St. Luke & St. Simon Cyrene
Episcopal Church

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After each ministry area is listed the staff coordinator; after each ministry, the team coordinator.

Administrative Ministries (Michael Hopkins)

Annual Audit Team (Bruce Colburn)

In the spring of the year several parishioners conduct the annual audit of our parish financial records using guidelines provided by the Diocese and make the required report to the Vestry and the Bishop.  Usually requires two or three meetings.

Parish Archives Team (Merle Ann Welsh)

Currently we are continuing to survey & record the historical documents, photos, etc., that have been stored in various places around the church property.  Next, the collections will be brought together in one spot (a room will be made available) & a simple catalog system will be set-up.  Volunteers will be needed once we reach this point.

Office Volunteer (Nancy Andrus)

Folks who are on-call to help when the workload gets heavy, particularly in assembling Service Leaflets, or when a regular Volunteer receptionist needs someone to cover for him or her.

Volunteer Receptionist (Nancy Andrus)                            

Serves one day a week (10 am to 4 pm), answering the telephone and assisting the rest of the staff with regular office work.  Must enjoy answering the phone with a welcoming voice!

Standing Committee Service

The Standing Committees generally meet every other month at the beginning of the normal monthly Vestry time (3rd Thursdays beginning at 6 pm).  The Committees consist of three or four Vestry members, and one or two non-Vestry members.

Finance & Investment (Steve Oller)

The Finance & Investment Committee monitors the ongoing finances and investments of the parish, proposes the annual budget to the Vestry, and recommends necessary adjustments and policy changes.

Personnel (Allan Cuseo)

The Personnel Committee reviews staff contracts and evaluations for the Rector and Vestry, recommends personnel policy to the Vestry, and makes sure all ministries in the parish are equipped with adequate job descriptions.

Property (Jack Cummings/Walt Kannapel)

The Property Committee monitors the care of our buildings and other property, making maintenance recommendations to the Vestry and overseeing the work of contractors in conjunction with the Rector and our Sexton.

Right On School Advisory (Madeline Gamble)

The Right On School Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Vestry concerning our Right On School summer program, including its budget, and assists with fundraising, program volunteers, and staff development.

Stewardship (Bruce Colburn)

The Stewardship Committee oversees on behalf of the Vestry all Stewardship-related programs of the parish, in particular insuring that stewardship is a consistent and ongoing theme on the parish’s life.

Evangelism Ministries (Mary Ann Brody/Michael Hopkins)

Hip Hop Mass Planning Team (Michael Hopkins)

Two Saints will become the host site for this new initiative involving several Episcopal parishes and the Youth Ministry program of our Diocese.  Several adults and young people are needed to be part of the planning for the initial event in the Spring of 2007, and then sustaining an ongoing program.

Men’s Association (Jack Cummings)

The Men’s Association is a longstanding group in the parish (dating back to the St. Simon’s days).  The group exists for fellowship and service.  Their three major activities are a booth at the Clarissa Street Reunion in August, the annual Fish Fry in March, and parish breakfasts on “All Church” Sundays (once a month during the program year).

Newcomers’ Brunches Food Prep (Lynn George)

Prepare and deliver food for one (or more) of our three Newcomers’ Brunches (January, May, and October) each year.  Food is prepared at home and is brought to church prior to the 10 am service.  Food possibilities include casseroles, side dishes, cold vegetables, cheese & crackers, appetizers, drinks, etc.

Newcomers’ Brunch Invitations (Jackie Hopkins) 

Address, stuff and mail invitations to guests for one (or more) of the three brunches each year.  They receive RSVP’s and make follow-up calls to get an accurate count for the event.  They convey this information to the organizer of the food preparation so that enough food will be available for all those who are attending.

Newsletter Editor (Nancy Andrus)

The Newsletter Editor would coordinate the monthly newsletter, assuring that appropriate features have been written and overseeing the good quality of the publication, working with Nancy Andrus, the “copy editor,” as well as the Rector.

Newsletter Mailing Prep Team (Jackie Hopkins)

A group that gathers once a month, usually on a Thursday or Friday, to prepare the monthly newsletter for mailing.  The only requirements are the capacity to fold and tape, and the desire to have fun while doing it!

Newsletter Writers (Nancy Andrus)

Newsletter writers are folks who are willing to write regularly for the newsletter either topics of their choice (in consultation with the editor) or regular features (such as interviews with new parishioners).

Sunday Ambassador (Allan Cuseo/Michael Davis)         

Being an ambassador is a ministry of evangelistic hospitality and greeting as we welcome, serve, and begin the incorporation process of turning guests into friends and faith family. We strive to provide a warm, comfortable, friendly greeting for all guests and members before, during and after the worship service.  Requirements include serving once a month at either Service; willingness to volunteer for occasional special events; being present at least 20 minutes before the Service begins and remaining afterwards for follow-through with visitors.  Skills needed are an open heart and the ability to communicate.  Training is provided.

Sunday Hospitality Host (Mary Kane/Rochelle Coley)

Provide food and beverage for coffee hour following the 10 am service. Hosts set out food and prepare a pleasing table for serving the food.  Paper products, plastic ware, table cloths, coffee and tea are provided by the church.  Hosts may volunteer one or more Sundays during the year.  Coffee hour occurs every Sunday.

Weekday Ambassador (Michael Hopkins)           

Are regular volunteers Monday through Friday who provide a welcome and basic information for visitors to our building.  Training is provided.  May serve either mornings (10am to 1pm) or afternoons (1pm to 4pm) or both.

Welcome Center Maintenance (Jean Kenney/Lorraine Morgan)

Organize the Welcome Table and the Children’s Table at the back of the church on a weekly basis.  Restock materials as needed, either by purchasing them (money spent will be reimbursed), or notifying appropriate staff that supplies are low.

 Website/Listserv Maintenance (John Clinton Bradley)

Adds, subtracts, and changes parish website content on a weekly basis.  Adds, subtracts, and changes subscriptions to parish e-mail lists as needed.  For both areas, must have e-mail and Web access.  For website maintenance, must have access to Microsoft FrontPage 2003 software and should know how to use it.

Formation Ministries (Mary Ann Brody)

Adult Bible Study Leader (John Clinton Bradley)

Leads Sunday morning adult Bible studies on a rotating basis with other leaders.  (Each leader serves approximately once every 5 or 6 weeks.)  Experience leading Bible study using adult education principles recommended (if you are interested in developing such experience, speak to John). 

Children’s Class Teacher/Greeters (Deb Oller)

Conduct Sunday school classes for children in grades 1 through 5 one Sunday a month.  Teachers work in pairs, one being a storyteller, and the other being a greeter/facilitator.  Classes are conducted from 9:45 am until the Passing of the Peace in the 10 am service.  One Sunday a month children stay in class throughout the service and celebrate communion together.  Those interested in this ministry should enjoy working with children, be good communicators and be organized.  Teachers need to attend Safe Church Training (one time) and a 2 hour Teacher Orientation meeting at the start of the program year.  Weekly preparation involves learning to tell the Bible story for the coming week.

Drama Group (Merle Anne Welsh)

On selected occasions to enhance the liturgy through the use of drama (skits, plays, monologues, etc.).  Requirements are a willingness to attend rehearsals, take direction, ability to read and speak clearly, and a desire to help tell the story.

Education for Ministry Mentor (John Clinton Bradley)

Leads weekly EFM classes from September through May (approximately 2.5 hours each week).  Must be certified as an EFM mentor by the University of the South.  (Certification training sessions are continually offered around the country). 

Nursery Volunteers (Toni Burr)

Assist the staff nursery attendant with the children in the nursery during the first half of the 10 am service one Sunday a month.  Safe Church Training is required.  Those interested should have an interest in working with and caring for young children, infants to age 5.  No weekly preparation is required.

Special Children’s Events (Mary Ann Brody)

Include such things as the St. Nicholas Party in December, and the Epiphany Games in January, as well as activities for children on festive Sundays, such as the Porch Mass in September.  Volunteers help to organize and run activities for children.

 Via Media Table Leader (Michael Hopkins)

Via Media is our basic introduction to Christianity in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition.  It is offered twice a year for five evenings plus a Saturday session.  Folks who have already taken the course are needed to facilitate conversation at tables with 6-8 persons.

Youth Class Teacher (Chris Cleveland)

Conduct Sunday school classes for youth in grades 6-12.  Teachers work in pairs and are assigned on a rotating basis.  Ideally, teachers are assigned to teach once or twice a month. Classes are conducted from 9:45 am until the Passing of the Peace in the 10 am service. Those interested in this ministry should enjoy working with adolescents, have a good sense of humor and be good listeners.  Leaders help empower our youth and provide organization & structure for success. Teachers assist youth in planning their part in Youth Sundays (three times) throughout the year. Curriculum materials are provided.  Teachers need to attend Safe Church Training (one time), and a Teacher Orientation meeting at the start of the program year.

Youth Group Leader (Mary Ann Brody)

Help to plan and conduct youth activities (social & service oriented) and group meetings throughout the year.  They communicate diocesan youth events to the congregation and organize our participation in them.  Youth events generally take place on the weekend or in the evening.  Youth group leaders need to enjoy working with adolescents in grades 6-12, possess a good sense of humor, organizational skills, and group facilitation skills.  

Pastoral Care Ministries (John Burr)

Eucharistic Visitors (Sylvia Kannapel)

Following Sunday or weekday Services, the Eucharistic Visitor is sent forth in the name of our Lord Jesus and the congregation, to take Communion to those who are ill or otherwise unable to attend Service.  This may include home, nursing home, or hospital visits.  Frequency of visits is mutually determined.  Training is available for those wishing to share in this rewarding ministry.  Eucharistic ministers must be licensed by the Bishop on the recommendation of the Rector.

Flower Deliverers (Sylvia Kannapel)

At the conclusion of the 10 am Service, flowers from the Altar are taken by volunteers to members of the congregation who are ill or celebrating a special occasion.  Alternatively, flowers are sometimes delivered to the Church Home for their use. Flower deliverers may include Eucharistic Visitors, family members, or other parishioners willing to make the delivery in the name of the congregation.

Funeral Reception Team (Chuck Smith)

Members available to assist with hosting receptions after funerals, usually not involving food preparation. 

Parish Phone Tree Caller (Chuck Smith/Sylvia Kannapel)

Volunteers who notify parishioners without e-mail access of sudden special events such as funerals or Services in response to a sudden occurrence.

Social Action Ministries (John Burr/Michael Hopkins)

A Meal & More (Toni Burr)

A Meal & More is a ministry located at Christ Church, Rochester on the east side of downtown.  It provides a nutritious meal for those in need.  On the 3rd Sunday of the month, Two Saints provides volunteers to assist preparing food, set up tables, serve the guests, and clean up afterwards.  The hours are from 11 am to approximately 3:15 pm.

Anti-racism Dialogue Planners (Chris Cleveland)

In 2006, anti-racism dialogue was begun in the Vestry and there is a desire to continue it throughout the congregation.  Planners would help design that process and assess the ongoing need for it.  The dialogue is not in response to any perceived problem, per se, but recognizing that as a congregation we need to keep these issues before us and model ongoing dialogue for the diocese and the city at large.  Anyone with interest in this topic is welcome.

CropWalk 2007 (Leroy Peasley)   

For the annual CropWalk in the Spring, the individual participant should be in reasonable health and capable of walking 7 - 8 miles in about a 2-1/2 hour time frame. The individual(s) walking are to gather pledges of support from their families, friends, co-workers, and fellow parishioners within a 3 week time frame  prior to the date of the walk. All individuals whether they are walkers or sponsors are to be aware that the monies raised from this event are to be applied towards food, shelter, and educational  supplies where the need is greatest, both locally and abroad. There should also be a sense of   gratitude by all who are involved that their contributions towards this ministry does make a difference!

Parish Public Policy Advocates (Marilyn Wienk)

Sign up to receive by email, telephone, and/or postal mail information from the Public Policy Team on advocating about current issues.  Just a few minutes of time is required every now and then to email, telephone, or write letters to elected officials.  No attendance at meetings is necessary.

Parish Public Policy Team (Marilyn Wienk)

Aims to study and act on issues affecting the health, safety, and livelihoods of individuals and families in the city of Rochester, Monroe County, and elsewhere when and where appropriate.  The Team meets approximately once a month between services to discuss issues, determine actions, and plan the public policy forums held on second Sundays (usually) throughout the program year. 

RAIHN Activities (John Burr)

RAIHN is a ministry that provides safe overnight accommodations and meals for up to five homeless families at a time.  At Two Saints they are with us four time during the year for one week each.  Persons who sign up for activities are available in the evening between supper and lights out to provide activities (games, etc.) when our guests are desirous of them.

RAIHN Dinners (Sylvia Kannapel)

Volunteers participate in teams of three to plan, cook and serve a well-balanced meal to the guests who are residing at Two Saints four times a year.  They share the meal, conversation and after the meal clean-up chores with the guests.  Special training is available regarding this program, its goals and other opportunities within the RAIHN program.

RAIHN Overnights (Leroy Peasley)

As part of our quarterly hosting of RAIHN, two individuals are needed each night to stay over with our guests and assist with breakfast preparation in the morning.  Anyone who wishes to serve as a volunteer should approach John Burr to schedule training that is required, including Safe Church training. These individuals should be compassionate and non-judgmental. Our presence among our guests is to be of service to them as the need should arise. We only interact at a level in which they are comfortable. The  volunteers are to serve as primary contacts in the event of any emergency.

RAIHN Laundry (John Burr)

Volunteers wash a share of the used linens at the end of the week’s stay.

UTO/ERD Coordinators (Michael Hopkins)

Keep the parish in touch with Episcopal Relief & Development and the United Thank Offering, two major fundraising and grants programs of the Episcopal Church.  We have a UTO ingathering once a year.  ERD offerings are taken in response to crises and generally encouraged throughout the year.

Interfaith Action Local Committee (Jack Cummings)      

Our involvement with this community activists group may include a local committee which meets regularly both to work on common Interfaith Action issues and pursue any agenda items of our own.

ROS Friday Volunteer (Madeline Gamble)

Right On School operates from early July to mid-August each year.  Fridays are “recreation days,” usually involving field trips.  Volunteers help prepare the picnic food (hot dogs and other items) and serve it.  Time is usually 10 am to 2 pm.

ROS Lunch Volunteer (Madeline Gamble)

Helps serve lunches at Right On School (Monday through Thursday 11 am to 1 pm) and clean-up afterwards.  Volunteers usually choose one day a week to assist.

“Urban Ministry Center” Dreamers (Michael Hopkins)

The Rector desires to put together a group consisting of Two Saints members and other interested folk from the diocese who are willing to flesh out our vision of this parish being a “Center for Urban Ministry” for the Diocese.  It is anticipated the group will meet once a month for six months and then offer proposals to the parish and perhaps the Diocese.

Stewardship Ministries (Michael Hopkins)

Annual Pledge Drive Planning (Bruce Colburn)

Part of a team that plans and executes the annual financial pledge drive in the late fall under the direction of the Stewardship Committee of the Vestry.  Must be committed to the vital importance of generosity in Christian living and seek to encourage others in this way of life.

Annual Ministry Fair Planning (Madeline Gamble)

Participate in planning and executing the annual Ministry Fair in late September or early October.  Two or three planning meetings prior to next Fall’s Fair.

Blessing of the Animals Planning (Michael Hopkins)    

Participate in planning the annual Blessing of the Animals Service which celebrates the gifts of our fellow created beings.  Two or three planning meetings prior to the first Saturday in October 2007.

Rogation Day Church Decorating (Carter Williams)

Help plan for the decoration of the Church for our spring creation festival, the 6th Sunday after Easter.

Building Clean-up Days (Walt Kannapel/Jack Cummings)

Usually only once a year during the Spring season; requires four hours on a Spring Saturday morning to thoroughly dust and clean windows, repair & clean/vacuum pew cushions, check all pews and effect minor repairs, etc., and just "tidy-up"  our church!! Bring your dust rags - we supply the cleaning materials.  The only special "skills needed" is the desire to maintain our church and a willing arm!

Worship Ministries (Michael Hopkins)

Acolytes (Chuck Smith)

Acolytes are adults, young people, or older children who assist with Service processions by carrying the cross or torches, and otherwise assist the clergy and subdeacons with the Service. 

Adult Choir (Annie Laver)

The Adult Choir assists with music leadership at the 10 am Service (September—early June) and other special services.  They generally meet on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm for rehearsals, as well as Sunday mornings at 9:15 am.

Altar Guild (Arlene Titus)

Altar Guild members are stewards of the sanctuary of the Church and the various things that are used in the celebration of the sacraments.  Members serve in teams of two or three that set up for Services on one Saturday/Sunday a month.  All that is needed is a love of our worship and the desire to make it shine!

Bread Bakers (Jeannine Scott-Lamb)

Volunteers bake the bread we use for the Eucharist, usually every other month or so, depending on need.  Recipes are available.

Eucharistic Ministers (Chuck Smith)

Eucharistic ministers are those persons licensed by the Bishop on the recommendation of the Rector to assist in the distribution of Communion during the celebration of the Eucharist.  All subdeacons are also Eucharistic ministers, but others may be as well.

Prayers of the People Leaders (Nancy Andrus)

Lead the Prayers of the People on Sunday morning with a clear and compassionate voice, exercising patience in the allowing of others in the congregation to chime in.  Training is available.  Generally scheduled every four to six weeks, depending on numbers.

Reader (Nancy Andrus)                                                         

Proclaim the first and/or second reading at the Eucharist or other Service of worship.  A love of the stories of the Bible and the ability to speak in a clear, strong voice are helpful.  Training is desirable (Allan Cuseo is our trainer).  Generally scheduled every four to six weeks depending on numbers.

Subdeacon (Chuck Smith)

Assist the clergy in the leadership of the Eucharist, usually carrying the Book of the Gospels in procession, serving as a Eucharistic minister and generally helping the liturgy to run smoothly.  Training is available from Chuck Smith (see also the description for Eucharistic ministers).

Thurifer (Chuck Smith)

On Sundays and special days that include the use of incense, the Thurifer carries the thurible and assists the priest and deacon in its use.

Youth Choir (Annie Laver)

The Youth Choir meets most weeks after the 10 am Service (September—May) to learn music, usually singing during Service on “All Church Sundays.”

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Parish Mission Statement

Together, as people of God, in companionship with Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to be…

• A healing place for souls
• A school for justice
• And a welcome table for all

HipHop E*Mass

2nd Saturday of every month, 5 PM
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
350 Chili Ave

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