St. George's Programs

	Programs

The Programs of Saint George's Episcopal Memorial Church

In addition to our church services there are many small groups with specific callings and concerns who contribute to the workings and life of the Church. Most groups are open to everyone, making it easy for a member to join a group that can best use his/her talents and meet his/her particular need and interest.

The Altar Guild is a group of church members who prepare the Altar for the Eucharist, assist with the cleaning of the communion vessels, and take care of ceremonial flowers and candles. There are no regular meetings.

Acolytes are a group of adults and youths, both male and female, who are trained to carry the cross, flags and candles in the procession, the recession and other parts of the church service. They also assist with the offertory. They also assist the celebrant in preparation of the Eucharist.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers are a specially trained and licensed group of laypersons who take communion to members unable to attend services. Chalice Bearers are trained and licensed laypersons who administer the chalice during the communion service. Lay Readers read various sections of the service to assist the priest and read the service of morning and evening prayer in the absence of the priest. They must be trained and licensed. Lectors are laypersons who read the lessons and the psalms during the church service. They receive training but do not have to be licensed.

The Pastoral Care Group is made up of volunteer lay persons who regularly visit the hospitalized, home-bound and nursing-home persons who are members of St. George's or who have an association with some other Episcopal Church.

The Choir provides music for the 10 AM church services and also for special church events. They practice once during the week on Wednesday evenings and before the Sunday service. Young people are especially encouraged to participate.

The Reception Committee is a group of church members organized into teams, who plan, prepare, and serve at receptions for various events such as weddings and funerals.

Prayer Group is a group of women whose interest and emphasis is prayer. They meet weekly on Wednesday evenings. The first hour is spent in sharing and visiting, followed by intercessory prayer for those who have asked for special prayers. A prayer chain is activated when special needs occur.

Youth Ministry. Youth (grades 7-12) have Christian formation on Sunday mornings. The youth are integrated into the life of the parish by serving as acolytes, lay readers, sharing musical talents in the services and helping with the younger children's Formation Classes. The youth's relationship ministry is enhanced by gathering together, at least once a month, for activities such as bowling, skiing, going to the theatre, participating in service projects at Camp Gabriel, sharing with shut-ins or just being together for a meal and a movie. The youth have also participated in Province VI Youth Events and National Episcopal Youth Events (EYE).

St George's has four Small Church Communities made up of 10 to 15 members who meet twice monthly. Which group a person belongs to is usually determined by which evening the person has free. Each group meets on a different evening to accommodate the greatest number of persons wanting to join. By making the groups so varied, members get to know other members whom they otherwise would not. Religious instruction and discussion are part of the program.

The Church has Sunday School September through May. The adult class and the teen group both meet from 9 AM to 10 AM Sunday mornings. The younger groups meet from10 AM to 10:45 after which they join the 10 o'clock Sunday Service. The children are divided into three groups: preschool and kindergarten, grades 1 through 3 and grades 4 through 6. Their activities include classroom work and large group activities.

The Vestry is the elected governing body of St. George's. Persons elected to the Vestry serve a three-year term. The Rector, the elected Senior and Junior Wardens, and the Treasurers are also members of the Vestry.

The success of St. George's is the result of not only hard working and dedicated priests, but also of the caring efforts of the members who volunteer long hours to God's work.