Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

 

Our Mission

 

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Church of the Incarnation’s Mission Statement

 

The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, united by our love of Christ and commanded by Holy Scripture, will spread the message of God’s grace and love through worship, action, and reconciliation to reveal God’s Kingdom to others. 

 

Mission Metric

 

The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

 

Lay Ministries

 

In addition to the church committees appointed by the Vestry and Wardens to manage financial audits, budgeting, and memorials the following ministries are active:

 

Acolytes                                                                           [2008 contact:  Kristen Stevens]

Acolytes assist in worship, serving the altar during Holy Communion, and serving as a crucifer or torch-bearer during procession.  The Acolyte Trainer insures that acolytes are scheduled for services of public worship, and are trained periodically in details of their office.

 

Altar Guild                                                                       [2008 contact:  Susan Chandler] 

The Altar Guild prepares the sanctuary for worship and for special services (e.g., weddings and funerals).  This involves setting the liturgical colors (for altar, pulpit and lectern frontals, and for the celebrant’s chasuble), setting the vessels for worship (patten and chalice for the bread and wine of Holy Eucharist), setting the lectionary and altar books, and arranging altar flowers.  In addition, the hymn board is set, and after the service all vessels are cleaned.  The Altar Guild maintains all worship furnishings, including candelabra and altar cloths.

                                                                            

 

Archives                                                                               [2008 contact:  Rufus Ward]

Members of the archives ministry document the life of the parish.  Documentation can include photographs saved in printed form or published on the parish web site; newspaper and media clippings that are collected for preservation; and personal histories (written or oral histories which are transcribed) reflecting on the life of the parish.   

 

Building & Grounds                                                               [2008 contact:  Bill Gentry] 

Members of the building and grounds ministry work to insure that parish facilities and property are maintained in top order.  This ministry includes supervision of contracted landscaping and cleaning services, the identification of repair needs, the performance of minor repair work as needed, and the organization of Spring and Fall parish clean-up days.

 

Care ministry                                                              [2008 contact:  Carolyn Jane Hay] 

When parish members suffer a serious illness, are hospitalized, or suffer a death in the family, the Care Committee organizes the provision of meals in the home.  Additional caring activities (e.g., grocery shopping) may also be provided as needed.      

 

Choir                                                                                                 [9:30 a.m. Sunday rehearsal]

 

The choir provides musical offerings in public liturgies.  Music may be provided by the choir as a group, or by soloists and ensemble.  Working with the church organist, the choir offers worship anthems and leads in hymn singing.                                           

 

Christian Education                                                                        [2008 contact:  Shurley Sugg]

Christian Education includes Sunday School classes for children and youth (which may include outings) and adult education.  Sunday School is organized by age groups, with younger children instructed using the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd curriculum, older children instructed using the Catechesis of the True Vine curriculum, and teenagers instructed using curricula which may include theme-based series on life choices and/or the Journey to Adulthood program.

 

Adult Education includes Sunday morning Bible study, book discussion groups, and the Education for Ministry curriculum (a four year program provided by the University of the South).                                                                                      [2008 contact:  Karl Schaffenburg]

 

Daughters of the King                                                   [2008 contact:  Elizabeth Schaffenburg]

Daughters of the King is a national Episcopal women’s prayer society.  Chapter members undertake a rule of life which includes daily intercessory prayer, service and evangelism.  DOK as not an organization, but a religious order under vows.  Details of the rule of prayer, service and evangelism may be found at http://www.dok-national.org/.

 

Episcopal Church Women                                                   [2008 contact:  Melissa King]

E.C.W. is a national service organization that identifies and adopts projects locally (e.g., Adopt-a-Family) and coördinates the annual United Thank Offering, which funds grants to projects which include church restoration, school construction, and medical care provision in the U.S. and abroad.           

                                                                                   

Men’s Fellowship                                                                   [2008 contact:  Joe Stevens]

The Men’s Fellowship meets on the second Monday of each month for Christian fellowship.   Working with other community and religious groups, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, the Men’s Fellowship raises funds for feeding ministries through an annual St. Hubertus Day Hunters’ prayer service and brunch, at which wild game is featured.                   

 

Nursery

 

Infants and toddlers are provided with nursery care through a professional minder.  For older children, church members provide supervision of playground use and activities.

 

 

 

Outreach                                                                       [2008 contact:  Patricia Cantrell]

Outreach includes work within the broader community, with activities including support of and work with Project Homestead (e.g., for the Community Food Bank), the Adopt-a-Family program (e.g., at Christmas)(which may be organized through a Sunday School group), support for community programs to provide back-to-school supplies, support of community youth programs and after-school care programs.

 

Project 20/20                                                                   [2008 contact:  Kristen Stevens]

Project 20/20 involves the long-range strategic planning process for the parish, with a focus on envisioning and planning for what facilities and features in the physical plant and property best support the mission of the Church.  In the execution phase of new building projects, the 20/20 coördinates with the Vestry in details of project management.     

 

Ushers                                                                        [2008 contact:  Bruce King]

The parish ushers insure that the nave and sanctuary are ready for worship and special services.  Ushers welcome worshippers to the parish and orient them.  They insure that all facilities are secured after worship.  

 

Verger                                                                                [2008 contact:  Sandy Gentry]

The Verger is appointed by the Rector, with the consent of the Vestry, to insure that public liturgies are staffed and served appropriately.                

 

Vestry and Wardens

Under the Constitution and Canons of the Church the Vestry and Wardens are the lay leadership of the parish, having full authority over the finances of the parish.  The Vestry and Wardens work with the Rector to insure the proper management of all parish assets and to insure that public worship is provided in a manner consonant with the mission of the Church.  Vestry members are elected to overlapping terms, at the annual parish meeting.  Wardens are appointed by the Vestry, who also appoint the parish Treasurer and the clerk of the Vestry.

 

Worship & Music Committee                                       [2008 contact:  Carolyn Calvert]

The committee meets monthly to plan the music selections to be used in worship for the coming month.

 

 

 

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