Commissions of Grace Episcopal Church
Commissions of Grace Episcopal Church
PARISH LIFE AND DEVELOPMENT Vestry Liaison - Scott Hoffmann
The Parish Life and Development Commission provides numerous opportunities throughout the year for the congregation to gather for fellowship, worship and recreation. Among these activities are the Sunday morning Social Time, Newcomers’ Dinners, Parish Weekend, Pot Luck Suppers, and receptions for special events.
SOCIAL CONCERNS AND MINISTRIES
Vestry Liaison -
Patricia Wardle
The Social
Concerns and Ministries Commission serves in the following areas:
1. Needs Assessment: On behalf of the congregation to become better acquainted with the existing social ministries of the community in order to determine which needs are currently being addressed and which service gaps might be options for Grace Church to consider.
2. Education: To help keep the congregation informed about community needs and the agencies that are serving those in need.
3. Recommendations: Based on its knowledge of community needs to recommend to the vestry the most fruitful places to allocate the local ministry funds established in the budget.
4. Advocacy: To help keep the congregation mindful of our responsibility to serve those in need, the folks the Book of Common Prayer refers to as “all sorts and conditions of God’s people,” which includes our neighbors and families, and those from all walks of life.
STEWARDSHIP
Vestry Liaison
- Susan Terrell
The Stewardship Commission is
responsible for stewardship education throughout the year and for the
Fall Stewardship emphasis. In addition to giving parishioners the
opportunity to contribute financially to the church’s ministry, the
Stewardship Commission also offers opportunities to support the
church’s ministry with time and talents.
CONGREGATIONAL CARE Vestry Liaison - Dan Smith
The Congregational Care Commission provides pastoral ministry to the homebound and shut-in members of the congregation, and to individuals and families in times of special need. They provide meals for parish families in times of death or illness. A team of pastoral visitors make regularly-scheduled visits to homebound members, and maintains contact with these parishioners by phone and correspondence. In addition, several members of the pastoral visitation team are lay Eucharistic ministers who provide Holy Communion at regular intervals.
LITURGY AND WORSHIP Vestry Liaison - Louie Cox
The Liturgy and Worship Commission meets quarterly to assist the rector in reviewing prior church services and activities, and in planning upcoming services and events throughout the year. Representatives from each of the liturgical groups (acolytes, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, ushers, greeters, and altar guild) as well as "voices from the pew" who are parishioners who attend one or two meetings to offer suggestions or have questions answered, serve on this commission, along with a liaison from the vestry. A subcommittee of the commission meets with the rector, organist and deacon at regular intervals to plan upcoming worship services. In addition, the Faith and the Arts Committee falls under this commission.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Vestry Liaison - Shawn Hodge (adult) and Will Blackerby (children and teens)
This commission is divided into two groups who work together to provide educational opportunities and resources for persons of all ages. The Adult Commission plans and coordinates Sunday morning classes for adults, as well as periodic seminars, workshops and special events at other times throughout the year.
Adult Forum,
meets every Sunday at 9:45 in the Commons Room for a variety of class
offerings.
There are other opportunities for
reflection and spiritual growth available not just on Sunday mornings.
Bible Workbench
meets on Wednesday afternoons in the Commons Room at 1:00 pm.
The Children and Youth Commission coordinates the church’s educational resources for children and teenagers. "Workshop Cycles" was introduced last year, it is a new curriculum with a new format for children's Sunday School. Each cycle includes time in a large group and time in smaller, age-based groupings. The children will enjoy movies, drama, cooking, music and art projects throughout the year. Workshop Cycles will include: The Moses Chronicles, Station of the Crèche, What is Worship, This is My Body: Communion, The Good Shepherd. Nursery care and classes for preschoolers are also available on Sunday mornings.
Teenagers at Grace Church are involved
in
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS Vestry Liaison - Ed Huneycutt
The task of this commission is to assure the continued care and maintenance of the Grace Church property and to assess fiscal needs for the future. In addition to the church buildings and grounds, the Buildings and Grounds Commission works with the Columbarium Committee to maintain the Memorial Garden adjacent to the church.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Vestry Liaison - Sandy Reynolds
The Finance and Administration Commission works with the church treasurer and vestry to prepare the church’s budget, and to oversee the financial resources of the congregation. The commission also serves as an administrative and personnel committee when needed.
THE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL Vestry Liaison - Lydia Mack
The Children’s School Commission works with the staff from the Children’s School along with a parent representative to oversee the budget, and review policies and procedures.
Environmental Stewardship Commission Vestry Liaison - Michael Kepley
This new commission was instituted this year by a group that feels strongly that as Christians we have a responsibility to care for our planet. The mission statement of the Environmental Stewardship Commission is to educate about the importance of caring for God’s creation and to advocate a sustainable life style.
Arts Academy at Grace Vestry Liaison - Tommy Younts
We
believe the arts are for everyone! The Arts Academy at Grace was
established to address the growing desire and need to provide greater
exposure to and participation in the arts. We are committed to serving
the community, providing affordable courses, and celebrating artistic
expression. The arts nurture the life-giving resources that strengthen
the spirit in a lasting way.
Mission Statement:
The Arts Academy at Grace strives to nurture the life-giving resources
and values that strengthen the human spirit through exposure to and participation
in the arts.
The Academy is committed to:
· celebrating artistic expression
· serving a community of all ages and skill levels
· providing affordable instruction