St. Luke's Commissions and Committees

Commissions

Communication and Technology
The Commission on Communication and Information Technology works with all commissions and committees to provide quality and timely communication to parishioners using traditional and web-based communication channels. Currently, information is shared quarterly through the church newsletter, Facebook, the St. Luke website, and OnRealm. Contact: Karen Castelli 

Community Outreach
The purpose of the Community Outreach Commission is two-fold: 1) It is the responsibility of Commission on Community Outreach to explore programs and activities that address the specific interests and needs of parishioners at St. Luke’s; and 2) to make a concerted effort to implement programs and activities for youth involvement via coordination and collaboration with local colleges and universities such as Benedict College, Allen University and the University of South Carolina. Planned activities include: Inviting choirs from various colleges and universities to perform during on designated Sundays; in collaboration with area hospitals and health care providers, free healthy lifestyle screenings for diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and other health issues prevalent in the African American community; and in collaboration with the SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department neighborhood job fairs are held and supported by area businesses and employers. Contact: Dr. Joseph Ray
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Commission on Church Growth
The purpose of the Commission on Church Growth is to develop and implement activities and programs which will focus on and aid in increasing the membership of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Contact: Joni James

Building and Grounds

The Buildings and Grounds Commission shall ensure that the material fabric of all properties is kept in top condition and all the responsibility for maintaining, improving and expanding facilities. Contact: Judy Battiste

Commemoration and Memorials Committee
In close consultation with the Rector, maintain a list of appropriate memorial gift suggestions to be supplied to parishioners and other interested parties; receive gift suggestions from interested parties, determine appropriateness (if the gift suggestion is needed and within the overall architectural design), and make recommendations to the Vestry for approval or disapproval. Report action of the Vestry to interested party or parties. Contact: Fr. Raphiell

Parish Fellowship
The purpose and mission of the Parish Fellowship Committee are to plan and implement means foster a sense of belonging and a sense of community among members of the parish. The Commission plans social activities, fellowshipping opportunities, and Sunday coffee hours. The most visible part of the organization is the weekly Sunday coffee hour. The coffee hour provides the opportunity for individuals and organizations to celebrate events, show displays, recognize loved ones, and give thanks for our many blessings. A calendar is available to reserve dates throughout the year. Parish fellowship includes planning local and regional trips. It also includes doing activities together such as movies, potlucks, bowling, parish picnic, bingo, etc. The committee welcomes ideas from all parishioners. Contact: Gwendolyn Meadows

​Spiritual Life
The Commission for Spiritual Life provides adult leadership for youth activities. They teach the youth of St. Luke’s to love God and serve others through weekly Sunday school lessons and encouraging them to volunteer at different outreach ministries. Contact: Valencia Hammonds

William F O’Neal Center
The goals of the commission are to 1) provide a multi-purpose facility that will enable individuals to receive services that will meet their physical, mental and spiritual needs via their participation in our Fresh Start Ministry and other agency-sponsored programs; 2) reactivate a neighborhood basketball programs/leagues for youth from diverse backgrounds; and 3) rent the center to interest parishioners and individuals. For parishioners of St. Luke’s, the William F. O’Neal Center can be rented for weddings and other special events approved by the Rector. Contact: Dr. Joseph Ray

Commission on Youth

The Youth Commission overseas all education and programs that relate directly to children and youth (Nursery through High School), encouraging and preparing them to follow the way of Christ in the word.The primary assignment for the Youth Commission is to give overall leadership to the various committees and groups related to children and you activities at St. Luke's (Sunday School, VBS, etc.) The commission will also process and develop recommendations regarding Christian education and activities. Youth commission may serve as an advocate for including faith development of youth in other congregations activities as appropriate. Contact: Jean Roberts-Indriago

Committees

Finance
The Finance Standing Committee works toward the church being financially stable through the Statement of Mission, Every Member Canvass, and the yearly Stewardship Campaign. It reviews the Statement of Mission and its accounts to assure that the church is meeting its obligations.
The committee is responsible for proposing the Annual Statement of Mission and presenting it to the Vestry with recommendations for adoption. The committee provides on-going and follow-up of the church’s stewardship, periodically informing the parish and individuals of their financial status. The committee works very closely with the parish treasurer and assistants. The Finance Standing Committee is constantly planning for the healthiness of the finances from one year to the next. Contact: Pat Cokley 


Archives
The Archive Committee is in the process of gathering, identifying, and labeling documents, photographs, artifacts and electronic records.
We are in the beginning stage of collection. There is a great need, to collect, preserve, arrange,and describe materials that document the congregation’s heritage: Contact: Corine Whittington Simpson

Endowment
The St. Luke’s Endowment Standing Committee will provide parishioners and others who wish to donate to the fund an informational packet which contains: a pamphlet explaining the Endowment Fund, a donor’s envelope, and a booklet that outlines in detail, information about the St.Luke’s Endowment Fund. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (Columbia, SC)

Endowment Fund is a part of the Diocesan Combined Portfolio. Updates will be added for the Endowment as Patricia Cokley, Treasurer, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (Columbia, SC) receives and forward it to the Endowment Fund. Contact: