PARISH GOVERNMENT                                                 

Bishop's Committee 
This is the governing body of St. Michael's and consists of confirmed members of the congregation in addition to the clergy. Meetings are monthly & are open to all parishioners.
Finance Committee 
Volunteers provide individual services in support of the church. These individuals count the offering, make bank deposits, enter financial information in the computer and file invoices. 
Stewardship Committee
This committee works with the Vicar & Bishop's Committee to encourage, promote, and review the on-going stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. All are called to be stewards of God's creation.
Discernment Committee 
This committee oversees, in conjunction with the clergy, those individuals who would like to discern a spiritual call to lay or ordained service. This includes those discerning a lay ministry direction as well as those persons seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church as deacons or priests. Training is provided. You only need a willingness to serve.

                                                                                
  WORSHIP MINISTRIES

Worship Committees
Volunteers from the 8 a.m. Sunday worship and the 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship meet with the Vicar to assist in designing the liturgy for Sunday services and for special services. Meetings are open just come, share and learn.
Acolytes 
Adults and children (ages 8 and older) who assist the clergy and congregation with Sunday worship and special services. These individuals participate as torch bearers, servers, crucifers and in other liturgical roles. Training provided.
Altar Guild 
This group prepares the altar, vestments, and elements for worship services. This group also coordinates the decorating of the church for the various liturgical seasons, and ensures that the proper supplies are available as needed. Training is provided.
Chalice Bearers
Lay members who administer the chalice of wine at the altar during communion. These individuals are licensed by the Diocese for this function. Interested persons should be at least 16 years of age and confirmed members of St. Michael's. For more information and a training schedule, contact the church office.
Lectors
Lay members who read the scriptures, as well as leading the Psalm and the Prayers of the People during worship services. Training is provided. Contact the office to volunteer.
Liturgical Dance
We would like to start a group for anyone with an interest in exploring movement in worship and prayer. No formal training is necessary. This group would provide liturgical dance as part of worship on a periodic basis.
Master of Ceremonies 10:30 service
This individual ensures that all assigned acolytes, readers, ushers, and others are present for each service so that the clergy can focus on other aspects of worship preparation. If someone is missing from a needed worship role, they find someone to replace them.
Ushers
Ushers assist worshipers as they enter the church, distribute bulletins and worship booklets, encourage visitors to sign guest register, escort people to empty seats when necessary, ensure that the elements of bread and wine are offered at the altar, and take up the offering. This is a critical function and offers a great opportunity for families to volunteer and work together.
Vestments & Vesting Area 
This individual ensures that vestments are clean and pressed. Works with acolytes, servers, lay ministers and clergy to keep the vesting areas orderly and neat. There is a periodic need for help to launder, maintain, and occasionally make repairs.
Worship Materials Preparation 
This group prepares and assembles bulletins and worship booklets for Sunday Services and other special services as necessary. Volunteer to help with these weekly and seasonal projects. Flexible hours and the pay is great!
Worship Space Preparation
General straightening of the church nave. Set-up of the chairs and other furniture for special worship events. Returning the worship books and hymnals to their racks and ensuring that old bulletins and other materials are appropriately recycled. The work of this group occurs weekly and it goes quickly with a few helpers. Great opportunity for a family to work together. 
Choir
Provides worship and special music for the 10:30 worship service. This choir sings every Sunday. Rehearsals are Thursdays 7-9 p.m. Open to anyone interested in singing.
Instrumentalists
Individuals offer musical talents during worship services either on a regular or special-event basis. Please let us know of your willingness to serve in this capacity. Pianists, guitarists, keyboard players, organists and other musicians are invited to enrich our worship experiences.

                                                                                    

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Sunday Adult Education
Opportunities to attend or teach classes for adults on a variety of topics. Classes occur between services on Sunday mornings 9:30-10:15 a.m. Training and resources are available to those who would like to teach or assist.
Seasonal Adult Education Offerings 
Opportunities to facilitate and teach special programs offered during various seasons of the church year. Interested persons should contact the church office for information on programs or to volunteer to teach.
DOCC (Disciples of Christ in Community)
This is a 22 week course which meets weekly for two hours to build Christian faith and promote Christian community. Call the church office if interested. We need a class size of 12.
EFM (Education for Ministry)
This is a four year theological program of study involving scripture study, theological reflection, church history, and contemporary theology. This program meets weekly for 3 hours of class from September through May each year. There are course fees associated with this program (some scholarship money is available). Contact the church office for information.
                                                                                                 

                                                                                    


CHILDREN'S CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Children's Sunday School 
Volunteers teach and assist with the children's Sunday School program (pre-school through high school). These classes meet between services on Sunday mornings, 9:30 - 10:15.
Children's Chapel
Volunteers help plan, teach and/or lead children (ages 3 through 3rd grade) in their own worship experience during the sermon portion of the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Curriculum and materials available. Each team has an adult and a teen volunteer. Sign up today.
Vacation Bible School
Volunteers plan a week of activities for children of the parish, friends, and neighbors. This is typically held in July or August each year. Teachers and assistants are needed to help with crafts and other activities. Contact the Church office to volunteer.



YOUTH MINISTRY

Middle High Youth & High School Youth 
Middle High Youth is 6th through 8th grades. High School Youth is 9th through 12th grades. Both groups try to meet weekly for fellowship, Bible study, community service and lots of fun. Special events are also planned throughout the year. Adult volunteers are needed to help with activities and to chaperone special events.

                                                                                  

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS

Dinner Groups
Every six months interested participants are invited to sign up for dinner and fellowship with other parishioners. The dinner groups meet monthly and participants rotate hosting the dinner. At the end of the 6 months new groups are formed.
E.C.W. (Episcopal Church Women)
All women of St. Michael's are invited to participate. This group meets once per month (usually 2nd Thursday) in the evening. Watch the Bulletin for the next meeting and topic.
Fun, Food & Fellowship
Everyone is a member of this group which meets the 2nd Saturday of each month at 6 pm for a shared potluck dinner and fellowship. Nursery provided for children and games to entertain all ages. No need to RSVP - just come! 
Men's Group
Open to all men of St. Michael's. This group meets weekly on Monday mornings for prayer, scripture reading, reflection, and fellowship. Contact Church office for location.


                                                                                  
EVANGELISM

Alpha
Alpha is a 10 week program designed to provide an overview of the Christian faith and provide us skills necessary to share the gospel with others. Call the Office if interested in attending or facilitating this program.
Cursillo, Ultreya & Reunion Groups
Interested in a renewal experience designed to keep you growing in Christ? Weekend Cursillo events available Spring & Fall. Join groups designed to support your spiritual journey. Meet, share & support each other. 
Greeters and Hosts
This ministry is open to everyone. Volunteers meet and greet newcomers and visitors at the beginning and end of each service and introduce them to someone at the coffee hour. Volunteers are needed for both services.

Visitor/Newcomer Teams
Bread Baking
Volunteers bake bread to be delivered to all visitors. You bake the bread and bring it to the church to be available for delivery to visitors. Recipes and advice available.
Porch Visitors
Volunteers deliver bread (porch visit) to all first-time visitors (living in the local area). This ministry takes only a short visit to each person. Directions, maps, and assistance are available. Call today to join this group of fearless adventurers.
Newcomer Caller
This person calls each visitor and chats briefly about their visit to St. Michael's. This is a great ministry to do from your home and it gets you in contact with all the new people in the parish.
Newcomer Potluck Dinners
Arranges and facilitates a potluck dinner at the parish every 6 months and more frequently if needed. Gets list of newcomers and sends initiations and makes follow-up phone calls to invite them to the party.
Name Tags
Make nametags for all members. These nametags are worn at all services and parish events. A great ministry for those who need a flexible ministry schedule. If you don't have a name tag, please sign your name on the bulletin board and one will be made for you.
Inquirer & Catechumenate Programs
Teach or attend classes for newcomers and those seeking more information about the Episcopal Church. Course content provided. If you have an interest in sharing your knowledge or are interested in these classes, call the church office.

                                                                                 
                                                                                    
PRAYER AND PASTORAL CARE

Contemplative Prayer
We want to offer Contemplative prayer - contact the office if interested in this ministry.
Daughters of the King
DOK is an Episcopal Lay Order for women. Their role is to provide prayer support for the ministry and work of St. Michael's and the Anglican Communion. For more information contact the Vicar.
Homebound 
Contacts those unable to attend church regularly and arranges for Home Eucharist by LEM. Also mails or arranges for cards to be delivered to homebound parishioners on a periodic basis. If you are aware of someone who would benefit from this ministry, please contact the church office. If you would like to be part of this ministry, please call the office. 
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Those in this ministry take communion to members of the parish who are sick or shut in and unable to attend Sunday Services. Special training is provided. These individuals are licensed by the Diocese for this function. Interested persons should be confirmed members of St. Michael's. If interested, contact the Vicar.
Ministry of Presence Coordinator needed
Volunteers are scheduled to visit and spend time with parishioners who are homebound. This ministry of presence clearly demonstrates God's care and concern to others through us. Volunteers serve on an as needed basis, but usually a 2-4 hour block of time. If you feel called to this ministry, please notify the Vicar so that you can be contacted to check your availability when a need arises.
Prayer Chains
Phone Chain 816-373-5333
E-mail chain - motherpat@stmichaelschurch.org
Members of these groups pray daily for those on the prayer chains and accept routine and emergency prayer requests. If you are interested in participating in these prayer chains or if you have prayer requests to be circulated, contact the person listed or the church office.
Prayer Team
Teams of persons for intercessory prayer on Sunday mornings during worship. If you feel called to this ministry, please contact the coordinator to arrange training.
Spiritual Direction 
Names of qualified spiritual directors are available. Ask and you will receive.
                                                                                  


HOSPITALITY & SERVICE
Building & Maintenance Team 
This group of volunteers works with the Jr. Warden to keep up the buildings and grounds of the church. If you have special skills, please alert the Jr. Warden of your willingness to be called as needed.
Catering/Receptions
This group plans parish special events, purchases, delivers, and sets-up for the events. This is a great ministry for those who want to serve periodically. Our goal is to have one event every three months. If you are interested in working on one of these events, let us know.
Coffee Hour
Volunteers prepare coffee and hot water for the coffee hour held between Sunday services and after the 10:30 service.
Gardening
Volunteers plan, plant and maintain the gardens around the church.
Helpfulness Ministry
Cooking Ministry
Volunteers cook meals and pack for freezer storage. These meals are brought to the parish and stored until needed for parish families in crisis or in need due to illness, etc. This vital ministry can be done at times convenient to your schedule. If you can cook, please volunteer.
Transportation & Meal Delivery Ministry
Volunteers deliver already prepared meals to parishioners who have needs due to family crisis, illness, hospitalizations, births, and deaths. Volunteers also take members in need of transportation to doctor's appointments and bring them to church. If you are interested in this ministry, call and volunteer.
Kitchen Supplies Ministry
Volunteers purchase routine kitchen supplies and restock the kitchen as needed.
Kitchen clean-up and set-up
This ministry assists in general clean-up and set-up of the kitchen area before and after Sunday services. This is not someone to clean up other people's messes, but this ministry checks the kitchen and completes any overlooked clean-up. If you are called to a ministry of loving care for the place we all use, please call the church office to volunteer.
"Holy Folders" 
This group of daytime volunteers meets to sort, fold, and assemble the parish newsletter, worship booklets, and other mailings. Time commitment is about 2 hrs per month usually a morning. Contact the church office to volunteer.
Library
St. Michael's library houses many books and videos. Also, check out the on-line Cokesbury bookstore for additional items. 
Office Support
Volunteers needed to help in the office. Opportunities for the skilled and unskilled! Can you offer 2 hours a week to this ministry? If so contact the Vicar. 
Photography
This group provides pictorial coverage of important parish events. If you have an interest in photography please volunteer.
Plant Ministry
Waters the plants in the Narthex and special plants such as the Christmas Tree etc. If you like plants and they like you, contact us.
Recycling Ministry
Each of us is responsible for this ministry. We recycle paper, bulletins and other paper items in the blue bins; and we save cans in the specially marked aluminum can containers. We need volunteers to take these items to the recycling centers. Will you help?

                                                                                   

PARISH PUBLICATIONS

The Sword
Our parish newsletter needs your news. You provide the information and articles of interest. The Sword is published monthly, so send us your materials by e-mail, disk in ASCII text or just plain old paper format. All of us are reporters for the Sword, so send in your information.
StMichaelschurch.org
If you have information for our website send it to us. Help us keep our ministry current and visible to others. 



OUTREACH

Food for the Hungry 
Food donations are provided by parishioners. These food items are donated to the local food bank. Remember the Hungry when you shop - Bring staples such as rice, beans, and canned goods to church with you each week and place the items in the bins provided. Everyone is a volunteer for this ministry.
Clothes for the Needy
Clean clothing in good condition or new clothing can be donated using the bins inside the narthex. These items are given to local shelters to distribute. Clean out your closets and give away those items that you no longer need. Remember your brother and sister in Christ who need your help. Everyone participates in this ministry - have you done so yet?
Delivery of Donated Items
Volunteers deliver donations of food, clothing, and other items. If you would like to assist with this ministry please contact Mother Pat+.
Crossroads Shelter support
Volunteers meet needs at the Homeless Shelter. This is a periodic commitment, so watch the bulletin for next date and time. This is an activity for adults and youth. Volunteer and work as a family showing God's love to those most in need of Christ's presence.
Habitat for Humanity
We have opportunities to participate on work projects throughout the year. Let us know if you want to help.
Mission & Outreach Committee
This group coordinates parish efforts to provide financial and volunteer support for outreach efforts both locally and globally. Give of your time and resources. Check the Outreach section of the bulletin board for any immediate needs which the parish is addressing. Come join the meetings.
Necessity Pantry
St. Michael's offers a pantry providing items to those in need like toothpaste & brushes, diapers and other items not covered by food stamps. You can help by volunteering to work the pantry or to donate items. 
                                                                                    



VOLUNTEER TODAY
HELP BUILD THE KINGDOM OF GOD

God's Blessing on Your Ministry