MINISTRY

DESCRIPTION

Acolyte

Young people who are eight years or older serve on the altar during the 10:00 AM Sunday worship services. Training is required

Adult Forum

The Adult Forum is a Sunday morning gathering for Christian formation of adults The format varies from panel presentations to outside speakers to lectures to discussion groups.

Alpha

This 10-week course explores the basics of Christianity. It is meant for those who have no Christian background and also for those who have been in the church for a long time and want to revisit the basics. A terrific way to become grounded in the Christian faith.

Altar Guild

Altar Guild members help prepare the Eucharist for all services and keep the necessary worship items clean and in order. This includes washing and ironing of communion linens. Training is required.

Bible Study

The Bays host a Bible study every other Sunday night. In Spring 2008, the group studied Ephesians and is currently studying the Gospel of Mark.

Children’s Chapel

A service for children ages 3 through second grade each Sunday during the first half of the 10 AM liturgy. Children join their parents at the peace for Holy Communion.

Coffee Hour/Hospitality

The coffee hour is a weekly opportunity for fellowship after the Sunday services.

Cursillo

A diocesan program for adult spiritual renewal, involving a three day weekend “short course” in Christianity and weekly small group meetings for ongoing support.

Dismas House

St. Michael’s serves dinner and fellowships with recently released prisoners at a halfway house in South Bend.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is charged by the Vestry to oversee both the short and long term finances of St. Michael’s. This includes, but is not limited to, preparing and over seeing budgets, making recommendations regarding the church’s funds and providing reports to the Vestry.

Financial Peace University

This course, developed by Dave Ramsey, teaches money management. The group usually meets on Sunday evenings. 

Guild of the

Christ Child

Ministry to the families of nursery age babies and toddlers for fellowship and also maintaining the needs of the nursery.

Inquirers/Confirmation Class

These ministries are for those interested in exploring the Christian faith and/or becoming a Christian, which culminates in the Holy Baptism, and those who are already Christians and who are interested in making the Episcopal Church (and the Anglican Communion) their faith home. It is for those interested in receiving Confirmation or being received into the Episcopal church.

Landscaping

This group works  to carry out landscaping plans for the grounds of St. Michael’s – both organizational and actual planting work will be involved.  

Lay Eucharistic Visitors

LEM’s serve at the altar by administering the chalice and otherwise assisting in the service. A license is required.

Lay Eucharistic Ministry

LEM’s serve at the altar by administering the chalice and otherwise assisting in the service. A license is required.

Lectors (Readers)

Lay people are scheduled to read a scripture lesson during worship services. The lesson may be from the Old Testament or an Epistle from the New Testament.

Library

The library of St. Michael’s is available to all parishioners. We have a wealth of books--from biographical to theological and inspirational to biblical scholarship--for all interests.

Meals Ministry

The role of the Meal Ministry is to provide Christian assistance to members of St. Michael’s. Meals are provided in emergency situations (hospitalized family member, death of a loved one…) and to new parents.

Music: Praise Band

Musicians lead the congregation in Sunday morning worship services. Usual instrumentation includes guitars, keyboard, and drums. All are welcome (singers especially needed).

Neighbor’s for Christ

Neighbors for Christ’s mission is to bring the love of Christ into the community, especially to our closest neighbors. Our first project was to serve beverages to our neighbors at Regency Place. Keep tuned for more details.

Newcomer Class

This two to three week class is offered to help those interested in finding out more information about St. Michael’s. 

Office Volunteers

Spend one to two hours each week helping the staff in the parish office with various tasks. All office tasks to be performed will be explained thoroughly and guided by office staff. Office helpers need to be comfortable in an office atmosphere, maintain confidentiality, and be willing to learn.

Prayer Chain       

The Prayer Chain prays for needs and gives thanks. We specifically pray for: 1) requests from the Prayers Request cards or phoned into the church office; 2) therapies Prayer List; 3) visitors and newcomers to St. Michael’s; 4) our clergy and parish. 

Spiritual Gifts Awareness

This class helps participants discover their Spiritual Gifts, Personality Type, and life experiences, then explore possible ministry opportunities.

Stephen Ministry

Stephen ministry is a lay care giving program. Lay people are given 50 hours of Christian care-giving training and are then matched with a person experiencing a life crisis such as divorce, hospitalization or death of a loved one. Stephen Ministers receive peer supervision and continuing education sessions.

Stewardship Committee

The stewardship committee seeks to coordinate and encourage gifts of time, talent and treasure by St. Michael’s members.

Transportation

Transportation needs to be available for those wishing to worship but who do not have access to transportation.

Uganda Orphan Ministry

Bracelets are made and then sold to raise money for the orphans supported by St. Michael’s in Murabura, Uganda. Since the start of this ministry in 2005, it has raised over $10,000.

Ushers

These individuals meet worshippers, pass out bulletins, and assist as needed.  

Welcome Ministry

Hosts the Welcome table and collects information from potential new members by phone using the pew “visitor cards.” Helps them become assimilated into the life of the church as much as they wish. 

Youth Formation: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a class for ages 3-5 where children hear about Jesus and His friends, learn songs of praise and say prayers to God. It is located in a classroom on the upper level.

St. Michael's offers Christian formation opportunities for all children and welcomes all to participate. For elementary aged children, the "Young Children and Worship" program is followed. Currently, two sections are offered: Kindergarten through 1st grade, and 2nd-3rd grade.

Youth Formation: Older Elementary

The 4th-5th grade use the Living the Good News curriculum. The main focus is derived from the lectionary readings of the day and children almost always focus on the Gospel. Four teachers rotate responsibility with two teachers present each Sunday.

Youth Formation:

Junior High/Senior High EYC

EYC focuses on Christian development and fellowship. They gather to continue their learning about themselves, God and the church. The goal of Christian formation is to learn how to articulate their faith and to gather tools for carrying their relationship with God and the church into adulthood. EYC also encompasses other opportunities away from church such as retreats, community service, tubing, bowling and other fun activities.