SERVE IN THE PARISH
St. Michael’s offers rich and rewarding opportunities to serve God in the church.
FRIENDS
Our Friends group is made up of dozens of volunteers who help prepare food and serve at receptions in our Parish Hall for the families of those among us have passed away. Friends is divided into teams which rotate through the year.
If your loved one has died, your first contact will be Robin Kennedy, Director of Parish Care. She will inform a member of our clergy, who will meet with you to discuss arrangements and make contact with Friends should you and your family request a reception.
ALTAR GUILD
The St. Michael’s Altar Guild, the ministry of the Lord’s table, serves as an integral ministry for our parish.
Altar Guild members are responsible for everything placed on the Altar and Credence Table. Members prepare the bread, wine, and wafers before each service, then carefully clean the accoutrements and put them safely away.
Guilds that are a part of the Altar Guild but have their own organizational structure are the Flower Guild, Flower Delivery Guild, Wedding Guild and Funeral Guild.
THE FUNERAL GUILD
The Funeral Guild assists families before and during the funeral service. Serving on the Funeral Guild is an opportunity for true ministry to the grieving.
THE WEDDING GUILD
The Wedding Guild acts at the pleasure of the rector to serve wedding parties during rehearsals, and before and during the wedding service itself. We do not allow wedding planners to assist with weddings in the church. Wedding Guild volunteers serve in teams on rotation and share in one of the happiest days in a family's life.
THE FLOWER GUILD
Members of the Flower Guild select and arrange altar flowers for the main altar each week by creating arrangements individually or buddying up with a guild member as personal schedules allow, no commitment is necessary.
We also come together as a group to decorate the Church for Easter and Christmas.
The Flower Guild does not provide flowers for weddings or funerals.
Anyone interested in flower arranging is encouraged to join our small dedicated group of volunteers.
THE FLOWER DELIVERY GUILD
Volunteers remove altar flowers and rearrange them in small quantities, delivering them to members who are home bound, in the hospital, or who have had a recent birth or death in the family. This ministry offers opportunity for direct contact with parishioners at important times in their lives.
ACOLYTES
Our acolyte teams are an integral part of our Sunday service and offer children and teens the opportunity to experience worship by working with clergy close at hand. Children in 4th through 12th grades serve at age-appropriate levels, as torch bearers, junior and senior crucifers, Gospel bearers and flag bearers. They may also assist with Holy Communion.
CHALICE BEARERS
Teams of chalice bearers are trained to serve Holy Communion to the congregation. Adults as well as high school juniors and seniors are eligible to serve as chalice bearers.
Chalice bearers are trained by the associate rector.
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Lay Eucharistic Ministers deliver the elements to the homebound. This ministry offers opportunity for involvement with parishioners at difficult times in their lives, when taking communion is important but not logistically possible.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers are trained by the associate rector.
USHERS
Ushers serve as the first greeters on Sunday mornings, and at other special services, such as funerals. They assist members of the congregation with finding seating, particularly at services with high attendance. They also assist with the offertory and communion.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND NURSERY VOLUNTEERS
With more than 200 babies, children and youth attending Sunday School each week, our Nursery, Children & Youth Ministries always need volunteers. Lead a class, serve as storyteller in our children's chapels, greet newcomers as a Red Apron volunteer or distribute snacks. Every job makes such an impact within these ministries.
RECEPTIONISTS
Our front-desk receptionists serve an important role in the daily life of St. Michael's. They greet visitors, answer phones, and often support the staff with various projects throughout the week. Morning and afternoon shifts are available.
