Ministry Opportunities
As we become disciples of Jesus Christ, we often find that God calls us to utilize our gifts in ministry. All baptized Christians are called to ministry. This occurs as we go about daily living—interacting with our families, co-workers, the grocery clerk, each and every person. Ministry also occurs in the church. Listed below are some ministry opportunities at St. Mary Magdalene for you to consider as you discern where God is calling you to use your gifts of ministry.
Altar Guild
A quiet and behind-the-scenes ministry may be what you would like. Altar Guild members care for the vestments and prepare the altar for each Eucharist as well as special services for weddings, funerals and baptisms. This ministry allows the congregation to focus on worship and not the setting up process. It includes setting the table for Eucharist, marking the Bible readings, preparing the hymn board, cleaning up after services, laundering linen and ordering bread and wine.
Acolytes
The acolytes are children, youth or adults who assist the Clergy during worship services doing
things like: lighting candles, preparing the altar with the bread and wine, and ringing bells.
Chalice Minister or Lector
Chalice Ministers: participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion by administering the
cup of wine during Eucharist. To be a Chalice Minister, one must be a confirmed Episcopalian. Lectors: read the Old and New Testament lessons and lead the congregation in the Psalm
for worship services.
Children’s Ministry Teacher
Children are important at St. Mary Magdalene. This ministryhelps them grow in the knowledge and love of God.
Choir
The choir sings during the worship service once a month and is a ministry to those worshipping as well as to those who are choir members;
Church Workdays
Church workdays are a lot of fun, work and food. Weeding, washing windows, cleaning the kitchen,painting, landscaping and making St. Mary Magdalene beautiful is what a workday is all about.
Coffee Hour Host
Hosting coffee hour, one or more times per year is a wonderful way to support the parish communityand come together in fellowship. Coffee hour hosts provide snacks, set out coffee and tea and cleanup afterwards.
Faith Matters Co-Leader
Creating an environment where people can safely grow in their spiritual journey by participating inopen and honest discussion is what Faith Matters ia all about. The co-leaders facilitate the discussion and fosters an environment for spiritual growth.
Food Ministry
The food ministry provides meals for parishioners who are experiencing difficult times,
e.g. following surgery, the death of a loved one, illness in the family, etc.
Greeters/Parish Integration
Greeters make visitors feel welcome and help them become connected to the activities and ministriesavailable at St. Mary Magdalene.
Healing Prayer Ministry
The members of the healing prayer team offer healing prayer on Sunday’s during communion to anyone who is interested.
Lay Eucharistic Ministry (LEM)
LEM provides an opportunity to bring the Eucharist to people who are unable to attend a worshipservice because of illness or other reason. After the Sunday service, you would go to someone's home, deliver the Eucharist and enjoy some fellowship with fellow members.
Library
Many books and other resources are available in the Library for all in the parish community.
Marthas of St. Mary's
The Marthas work to ensure that events at St. Mary Magdalene are lovely and run smoothly.
They have developed also the courtyard and lower terrace into lovely restful areas, decorated the library and other areas.
Nursery
Providing a nursery for our youngest ones is a ministry that allows those with very young children to attend worship service and focus on worshipping knowing that their little ones are safe and cared for.
OutreachMinistry
Outreach is a vital part of St. Mary Magdalene. Outreach is reaching out within the broader community to share the love of Jesus Christ, ministering with the “least of these” and calling the St. Mary Magdalene community to do the same.
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is accessible to all within the parish community.
Sound System Group
This ministry provides sound so that all can hear during worship and other events. They provide assistive listening devices to those unable to hear the service naturally. There is even sound to the nursery so that those ministering there are able to hear the service A member of this group can be found before services adjusting microphones and during the service running the sound board.
Spiritual Formation Group Facilitator
Spiritual Formation Groups are groups of 2 to 7 people who meet weekly to study and learn about the various traditions of the church, practice the ancient Christian disciplines, offer encouragement, accountability and prayer for one another.
Ushers
Ushers make all who come to a worship service feel welcome. They also distribute bulletins, collect the offering, bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar for Eucharist and count the offering after the service.
Website
The St. Mary Magdalene website, www.stmarymagdalene.org is a wonderful resource for all in the community! If you are creative and like to keep information crisp, current, and relevant, then this may be the ministry for you.
