Christ Episcopal Church Ministries Guide Updated August 2023
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Ways to Connect and Serve at Christ Church
ADULT EDUCATION:
Christian Formation Ministry: To make sure that strong Christian formation is a focal point in all the activities of Christ Church, e.g., Sunday School, EYC, Vacation Bible School, EfM, Bible Study groups, book studies, Cursillo, and “fourth day” groups. Christian formation encourages participation in Evening Prayer, Morning Prayer, and Vespers. This ministry also helps plan and design for the ministry fair held in September.
Cursillo, Ultreya and Reunion Groups Ministry: To lead lay persons in a closer walk with Christ Time: Cursillo: one weekend, once a year Ultreya: 4 hours, twice a year Reunion Groups: 1 hour, weekly Age: Adult Contact: Sandy Sandbach
CARING MINISTRIES:
Eucharistic Visitors Ministry: To deliver communion to shut-ins and hospital patients Time: On a four-week rotation Age: Adult Skills: Love of people, Commitment Contact: Nancy Lutsko
Flower Ministry Ministry: To deliver Sunday service flowers to shut-ins Contact: John McRae
St. Francis Ministry to Animals Ministry: To provide assistance in fundraising for animals in crisis Contact: Eleanor Parten
Stitchers of Love Ministry: To create needlework for individuals in need of a tangible reminder of God’s love. Most items are knitted or crocheted but other types of needlework are also welcome. Time: Meets 4 – 6 p.m. on 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month Skills: Willingness; lessons available Contact: Julia Ariail
United Thank Offering Ministry: To assist with the ingathering of UTO blue boxes for loose change which provides funding for projects that meet compelling human needs and expand the mission and ministry of the church. Contact: Church Office
CHURCH SERVICES:
Acolytes Ministry: To serve at the altar at Sunday services and other services as requested. Teams are scheduled on rotation. Time: On a six-week rotation Age: Completed 3rd grade and older Contact: Nancy Lutsko
Altar Guild Ministry: To serve on teams to prepare church and altar for services; clean and maintain serving pieces; arrange flowers Time: On a five-week rotation Age: Adults Skills: Be dependable, follow instructions Contact: Frances Guice
Choir Ministry: To provide service music and a joyful noise Time: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. practice & Sundays as scheduled Skills: Musical ability/interest Contact: Sue Ellen Rumstay
Lay Readers Ministry: To read scripture at services Time: As scheduled, approximately once a month Age: High School and up Skills: Clear speaking voice Contact: Nancy Lutsko
Licensed Eucharistic Ministers Ministry: To assist in serving communion at all services Time: On a five-week rotation Age: 16 years or older Skills: Commitment Contact: Nancy Lutkso
Ushers Ministry: To welcome visitors, provide structure for movement of parishioners for all services; greet, distribute bulletins, and Quiet Books; and direct traffic flow for communion Time: Once a month Age: High school and older Skills: Friendly, helpful Contact: John McRae
HOSPITALITY & COMMUNITY:
Foyer Groups Ministry: To encourage Christian community Time: As scheduled Age: Adult Contact: Jeani Synyard
Happy Episcopal People (HEP) Hosts Ministry: To encourage Christian community Time: Twice a year Age: Adult Contact: Jeani Synyard
Hospitality Committee/Coffee Hour Hosts Ministry: To coordinate refreshments for special events in the church’s life Time: As needed; ordinarily less than once a month Age: Adults Skills: Hospitality Contact: Pat Denmark
Manna Ministry: To provide a meal for a family in event of illness, birth, or death Time: Time to prepare or purchase and deliver a meal Age: Adult Skills: Cooking and/or willingness to buy a meal, dependability Contact: Church Office
Men in Blue- Ministry: To prepare food for special events Time: A few hours per session as needed Age: High School and up Skills: Willingness to have fun and cook on the grill Contact: Mike Tanner
MISSIONS & OUTREACH:
Lunch Bunch Ministry: To feed children in our community Time: Two Saturdays a month Age: 16 years or older Skills: Commitment Contact: The Sandbachs
PRAYER: Daughters of the King Ministry: To pray daily and other services as directed by the Rector Time: Daily prayer; monthly meetings Age: Over 21 Skills: Commitment Contact: Molly Stevenson
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS:
Christ Episcopal Church College Ministry: Supporting our College Ministry in various ways, as needed Time: Occasionally throughout the school year Skill: A heart for college students Contact: Charles Whiting
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) EYC is our youth program for 6th-12th graders, and provides community and discipleship. Ministry: Volunteers may teach Sunday School; lead a small group; chaperone mission trips; provide food for events Time: Various Age: 6th-12th grades; volunteers Skills: Love of youth, teaching, ability to travel Contact: Chris Rutland, Joel Williams
Nursery Ministry: To watch children age Infants-6 Years Old during church services when paid staff is unavailable Time: 2 hours on Sunday morning Age: High School and up Skills: Love and patience with children Contact: Keri Wilkin
Parents’ Morning Out Ministry: A non-profit within Christ Church to provide temporary daycare for children while parents run errands (volunteers not needed) Time: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 noon Age: 6-months old to 2-years old Contact: Elise Sandbach
Preschool Ministry: A non-profit within Christ Church to provide preschool experience for children (volunteers not needed) Time: August – May, 9 a.m. – 12 noon Age: 2 through 4-years olds Contact: Elise Sandbach
Vacation Bible School Ministry: To share God’s word with children in the summer Time: Four days a year plus pre-planning days and clean up Age: All (Teachers and Helpers: high school and up) Skills: Love of children, teaching, cooking, athletics, arts & crafts Contact: Keri Wilkin
Cooperative Ministries with Other Organizations:
Habitat for Humanity Ministry: To work with other organizations and churches to eliminate substandard housing and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. This ecumenical group encourages volunteers from all walks to build houses in partnership with needy families. Contact: Habitat office at 245-1330 or Mike Tanner
The Haven Ministry: To work with the professional staff at the shelter for abused women and children donating time, talent and treasure as needed Time: As needed Contact: Patricia Marks or Haven at 244-1765 Website: http://www.valdostahaven.org
Hungry at Home and Jammin’ for Jesus Ministry: To work with the school systems to provide food for children and seniors who are hungry at home by packing backpacks one day a week Time: One hour one day a week during school year Contact: Stella Clark
Second Harvest Food Bank of Valdosta Ministry: To combat hunger by providing food to non-profit agencies in the area Time: Volunteers needed for various amounts of time Contact: Food Bank at 244-2678 or Phyllis Hiers
Soup Kitchen Ministry: To serve meals to the hungry at lunch time. The Community Soup Kitchen, located at 601 N. Lee Street (The former Leila Ellis School), is open Monday through Friday; serving meals between 11:30 and 12:45 daily. Volunteers need to be there between 10:30 and 11:00. Contact: Soup Kitchen at 247-6178