well as the maintenance of the physical property of the St. John’s Baptist Church. The Trustee Ministry is challenged to provide leadership that assures compliance with church and state regulations; responsible to God, the congregation of believers, and various Federal, State, County, and Municipal regulatory agencies.
Missionaries
An ever-ready band of mature spiritual Christian men and women who address themselves to the many needs of the church membership and the local community. They provide clothing, food, money and a vast variety of services to the sick, distressed, disabled and sorrowing.
We are faith based and work to encourage those who have lost hope, and are in need of a spiritual uplift.
Mathew 25 36-40 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (KVJ)
Men's Fellowship
Christian men from all segments of the church who have organized to create a variety of wholesome and stimulating activities in and around the church and/or community which require male participation. As it seeks to cultivate and strengthen the brotherhood.
Mission Statement
“Christian Men Are Empowered By the Word of God”
Men empowered by the word of God, to become bold and effective witness as of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to reach out in Jesus name with hands of love and to care for those who are in need and caught in a cycle of despair.
Sister's Caring for Sisters Book Ministry
The book club ministry is the brain child of Sister Dorothy Hood-Young. The ministry reads fiction and non-fiction books. The themes of the books read are usually God centered inspirational books! We read books from established well known authors, local authors and up and coming authors.
The ministry has been in existence for over 10 years now! The book club meets every other month. Our meeting is led by a discussion leader who guides us in a lively discussion of the book. We discuss how we can relate to the character’s experience and often time our sessions become therapy sessions; wherein we support each other on our Christian journeys. We often leave our meeting feeling empowered and encouraged to keep striving to do God’s will for our lives.
The book club membership is made up of all women right now but we have invited our men to come and join us. We have had sessions where local authors have discussed their books, signed copies of their books and then read excerpts from their books. We would love for other parishioners to join us!
So, if you enjoy reading a good book come join us! We would love to have you!!!
Children & Youth Ministries
To engage children in grades K-12 to be examples of the Lord. Children may participate in interactive Sunday School bible lessons, Youth Choirs and as Junior Ushers.
Sunday Bible School - Held each Sunday of the month from 8:00 am - 9:30 am. Children are introduced to the bible through reading, song and verbal interactions.
Youth Choirs - Children's choir age range is 5 years - 11 years; Young Adults' choir age range is 12 years - 24 years. The Youth Music Ministries is dedicated to praise, worship and uplifting the name of Jesus through spirit and song the fourth Sunday of the month.
Junior Ushers - Welcomes the congregation and visitors the first Sunday of each month with open hearts and big smiles. Serves the community by providing seating and giving directions.
They sponsor such activities as: shut-ins, baseball and basketball games, movies, drama, concerts, parties, oratory, special trips, etc.
Proverbs 22:6 - "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
Senior Citizen's Ministry
Our Goal
The goal of the Senior Citizen's Ministry is to Strengthen, Encourage, Empower and Nurture the senior citizens of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and the community with TLC (Tender Loving Care).
Mission Statement
That we might exemplify the fruit of the Spirit " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, patient, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Gal 5:22, 23
Scripture
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalms 92:14 NIV
Contact
Rev. Arthur Jackson
Director of Seniors
Hospitality / Greeters Ministry
The goal of the ministry is to express warmth and cordiality to all entering our hallowed “Dome”. We accomplish this by helping the church provide food, comfort and a friendly welcome. Always remembering as it is written, Be not forgetful to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unaware. Hebrew 13: 2
Social Service Ministry
An aggregate of fine Christian men and women who concern themselves with the, economic and physical needs of our parishioners. They make themselves aware of all community services, make referrals, and are available to provide a variety of valuable services to the needy of our church and community.
Culinary Ministry
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:
for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”. Hebrews 13: 2
The primary purpose of the Culinary Ministry is to offer love and support of the church by preparing a nourishing meal for bereaved families of church members as well as non-members when requested and approved by Pastor or the appropriate Church Officers. The Culinary Ministry consist of members who volunteer their time and service to the church. In addition to preparing the food for the repast, the Culinary Ministry has sole responsibility for the set-up, serving and cleanup following the repast or event. The Culinary Ministry is dedicated to serving families during their bereavement with “Patience, Compassion and Dignity.
Health and Wellness Ministry
The St. John’s Baptist Church Health and Wellness Ministry is comprised of dedicated servants of God who genuinely care about the physical and spiritual comfort of our church family. Duties of the Health and Wellness ministry include maintaining a vigilant guardianship over the entire congregation providing tissues, water, juice, fans, loving embraces and any other item of comfort when necessary. In addition, this ministry acts as an auxiliary to the Pastor in various capacities during the morning worship service and other special service events. Our motto comes from (II Corinthians 1: verses 3-4)
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God”.
Website Contact Info: Nursesministrystjohn@yahoo.com
Scholarship Ministry
The mission of the Scholarship Ministry is to provide financial assistance to eligible college-bound students. The Ministry strives to offer a generous allowance to those entering their freshman year with a book allowance for the next four years of eligibility. The Ministry is charged with raising funds through a variety of efforts which include pledges from congregants and an assortment of fundraisers throughout the year. The Scholarship Ministry recruits members who have a genuine focus on education and who are eager to assist students and guardians with the financial demands of higher education.
Email address: scholarshipministrystjohns@yahoo.com
Christian Education
The Church School Department of St. John’s Baptist Church is designed to assist disciples in their spiritual growth and development. We believe in learning in community, therefore we partner with students to engage in studying the Word of God every Sunday morning from 8:30-9:30 AM. The format is structured to serve an intergenerational population and to promote knowledge of biblical mandates for life application. Strategic directions for this ministry are provided by the Church School Superintendent with the faithful support of the Pastor, Deacons and gifted, anointed Christian educators.
The Wednesday Night Bible Study meets every Wednesday at 7 PM and is facilitated by the Pastor and designated ministers that have shown evidence of their giftedness in the teaching ministry. Similar to the standard Church School commentary, we follow a quarterly theme which raises doctoral, provocative questions to engage participants in thinking critically about Christian beliefs on a daily basis. Regular attendance and participation is promoted as an opportunity for transformation of mind, body and soul.
The Eleanor Easley Floral Ministry
A beautiful group of Christian volunteers women or men whose labor of love is to beautify the sanctuary of God. We provide flowers for a variety of church activities especially during the Christmas and Easter season.
Drama Ministry
The Word of God is given and received in various forms. The mission of the Drama Ministry is to present the Word through dramatic presentations. Kingdom praying that someone will see or hear somethng that will draw them closer to the Lord.
Our Motto: Sowing Seeds for the Kingdom
Senior Ushers
St. John’s Senior Ushers’ Ministry strives to encompass five areas i.e. Worship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Fellowship and Ministry. As Church Ushers, we are committed to exemplify the spirit of Jesus Christ, greeting people as they arrive with a warm and friendly smile. We assist in areas needed to enhance an orderly fashion of service. Our main mission is to be faithful gatekeepers in the Lord’s House.
Progressive Ushers
Mission Statement:
Serving diligently and untiringly, we strive to make the members and visitors feel comfortable and lend spiritual dignity to the whole church service. The Progressive Ushers serve on a rotational basis with the Senior and Junior Ushers.
Gospel Choir
Our primary goal is to contribute to setting a sacred tone in Worship and Praise through competent leadership in music. Music is the medium through which we worship and minister. The choir delivers the music through the grace of God and the anointed leadership of Sister Johnetta Bush and anointed musicians.
Inspirational Choir
The Inspirational Choir is the senior choir of St. John's. We inspire the congregation with beautiful hymns, anthems, spirituals and prepared concert music on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Occasionally the choir will accompany the pastor on singing engagements while being in fellowship with other churches. The Inspirational Choir is under the anointed direction of Rev. Gloria Lyde (German) Smith a recording artist and preacher.
International Ministry
The International Ministry is comprised of members of different nationalities. We are a ministry of God fearing members that embrace different cultures ready to do God's work. We believe as members of the same body of Christ, baptized by one spirit into one body that we must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We celebrate our cultural diversity once a year with a special fellowship event.
Ephesians 4:6 (NIV)
one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Liturgical Dance Ministry
We believe the "dance" was ordained by God as one of the many methods of ushering in the Holy Spirit. Liturgical dance serves as an outlet for people. Dancers who use the Bible as their blueprint often bring new souls to Christ through the art of dance. Dance is a powerful art form in which people of all ages can participate and to which all ages can and do respond.
Psalms 149 and 150 instruct us to praise God with dance.
St. John's Baptist Church
2387 Morse Avenue
Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076
E-mail: mail@stjohnsscotchplains.org
Telephone: (908) 232-6972