Discover the vast ministry opportunities at St. Mark's...
We hope you enjoy learning about the many ministry opportunities at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Please click on any of the listed Ministry opportunities to learn more about it. If you find something that you need more information on or want to become involved with, you can easily contact the committee chair person by clicking on the Heading of each section.
ACOLYTES
The basic responsibility of this ministry is to help the rector facilitate the service. Acolytes light candles, carry the cross and torches, collect the offering from the congregation and assist the rector during Holy Communion. The acolyte ministry consists of people from age 12 years to adults.
Training consists of new recruits being led through a service during a “dry run”. It is important to have the rector’s input during training so that the services can flow smoothly. The development of a seasoned acolyte comes through on the job training. Each acolyte is scheduled to participate in at least one service per month.
Goals for this ministry include: recruitment, further training, a parent assistant for each service, and extracurricular activities for teambuilding.
For more detailed information, please click here. (back to top)
ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild ministry prepares the church for every occasion as well as cleans up after each occasion. Everything needed to celebrate Holy Eucharist, Morning Prayer, or Evening Prayer is prepared by the Altar Guild. Clean linens, silverware, and polished brass are used to set the altar for each service. After services, all soiled linens are changed, washed and ironed; candles are refilled or replaced; and vessels (chalices, flagons, paten, etc.) are washed. Silver and brass items are polished periodically. Altar hangings are changed for each season and special occasions (weddings, funerals, baptisms). Also, the Altar Guild is responsible for the altar flowers, Christmas and Easter decorations.
The Altar Guild is the housekeeper for the Lord’s house. It sets the table and puts the house in order for Him and His worshipers. It is a very rewarding and enjoyable ministry. Men and women both serve and are welcome. New members are welcome and will be commissioned after training. Come join us in this important service for the Lord! (back to top)
BUILDING & GROUNDS
The Buildings and Grounds Committee is responsible for the entire physical aspect of St. Mark’s buildings and properties under the Junior Warden. This committee is made up entirely of volunteers from the parish who donate their time and talents to the upkeep, repair, installation, and maintenance of all church properties. This includes the church cemetery, the slave cemetery, the church grounds, the church building, parish house, and old rectory.
The grounds maintenance is performed by a landscape contractor supervised by the chairman of this committee. Contractors do all major repairs and installations, such as furnaces, air conditioning, organ repairs, plumbing, and electrical work.
This committee has done hundreds of hours of work and can always use more help. All volunteers are more than welcome! (back to top)
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Classes / Curriculum
Christian Education for all ages takes place between Sunday morning services. All classes take place in the Parish Hall or the Old Rectory.
The 3rd through 6th graders participate in a program called the Episcopal Children’s Curriculum. This scripture based program allows children of all ages to exercise their minds. The classes mix activities and games with crafts and discussion, all centered around a weekly lesson. The children enjoy a secure environment with clean, comfortable well-equipped classrooms. They discuss real-world applications of the lessons and gain a better understanding of various aspects of scripture.
Junior High and High Schoolers participate in Ministry Matters, a specially developed tour the many ministries of St Mark’s Episcopal Church. The youth work to understand how their Christian actions and behaviors play a vital role in our many ministries. The program, which balances both hands-on and leader based activities, will explore the purpose of the ministry and how they can make a difference. Some examples of activities include baking bread, reading to younger Sunday School classes, and leading the parish in seasonal programs such as the Samaritian’s Purse ShoeBox and Angel Tree.
The Adult Sunday School classes follow an open discussion format. We sometimes utilize a study program, such as the New Community Bible Study series. Other programs have included a historian’s look at the people and travels of St. Paul, as well as a very contemplative program on reconciliation. (back to top)
NURSERY / CHILD CARE
The purpose of St. Mark’s Nursery is to provide loving care for the children at St. Mark’s during worship services, Sunday school and occasionally during other church events.
The infant nursery is for children 0-1 year old. St. Mark’s has a paid employee to watch the children in the infant nursery during all services and during Sunday school. The older nursery is for children 2-4 years old and is also staffed with a paid employee. A St. Mark’s volunteer joins the sitters during the family service every Sunday. The volunteers are rotated and usually keep the nursery every 8 weeks. (back to top)
CHILDREN’S CHAPEL
Children between the ages of four and eight have a worship service that’s just for them! It’s called Children’s Chapel and it occurs during the 10:30am service. (Parents are welcome to accompany children younger than four.)
During Children’s Chapel, our children will essentially engage in a child-friendly version of what we experience in the main church. Our chaplains have designed an age-appropriate worship experience that reflects the traditions and components of the Episcopal Church liturgy. The service will begin with a procession from the church to the Parish Hall and will include Bible lessons, songs, and prayers. Children’s Chapel will be offered at the 10:30 service every Sunday beginning in September on the first Sunday after Labor Day until the Sunday before Memorial Day, excluding the Sundays closest to Christmas, New Year’s and Easter. Parent volunteers are needed. (back to top)
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
VBS is a great learning experience for young and old alike. The parish utilizes a new, exciting program each year. Every night for one week of the summer, students of each age group visit a different site to experience a different lesson. Teachers prepare for weeks in advance to ready their site, materials and stories to deliver a meaningful lesson. As the evenings progress, the teachers deliver their lesson to different age groups in turn. We usually round out the evening in group prayer, singing and dancing. We also have a kitchen crew who take care of snacks and drinks for our hungry crew. It is a rich and rewarding experience for all involved. (back to top)
Special Events
In addition to classes and lessons, Christian Formation also sponsors a number of special events. Each Christmas season, our parish children participate in a Holiday Pageant, re-enacting events associated with the birth of Christ. At Easter, band of excited children flower the cross, then comb the church grounds for Easter eggs and treats. We also take youth and family outings to learn more about the community around us, including living history exhibitions as well as just-for-fun trips.
Most of our Christian Formation activities are organized and run by volunteers. Of our many ministries at Saint Mark’s, we are most blessed to have willing teachers, and we are always searching for the next person who has that special gift. Like the seed that falls in good soil, those who give of themselves for our Christian formation yield a hundred-fold in the eyes of the Lord. (back to top)
COMMUNICATIONS
Mission
To assist the congregation in advancing the message of God’s love in Christ through the use of modern technology.
Description
The technology ministry team works to enhance the ministries of St. Mark’s through the creative use of technology. We work with the congregation to understand where there are opportunities to add or increase the effectiveness of automation, so that St. Mark’s Church can fulfill it’s mission of celebrating God’s love and making disciples for Jesus Christ. Technology planning and project status meetings are held monthly. Ministry members collaborate to implement technology enhancements and support the parish’s investment in automation.
Key functions
Technology planning
Computer hardware and software support
Web site support and enhancement
Facilitate the automation of ministry scheduling and communication
Past projects
Upgraded office computers
Established the Church web site
Networked parish computers
Assisted in the selection and implementation of church management software
We are always looking for volunteers to assist with computer system evaluation, configuration, and maintenance. (back to top)
FINANCE
St Mark’s finance team prepares the annual budget from information gathered from various committees of the church, and presents the information to the Vestry for final approval. Other duties of the team include:
• Monitoring the monthly financial results and providing reports and recommendations, when necessary, to the Vestry.
• Investing various funds in their care for the best return available, while protecting the principal of these funds. The team annually reviews these investments for safety and rate of return to the church.
• Gathering weekly receipts of pledges and on-pledged funds, recording said pledges to individual records, and depositing the funds in the bank.
• Receiving and paying all approved bills of the church that are within the approved annual budget.
• Assisting an outside auditor in an annual audit of the fiscal condition of St Marks, with annual report to the diocese. (back to top)
GREETERS / USHERS
The greeters / ushers ministry is a vital part of the worship service. Its purpose is to ensure that parishioners’ needs are met, that portions of the service flow smoothly, and that the church is left in good condition for the next service.
The purpose of the greeters / ushers on Sunday mornings is to greet EVERYONE with a smile and a warm “Good morning”. If we see someone we don’t recognize, we introduce ourselves and ask how long he or she has been worshiping at St. Mark’s. If they are a newcomer or a returning visitor, we offer to fill out a nametag for them. Then, we ask if they are familiar with the Episcopal style of worship. If they are not, we offer a quick introduction to the service (bulletin, hymnal, Book of Common Prayer, etc.). We also have a table with handy information about St. Mark’s and the Episcopal Church located just outside the sanctuary on Sunday mornings. After the service, we try to introduce those newcomers to other parishioners to stimulate conversation and develop a sense of community.
The role of the greeter / usher is very important to parishioners and visitors. They make everyone feel welcome when they enter the church, help them find seats, and ensure that everyone is informed of what is expected during the service (through the use of the bulletin). They represent the entire congregation in the offering of bread, wine and monetary contributions to the altar. They also make certain that the church remains in good condition so that the next group of parishioners can enjoy their worship experience.
Greeting and ushering at St. Mark’s, while not overly difficult, is an extremely important ministry that is available to everyone. This ministry supports all services with each volunteer participating about 5 times per year. We always need members to participate and welcome anyone who would like to join this ministry. (back to top)
LECTORS, LAY READERS & LEMs
Lectors, Lay Readers and LEMs (Lay Eucharistic Ministers) are a combination of three ministries working together, with the purpose of serving God and His community of people at St. Mark’s. Participants in this ministry are baptized Christians in good standing with the church. Meetings are held twice a year for training and updates.
Lectors read the first two Bible lessons and lead the congregation in the varied ways of praying the Psalm that is appointed for each service. Readings are sent to the Lector in advance to allow for practice. Training is provided.
Lay Readers are those individuals who are licensed by the Bishop through our priest. Lay Readers assist with the worship services and may lead Morning or Evening prayer.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers participate in two specific ministries and can hold a license for one or both. The Chalice LEM assists the priest in communion service by administering the chalice. The Home Communion LEM represents the church by taking the Body and Blood of Christ to our brothers and sisters of Christ who are unable to attend church. The LEM spreads God’s love and comforting promises through prayer and empathy for our sick and homebound members.
All that feel called to serve in these ministries are welcome to participate. (back to top)
MUSIC MINISTRIES
The music ministry at St. Mark’s is a challenging and exciting way to worship the Lord. For those parishioners 12 and up, the adult choir is available to you. This group participates in the weekly 10:30 worship service singing anthems and leading the congregation in hymns and service music. We practice weekly at 7:00pm each Wednesday night in the choir room located in the Old Rectory. The ability to read music is not required. We would love to welcome you and your children to our ministry. (back to top)
NEWCOMERS
We at St. Mark’s value newcomers and warmly welcome them to our worship services, programs and parish life. Our job is to provide newcomers with information, ministry contacts and guidance as they consider membership and stewardship. We host meals, bringing together newcomers and current members for a time of fellowship and sharing. Volunteers cross-stitch nametags for new members. We provide the rector information about newcomer needs and interests. Our job also includes arranging advertising for our church to inform the community about worship services and programs that St. Mark’s has to offer. The newcomer committee meets monthly to plan and coordinate our activities. (back to top)
OUTREACH
The purpose of this committee is to extend the Christian compassion and helpfulness of the members of the Saint Mark’s to the ill, the aged, the orphaned, the underprivileged, the imprisoned, and to all persons of all ages in need of aid in body and soul in our community. It is the task of the Community Outreach Committee to educate and create awareness throughout Saint Mark’s to the needs of those who are less fortunate in our local community. The participation of all individuals and organizations at Saint Mark’s is needed to accomplish the mission of this committee. With a focus on addressing social conditions in our local community, the committee sponsors many important activities. These activities include but are not limited to the following:
• Habitat for Humanity (building homes)
• Loaves and Fishes (food for those in need)
• Ranson Middle School Initiatives
• Youth Mission Trip
• Costa Rica Mission Trip (back to top)
PARISH LIFE
FOOD and FUN!! What is that? You must be talking about Parish Life! The goal of our ministry is to build community and bring the people of St. Mark’s closer together through fellowship. This is one of the most fun ways to be involved with St. Mark’s. Our activities for the coming year include:
1. Second Sunday of each month will be Hotdog lunch.
2. Fourth Sunday of each month is potluck luncheon.
3. Special events include: Valentine Dinner, Easter Egg Hunt, Chili Cook-Off, Spaghetti Dinner, Parish Picnic, Ocktoberfest, Halloween on the Hill
4. November Projects: the church provides food for 12 needy families. Some cooking is involved, some shopping and assembly.
5. December Soup and Sandwiches for carolers.
6. Parish Retreat in April at Kanuga.
Parish Life is the heartbeat of the church. It can take as little time as one Sunday a year in the kitchen or even just 10 minutes a month to make a pot of coffee. We need many hands to make a great impression on our newcomers and a lasting impression on our members. (back to top)
PASTORAL CARE
The goal of the Pastoral Care Ministry is to help keep those who are ill, homebound or in other ways in need stay connected to St. Marks. It reflects the nature of the church as a caring community.
The ministry is a wonderful vehicle for those who wish to live into the admonition of Galatians 6:2, Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.
The ministry of caring is manifested in the following ways:
Visitation: Regular visits/contact with parish shut-ins. When possible, we coordinate these visits with Lay Eucharistic Ministers to see that Communion is offered to those who can’t come to church.
Meals: The preparation and delivery of meals to parish members who are ill or have been released from the hospital.
Hospitality Committee: The preparation and serving of light refreshments to parish families that have funerals at St. Marks.
Greeting Cards: Birthday, sympathy, get well, anniversary and birth congratulation cards are sent to parish members.
Prayer Chain: Members of this ministry are prepared to offer intercessory prayer to support those in need.
Transportation: The Pastoral Care committee provides assistance to those who need transportation to appointments, the grocery store, etc. (back to top)
STEWARDSHIP
God has given everything on earth to us. Stewardship is the way we care for all of these gifts: time, health, environment, talents, property, relationships, and the Gospel. The goal of the Stewardship Team is to encourage and educate the members of St. Mark’s about being good stewards. We strive to have a year round program involving all aspects of stewardship.
In the past we have sponsored a six-week Lenten series (supper, service, and speaker), an environmental awareness booklet, fall pledge campaigns, a Ministries Fair, and a Photo Directory. We receive continual support and training from the Diocese of North Carolina, and we are looking for ways to encourage participation from the congregation.
The Stewardship Team welcomes participation by any member of St. Mark’s. We meet once a month with the exception of special occasion meetings. There are no particular skills required, just a willingness to serve the Lord and model good stewardship. Please come join us! (back to top)
WORSHIP
The worship team is responsible for planning the worship services in conjunction with the rector. It is made up of representatives from various ministries directly involved with the worship services including altar guild, music ministries, lectors, lay readers, LEMs, etc. In addition to planning for Sunday services, the worship team also plans for special occasion services. (back to top)
YOUTH
The youth group at St. Mark’s is designed for fun and fellowship for middle and high school aged students. In the past, gatherings have included an all night lock-in and midnight shopping trip to supply the Christmas Angel Tree. Occasionally, this group also meets with youth from other local Episcopal churches. (back to top)
