St. John's Ministries
Lay Ministry, or Ministry of the People, is an important part of any Church Family. In most families, members have chores such as taking out the trash, doing the dishes, mowing the lawn, taking care of pets and cleaning your room. In the Church Family, we also have chores. Some of the visible, more obvious chores are serving on the altar, singing in the choir, and working with the Church School or Youth Programs. In addition, there are less obvious, behind the scene duties. Some of the essential functions of the Lay Ministry include sending cards on special occasions, preparing and delivering food to people in emergency situations, working in the Church library, and volunteering in the Church office to help with the preparation of newsletter and the Sunday bulletin.
Your ministries, and hopefully your family chores, are done to the Glory of God and with thankfulness for being a part of faith!
Listing of St. John's Ministries
Acolytes: Lay persons (adults and/or children) who assist in worship by performing such functions as carrying the processional cross, lighting and extinguishing candles, and other duties as directed by the Clergy. Contact: Philip McKindley, Kristin Weiler, Robb Homokay 623.582.5449
Active Prayer Group: Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m., and offers up prayers, and prayer requests. If you have ever prayed a prayer in your life, want to learn about prayer, or would like to be involved in active prayer – this group is for you. Contact: Dan Basche DanB@stjohnsaz.org
Altar Flowers: Using the flowers selected and obtained by the Coordinator, volunteers on a weekly basis (usually Fridays) arrange flowers for use on the Altar during Sunday Services. Will also do arrangements for special occasions with advance notice. Contact: Joan Adair 623.582.5449
Altar Guild: The purpose of the Altar Guild is to assist the clergy. The Altar Guild members work directly under the orders and authority of the priest in accordance with his instructions. The Altar Guild members are organized for the purpose of preparing the altar for celebrations of the Eucharist. This work includes setting the credence table with the sacred vessels (lavabo bowl, towel, cruets of water and wine, and additional hosts); prepare the chalice with purificator, patten, burse and corporal; place the lectionary and book of the gospel in their proper place; ensure the altar is dressed in the proper color of the day (frontal hanging, burse, etc.). The Altar Guild members also clean up after services.
The Altar Guild members are a valuable resource for the parish, both for the work they do and because they always have the best techniques for getting wine and lipstick stains out of fabric. Since they know where all the hangings, flower containers, and similar church furnishings are stored, they also are the ones who prepare the Church for weddings, funerals, readings of the Daily Offices, and other ceremonies. The Altar Guild members have a special obligation to attend services and to make the responses audibly. Contact: Philip McKindley, Sacristan 602.439.5268 (message picks up after 7 or 9 rings).
“The altar is the center of the Christian Church. Around it the people of God gather to celebrate the mysteries of Christ’s body and blood. That sacrament, the Eucharist, along with our baptism, is what binds us to Christ. Whatever we do in the world to live out the Christian life -whether it be prayer, study, work for social justice, ministry to the sick, care of the dying, tending the needs of the poor, and the hungry — all Christian activities arise from the presence of Christ within us and that presence begins at a baptismal font, and gets renewed, and nourished at an altar.”
The above material was printed in EPISTLE, a publication of the National Altar Guild Association (NAGA.) There is also a web site listed: www.episcopalchurch.org/altarguild
Bowling: Church-wide teams are gathered for persons aged 12 years to 100+ for fun and fellowship. Contact: Ron Apodaca 623.582.5449
Card Ministry: Volunteers who send out appropriate cards for birthdays, anniversaries, and illnesses to all members of our Church family. Contact: Juanita Cantrill 623.582.5449
Cell Phones: Your old cell phones and chargers can be placed in the collection box in the Parish Hall. Several times a year the phones are taken to be erased and donated to women and families in domestic violence shelters/homes in Arizona. Contact: Church Office info@stjohnsaz.org 623.582.5449
Chalice Bearers: Trained lay persons who administer the chalice at the Eucharist, assist with lessons and prayers, and perform other duties as directed by the Clergy. Contact: The Rev. Richard L. Frank dick@stjohnsaz.org
Chris Becker Dining Hall (CBDH): Meets at 4:30 p.m. at CBDH to feed the homeless of North Central Phoenix on the 1st Sunday or 2nd Tuesday of each month (watch your bulletins and newsletter for proper dates). They also hand out donated Bibles (English and Spanish), socks, toiletries, candy, toothbrushes, blankets, jackets (winter time), milk, clothing, and guitar music. There is a blue storage box in the Parish Hall for your donations to this group. Fun, fellowship and a feeling of accomplishment are the reward. Requirements: wearing long pants, closed toe shoes, being age 14 or older, and a smile. (If you don’t have a smile, don’t worry - they will give you one for free at CBDH). Contact: Dan Basche DanB@stjohnsaz.org
Christmas Angels/Trees: This group is involved in finding and screening families/persons that have no way to afford a Christmas. Angels/Trees are put on our tree in the Parish Hall with their needs. For the children, what they would like for Santa to bring to them in the way of a toy or gift. Our church family buys for our adopted families and/or gives money for the purchase of needed items, and donates time for the wrapping and delivery. Miracles happen. Happiness, joy and a BIG dose of Christian/Christmas spirit are guaranteed. All are welcome to join in and participate as you feel called. Great for children as well. Contact: Glenna Wheat glenna@stjohnsaz.org
Coffee (Social) Hour: Volunteers who are willing to (1) prepare the coffee and put the needed accompaniments out on Sunday mornings; and (2) cleanup after services are concluded on Sunday mornings. Contact: Sandy Basche DanB@stjohnsaz.org
PC4Free Computer Ministry: Computers, parts of computers, etc. are donated, cleaned, erased, put back together and given to persons who cannot afford a system. These are a real blessing to lots of folks, especially school children, the elderly, people wanting to start businesses, and persons who are not able to be out and about. Training is also provided. Contact: Chuck Milhoan chuck@stjohnsaz.org
Daughters of the King: Meet occasionally during the year. Our Daughters’ group concentrates on praying for each and every family in the Parish, for those on the Parish prayer list, for military personnel and their families, and for special prayer requests when received. Each Daughter develops her own “rule of life” and works her own faith journey. All Parish women are welcome. Contact: Pat Meeks pat@stjohnsaz.org 623.582.5449 or Penny Free
Eye Glasses: People of the Parish bring old eye glasses, readers and sun glasses to the collection box in the Parish Hall. The eye glasses go to the Lions’ Club recycling program for people who cannot afford glasses. The readers and non-prescription sun glasses are donated to the Mexico Medical Mission group. All old glasses are needed. Contact: Church Office info@stjohnsaz.org 623.582.5449
Food Pantry: Thanks to the Parish members (and the great sales at grocery stores), we are able to feed lots of people/families each month. There are collection trays at each side door in the Sanctuary and people bring in canned and packaged food for distribution from the Church Office. Some members also bring their goods directly to the Church Office. Food requests are generally listed in the bulletin each week, but ALL food is GREATLY appreciated. Love that peanut butter! Contact: Jeanne Waterman 623.582.5449
Greeters: Members of the Parish volunteer to be available on Sundays at the beginning and end of each service to welcome visitors to St. John’s, and to help include them in our Coffee Hour after services. All you need is a warm smile, and a willingness to make people feel welcome at our Church home. Contact: Chris Johnston chris@stjohnsaz.org
Habitat for Humanity: Each year the Episcopal churches in the Valley have been able to build two new homes, and change the lives of two families in Arizona. Newspaper money, Just Coffee money, and special Sunday collections during the year are contributed to this group. Also, people can give directly to Episcopal Habitat for Humanity for a tax-free donation. Generally our Church helps four to six Saturdays each year in the actual building of the Episcopal houses. All you need is a hat to wear, and be able to be at the church at 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Work, fun, and lots of laughter are guaranteed. Open to all! Contact: Sandy Basche DanB@stjohnsaz.org
Highway Clean-Up: These folks go out and clean up St. John the Baptist’s section of Carefree Highway (west of I-17) generally two to three times a year in the fall, winter, and spring. Hats, gloves, long pants, and closed toe shoes are needed. Lots of water, snacks, fun, and laughter are provided. A great feeling of helping the environment also results in this stewardship ministry. Open to all. Contact: Mike Werner 623.582.5449 Mike@stjohnsaz.org
Historiographer: A person who loves to scrapbook, and is willing to place bulletins, special notices, photos, etc. into historical scrapbooks for the Church. Currently we only have one person, but more are welcome. Contact: Patrice Hand mick@stjohnsaz.org
Lay Readers/Lectors: Trained persons who read lessons from the lectern at services. Contact: The Rev. Richard L. Frank dick@stjohnsaz.org
Library: Trained persons who donate their expertise to provide us with a fully referenced Library. Books, DVD’s, CD’s, are donated by persons to the Library. These items are then catalogued, entered into our computer system, then shelved for use by our Parish. Volunteers are always welcome to assist in the Library. Contact: Dorothy Houdek 623.582.5449 or Louise Bubel 623.582.5449
Medical Mission to Mexico: Members of our Parish join with others on a medical mission to the villages around Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, each year in July. There are some requirements and limitations, and there are costs involved, but the rewards are huge. If your heart is leading you, please contact us – you could be exactly what God needs for the upcoming year. If you cannot be with us physically, you can CERTAINLY BE WITH US IN SPIRIT – stuffed toys are collected all year long, as well as crayons and coloring books, and new or gently used children’s and women’s shoes. There is a “Medical Mission” box and a “Dan Rader” box in the Parish Hall. Contact: Trip - Glenna Wheat glenna@stjohnsaz.org Toys, etc. - Dan Rader 623.582.5449
My Care Ministries: Contact: Chuck Milhoan chuck@stjohnsaz.org 623.582.5449
My Church Ministry: We each choose a person or family from our church. We greet them each and every Sunday and call them if they do not attend on Sunday. We call or send a greeting for special occasions. When you make a special meal, include them, invite them over. Take them a care package. Invite them to a social function outside the church. Include others in your effort to support those in serious situations.
My Neighborhood Ministry: We choose a person or family from our neighborhood. We call or stop over at least once each week. When you make a special meal, include them invite them over. Take them a care package. Invite them to a social function outside the church. Invite them to a social function at church. Invite them to a church service.
My Group Home Ministry: We locate a group home, nursing home, or hospice where we schedule one day each week to visit the residents. We spend time listening and talking with them. We strive to build a longer term relationship with the residents. We offer to pray with them.
My Hospital Ministry: We volunteer at a hospital with the Chaplain’s Office where we schedule one day each week to visit patients. We spend time listening and talking with them. We strive to support patients in their fears and concerns. We offer to pray with them
The Needle Workers: Members of St. John’s who have a love of sewing, quilting, etc. who gather for fellowship and to learn new skills from each other. Contact: Fran Godwin 623.582.5449
Oblationers: Carry the wine and bread to the Altar during the time of the Offertory. Contact: Mick Hand mick@stjohnsaz.org
Recycling: We recycle our used aluminum soda cans, and used printer cartridges, and strongly encourage you to do the same. There are bins for both in our Parish Hall. If you will save your aluminum cans at home, then please bring them on Sunday mornings (or anytime you come by the Church), leave them on the patio, and someone will take them to the recycle place. Contact: Church Office info@stjohnsaz.org 623.582.5449
Serving Samaritans: Provide meals to families who are dealing with illness or other issues. We provide transportation to doctors’ appointments or shopping. Contact: Church Office info@stjohnsaz.org 623.582.5449
Softball: Persons who love to play softball join an all Episcopal Church league that plays on Sunday evenings. St. John’s usually fields two teams. Persons 12 years and up are welcome to join the fun and fellowship. Contact: Larry Weig 623.582.5449
West Central Mission Group: Members of our Parish that are working with other Episcopal churches in the development and start-up of new Episcopal Churches in North Phoenix and the West Valley. Contact: Marnie Layne 623.582.5449
Telephone Reassurance Ministry: On a daily basis, we call people who are sick, people who are alone/lonely, people with no families, and people who are shut-ins. Imagine what it would mean to you to know that every day someone is going to call you at a certain time and spend their time chatting and getting to know you. They are your telephone “pen pals,” and become your friends. All it takes is a telephone to take part. This ministry is especially rewarding for people who want to share and give unto others, but have more time than money to give in our Lord’s service. You can have as many telephone pals as you want! Contact: Wendy Klarkowski: 623.582.5449 or Chuck Milhoan chuck@stjohnsaz.org
Ushers: Provide order during services, see that the Church is comfortable and presentable, hand out bulletins to guests and members, see that the Oblationers perform their tasks at the appropriate time, and perform all duties as trained by the Head Usher. Contact: Mick Hand mick@stjohnsaz.org
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