Ministries at Christ Church
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace ~ 1 Peter 4:10
St. Paul describes the church as a body which has many parts: head, feet, hands, and so on. Each of these parts has its function, and the body is made whole when these parts work together. Likewise, the church offers many ministries as it seeks to do God's work not only for its own members, but for the whole world. The church is whole when each member offers her or his gifts to do God's work.
At Christ Church, we believe that each and every Christian has been given gifts and talents. Our delight and our duty as to use these gifts and talents to glorify God. We encourage every member to become active in at least one ministry. This is not so that we can maintain committee structures, but rather so that each member is given the opportunity to glory God by offering some of what God has given us.
If you would like to learn more about any of these ministries, check out the ministry section of our website or speak with one of our ministry leaders. We would be glad to tell you more about what we do and how you can be involved. It's always OK to give something a try, as you seek to discern where God might be calling you to serve.
Acolytes
Worship is the most important thing we do at Christ Church, and acolytes are important leaders - modeling worship for all of us. They lead our processions, serve at the Holy Table, and assist the clergy with our worship. (They also ring the tower bell!)
Altar Guild
This intrepid group prepares the Altar and our church for worship each week - they change the colored hangings, lay out the vestments, keep the communion linens clean, and much more. It's all about making things ready for reverent worship through devoted service.
Bazaar
The beloved annual holiday fair is planned and run by this group. You can help us offer fun and hospitality to the wider community.
Church School Teachers and Volunteers
Our Church School helps our children learn the great stories of our faith in a loving environment. Teachers lead a classroom (infants/toddler through 10th grade) using materials and curricula provided by the church.
Coffee Hour
After we worship each Sunday morning at 8 and 10:30am, we gather in the Great Hall for coffee and refreshments. This ministry prepares the feast by making coffee and by baking or bringing yummy treats for us to enjoy. See sign-up sheet in the Parish House to volunteer for a week.
Counters
Each week, our counters ensure that your Sunday offerings are correctly accounted for, and they prepare the bank deposit. They also count money collected through the Thrift Shop and special gifts made to Christ Church or the clergy discretionary fund.
CROP Walk
This event raises money and awareness to fight world hunger. Christ Church is hosting the event for area churches this year on October 19. Sign up to help organize, or to walk five miles with us.
Episcopal Charities
This ministry works through the Diocese of Rhode Island, offering financial grants to organizations to change lives throughout our state. Episcopal Charities collects financial gifts from each parish in the Diocese, awarding grants to those in need. Here at Christ Church, the ministry seeks to make us aware of Episcopal Charities and to encourage us to be generous.
Episcopal Church Women
Offering fun and fellowship, these women gather to strengthen one another in their spiritual journeys. Some ministries are offered here at Christ Church, and they occasionally attend retreats elsewhere.
Eucharistic Ministers
Participants in this ministry assist during Holy Communion, serving as chalice bearers. Training is offered by our clergy, and then the Bishop issues a license to serve as a Eucharistic Minister.
Eucharistic Visitors
We regularly offer Holy Communion to our shut-ins and to those who are hospitalized. These ministers are specially trained and licensed to take Holy Communion out to those who cannot join us.
Greeters
We want our guests to receive a very warm welcome when they come through our big red doors. The greeters offer hospitality to all who enter, especially those who are coming to Christ Church for the first time.
Grounds
Our newly revivified Grounds Committee works to keep our landscaping and lawns beautiful so that we look as inviting on the outside as we are on the inside.
Handbell Choir
Even though they ring bells, these people are not ding-a-lings. The Handbell Choir practices regularly and offers music at our 10:00 service and in the wider community.
Information Systems
We live in the internet age, and our church relies on technology to run smoothly. This ministry works to keep our office systems at peak efficiency - software updates, new software and helping with installation when we purchase new equipment.
Lectors
Lectors read the lessons when we worship, usually from the Old Testament and the New Testament. They also lead us when we offer the Prayers of the People.
Memorial Garden
The Memorial Garden is more than just a lovely spot on the north side of our historic church. It's a place of rest for the remains of many of our parishioners, whose ashes are interred there. This group keeps the garden beautiful, and they raise community awareness of the option to be buried here at Christ Church.
Office Angels
The Parish Office is a hub of activity in between Sundays. Our Office Angels help with many office tasks, offering a warm greeting on the phone, assisting with mailings and other things as needed.
Outreach
Part of the call of the Gospel is to serve around us in Christ's name. Our outreach committee seeks to do this through offering opportunities to give both items and time through volunteer efforts throughout our community.
Prayer Support Group
Each Sunday morning, we collect prayer requests. This group offers intercessory prayer for all the requests that are made.
Renaissance Campaign
We are in the midst of raising money to make essential structural repairs, to fund additional staff, and to enhance our program space. This committee works to encourage financial gifts and to share what is happening with the Campaign.
service.St. Benedict Guild
As part of our hospitality to our newest members and to our guests, this ministry delivers bread to our guests and helps us incorporate new members into the life of our community. We also hold quarterly Pot Luck Dinners and Welcoming Sunday Coffee Hours. Share your gifts with us and others - We welcome you as our friend in Christ.
Senior Choir
This choir sings during our 10:00 service, offering praise to God by leading hymns and singing anthems. They practice before the service and at 7:00 pm on Tuesday nights.
Share & Care
When members of Christ Church are in need, this group steps in. Sometimes they may send a simple card. Other times, it could be a meal delivery or a ride to the doctor's office.
Thrift Shop
Bargains galore! The Thrift Shop is much more than that. Gently used clothing and household goods are sold at low prices. This generates some income for our church while serving those in need.
Vestry
The Vestry is the governing board of the church, sharing leadership with our clergy. Elected by the whole parish at our Annual Meeting, the Vestry is responsible for the financial and temporal affairs of the parish.
Web Ministry
Our website is our presence online, making our community known to the world. Many of our guests find their way into our church after first visiting our website. This ministry keeps our website updated with new content and fresh information.
