Opportunities abound to participate in various programs and to serve others in our outreach ministries. These opportunities range from serving in worship or on one of our committees to helping others within our congregation, our local community or the entire world through the ELCA and other agencies.

Ministries

The following is a list and brief explanation of the ministries offered at Schwarzwald Lutheran Church:

  • Bread from Heaven
    Bake or distribute a loaf of bread to visitors
  • ELCA World Hunger Appeal/Disaster Response
    Encourage donations to alleviate domestic and worldwide hunger and provide disaster aid through the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
  • Eric’s Angel’s , Jarret Foundation, Veterans Making a Difference
    Donate money , time and talents to help disabled, and homeless veterans.
  • Exeter Area Toy Drive
    Collecting , organizing and distributing gifts to over 200 families in need of Christmas gifts
  • Eye Glasses and Aluminum Can Tabs
    Collect used eye glasses for donation to organizations helping those with visual impairment and collect used can tabs for donations in support of cancer victims
  • Food Pantries (Exeter, Lutheran)
    Donating and distributing non-perishable food to those in need
  • Freezer Ministry
    Making and freezing meals for use by members of the congregation during illness or loss of a loved one
  • Giving Tree
    Support various organizations with donations of requested items
  • Habitat for Humanity
    Help build a home with the Reading chapter of HfH
  • Hope Rescue Mission
    Donate to help homeless ministries in local area.
  • In Ian’s Boots
    Donating shoes for adults and children to be distributed locally and internationally
  • Lutheran World Relief
    Donate to worldwide ministries through the ELCA
  • Martin Luther’s Bier, Brats, and Bible (BBB)
    A men’s ministry to provide Christian fellowship and perform various mission projects (preparing meals, building, and repairs) in the area
  • Mary’s Shelter
    Donate for transitional housing and education for pregnant women and new born children in crisis
  • Medical Equipment
    Donate used items to our inventory of needed equipment for loan
  • Mission Ministries
    Opportunities for all ages to participate in doing God’s Work, with Our Hands in local, regional and national mission events.
  • Prayer Group
    Collect prayer requests and pray for those in need of God’s care
  • Prayer Shawl Ministry
    Knit/crochet shawls, mittens and hats for those in need
  • Safe Berks (formerly Berks Women in Crisis)
    Collect donations in support of and education about domestic violence victims
  • Schwarzwald Church Women
    Making and serving a meal for funerals held at SLC, assembling and delivering Christmas gift bags for homebound members, and offering fellowship at annual socials.
  • Soup Kitchen
    Monthly food preparation and donation to the New Journey Community Center in the City of Reading
  • Smile Train
    Bring a smile to children born with facial abnormalities.
  • Souper Bowl of Caring
    Collecting and donating soup to fight hunger in the Exeter area
  • Technology Group
    Educate, evaluate, discern and provide technical support for the Church’s property, worship services, teaching events, and all ministries
  • Thankoffering
    Providing education about and donating to a chosen organization or program, usually with a featured speaker
  • Western Berks Medical Clinic
    Donate to supply medical assistance.
  • Wisdom 31
     Tutoring in English as a second language and preparation for citizenship for adults in the City of Reading
  • Word into Action Fellowship
    Tuesday morning Gospel study that puts the Good news in action for tasks around the church property.

Serving in Worship - Music

Simply put, music is a part of all of our worship services here at Schwarzwald.  From old to young, we are a very musical congregation and we love to lift our voices and play our instruments in praise to our heavenly Father. We would love to have you join us to share your God-given talent.

  • Cherub Choir is for children ages 3-6. 
    Practice is held each Thursday from 6:10-6:30 p.m.
  • Junior Choir is for kids ages 7-11.
    Practice is held each Thursday from 6:30-7:15 p.m.
  • Youth Choir is for children in Junior and Senior High.
    Practice is as scheduled.
  • Adult Choir.
    Our adult choir sings each week in church throughout the school year.  Practice is held each Thursday evening from 7:30 to 8:30.
  • Even if you can’t sing or play an instrument, you can play handbells! 
    We have 5 octaves of Schulmerich bells that are as beautiful to see as they are to hear. The Handbell Choir practices each Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Instrumental and Vocal.
    We are blessed to have many wonderful professional and amateur musicians as part of our church family at Schwarzwald.  From time to time they share their voice or instrumental talents with us on Sunday mornings.  From strings to brass, woodwinds or a beautiful aria, you never know how the Lord will bless you through music on a Sunday morning at Schwarzwald.  If you are a musician, please come and join us and use your talent to praise the Lord!
  • Second Sunday Coffee House Praise Band
    Contemporary Christian Based Praise Band featuring voice, acoustic and electric instrumental talents.

Service in Worship - Helping

It takes many people to help during worship services. Consider volunteering for one or more of the following tasks:           

  • Greeter
  • Acolyte
  • Usher
  • Choirs and Musicians
  • Carillonneur
  • Flower Delivery
  • Holiday Decorating
  • Nursery Helper (during church)
  • Assisting Minister
  • Communion Set-up
  • Communion Clean-up
  • Altar Set-up
  • Communion Assistant
  • Lector

Teaching

Help to spread the Good News of the Gospel, and guide others in their Faith journey by serving in one or more of the following positions:                      

  • Christian Education Committee Member
  • Sunday School Teacher
  • Sunday School Teacher Aide
  • Summer Program Volunteer
  • Confirmation Teacher
  • Adult Education Teacher
  • Adult Bible Study
  • Media Volunteer/Computer Aid
  • Retreat Leader/Assistant
  • Chaperone or Drive for Events
  • Youth Mission Trip Chaperone
  • Youth Group Leader or Aide in Youth Ministry

Office Help

Provide assistance to our Church Office by helping with:

  • Telephoning
  • Collating/Assembling
  • Vacation Coverage

Committees

Our committees perform many important functions. Join one!

  • Christian Education
    Oversees the conduct and promotion of the Church School and all educational activities within the congregation.
  • Worship and Music
    Helps the Pastor and staff plan worship services and ensures that the services are conducted regularly and in accordance with the liturgy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  • Evangelism
    Invites new members to join our congregation and promotes an attitude of welcome and openness in the congregation.
  • Social Ministry
    Extends Christian compassion and helpfulness within the congregation, in the local and regional community, in the nation and throughout the world.
  • Property
    Sees to the proper operation, maintenance, and repair of all property of the congregation.
  • Stewardship and Finance
    Teaches the Christian use of money and leads all members to higher levels of proportionate faithful giving for the Lord’s work.
  • Fellowship
    Fosters and promotes cordiality within the congregation through social activities and coordinates meal planning.
  • Endowment
    Oversees the administration of the Endowment Fund.
  • Planned Giving
    Recommends the use of distributable income from the Endowment Fund and disbursements from the Memorial Fund and promotes awareness of and contributions to both funds.