There are over fifty committees and groups at Saint Stephen's and in the community. Your work in these ministries can further the missionof Saint Stephen's while you enjoy greater fellowship with other parishioners.

The path of service is first to find those ministries that interest you, to which you feel called. Let the staff or committee chairperson know of your interest, and become involved in the committee's activities. As you come to know the works of that committee, you may wish to take a larger role, including membership on the committee itself. Committee leaders are generally appointed by the Rector to provide rotation and a fair sharing of roles and leadership. There are seven different groups of ministries in which you may serve. These groups and their functions are:

Service: Provide direct human services and grant support to individuals with legitimate need and to organizations in our community and around the world clearly committed to building the Kingdom of God.

Worship: Assist in enabling a rich and varied liturgical life that inspires all those who enter the doors of Saint Stephen's Church to more deeply know and respond to God as revealed in Jesus Christ. Christian Education: Provide a broad tapestry of Biblical, pastoral and spiritually founded educational programs for the children, youth and adults of the parish to help transform people more and more into the image of Jesus Christ.

Pastoral: Build a growing and ever stronger network of people to provide sensitive, informed, and responsive care for members of our parish family and the immediate community.

Fellowship: Offer social and support activities for parishioners of all ages and circumstances to strengthen the fabric of our common life as a parish family.

Stewardship: Enable parishioners to move to a deeper and more profound understanding of the unique responsibility of being faithful Christian stewards of the time, talents, and treasure with which God has blessed each of us.

Administrative Ministries: Assist with the management of the parish so that it may be an ever more effective instrument of God.

These are not exclusive categories.  For example, when you play bells in the bell choir, you may find yourself helping someone out over a rough spot in their life (pastoral care), or learning about some type of church music (education), and the bells are certainly part of the morning service (worship).  So if our categorization doesn't make sense to you, don't worry about it!

Opportunities for service in the wider community are legion.  We have collected a listing of some of them.  Feel free to give of your time and talent, and give them financial contributions. They do good work, and need your support.

Please click the above categories, or just meander down the list... LOTS of people participate in LOTS of goingson; YOU can be included!  

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WORSHIP

Worship Committee is a forum for the ongoing renewal of our approach to God in worship through informed discussion and regular re‑evaluation of our liturgy. We seek to assist the Rector in his responsibility, both to help the people of Saint Stephen’s grow in their awareness of the deep meanings contained in our liturgy, and to provide for liturgy that engages and renews our faith, strengthens our spirit, and enables us to boldly live out our lives as Christians.

 

Activities: Committee members meet monthly in the evening with the Rector and other members of the clergy to further these aims.  Contact:  Deacon Pat                                 

 

Acolytes, including children in grades five and up, youth, and adults, assist the clergy and congregation during worship services. Participants learn more about the liturgy while participating in services. Children and youth serve at the 10:15 service. Youth and adults serve at the 8:00 service.

 

Activities:  Acolytes serve in the procession and recession and assist during communion by helping the clergy and directing communicants. Acolytes attend one two‑hour training session at the beginning of the year and serve at approximately one service per month. They also assist at special services during the Christmas and Easter seasons.                                

 

 

Altar Guild carefully and faithfully prepares the Altars for every service of the Holy Eucharist. It maintains and makes replacements of the silver and crystal vessels, linens, vestments, and other items related to our worship. It arranges for the Sunday flowers and festival decorations.

 

Activities:  Guild members serve two ‑ three times per month, attending to the above responsibilities.  Contact:  June Russell

 

Ushers serve at the 10:15 a.m. service by warmly welcoming all who attend the service, assisting with seating, and supporting the liturgy during the Offertory and Holy Eucharist. They also serve at special services, such as Christmas, Easter, ordinations, etc.  

Activities:  Corps members serve one Sunday per month and may also serve at special Holiday services.  Contact:  Paul de Kanel               

 

Lectors come from the congregation to the lectern, read the first lesson, and lead the congregation in the reading of the Psalm.  A large-print copy of the appropriate reading is mailed to each lector early in the week.

 

Activities:  Members serve during several Sunday services per year.  Contact:  Marilyn Causey                       

 

Chalice Bearers are licensed by the Bishop of Albany to administer the chalice at services of Holy Communion and to read lessons at the Eucharist.

 

 Music Programs

 

Adult Choir: is the principal adult choir at the 10:15 Sunday liturgy.  The Adult Choir consists of volunteers who can commit a few hours ( 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm Thursdays, and a 15-minute last minute rehearsal on Sunday) weekly to the choir. Repertoire includes 20th century music and challenging a capella works from all musical periods. Rehearsals stress vocal and choral techniques and move at a comfortable pace so that all feel fully involved.

 

 

Bell Choir.  The handbell choir adds a wonderful dimension to the 10:15 service, bringing color and energy to hymns, preludes, and anthems. Open to youth and adults, this choir offers a fun, unpressured way to become involved in music-making at Saint Stephen's.

Activities:  Volunteers practice every Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. during the school year.  Occasionally they will present a concert to the community.  (Note: The Bell Choir is not functional this year.)

The Youth Music Program is a program designed to supplement the weekday school programs: both choral and instrumental.  The youth music program provides an all-important opportunity for young people to be of service to their Lord by  giving their talent and time through the church's music ministry. St. Stephen's youth choir will sing occasionally in Sunday worship.

Activities: Choir practice is part of the Sunday morning Church School program.  Children are released 15 minutes early from church school on the days that they sing during the 10:15 service.  Youth who play any instrument are urged to contact the music director.  Staff:  Dr. Tim Olsen  

 

 

 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

 Christian Education Committee seeks to provide all ages with opportunities to learn about the Christian tradition and to provide all ages with opportunities to learn how to live the Christian life.  This Committee works with the Clergy and other staff to develop educational programs that respond to the spiritual, intellectual and pastoral needs of the parish and that will enable parishioners of all ages to grow in their knowledge and love of Christ.

 Activities:  Committee members meet monthly with the clergy to develop programs.  Contact: Laura Davis, Director of Religious Education.

 Nursery provides a supervised setting for consistent and reliable child care, ensuring the safety and well‑being of Saint. Stephen's children.  Child care for infants through 5 years old is provided by a professional child care worker from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. during the education hour and from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. during the Eucharist. the Eucharist.  Volunteers help the child care worker on a rotating basis.  Additional hours of operation are scheduled when required. 

Activities:  Volunteers meet once a quarter to discuss issues concerning the nursery.  

The Church School is held on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.   All classes, from pre‑school through middle school meet in the classrooms on the lower level of the parish hall.  Senior highs meet in Reid House and adults meet in the parish hall.  Please refer to “Education for Christian Living” for more details.

Activities: Teachers meet once a quarter to discuss issues concerning the church school.  Contact:  Laura Davis.

                    
The Library Committee helps to provide personal enrichment and opportunities for spiritual growth through purchasing and maintaining a library of over 500 books, and a variety of video tapes. Information on new books and book reviews are published regularly in the “Messenger”.  The library is located in the parish hall for easy access.

Activities: Volunteers make decisions about new acquisitions and catalog them according to the Dewey Decimal system.  Other activities consist of keeping track of circulation and making sure books and tapes are in good repair and in order.  Contact:  Jane Tatge

 

Adult Classes - "Education for Christian Living" is the overall title of the Christian education training which aims to integrate our faith in Christ with our daily life.  For a detailed list of educational opportunities please see the booklet, Education for Christian Living: 1999-2000.

 

Activities:

Sunday Morning Adult Education: meets from 9:00 to 10:00 in the parish hall for a variety of four to six week courses on the Bible or Christian doctrine, on Spiritual awareness, on Ministry/Life Skills and on Contemporary Issues.  Contact:  Fr. James,  Office:  346-6241           

Kerygma Bible Study provides adult Bible studies to deepen and enrich Biblical understanding and enhance spiritual growth. Each course includes a Resource Book for students and a Leader's Guide. Courses may include year-long foundational courses and shorter courses on particular books (eg Genesis, Psalms, Revelation) or themes (eg shalom, parables, Handel's "Messiah.") Each student's study of course material and participation in class discussion enriches the experience of all; inquiring minds are welcome and fellowship is an added benefit.  Contact:  Deacon Pat

Education for Ministry, or "EFM". This is a four-year course in Old and New Testaments, Church History, and Modern Theology. We are currently meeting sunday afternoons. For information, contact Fr. James.

Agape is the Greek word for ‘love’ and in church tradition refers to the love which unites a covenanted community.  Held on the second Friday of each month, these presentations provide an opportunity for the growth of our Christian community as parishioners share their experiences and knowledge in an informal setting.  A potluck meal precedes each presentation.   Contact:  Gillian Woodcock

Catechesis is the process of  handing down the tradition of our faith to members of all ages.  These include:  

Activities:  

Communion Classes are given for all young people whose parents have decided that they are ready to be admitted to Holy Communion.  They are offered each fall and spring as needed.

 Confirmation Mentoring Program is based on the assumption that pairing teenagers with older, exemplary parishioners (mentors) will invite the younger people to "look over their shoulder" as they both attempt to live as Christians.  The mentors will guide and support the confirmands through a basic knowledge of the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and Christian spirituality.  The goal is that the mentor will play a special and memorable role in the young person's life, giving him/her the confidence that comes with thoughtful learning and caring support.  Confirmation Classes for young people 13‑17 years old is a year long program of study, fellowship and outreach.  It is given as needed.

 Adult Inquirer's Classes are a basic course in the faith which is held in an informal atmosphere. It is required for all adults who wish to be confirmed or received into the church, but is open to all members of the parish family.  These classes are held each fall and spring.  Contact:  Fr. James, Office: 346-6241

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship Committee exists to develop a comprehensive stewardship program which increasingly emphasizes the unique ways in which Christians regard their use of all the gifts God has bestowed upon them.

 

Activities:  The Committee meets monthly to develop and implement its educational programs and to manage the annual stewardship campaign.  This committee appoints a task force to oversee an Every Member Canvass during which every confirmed youth and adult in the church is asked to commit a percentage of their income, and some of their time and talent to the church. Contact:  Fr. James,  Office:  346-6241

 

  

 SERVICE

Service Committee coordinates volunteer and funding efforts that serve programs identified as priorities for parish activities to improve the spiritual, mental, and physical well being of members of our community locally and worldwide.  Contact: Carol Merrill-Mazurek.

 

Home Furnishings Program exists to supply used household furnishings in good repair to people in need.  Furnishings are secured by donation and are given to people identified by social service agencies and churches as requests come into the program office. 

 

Activities:  Church volunteers drive and staff the van which is used for pick‑up and delivery of items. There is a basket in the narthex for smaller articles such as linens and kitchen utensils. Contact:  Richey Woodzell

Jail Ministry is a ministry with the women inmates in the Schenectady County Jail. Bible reading, prayer and compassionate conversation help to ease the loneliness of jail life and nourish a sense of community among all participants.  The women are included in our prayers each week in the church, and they in turn pray for parishioners.  Contact:  Deacon Pat

 

PASTORAL

Pastoral Care Committee serves those members of our parish family who are vulnerable, distressed, isolated or ill. The committee coordinates a Caregivers Support Group and a biannual Grief Healing Group. The committee also reviews ways to make Saint Stephen’s more accessible to the disabled. Volunteers provide support and programs, including education forums on pastoral issues, assessment of parishioner needs, and a variety of supportive ministries.

 

Care Teams are a group of lay people who visit parish members who are homebound or in the hospital.  They express the parish's concern for its members.  The primary skill needed for this work is good listening and some acquaintance with the hospital. atmosphere.

           Contact:  Sid Woodcock.

 

The Flower Distributors are a group of parishioners who take flowers from the church following Sunday morning services, and give them to parishioners who are hospitalized or shut‑in.

           Contact:  Kabby Lowe

The Prayer Chain consists of a group of parishioners who pray for the ill and shut-in weekly, and for others in need as requests are made on the intercessions sheet on the table at the back of the church or by a call to the parish office.

           Contact:  Suzanne Taylor

 

Emergency Meals is a program through which Saint Stephen's members cook meals for families going through crisis or who are ill.  Hot meals are delivered every evening or as needed.  This group also cooks meals and freezes them so that they will be ready with short notice. 

  

PARISH LIFE

Parish Life Committee initiates, coordinates and provides hospitality for the many parish events that occur throughout the year.  Working with many different parish committees and with parishioners of all ages, the committee works to encourage and nurture community building within our parish family so that parishioners can be drawn more and more into the community of Christ.

Contact Debbie Trawick.

           
Middle and High School Youth Groups provide a wide variety of fellowship, Christian education, and service opportunities. The group's purpose is to help our young people deepen their relationship to God, their community, and each other.

Activities:  Young people engage in activities in service to Saint Stephen’s and the larger communitiy, as well as ‘fun’ activities.  They have offered babysitting during the holidays, served at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper, hosted the annual parish Halloween party, and participated in week-long building service projects.   Contact:  George Woodzell       

 

Foyer Groups help us get to know each other better and have some fun as well.  Small groups of parishioners met in each other’s homes for a meal and social time together.  No Bible study, or “program” is planned,  just people enjoying each other’s company.  Many who participate have  found them to be extremely rewarding experiences that helped them to get to know others in the congregation.  Contact Gillian Woodcock.

Activities:  About eight people per group meet once a month for dinner, taking  turns as host.  The time of meeting and the menu are determined by the  individual group. Contact: Gillian Woodcock.

 

 ADMINISTRATIVE MINISTRIES

Vestry is elected by members of the parish to work with the Rector in carrying out the mission of Saint Stephen’s Church. Care of properties, financial affairs of the parish, planning, clergy care, enabling lay ministers, relating the parish to the greater church, and many other responsibilities fall to this primary leadership body. The Vestry consists of the Rector, two wardens, and nine Vestry members. The wardens are the chief lay officers of the parish, presiding at Vestry meetings in the absence of the Rector and responsible for the parish's relationship with the Rector. Wardens serve two year terms, and Vestry members serve three-year terms.

 

Activities:  The Vestry meets monthly to consider and adopt policies and programs for the stewardship of the parish's resources.  Contacts:  The Wardens.  Staff:  Fr. James.

 

Parish Council serves as a group of advisors to the rector concerning the spiritual life of the parish, including service, worship, evangelism, education, pastoral care, and parish life.  It consists of the chairpersons of six committees, the clergy and the Senior Warden of the vestry.

Activities:  The Council meets on the first Monday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.   Contact:  Fr. James.

“The Messenger” is the monthly newsletter of the parish which is mailed to all the families and friends in the parish.  It contains the calendar of events for the coming month, Christian education information, and articles describing past and future activities. Laura and Ryan Davis are currently organizing the Messenger.

Activities:  Volunteers can write feature articles, write-up interviews with new members, contribute art work, take photographs, and help with the distribution.

 

Buildings Committee holds responsibility for maintaining the appearance of the parish's properties to enhance a feeling of warmth, care and welcome to all who enter our premises.  The committee reviews short and long term needs and develops and recommends plans to the Vestry for repair and construction.

Activities:  The committee oversees projects including architectural design, engineering, construction, maintenance, and safety elements. Parishioners with experience in these activities are welcome.  Contact:  Jed Dare.

 

Grounds Committee carries out the numerous activities necessary to keep our church grounds in good condition and repair.

 

Activities:  It assists the vestry in developing salary scales and makes recommendations on salary increases.  This committee appoints a taskforce each fall to develop a budget for the coming year.  Contact:  Norman Hoffmann.