Commissions of Grace Episcopal Church
Commissions of Grace Episcopal Church
PARISH LIFE AND FELLOWSHIP
Vestry Liaison -
Bill Keesler
The Parish Fellowship 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, and receptions for special events.
SOCIAL CONCERNS AND MINISTRIES
Vestry Liaison -
Sandy Reynolds
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
-
Ed Huneycutt
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 -
Tommy Younts
The Pastoral 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 - Linda 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) serve on this commission, along with a liaison from the vestry. A subcommittee of the commission meet with the rector, organist and choral director at regular intervals to plan upcoming worship services.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Vestry Liaisons - Kristi Allred (Adult Ed) and
Carol Jordan (Children &
Youth)
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.
Sunday mornings offer two opportunities
for Adults:
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. An excellent staff of rotating teachers use the new Episcopal church curriculum developed by Morehouse Publishing for two classes: 1st –3rd grade, and 4th –5th. Nursery care and classes for preschoolers are also available on Sunday mornings.
Teenagers at Grace Church are involved
in
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Vestry Liaison - Karl Bolstad
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.
PARISH DEVELOPMENT
Vestry Liaison - Jay Williams
The Parish Development Commission works to develop strategies and resources that will make Grace Church more accessible to newcomers and better known in the community. One of the important tasks of this group is to provide opportunities for newcomers to learn about the ministries of Grace Church and to feel at home with the congregation.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Vestry Liaison - Tere Wagner
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.