WORSHIP ACTIVITIES
Altar Guild
Altar Guild members prepare and maintain all of the altar linens, hangings, vessels, as well as set up the altar for all services. This ministry brings joy to those who prepare the Lord’s table to feed our parish family. One of our altar guild members offers her talents by decorating the chancel each Sunday, Easter, Christmas and special events.
Acolytes, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors and Eucharistic Visitors
Acolytes are children and adults who assist the Celebrant during the service and lead the procession into and out of the church. The Acolytes are an important and integral part of the Holy Eucharist.
The Eucharistic Minister reads the New Testament Lesson, leads the recitation of the Psalm, leads the reading of the Nicene Creed and the Prayers of the People. The Eucharistic Minister also assists the Celebrant in the administration of the Chalice.
Lectors are members from the congregation who read the Old Testament Reading, the first lesson during the worship service.
Eucharistic Visitors extend the fellowship of the congregation and the relationship of the Parish Family, bringing the consecrated Holy Eucharistic to those who are otherwise unbale to attend service. Eucharistic Visitors may visit parishioners at home, in the hospital and nursing homes.
Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors are licensed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Specific scheduled training is available for all of these rewarding ministries.
Music Program
The Adult Choir leads the congregation in contemporary and traditional music and hymns at the 10:30 A.M. service and all services on Holy Days. The Adult Choir rehearses at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday evenings under the direction of Organist/Choirmaster Nancy Owens. For special occasions, such as Christmas or Easter, children of all ages are encouraged to participate in musical and/or theatrical programs that enhance the Christian message of the season.
Nursery Care
During Rector's Forum and Sunday School, as well as the 10:30 A.M. service, we provide a loving and safe environment for children 4 and under. The nursery is staffed by church volunteers who have received Safe Church Training and are experienced in the care of infants and toddlers, typically mothers and grandmothers.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Various organized opportunities for age-appropriate Christian education and fellowship are availbale for our children and youth. Christian education is possible because of the planning, support, guidance and active involvement of parents and our many adult volunteers. Teachers are trained and have received Safe Church Training.
Sunday School
Parishioners interested in the Christian development of our children, youth, and young adults serve as Sunday School teachers in order to provide classes for all grades from age 4 through high school. Sunday School classes meet from 9:30-10:15 A.M. during the months of September through May. At this time, the curriculum at this time is the One Room Sunday School.
Our goals in the One Room Sunday School classes are:
- to develop faith foundations
- to learn to relate to God and the church
- to learn to relate faith to daily living
Children's Church
An age-appropriate church service for children ages 4 - 7 meets during the 10:30 A.M. service. Following the opening Eucharistic prayer, the Rector gathers the children and leads them in an uplifting, relevant children's sermon. They are then escorted to the classroom to engage in faithful learning activities. During "The Peace", children rejoin their parents to receive Holy Communion.
Youth – EYC
Our youth meet with St. Andrew Methodist church youth on Sunday evenings. This gives our youth an opportunity for Christian fellowship with each other and other area youth.
Vacation Bible School
Held in the summer over a three day period, VBS follows a specific theme. From 5:30 to 8:30 P.M. children ages 4 and up begin with dinner followed by Bible stories, crafts, music, and physical activities. Children are encouraged to invite their friends to explore our faith and participate in supervised Christian fellowship.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – ADULT
Adult Forum
Held each Sunday from 9:30-10:15 A.M., adult forum provides Christian development for adults while the children and youth are in Sunday School. Through lecture and discussion, the Rector explores various Christian topics and current events related to the daily life of Episcopalians.
Library
A library containing a variety of Episcopal and related spiritual, devotional, and educational materials is located in the Rector's office. Ask the Rector about material that may be of interest to you.
Cursillo
A program of spiritual renewal, Cursillo is offered through the Parish by the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Contact the Rector for schedule details, guidance, and preparation. Following a Cursillo retreat, participants may continue their spiritual renewal through weekly prayer meetings.
EVANGELISM/WELCOMING
Membership and Inquirer Classes
As the need arises, classes are provided for Inquirers (those wishing to be baptized, confirmed or received), and those interested in becoming members of the Episcopal Church. Additionally, on a continuing basis we offer instruction for children to prepare them for receiving Holy Communion.
Greeters/Newcomers
Greeters are members who serve as friendly, welcoming faces during all church services. Their focus is to recognize, greet and direct newcomers, as well as answering any questions. Social gatherings are scheduled throughout the year to welcome our newcomers and support them in their Christian journey at St. Michael’s.
Communications
Several means of communication are used to keep parishioners informed about chuch events. The Parish publishes and distributes a monthly newsletter and events calendar, St. Michael's Messenger. In addition, for members who want to stay up-to-date with the most current news at St. Michael's, a weekly e-mail Messenger is distributed. Finally, for urgent parish or parish member news, reminders or updates, a recorded message is circulated via an automated phone tree.
In addition to parish publications, parishioners may stay up to date with the news in the Diocese and in the National Church. The Diocese of Upper South Carolina's Crosswalk is a free publication distributed quarterly. Also available is a monthly subscription to Episcopal Life, the national newspaper of the Episcopal Church. Subscription costs are drastically discounted when ordered through our church office.
SERVICE/OUTREACH
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
A part of the National Church ECW organization, our chapter is open to all women of Saint Michael's. The ECW meets the second Monday of each month, typically in the Parish Hall for Christian fellowship and educational or informational opportunities. ECW also sponsors various charitable acts within the community and abroad. ECW's main fundraising event is the Play It Again Kids Consigment Sale, a twice-yearly consignment sale of children's and maternity clothing, toys and accessories.
Episcopal Church Men (ECM)
Open to all men of St. Michael’s, ECM meets on the first Thursday of each month in the church Parish Hall. This event includes dinner and Christian fellowship. ECM sponsors various charitable acts within the community, and participates in church beautification projects.
Daughters of The King (DOK)
In Apr 2010, a chapter of the Order of Daughters of the King (DOK) was established at St. Michael's. DOK is an Order for women and every Daughter pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service, and personal evangelism dedicated to the extension of Christ's kingdom and to the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. Classes are held periodically for those wishing to join the DOK. Meetings are held on the fourth Sunday of the month, after the 10:30 am service.
SHINE Soup Kitchen
Volunteers from St. Michael’s Episcopal Church offer their time to feed the hungry and those less fortunate in Pickens County. This valuable outreach opportunity occurs at the SHINE Soup Kitchen at Simpson Academy in Easley on the second Monday of each month, starting 4:30 P.M.
Adopt-A-Highway Clean-Up
We welcome all adults who would like to help clean up our adopted highway, Powdersville Road. This beautification project is fun and worthwhile. We meet quarterly, on a Saturday morning at 9:00 A.M. Come join us – you never know what you will find!!
PARISH LIFE
Fellowship/Social Activities
The Parish sponsors many social events in the Parish Hall and at various locations. These include:
- Parish Picnic – Following an outdoor church service held at various locations in the Upstate, this picnic includes plenty of good, hearty food and outdoor activities.
- Potluck Social – Held throughout the year in the church Parish Hall. Parishioners bring their favorite meats, vegetables, salads, and desserts to share with all.
- Newcomer’s Social - Planned gatherings to welcome the newcomers of St. Michael’s are held at different locations, such as parishioner’s homes or the church Parish Hall.
- Commitment Campaign “Bubba Q” – A parishioner of St. Michael’s has graciously offered her home and property for our annual commitment campaign celebration. Named "Bubba Q" after one of the original organizers, members and friends gather in October to enjoy pork barbeque, baked beans, coleslaw, and desserts. Fun activities enjoyed by young and old alike include games, a bonfire and hayrides.
- Oyster Roast – A annual community fundraising event is held the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. Members of the church give their time to plan, provide Brunswick stew, heavy appetizers, and cornbread, set-up tables and tents, cook/serve oysters, and manage beverage tables to make this a success. At least 50% of the proceeds go to various outreach ministries and charities, locally, nationally, and world-wide.
- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Held on Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, members share in this long-standing pre-Lenten tradition. For a nominal fee, enjoy four different kinds of pancakes, two types of sausage, bacon, and beverages.
- Spring Chicken BBQ – This annual community fundraising event is held in the spring at St. Michael’s. Members, friends, and individuals from surrounding areas enjoy barbeque chicken with all the fixings. At least 50% of the proceeds to to various outreach ministries and charities, locally, nationally, and world-wide.
Coffee Hour
Fellowship and food is the focus of this much-loved social event. Known as "Coffee Hour", this weekly gathering takes place in the Parish Hall after both the 8:30 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. services. Parishioners volunteer to prepare coffee and tea for adults, punch or juice for the children, and provide "goodies" for all.
Administration
The secular and financial affairs of the Parish are managed by a team consisting of a nine-member Vestry and several officers: Junior and Senior Wardens, a Treasurer, and a Vestry Clerk. The Vestry members and Wardens are elected by the congregation at an annual meeting. The Senior Warden serves a 2-year term, while the Junior Warden and all Vestry members serve 3-year off-seting terms. There are several important Vestry ministries which meet on a regular basis. These ministries include Finance, Parish Life Activities, and Stewardship. Members of the ministries are parishioner-volunteers and/or are selected by the Vestry from among the Vestry and/or the congregation.
Building & Grounds Care
For members who are handy, have a green thumb or just want a chance to dig holes or pound nails, many opportunities to do so are available in assisting the Junior Warden.
- Building Maintenance - Perform "handyman duties" in fields such as carpentry, carpet cleaning, painting, plumbing, flooring, sheetrock, and electrical.
- Grounds Beautification - Plant trees and flowers, and spread mulch
- Grounds Upkeep - Pull weeds, prune plants and trees, monitor sprinkler system
- Lawn Mowing - Cut grass with push and riding mowers.
