The men of St. Paul Hickory Grove meet monthly in support of Lutheran Men in Mission for a Bible study and the planning of service projects, such as the annual Fish Boil for Orphan Grain Train and the annual Ice Cream Social to benefit a local charitable organization.
The Women’s Unit of St. Paul’s Hickory Grove meets quarterly for devotions and to hear guest speakers, and members of the Altar Guild serve monthly by changing banners and altar paraments as needed and preparing the monthly communion wine/grape juice and wafers for distribution on the fourth Sunday of the month.
Lutheran Men in Mission began in 1950 as the Brotherhood. The group changed its name to The Men of the Church in 1960, and later changed again to the current Lutheran Men in Mission.
Annual service projects include assisting with construction projects at the Oaks Indian Mission in Oklahoma, raising money for Orphan Grain Train with the annual April Wisconsin-style Fish Boil, and the annual fund-raising Ice Cream Social in July (recipient of funds raised at the social change annually).
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild was organized in 1974 and is responsible for the chancel and its furnishings, including communion ware, paraments, and candles. Two members of the guild serve each month, and all members take part in the annual spring cleanup of the altar and the removal of items from the altar during the annual Maundy Thursday service.
Finance Committee
Six members of the congregation serve on this committee. The primary duty of this committee is to count the offering after services and ensure the money is deposited for the church.
Parish Worship and Music Committee
Three members of the congregation serve on this committee. Members work with the pastor to provide meaningful worship experiences through the selection of liturgy, music, and other means consistent with the Lutheran Church.
Parish Education Committee
Three members of the congregation serve on this committee, whose primary purpose is to supervise the church’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
Church Council
According to the Church’s constitution, the Congregation Council is composed of three deacons, three trustees, and the treasurer. One deacon and one trustee will be elected each year at the Annual Meeting, and the treasurer is elected every third year.
Following the Annual Meeting, the council gathers to discuss who will serve as council president, vice-president, secretary, Worship and Music Committee representative, and Parish Education Committee representative.