PARISH COMMISSIONS
Following our Journey Forward Strategic Planning
initiative, the implementation of the goals of that plan was entrusted
to four Parish Commissions, each one led by two or three Vestry Members.
The purpose of the commissions is to develop and implement the very specific
initiatives that will make our strategic plan successful.
Spread the Gospel Commission
This Commission is charged with the responsibility
of evangelism, welcoming newcomers, and promoting the Church of the Nativity
in the community.
Center for Spiritual Growth Commission
This Commission’s responsibilities include
the development of programs, studies, and resources to assist in the
spiritual growth of the members of the congregation.
Magnet for Youth Commission
This Commission seeks to develop the ministry
to youth in our congregation and beyond, through the development of activities
that will reach out to today’s young people.
Meet the Need of Others Commission
This Commission’s purpose is to develop
ways to reach outside of our congregation and respond to the many and
varied needs of our community. It includes our food pantry and holiday
food basket outreach.
PROGRAMS AND MINISTRIES
Acolytes
Children, teens, (and adults) who serve at the
altar, assist the clergy, and lead the procession.
Adult Christian Education
Various offerings, including Bible Study, Book
Studies, and thematic studies, offered in short courses throughout the
year
Altar Guild
Prepares the church and altar for worship, particularly
for the Holy Eucharist; cares for the vessels, linens, books, vestments,
and other items used in worship.
Choir
Offers worship to God through music and singing;
supports the singing of the congregation, and offers anthems at the Sunday
Eucharist.
Coffee Hosts
Prepares coffee, beverages, and provides baked
goods and snacks for the fellowship following the 10:30 Eucharist, and
cleans up afterwards.
Confirmation Class
Meets annually to prepare candidates to be confirmed
or received into the Episcopal Church. Also provides instruction for
those who desire to learn more about our church.
Contemporary Eucharist
A Sunday Holy Eucharist, at 9:00 am, directed toward
children and their families, with an informal style, guitar music, and technology.
Daughters of the King
A women’s Order in the Episcopal that lives
out a Rule of prayer and service. An essential part of the prayer life
of the Church of the Nativity.
Flower Guild
Prepares flower arrangements for the sanctuary
for Sunday worship and other services and occasions.
Greeters
Welcome visitors and parishioners and distribute
bulletins on Sunday mornings.
Healing Ministry
Provides anointing for healing, prayer, and support
for those ill in body or spirit.
Jazz in the Sanctuary
Helps with planning and promoting the Jazz in
the Sanctuary music series. Four Concerts will be held in 2011-2012,
including a new Christmas Jazz concert in December.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Men and women who are trained and licensed by
the bishop to administer communion at the Holy Eucharist.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Men and women who are trained and licensed by
the bishop to take communion from the Eucharist to the sick and shut-in.
Lectors
Women and men who read the lessons from Holy Scripture
at worship.
Office Volunteers
Assist our Parish Administrator on weekday mornings
in the office; prepare bulletins and newsletters, do mailings, and general
office tasks.
Memorial Garden
The Memorial Garden is a setting in which the cremains of those who have died are interred and perpetually cared for. Assist in the upkeep of the grounds of the memorial garden.
Men's Group
Our Men's Group meets for breakfast monthly. They provide operational support and plan many functions throughout the year.
“Nativity Scene” Sunday School
Children's Sunday School Provides Christian Education for kids using "Living the Good News," an arts-enhanced, lectionary-based program. Our Sunday school is broken into four separate classes by age group.
Newcomers
This ministry is the lifeline between a visitor and the church. They follow-up with the newcomer within 48 hours. They arrange a visit with the newcomer, to bring them a bag containing gifts and information about the church.
Nursery
Serve in Nursery during the 10:30 am worship service.
Office Volunteers
Assist our Parish Administrator on weekday mornings in the office; prepare bulletins and newsletters, do mailings and general office tasks.
Outreach
Help in the delivery of food to families in this area that are in need of assistance. Also assist in the preparation and delivery of Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets.
Sarah's Kitchen
An interfaith soup kitchen providing a free hot meal to anyone each Monday at the First United Methodist Church
Social Committee
Plans and carries out various social functions
throughout the year, in order to enhance the fellowship of the congregation.
Stewardship
Our goals for stewardship are to deepen parishioners' understanding of Christian stewardship, to involve them in Christian ministry, and to raise sufficient money to pay our bills, maintain our building, and to move our ministry forward
"TNT"-The Nativity Teens
For middle school and up. Meets for Fellowship
and spiritual growth.
Ushers
Assist at Sunday worship with seating people,
taking up the offering and helping people to communion.
Vestry
The elected governing body and leadership of the
congregation, responsible for the finances and physical property of the
church, and for developing its goals and programs. Provides leadership
for the four Parish Commissions.
Worship
Sunday Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist Rite I ..........................7:30 a.m.
Contemporary Rite II................................9:00 a.m
Traditional Rite II .....................................10:30 a.m.
The Sacrament of Anointing for Healing is administered at these
Eucharists.
Wednesday Holy Eucharist 10:00 am and 5:30 pm
with the Laying on of Hands and Anointing for Healing.