Commissions of Grace Episcopal Church

Arts Academy at Grace    
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 

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS  
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.  

THE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL 
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. 

CONGREGATIONAL CARE   
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.  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.  

EDUCATION – Adults, Teens, and Children 
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 special events at other times throughout the year. This includes the Adult Forum, and Bible Study – both on Sunday mornings, a weekly Bible Workbench study group, and Inquirers and Discovery classes.   

The Children and Youth Commission coordinates the church’s educational resources for children and teenagers.   The children use the "Workshop Cycles" curriculum.  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.   

Teenagers at Grace Church are involved in Journey to Adulthood, an experiential program of spiritual and personal development.  The program focuses on learning more about self, spirituality, sexuality, and society and helping adolescents acquire the skills needed for successful adulthood. 

Environmental Stewardship Commission
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. 

Faith and the arts commission
The Faith and the Arts Commission was appointed to increase the role of the performing and visual arts in the life of Grace Church. Committed to the mutual influence of faith and the arts, this commission provides a variety of opportunities for the enhancement of faith through the visual and performing arts. In 2010 the Vestry changed the status of the committee making it one of the Commissions of Grace Church. 

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
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. 

LITURGY AND WORSHIP
The Liturgy and Worship Commission will meet twice a year to assist the clergy 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, deacon, organist and choral director at regular intervals to plan upcoming worship services.            

PARISH LIFE AND DEVELOPMENT 
The Parish Life and Development Commission provide numerous opportunities throughout the year for the congregation to gather for fellowship, worship and recreation.  Among these activities are: Sunday morning Social Time, Newcomer’s Dinners, Pot Luck Suppers, some catered meals and receptions for special events.                               

SOCIAL CONCERNS AND MINISTRIES
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.
The areas Grace Church serves: Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Homeless Shelter, Food Pantry assistance, Sunday Lunches, CIS Mentoring. 

STEWARDSHIP 

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.