Ministries at Grace

"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts,
but they all come from the same Spirit.
The Spirit has given each of us
a special way of serving others."
1 Corinthians 12:4,7

Youth Group
This year the Youth Group is open to young people in grades 6-12. The Youth Group meets every other Sunday following the 10 a.m. service for lunch, fellowship, and discussion. We participate in various activities throughout the year, notably our annual trip to Mammoth, the 30-Hour Famine, Youth Sundays, and Deanery 6 youth events.

Altar/Flower Guild
The Altar Guild prepares the church for all services. This includes vesting the altar, trimming the candles, straightening the books in the pews, and cleaning the torches, silver and linens. There are four teams, each responsible for one Sunday a month. The preparation takes about one hour each month. We are proud to care for the sacred belongings of Grace Church. We find this work to be an honor and privilege, and we encourage others of any age or gender to join us.  The Flower Guild works with area florists to provide arrangements for the Sunday services, funded by donations from parishioners. The flowers are then distributed either to the donors, to someone celebrating a special occasion, or to someone who is ill. During Christmas, Lent, and Easter, decorating demands are higher and more hands are needed. If you have a little time, consider volunteering for this short-term holiday ministry.

LEMs/Lectors
The Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) serve the chalice and assist the priest at Sunday, weekdays, and special services. LEMs serve at the invitation of the rector. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please contact the Rector.  The Lectors are members of the congregation who read the Old and New Testament lessons and the Prayers of the People during Sunday and special services. Anyone wishing to be a lector needs to read clearly and well, and be willing to spend some time preparing each reading. Lectors are asked to read about once a month.

The Ministry of Acolytes
The Ministry of Acolytes is a program for children entering the fourth grade or higher. It is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn about our liturgy. They assist the clergy in the sanctuary during the worship service and serve as crucifers, torch bearers, and servers. If you or your child are interested and want more information, please contact Courtney Young.

Greeters
The Greeters Ministry is a vital lifeline for the growth of our church. The initial impression of a church and its members is paramount as to whether a first-time visitor will even stay for that service or return in the following weeks. Greeters are expected to welcome visitors, answer any questions they may have, and direct them to hospitality after the service—always displaying a friendly nature towards a prospective church member. This ministry is neither labor- nor time-consuming, and if you have the personality and the interest, please contact the office.

Ushers
The Ushers are the watchful eyes of Grace Church. Always here to assist, it is our pleasure to ensure the needs of parishioners during the weekly services. It is an opportunity to express our friendship and hospitality each week to everyone. The Ushers often lend that helping hand, sometimes in the background, that makes our service a pleasure. Please consider joining this ministry as we serve our friends.

Health Ministry
The Health Ministry consists of a team of registered nurses who will answer questions and offer suggestions related to your wellness and/or medical concerns. The purpose of this ministry is not to replace the care and advice received from your physician but, rather, to enhance it. Our Health Ministers make themselves available whenever they are needed.

Coffee Hour Hosts
Coffee Hour Hosts provide refreshments after the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services. Coffee and punch are provided by the church (coffee is made by the 8 a.m. host, punch by the 10 a.m. host). Treats can be homemade or store-bought and simple. Parishioners are encouraged to sign up twice a year. This is a great way to minister to the church and to meet fellow parishioners.

Hospitality Committee
The Hospitality Committee prepares receptions when needed. They take care of setting up tables, decorating, and cleaning up. A telephone chain is used to contact people when food is needed for events or when individuals need our care (for funerals, the sick and needy, confirmations, etc.).