One of the best ways to get connected with our community at St. Joe's is to join one of the many groups. We know that people are different, so we've got a number of different programs and ministries designed for varied age groups, interest or gender. Some are social, some educational, some spiritual, or all 3. On these pages you will have an opportunity to read a brief summery of each of our programs and ministries.
The choir is a loving group of dedicated parishioners enhancing St. Joseph worship experiences with their singing. They provide a delicate balance between traditional and renewal music. There are no auditions; everyone between the ages of 13 and 113 is welcome and encouraged to join St. Joseph \choir. Practices are Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. from September to May, plus a warm up Sunday mornings from 10:00-10:30. Come be a part of this enthusiastic, growing area of service.
Ushers & Counters
The altar guild provides all that is needed for the altar at the Holy Eucharist and other special services. The care of the Eucharist vessels, linens and
vestments is also its duty. The floral arrangements are provided by the flower team of the altar guild
Altar Guild
In their once-a-month duties as ushers, these people at St. Joseph play an important role in each service. There are two major duties for the ushers during each service: pass the collection plates to those in attendance before presenting them at the altar and usher those in attendance up to the altar rail at the proper time to receive communion. The ushers give the collection plates to the counters who record donations and make proper bank deposits. Counters serve once a month.
Choir
Some of the smallest among us serve at the altar. Children beginning at age 3 are invited to serve at God’s table. We understand that they are who God created them to be and we rejoice in that. Our teens also serve at the altar with more decorum. They are often torch bearers and assist the rector at the table. And of course adults are welcome as well
Assist during worship by administering the chalice. They are trained by the rector and licensed by the diocese. Any confirmed/received member of the community over 16 may apply.
Another licensed ministry to those members who are over 16, confirmed/received and have the rector’s approval to take consecrated sacrament from the Sunday worship to those members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity are unable to be present at the celebration.
Acolytes
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (L.E.M.'s)
Lay Eucharistic Visitor ( L.E.V.'s)
Our guiding scripture is Matthew 28:18-20, RSV "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.'Our Growth/Evangelism/Social community mission statement is to nurture and increase the number of people at St. Joseph.
We meet the second Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., at the church and are responsible for the following:Newcomers chili supper, Incorporation of new members, Fourth of July celebration, Church Picnic, Oktoberfest Newcomers Cup Ministry, Children's Worship Bags, Membership folders Greeters and Ushers ministries, Thank You Brunch for the Greeters and Ushers, Newcomer's Gift ministry
.
Growth/Evangelism/Social Community
Peace and Justice Ministry is rooted and grounded in the teaching of the prophets and Jesus himself and addresses the fifth baptismal vow: “to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being”. By joining as a St. Joseph Community to pray about, study and act on the issues, we support one another and the parish toward fulfilling this vow. We meet the third Sunday of the month following the 10:30 service.
Peace & Justice
One of our newest groups. On the last Friday of each month we gather in the parish hall with a variety of projects – knitting, scrapbooking, gingerbread house decorating, needlepoint and just about anything you can manage to get through the door. Some join in just to watch and visit. It’s a time to build relationships, laugh, eat some tasty snacks and share in adult beverages.
