Service Opportunities
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
We encourage you to get involved in one or more of our many service, support and ministry opportunities.
WORSHIP
Worship is our expression of our love for God and is the foundation for all that we do at Christ Church. We are disciples of Christ and as we worship together, we join each other to glorify God. Episcopalians believe that it is our common worship which unifies us. The many services offered each week depend upon those who faithfully serve in these ministries.
Acolytes (Youth and Adult)
Adult Acolytes serve Sunday mornings at 7:30 a.m. and at special services such as those held during Holy Week. Adults help by setting the table and carrying the cross or tapers during procession. Youth Acolytes assist clergy at the altar during Sunday worship services. Contacts: Youth Marianne Palmer Adults Grace Krachuck
Altar Guild
Members prepare the altars in the church, chapel and Contemporary Worship Space and care for items used such as silver and brass, vestments and linens.
Contacts: Church – Kathy Lowery Chapel – Mary Bartlett Hiatt Jordan Service – Kathy Blackman Memorials/Funerals – Jane Wallace Weddings – Gaby Vizuete Fekany
Church Mice
Church mice work “behind the scenes” once a week in the church, straightening and restocking materials in the pew racks, making the church welcoming and beautiful.
Contact: Stephanie Bennie
Eucharistic Ministers
Adults and Youth in their late teens are trained and licensed by the Bishop to serve the chalice at Communion and lead Morning and Evening prayer. Contacts: Lisa Foster Rev. Andreis Diaz
Festival Decorations
The Festival Decorations Team decorates the campus with seasonal arrangements for Holy Days. Contact: Mary Watson
Lectors (Adult and Youth)
Lectors read the lessons during the worship service. Teams of lectors serve specific services. Contact: Sally Basso
Ushers/Greeters (Adult and Youth)
Ushers greet worshipers as they arrive at church, provide bulletins and seating assistance, receive the offering and help worshipers as they come to Communion.
Contacts: Church – Kathie Seabrook Jordan – Cora Cooper
GROW
Christ Church is a place to grow in faith, fellowship and service. Keeping a church of this size running well requires the dedicated support of hundreds of volunteers. Many ministry teams offer training and fellowship opportunities, and all welcome newcomers to join them in service.
Formation and Fellowship
Adult Christian Formation Teachers
Adults support the spiritual growth of other adults by teaching a variety of classes covering topics such as spirituality, the Bible, church history, ethics and contemporary life.
Contact: The Rev. Amy Slater
Archives & History Ministry
Volunteers catalog and care for our archive and history collection, scanning, creating displays, chronicling and sharing our history with the parish.
Contact: Nancy White
Children’s Christian Formation Teachers
Caring adults support children’s spiritual development through teaching Sunday formation for ages 3 years old and up. All teachers are required to take “Safe Church, Safe Communities” online courses, and additional training is provided. Contact: Catherine Montgomery
Community Circles Facilitators and Participation
Community Circles provide space for connection and growing in faith. Leaders and facilitators help plan and guide group discussion and involvement. These small groups happen both at church and off campus in the wider community. Contact: The Rev. Deacon Leila Quinlan
Community Circle for Moms
MOMS provide support and community with one another and integrate service into their activities throughout the year. Contact: Amy Schmitt Working Moms – Mel Johnson
Community of Hope International (COHI)
This ministry is offered as a training ground to become holy listeners for individuals and groups in our community. Classes start in September and run for 12 weeks. The training prepares us to serve in creative ways and in a variety of settings. Contact: The Rev. Deacon Leila Quinlan
Education Scholarship Commission
Providing scholarships, financial assistance, and mentoring to local students. Contact: Dave Bovee
Facing Racism
This ministry seeks to offer safe spaces for honest dialogue about race in America, as well as opportunities for growth through study, facilitated conversation, and personal relationships. Volunteers are needed to help with programming throughout the year. Contact: Fr. Bob Morris
Family Ministries
Volunteers help plan fellowship activities that provide opportunities for them to grow and form Christian community and friendships. Contact: Catherine Montgomery
Kitchen Support Ministry
Volunteers prepare and / or serve food for weekly meals and special events. Contact: Jennifer De Rycker
Lighthouse Faith
Second Thursday of every month, Lighthouse Faith is a space for prayer, fellowship, and nontraditional Bible study for LGBTQIA+ Christians and seekers (of all ages), and those who love them. Newcomers are always welcome. Contact: Catherine Montgomery
Men’s Bible Study
Coming together in faith and fellowship, men gather every Friday morning for Bible study. Volunteers cook and serve breakfast. Contact: Alan Moore
Newcomer Ministry Team
Assist newcomers with membership information, help now members assimilate into the parish and serve at events. Contact: The Rev. Deacon Leila Quinlan
Office Volunteers
Volunteers answer phones, greet visitors and perform various administrative tasks in the church office. Contact: Kathy Culbertson
Scholarship Golf and Tennis Tournaments
Volunteers plan and manage event logistics, recruit sponsors, greet and serve reception attendees for these fundraising events.
Contact: Liz McCarthy
Youth Ministry
Middle schoolers and high schoolers meet on Sunday morning for Christian Formation and Wednesday evenings for fellowship and group activities. Adult volunteers assist with team building, events, and chaperone mission trips. Contacts: Brooks Slater and Dana Van Ostrand
Music and the Arts
Art Gallery
Rotating art exhibitions by parishioners and friends in the art community. Arts demonstrations and promotion of art events. Contact: Mary Blue Ster
Chancel Choir and Common Ground
The Chancel Choir leads the congregation in singing at the 11:15 a.m. service most Sundays. All high school youth and adults are welcome. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evening. Common Ground vocal ensemble sings at 9 a.m. Contact: Dr. Rachel Root
Children’s Choirs
Children experience the joy of music as they serve the church. Professional musical instruction is offered at no cost, and children participate in worship services throughout the year.
Contact: Stephanie Bennie
Creative Arts Academy
Offers lessons for children and adults on various instruments. Contact: Dr. Tim Root
Dance
Offers a variety of lessons throughout the year including an annual production of the seasonal classic, The Nutcracker. Contact: Dawn Jacobs
Painting
Art groups meet to paint and share fellowship. Contacts: Eve Albrecht and Ellen Jones
Theater
Parishioners and community members mount theatrical presentations. Most productions include both adult and children’s roles, and opportunities to volunteer on the production teams. Contact: Barb Roberts
Love
Pastoral Care
Much of the day-to-day care and support for which Christ Church is known would not be possible without the dedication of parishioners, in concert with clergy, offering their time and talent to serve in pastoral care ministries. The pastoral Care coordinator is the primary contact for prayer requests, weddings and funerals. Contact: Terri Brice
Celebration Ministry
Compassionate people welcome guests and host receptions for bereaved families and friends following funerals and memorial services.
Contact: Carole McManus
Christ Centered Advance Care Planning
Trained volunteers facilitate a program designed to bring peace through advance care planning for end-of-life issues.
Contact: Brian Mickley
Christ Church Babies
Support and encouragement for families who are expecting or adopting children, offering information on liturgies of Thanksgiving for Birth or Adoption of a Child and Holy Baptism. Contact: Catherine Montgomery
Eucharistic Visitors
Laity (trained and licensed by the Bishop) take communion to those who are hospitalized, homebound or in care facilities. Contact: Deb Hardegree
Flower Ministry
Flower arrangers repurpose the altar flowers into bouquets to be distributed to those who are sick, homebound or celebrating special occasions. Volunteers either help to arrange the flowers or deliver them to delighted parishioners. Contact: Suzanne Mulvee
Intercessors Ministry
A network of parishioners pray confidentially for the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of those who seek their support. Contact: Deb Holton
Meal Ministry
Volunteers prepare and deliver meals to parishioners in need. Meals are prepared together in our church kitchen and stored in the benevolence freezer, ready to be used when needed. Contact: Jen DeRycker
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Parishioners create and distribute prayer shawls as tangible reminders of prayers prayed and love offered to those who are grieving, facing life-threatening illness, etc.
To donate or pick up a shawl, contact the office at 285-6127
Recovery Ministry
Programs and opportunities to support others in recovery and health through the year. Contact: Deacon Priscilla Wodehouse
Savvy Job Hunters Ministry
Offers free workshops with expert presenters, networking and spiritual support for the unemployed, underemployed or less-than-happily employed. Volunteers make presentations and assist with event logistics. Contact: Pam Ottesen
Shepherd Ministry
Shepherds work in teams to support the pastoral needs of the congregation. They build relationships with parishioners and connect them with pastoral support ministries. They receive ongoing basic pastoral training and supervision. Contact: Ellen Harrell
Stephen Ministry
Men and women who have received extensive training equipping them to offer confidential, one-on-one, Christian care to those who are facing illness, dealing with grief, suffering loss, etc. Contacts: Mary Ann Reynolds and Kathy Lowery
Walking the Mourner’s Path
An 8-week course where participants ‘walk’ together as they grieve the loss of a loved one. The course is offered several times a year.
Contact: Rev. Deacon Marsha Holmes
Community Outreach Ministries
Adopt-A-Family
Every Christmas, parishioners are invited to select a “family” from the angel tree and provide gifts for everyone in the family. The gifts are collected, tagged and delivered to the families a few days before Christmas. Contact: Gail Werneburg
Alternative Giving Fair
Offering gifts of compassion and justice and fair trade items that make the world better. Each November you can purchase items or participate as a volunteer.
Contact: Rev. Amy Slater
Amazing Grace Orphanage
Father Tom and his wife DeeAnn helped found this ministry for orphans in Uganda. Contact: Fr. Tom Reeder
Amistad Mission – Bolivia
Amistad Mission provides loving, Christian homes in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where children can thrive and become the leaders of tomorrow. Casa San Francisco is sponsored by Christ Church and we continue to visit and develop relationships with the children there. Parishioners are also “prayer and card pen pals” with the children.
Contact: Pam Laco
Bakery Book Exchange
Parishioners and friends bring new and gently used books in exchange for a baked good made by one of our CEC youth. The books are then used to enhance reading and literacy in the community. Contact: Charlotte Peverley
Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry
The mission of BEAM is to keep families in their homes and help them get the support needed to become self-sufficient. Volunteer opportunities include monthly food donation and sorting, working in the pantry or garden, and volunteering in the thrift store. Contact: The Rev. Deacon Leila Quinlan
Beaches Habitat for Humanity
Share in the ministry of building simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with God and families in need. Contact: Dave Bovee
Betty Griffin Center
Protection, temporary shelter and counseling are provided for victims of domestic violence and their minor children. Ways to be involved include volunteering in their thrift store or participating in the run for peace. Contact: Betty Griffin Center 904-808-8544 or bettygriffincenter.org
Blessings in a Backpack
During the school year we pack food bags for local students. School staff place the food into their backpack which helps nourish hungry kids over the weekend. Packing takes place in the Westbury Hall dining room Thursday mornings at 8:00 am. Contact: Sharon Kehoe
Church of the Good Shepherd, Güira, Cuba
Our companion parish relationship with this Episcopal church continues through mission trips and volunteer service. Contact: Rev. Andreis Diaz
Episcopal Relief and Development
ERD is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. Contact: Bill and JoAnn Lee
ESL Program
Teachers and Mentors are needed for English as a second language learners. Classes are held starting in mid September. You do not need any previous experience, just a desire to serve. Contact: Deb Holton
Foster Closet
A resource for children and foster parents offering clothing, supplies and support. Volunteers sort clothes, help families find what they need and more.
Contact: [email protected]
Hart Felt Ministries
Hart Felt Ministry assists seniors by helping them maintain independence in their own homes. Volunteers provide companionship, encouragement, and other support.
Contact: Alan Tate
I.C.A.R.E.
The Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation and Empowerment is a faith-based community organization that addresses neighborhood and community-wide justice issues in Jacksonville. Contact: The Rev. Keith Oglesby
Kairos Prison Ministry
Volunteer teams share the love of Christ through annual retreats and monthly visits to Baker County Correctional Facility to be with incarcerated individuals.
Contact: Alan Moore and Dave Bovee
Learn to Read St. Augustine
Provides free literacy skills assessment and instruction to underserved people in St. Augustine and surrounding cities. Contact: Elaine Reagan
Mission House
Christ Church is a founding member and primary supporter of Mission House. Their goal is to assist with material, physical and spiritual needs through services to those in need. Groups prepare and serve food monthly. Contact: Diane Downing
Pablo Hamlet Story Sharing Group
Volunteers visit once a month at Pablo Hamlet retirement community. Contact: Deacon Leila Quinlan
Pie in the Sky Community Alliance
Volunteers provide hope by serving with dignity and respect, to alleviate hunger and social isolation through the home delivery of healthy fresh produce to low-income senior citizens. Contact: Loretta McMaster
Rhoda Martin Early Learning Center
Volunteers read to children and help support their learning. Contact: Carmelita Gilmore
South Woods Elementary
Creating a secure community that will instill in all students a desire for academic excellence. Volunteers tutor students and assist as needed.
Contact: Margot Cleary
St. Francis Housing Crisis Center / Port in the Storm
Engaging those experiencing homelessness to achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and a viable plan for their future by providing a safe, stable environment, access to essential services, and supportive connections. Contact: Jack Tull
St. Gerard’s Campus
Providing hope and compassion to teen parents and young mothers. promoting empowerment through education. Volunteers provide childcare and administrative support.
Contact: Paula Allmen
St. Johns County Council on Aging
Serving the elder community in St. Johns County, the COA offers a daily memory enhancement program next to the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.
Contact: Sharon Carlson
St. Mary’s Mission
Christ Church provides monthly supplies of food and volunteers to run the food pantry each Tuesday afternoon and Thursday morning.
We also share Christ’s love through on-site summer programs, literacy support and help in the organic gardens. Contact: Deacon Leila Quinlan
St. Nicholas Toy Drive
Christ Church parishioners are invited to donate toys which are collected and distributed to children in need. The first Friday in December is dedicated to sorting and delivering toys to local agencies. Contact: Catherine Montgomery
Sulzbacher Beaches Adult Health Center
Medical and dental professionals can volunteer time and skills for clinics, parishioners collect hygiene products for home insecure persons and assist with maintenance projects. Contact: [email protected]