There are many ministries at work in St. Paul’s Parish that are lovingly maintained by devoted members of the congregation and staff.
These opportunities are open to any member of the congregation.
St. Paul’s is blessed with many faithful and dedicated parishioners who give freely of their time and talents to help provide a meaningful worship experience.
Acolytes include the crucifer, torch bearers, and servers whose duties include leading the procession, lighting candles, and assisting in preparations for the Eucharist.
The Altar Guild is responsible for setting up the furnishings in the church and sacristy, including caring for and preparing communion vessels for services.
The Altar Flowers Ministry handles the ordering, arranging, and placing of flowers on the altar.
The Back Pack Ministry fills and delivers back packs to children of need through the Department of Social Services.
The Choir is responsible for leading and supporting the congregation in the singing of hymns and service music as a means of enhancing worship. It also provides special choral music.
Coffee Hour follows each Sunday service in Donaldson Hall and provides coffee and snacks and is an opportunity for fellowship. Members sign up to provide the refreshments.
Contemplative Prayer is offered by the rector and provides an opportunity for meditation and silent prayer often after a period of reconciliation.
The Counters are responsible for accurately recording monetary contributions collected during services.
The Episcopal Church Women, which is open to all women, sponsors fund raisers for local charities and sponsors women’s social events.
The Handbell Choir, led by a professional musician, performs with English handbells to enhance worship either by itself or with the parish choir.
Haven Ministries operates the homeless shelter at Kent Island United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s provides food and fellowship to the homeless in the area.
The Healing Prayer Team assists the rector with healing prayer that often follows services.
The Knitting Ministry utilizes the talents of parishioners to make Prayer Shawls. Each shawl is blessed during a worship service.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers are licensed by the bishop to administer the consecrated wine during the Eucharist along with clergy as they administer the consecrated bread.
Lectors are lay people trained in reading scripture. At most services, they will read both the Old Testament and New Testament lessons and lead in the reading of psalms.
The Pastoral Care Team visits parishioners and provides meals, rides, assistance, and fellowship.
The Ushers greet parishioners at the start of the service, collect the offering and secure the offering until it can be counted and deposited. They also organize the procession to the altar for communion and assist people with mobility issues.
Micah Ministries was created in response to God’s call to do justice, to love, kindness, and to walk humbly with God. This includes protection of God’s earthly environment.
The Hibernia Society is made up of all parishioners who have made provision for St. Paul’s Church in their will or estate planning, regardless of the amount. The name comes from our first church, which was erected on Hibernia Road in 1692.
The Vestry is the governing body of the parish and helps articulate the parish’s mission and handles all financial matters. Vestry members are expected to be faithful in worship, stewardship, and be well informed about parish activities.
The Finance Committee develops and monitors all church budgets, audits church financial matters, and ensures that the assets of the endowments are invested and dispersed effectively and prudently.