Ministries
Who are the ministers of the Church?
A. The ministers of the Church are lay persons,
bishops, priests, and deacons.
— Catechism, The Book of Common Prayer
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 are organized in five areas:
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 lead parts of the services.
- Chalice bearers who assist the priest in distributing communion.
- Altar boys and altar girls who light altar candles and assist the priest in preparing bread and wine for communion.
- Those who care for the altar and communion vessels.
Finance:
The ministry of finance in responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the congregation. The parish treasurer and the accounting warden direct this ministry, which also includes stewardship activities to encourage offerings of time, talent, and money to provide the resources for carrying out all the ministries of the parish.
Property:
The ministry of property is responsible for the care and maintenance of the physical facilities of the church, its buildings and furnishings, to keep them in good repair.
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
- All parish educational activities.
- Special events such as parish dinners, and
- Series of meditations during Advent and Lent
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.
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