As a family, we minister to each other in many ways. If you are looking for an opportunity to deepen your involvement in the life of St Michael's and in ministering to the rest of the congregation, please read the description of some of the rolls that are vital to the life of our parish. Some of the roles may only take a few hours here and there, and others may require more commitment and even education. All work within this parish is valued and honored.
Sacristan/Altar Guild - members of the church who care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the parish. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary for services, and clean up afterwards. Altar Guild members frequently supervise the decoration of the sanctuary of the parish with flowers.
Ushers/Oblationers - provide a joyful greeting to people as they arrive, distribute bulletins, assist people to the pews as necessary, count the number of worshipers, collect and present the offering, bring the wine and bread to the altar, and direct the flow of communicants during the Eucharist.
Lector/Reader - a lay person trained in reading scripture who is appointed by the clergy person in charge of the congregation to read lessons or lead the prayers of the people. The term is from the Latin, "to read." There is no license required for this lay ministry.
Chalicist/Lay Eucharistic Minister - Lay person licensed by the bishop to administer the consecrated elements of the eucharist. Lay eucharistic ministers may be licensed to administer the consecrated bread and wine at any celebration of the eucharist in the absence of a sufficient number of priests and deacons to assist the celebrant. They may also be licensed to go from a Sunday eucharist or other principal celebrations of the eucharist to share the sacrament with members of the congregation who were unable to be present at the celebration because of illness or infirmity. Lay eucharistic ministers may be licensed for either or both ministries.
Building Committee - addresses and fixes or works with the Parish office to solicit contractors for immediate, short-term repair work. This important committee identifies and recommends potential long-term repair and renovation projects to Vestry. They also work with the Finance Committee to project building and maintenance expenses throughout the year.
Stewardship Committee - Stewardship is the practice of caring for, developing, and wisely giving from the gifts we have received from God. This committee educates the parish on stewardship and the financial needs of the parish through the stewardship season and throughout the year.
Vestry - a church’s vestry is the lay leadership that supports our Rector. They do this by protecting the vision of the parish, ensuring that the values of the congregation and the church are upheld, and protect the financial integrity of the church. They have a deep spiritual commitment to the Christ and the work of the church.