Acolytes help lead the congregation in worship by serving at the altar and supporting the movement of the liturgy. Acolytes may carry the cross or candles, assist the clergy, and help prepare the altar for Holy Communion. This ministry is a meaningful way for youth and adults to serve God, learn the rhythms of Episcopal worship, and help create a reverent and beautiful worship experience.

Coordinator - Frank Rodriguez

How to Get Engaged - Sign up on SignUpGenius as a Torch Bearer to get started. No previous experience is required, and training and support are provided.

The Altar Guild is a quiet but essential ministry that prepares the church for worship. Members care for the altar, sacred vessels, linens, candles, and vestments, and prepare the elements for Holy Communion. Through this behind-the-scenes service, the Altar Guild helps ensure that our worship is conducted with reverence, beauty, and attention to detail.

Coordinator - Stephanie Lee

How to Get Engaged - Volunteer to serve by reaching out to Stephanie. No previous experience is necessary.

The Angel Tree ministry helps share the joy of Christmas with families in need in the parish and through our community school partnerships. Volunteers help collect, organize, and distribute gifts so that children and families experience care, generosity, and the love of Christ during the Christmas season.

Coordinator - Cherie Budde

How to Get Engaged - Watch the Parish Post in the fall for details about this important seasonal ministry and opportunities to sponsor gifts, help organize donations, or assist with delivery.

The AV Guild helps extend worship to those who cannot be physically present in church. Volunteers support the online broadcast of Sunday services and special liturgies so homebound parishioners, travelers, newcomers, and others can participate remotely in the worship life of Christ Episcopal Church.

Coordinator - Mark Baucom

How to Get Engaged - Reach out to Mark to serve alongside an experienced volunteer to learn how to assist with live streaming worship services. Training is provided, and this is a wonderful ministry for those who enjoy helping worship reach beyond the church walls.

The Bell Choir adds beauty and celebration to worship through handbell music, especially on festival days and other special services. This ministry welcomes those who enjoy music, teamwork, and offering their gifts in a way that enriches the prayer and praise of the whole congregation.

Coordinator - Deb Gerace

How to Get Engaged - Contact the Bell Choir coordinator or check the parish calendar for practice times. No prior handbell experience is required — just a willingness to learn, listen, and make music with others.

The Boxes to Backpacks ministry collects and delivers requested school supplies to our community school partners: Chalker, Palmer, and Pitner. Volunteers help ensure that students and teachers begin the school year (immediately following Labor Day) with needed supplies and the encouragement of a caring parish community.

Coordinator - Allison McMahon

How to Get Engaged - Watch the Parish Post in late summer for details about requested school supplies and volunteer opportunities. Parishioners can help by donating supplies, sorting donations, or assisting with delivery to our community school partners.

Coffee Hour Hosts provide a warm space for fellowship and connection in the Narthex after our 10:30 AM worship. Volunteers set out light refreshments, welcome parishioners and visitors as they gather, and help with simple cleanup afterward. This ministry strengthens our parish community by creating room for conversation, hospitality, and belonging.

Coordinator - Lyn Zeman

How to Get Engaged - Sign up on SignUpGenius to provide refreshments on your own or with another parishioner. Simple offerings are welcome — the goal is hospitality, not perfection.

The Episcopal Church Women’s Group offers women of the parish opportunities for fellowship, service, spiritual growth, and outreach. Through gatherings, projects, and shared ministry, ECW helps build relationships among women at Christ Episcopal Church while supporting the mission and care of the wider parish community.

Coordinator - Cherie Budde

How to Get Engaged - Watch the Parish Post and parish calendar for upcoming events. All women of the parish are warmly invited to participate.

Eucharistic Visitors extend the parish’s worship and care beyond the church walls by taking Holy Communion to those who are unable to attend services, including the sick, hospitalized, homebound, or aging members of the parish. This ministry is a tender expression of connection, reminding parishioners that they remain part of the Body of Christ even when they cannot be physically present at worship.

Coordinator - Mike Gerace

How to Get Engaged - Contact Fr. Ben or Mike to learn more about this deeply meaningful pastoral care ministry, including diocesan training and/or licensing requirements.

The Extension ministry serves residents of The Extension through meals, hospitality, and practical support. Volunteers help provide food, fellowship, and encouragement to men and women rebuilding their lives in these transitional housing communities. This ministry offers a direct and meaningful way to serve our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and Christian love.

Coordinators - Doug Petersen and Mary Staley

How to Get Engaged - Watch the Parish Post and parish calendar for upcoming opportunities to serve. Volunteers may sign up through SignUpGenius when volunteers or donations are needed.

The Flower Guild enhances worship by arranging and placing flowers for regular services, feast days, weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. Through creativity and care, this ministry adds beauty to our sacred spaces and helps reflect the joy, reverence, and seasons of the church year.

Coordinator - Lauren Gaughen

How to Get Engaged - Volunteer to serve by reaching out to Lauren. No formal floral design experience is required.

The Garden Guild cares for the church grounds, gardens, and Memorial Garden. Volunteers help with planting, pruning, weeding, watering, and seasonal upkeep so that our outdoor spaces remain welcoming, peaceful, and beautiful. This ministry is a wonderful fit for those who enjoy working outdoors and helping create spaces for reflection and hospitality.

Coordinator - Andrea O’Brien

How to Get Engaged - Watch the Parish Post and parish calendar for scheduled garden workdays and seasonal opportunities to help care for the church grounds. Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome.

Lectors help lead the congregation in worship by proclaiming the appointed Scripture lessons during the service. Through prayerful preparation and clear, thoughtful reading, lectors help the parish hear and reflect on the Word of God. Lectors may also serve as chalice bearers during Holy Communion, offering another meaningful way to participate in the liturgy.

Coordinator - Jackie Miller

How to Get Engaged - Sign up on SignUpGenius to serve as a lector. New lectors are welcome, and guidance is available for those who would like help preparing to read during worship.

Men’s Bible Study provides a regular opportunity for men of the parish to gather for Scripture, prayer, conversation, and fellowship. This ministry encourages spiritual growth, mutual support, and friendship through weekly study and occasional social gatherings.

Coordinators - Hugh Byrd and Stephen Rooks

How to Get Engaged - Check the Parish Post and parish calendar for meeting times and upcoming gatherings. New participants are always welcome.

Weekday Morning Prayer offers a simple and faithful way to begin the day in Scripture, prayer, and community. Participants gather to pray the Daily Office, joining a rhythm of worship shared across the Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican tradition. This ministry is open to those seeking spiritual grounding during the week.

Coordinator - Jean McCain

How to Get Engaged - Check the Parish Post and parish calendar for the weekday Morning Prayer schedule. All are welcome to attend, whether regularly or as your schedule allows.

The Music ministry helps lead the congregation in worship through hymns, anthems, service music, and special offerings. Choir members and musicians support regular services, feast days, and special liturgies, helping the parish pray, praise, and experience the beauty of worship through music.

Coordinator - Susan Stephens

How to Get Engaged - Contact the choirmaster or check the parish calendar for choir practice days and times. New singers and musicians are welcome — patience, commitment, and a joyful heart are the most important qualifications.

This outreach ministry helps provide drinks, breakfast, lunch, and snacks for more than 350 children in our community for a week each summer. Volunteers collect supplies, assemble meal kits, and deliver them to MUST so they can be delivered to children during the summer months when school meals are not available.

Coordinator - Allison McMahon

How to Get Engaged - Watch the Parish Post in late spring for details about this seasonal outreach ministry. Opportunities include donating items, assembling lunch kits, and helping deliver completed kits to MUST.

The Newcomers ministry helps Christ Episcopal Church extend a genuine welcome to all who walk through our doors. Volunteers offer a friendly face, a listening ear, and helpful guidance to visitors and new parishioners. Whether over coffee, in worship, or at a parish event, this ministry is about hospitality, connection, and helping people find a place to belong.

Coordinator - Patsy Bassett

How to Get Engaged - Sign up on SignUpGenius to help welcome visitors and new parishioners. This is a great ministry for those who enjoy friendly conversation, hospitality, and helping people feel at home.

The Prayer Blankets ministry creates handmade blankets and other items as tangible signs of prayer, comfort, and care. As each item is made, prayers are offered for the person who will receive it. This ministry is a beautiful way to share warmth, compassion, and God’s love with those going through difficult seasons.

Coordinator - Cherie Budde

How to Get Engaged - Contact Cherie to learn more about the group’s current projects, meeting schedule, and ways to participate. Knitters and crocheters of all experience levels are welcome.

St. Michael’s Chapel ministry helps maintain a clean, quiet, and welcoming space for law enforcement officers and other first responders to rest and recharge. Volunteers keep the chapel stocked with drinks and snacks and help ensure it remains orderly, comfortable, and peaceful. This ministry offers practical hospitality to those who serve and protect our community.

Coordinator - Beth Kaiser

How to Get Engaged - Reach out to Beth to help stock, clean, or organize the chapel, or to donate drinks and snacks. This is a simple but meaningful way to offer hospitality and care to first responders in our community.

Ushers help create a welcoming and orderly worship experience for parishioners and visitors. They greet people as they arrive, distribute bulletins, assist with seating, collect the offering, guide the congregation during Communion, and help respond to needs during the service. This ministry is a visible and gracious expression of hospitality.

Coordinator - Bill and Marie Clark

How to Get Engaged - Sign up on SignUpGenius to serve. New ushers are welcome, and training is provided so volunteers feel comfortable helping during worship.

Women’s Bible Study provides a regular opportunity for women of the parish to gather for Scripture, prayer, conversation, and fellowship. This ministry encourages spiritual growth, friendship, and mutual support through weekly study and occasional social gatherings.

Coordinator - Lyn Zeman

How to Get Engaged - Check the Parish Post and parish calendar for meeting times and upcoming gatherings. New participants are always welcome.