Ministry Opportunities
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 11:14
Featured Opportunities
Readers and Intercessors
Each Sunday there are three Bible readings which members of the parish read aloud during the services. If you like to read aloud and wish to participate in Sunday worship, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to do so. The readings are chosen well in advance so there is lots of time to practise the reading before the Sunday you are scheduled for. Reading God’s Word in public is an ancient and beautiful ministry.
Youth to Adult readers are welcome.
The Intercessor is the person who says the Prayers of the People during the Sunday worship services. Prayers are written by the intercessor following a fairly standard outline and using one of the resources available. The Prayers of the People are just that, they are our community praying for its own members and for the needs of the church, our country and the world at large. This is a very fulfilling and vital ministry and an integral part of our worship together each week.
Parish Council
The Parish Council is a large body, with representation from many areas of the Parish. There are usually from eighteen to twenty people. Positions include the chair and secretary (both appointed by the corporation), Clergy, Wardens and Deputy Wardens, Synod Representatives including the Alternate, Treasurer, Envelope Secretary and representatives of a variety of parish groups active in the personal, pastoral, spiritual and community (both local and global) outreach components of parish life.
Parish Council meets bi-monthly other than summer. The agenda for the meetings is varied, but always includes a financial report. Other groups also give a report on their particular area of focus within the parish. Members are appointed or elected at our Annual Vestry Meeting.
More Ministry Opportunities
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a group of dedicated women who prepare the sanctuary and church for all services, including weddings and funerals. They decorate the church for Easter, Harvest and Christmas. The Guild is also responsible for maintaining the sacramental vessels, all linens, Clergy vestments and robes for the Chalice Bearers and Servers. Anyone who would like to participate in the Altar Guild ministry would be warmly welcomed and provided with training.
Children's Ministries
Please see Children/Youth Programs. Our church is always looking for volunteers to help us continue with these important programs.
Reception Groups
Parishioners volunteer to prepare refreshments following the Sunday services on a scheduled basis.
Our Reception Committee prepares food and refreshments, sets up, serves and cleans up for Celebration of Life receptions following funerals in the church. Volunteers to make sandwiches and squares and help at the receptions are always welcome.
Chalice Administrators
Chalice Administers assist the Priest in celebrating the Eucharist by offering the chalice of wine to the people. It is a ministry of service and sharing open to all.
Choir
Under the leadership of our music director, Lina Li, our choir presents a variety of seasonal anthems along with hymns (new and old favourites) throughout the year. This enhances our Sunday, 10 a.m. Eucharist service. The choir practices weekly on Sundays from September to June. New voices are always welcome.
Prayer Group
Three or four people meet weekly to say Morning Prayer (BAS) and to pray for those who are sick or in other need of prayer. The needs are either specific as noted on the prayer request slips available in the Narthex or simply names on the weekly sheet available prior to every service. More people are always welcome to pray.
Hope Commitee
Founded in 2009, the purpose of the Hope Committee is stewardship and awareness, to research grant conditions and other funding opportunities; develop funding plans; complete any grant applications and address budget deficits. A notable success story is the fact that St Michael’s is now fully accessible with automatic doors, non-slip entrance flooring and an accessible washroom. New members and ideas are welcome.
Green Facilitator
Our Green Facilitator is working towards obtaining our silver certification with the Diocese. She is also a member of the Diocese of Niagara Greening Committee. New participants in the greening program are most welcome.