Ministries
 |
Who are the ministers of the Church? A. The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons. In the Episcopal Church, every member is a minister. That ministry may take many forms. A simple act of kindness to someone in need is ministry. Sharing one's experience of God with someone who is seeking is also ministry. Helping serve meals at a neighborhood soup kitchen is ministry. Teaching church school, being a youth minister, or serving on a parish vestry is ministry. Leading worship, and celebrating the sacraments as an ordained clergy person is also ministry. |
At Grace Epiphany, in addition to the informal ministry of each member, there are several organized ministries shared by members of the congregation. A governing board called a Vestry oversees these areas of ministry. Two wardens assist in providing general oversight of all parish activities.
The formal ministries of Grace Epiphany include:
The ministry of liturgy is responsible for worship and other activities involved in preparing for and conducting worship services. Those involved in this ministry include:
Liturgy:
- Musicians and singers.
- Lay readers who read the lessons from Scripture.
- Chalice bearers who assist the priest in distributing communion.
- Acolytes who light altar candles and assist the priest in preparing bread and wine for communion.
- The Altar Guild who care for the altar and communion vessels.
Christian Formation:
The ministry of discipleship oversees all activities of the parish that are intended to increase our sense of community and identity as God's people in this place. This includes:
- Inquirers' classes for anyone wanting to know more about our church or wanting to explore a deeper sense of spirituality
- Adult Forum, meeting from 9:30am to 10:20 on Sundays
- Lenten Series - supper and discussion on Thursday evenings during Lent
- All parish educational activities
- Special events such as parish dinners
Outreach
The ministry of outreach includes all activities intended to spread good news of God's rule (gospel) beyond the boundaries of the parish. This includes:
- New ministries to reach out to people in our community who are seeking a deeper connection with the holy, or for a spiritual home.