Ministries

Altar Guild The goal of the Altar Guild is to provide a setting which enables the congregation to worship in a meaningful way. They are dedicated to the care and preparation of the altar for all worship services as well as the cleanliness and maintenance of the vestments and articles used during the services. The Altar Guild is open to all adults who respect the sanctity of the altar and are willing to perform the various required tasks with an understanding of the importance of the processes. Monthly meetings are held to review the upcoming seasons and events of the Church and to discuss improvements/changes that may be necessary. Contact: Denise McMillan

Acolytes The acolytes serve as a companion and helper to assist the celebrants, performing a number of important functions before, during, and at the close of the service. It provides an opportunity for individuals to enhance their knowledge of the service and develop a closer connection to the church and church family. Any member, age 10 or more can become an acolyte. Volunteers go through a brief training period to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the position and make sure they are physically able to carry out the duties. Follow up training occurs on a regular basis throughout the year. Contact: Tim Reifsteck

Eucharistic Ministers These people serve God and the church community by serving chalice during the sacrament of Holy Communion and by taking home communion to those who are sick and infirmed. Contact: Jeanne Koppel

Lectors (Lay Readers) Lay readers serve God and the church community through reading the lessons and prayers of the people with an attitude of reverence and clarity at each of the Church’s services. Contact: Jeanne Koppel

Ministry Planning This group provides clarity of communication, advance planning and visioning for the Church regarding seasonal events and special functions. Ministry planning sets dates, times and schedules all important gatherings throughout the year and communicates the needs to the various other ministries that may be needed/effected by the schedule. The committee meets quarterly. Contact: Mtr. Lou Ann

Music The mission of the music ministry at St Gabriel's is to enrich the worship service by the presentation of traditional hymns, choir anthems, and contemporary songs that support the liturgy of the word. The choir normally sings an anthem twice a month except for the summer and the praise band plays once a month, normally on the first Sunday except during the summer. Hymns for each service are normally selected by music planning. A bell choir is also being formed and performs as needed. Contact: Becki Ingersoll

Membership Ministry The mission of the Membership Ministry is to share the love of Jesus Christ with all who come to worship by welcoming, accepting, assisting and integrating all who gather for worship with a focus on newcomers. Follow up with newcomers is an important part of this group’s efforts to help assure continued growth. Contact: Linda Utter

Fellowship The fellowship group provides opportunities for community, family and neighbors to come together to celebrate the love of Jesus Christ, and the seasons of the church year by enjoying good food, activities and each other. Seasonal celebrations, parish picnics, soup suppers and special events are also of the group’s responsibilities. Contact: Elly Steacy

Refreshments This ministry primarily offers an array of snacks and drinks for the congregation after each Sunday’s service to help nurture the community through hospitality while providing an appealing atmosphere for pleasant conversation. Members of the group bring snacks for the coffee hour each time they volunteer. During a special occasion the Church provides a decorated cake. Contact: Marion Thornbloom

Sunday Forum This ministry meets in the Church library each Sunday at 9:00 AM to discuss a wide variety of subjects often presented by someone outside the Church. The goal is to deepen the understanding of the members of St Gabriel’s community in faith, scripture, beliefs and issues of relevance to our community. It serves as a forum where any member of the Church can feel welcome to come and participate. Contact person: Tom Horgan

Youth and Family Ministries St. Gabriel’s Church School and Youth Group’s mission is to nurture and grow the Christian faith of our children and youth through study of the Bible, faith-building activities and good fellowship. We wish to empower our children, youth and families to have faith-filled lives and share with others the love of Jesus Christ. Regular activities include Church school, children’s fellowship events, youth programs and outings, nursery care and special events like SAFE training and the annual Christmas pageant. Contact: Page Clothier

Library The library offers books, videos and DVD’s on such topics as spiritual aids, seasonal and current interests, Christian fiction, Bible study, parenting, grief, healing and the Episcopal Church. The intent is to provide resources that will aid growth in faith and learning while enabling parish members to support educational activities. It’s also a method of encouraging evangelism by using the information out in the community. Contact: Rachel Wheeler

Outreach The outreach ministry provides Christian leadership for mission outreach and education through financial support and parishioner participation; doing God’s work by sharing our resources locally and internationally. Research and surveys are used to identify recipients both within the community and outside. Some fundraising occurs throughout the year as well as the encouragement of parish participation in Lent and Advent. A fixed percentage of the Church’s budget helps fund the ministry. The group meets on a monthly basis in the library. Contact: Patty George, Carol Fox

Prayer Chain The ministry of the prayer chain is to pray for the needs of the congregation, their friends and families. We pray daily for those who have requested prayers or had prayers requested for them. Contact: Rachel Wheeler

Care Team Church members who need assistance when they are not physically able or who have a crisis that prevents them from normal day-to-day activities are provided assistance by a dedicated group of members who recognize the importance of such requests. If a need arises, a phone call to the Church secretary will start the process. The request can take the form of a prescription pick-up, transportation to a doctor’s appointment, meals, etc. Contact person: Church secretary

Prayer Shawl Guild This group knits or crochets prayer shawls for those in need who may be grieving, feeling despair or may be ill. They are also used to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, friendship and love, and professional and personal achievements. Each shawl is created with love and prayers and is blessed by our priest for each recipient. The ministry serves as a reminder of God’s promise that He will be with us always. Completed shawls are donated to the Church and then to the recipient. Meetings are held monthly in the Church library. Contact: Debbie Brodie

St. Brigid – Ministry of Healing Prayers The purpose of this ministry is to serve God and the church community in the ministry of healing prayer by praying for healing and wholeness of body, mind and spirit. Praying by the laying on of hands for those who request healing prayers is conducted during the Sunday services as well as home or hospital visitations as needed.
Contact: Jeanne Koppel

Finance Committee The finance committee monitors the financial condition of the parish to assure that expenditures and revenues are in keeping with the annual budget, and that all financial resources of the parish are invested as prudently as possible. It also reviews investments of the parish resources to assure the best return possible. The long term financial picture of the parish and coordination of the annual budget also fall under this committee. The committee meets monthly. Contact: Don Otterman

Stewardship This ministry’s primary goal is to assure resources are available to support the growth and overall mission of St. Gabriel’s by inspiring giving for the work of the church and raising the awareness of tithing. Included in the process is the education of the congregation in the power of giving of time talent and monetary resources while stressing the importance of pledging to assure that our budgetary process is adequate and on a solid foundation. Contact: George Kyler

Communications The communications team assists the commissions and ministries of St. Gabriel’s in communicating with the congregation and the broader community. This takes the form of a website, our monthly newsletter “The Messenger”, Church signage and holiday advertising. The focus of the group is to provide timely communications that are consistent, and clearly written. Contact person: Jim Held

Building & Grounds This group oversees the janitorial, building and landscape maintenance to assure a pleasant, safe and sanitary place to worship and perform our various ministries while being a good steward to the Church and our neighbors.
Contact: Don Erickson

Garden - The Cutting Edge This group works together as a team to maintain the Church’s grounds to assure it welcomes parishioners, neighbors and guests by offering a pleasant and peaceful appearance. The love and respect for God’s creation is reflected in the efforts of this ministry while spreading the word of Christ and the loving spirit of St. Gabriel’s. Contact: Barbara George

Labyrinth This ministry provides a place for contemplative worship where walkers can release the cares of the day, meditate and be open to Divine grace; and return with a renewed sense of connection with the world and with God. The labyrinth also serves as a place of mediation for the community. Contacts: Andy Miller and Terry Styner