A member church of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina
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Rector's Message
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St. Michael's Episcopal Church provides many opportunities for those who wish to learn, to grow in faith, and to serve the needs of others. We invite and encourage everyone to participate in one or more of these programs. If you are interested, speak to the Rector or the appropriate leader listed in the Worship Service Bulletin.
Worship Activities
Music ProgramThere are two volunteer choirs, one for adults and one for children. Both choirs are directed by a paid organist/choirmaster. The adult choir leads the congregation in music at every 10:30 A.M. service and at all services on Holy Days. The children's choir joins the adult choir at 10:30 A.M. on special occasions, and they solo at the Christmas Pageant. The Adult Choir rehearses at 7:30 on Thursday evenings. Children's Choir rehearsals are normally held following the 10:30 A.M. service, or as announced in the Service Bulletin.
Altar Guild
Altar Guild members prepare and maintain all of the altar linens,
hangings, vessels, and the clergy's vestments for each service.
They decorate the chancel for Easter and Christmas, and they manage
the funds and schedules for memorial candles and flowers. They
also distribute these flowers to nursing homes and those confined
to their homes.
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.
Lectors are members from the congregation who read the Old Testament
Reading, the first lesson during the worship service.
The Eucharistic Minister normally reads the New Testament Lesson,
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.
Eucharistic Visitors extend the fellowship of the congregation and the
relationship of the Parish Family, bringing the consecrated Holy Eucharistic
to the shut-in at home, hospital and nursing homes. Specific scheduled
training is available for all these rewarding ministries.
Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors are licensed by
the the Bishop, Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Please contact the
Rector if you are interested in
participating in these ministries.
Ushers and Greeters
Ushers assist during worship services in various ways, including
passing out bulletins to worshippers as they arrive and collecting
the offering. Greeters are members with special training who are
designated for each Sunday morning service. They take the primary
responsibility for recognizing and greeting newcomers and helping
them with any questions they may have.
Christian Education
Church School
In the classrooms in and around the Parish Hall, we provide classes
for all grades from age 4 through high school. These classes are
staffed by trained teachers and assistants. Church School classes
meet at 9:30-10:15 A.M. September through May.
An age-appropriate church service for children ages 4 and up meets during the 10:30 A.M. service. Children join their parents to receive Holy Communion. The Children's Church service is led by a Lay Reader or trained teachers. Nursery Care
During the 10:30 a.m. service, we provide a nursery for children not old enough for children's church, which typically consists of infants and toddlers under three years old. The nursery is staffed by church volunteers who are experienced in the care of infants and toddlers, typically mothers and grandmothers. Adult and Preparatory Classes
We offer instruction on a continuing basis for children to prepare them for Communion and to those adults anticipating confirmation or reception. We also provide Bible study and classes for Inquirers (those wishing to be baptized, confirmed or received) and for incorporation of new members into the Episcopal Church. The schedule for these classes is printed in the St. Michael's Messenger and in the Sunday Service Bulletin. Adult Education, covering many subjects, is scheduled from 9:30-10:15 A.M. each Sunday. 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
This is a program of spiritual renewal which is offered through the Parish by the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Contact the Rector for schedule details, guidance, and preparation. Communications
The Parish publishes St. Michael's Messenger, a monthly newsletter and events calendar. The Parish also sends out a weekly e-mail Newsbrief. If you are interested in receiving these publications, call the Church Office to have your name added to our mailing list and that of Crosswalk, the monthly diocesan newspaper. You may also request a subscription to Episcopal Life, the national newspaper of the Episcopal Church.
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, which is held on the second Sunday in January each year. There are several important Vestry committees (Finance, Building, Worship, etc.) which meet on a regular basis, with membership chosen from the Vestry and other members of the congregation.Fellowship
The community of Saint Michael's Church extends beyond the immediacy of the church service. Various social activities give members of the congregation a chance to greet and get to know each other better.
Coffee Hour
This is a noisy time for fellowship and meeting. It takes place
following the 10:30 A.M. Sunday service, and is held in the Parish
Hall. A rotating staff of volunteers prepare coffee and tea for adults,
punch or juice for the children, and "goodies" for all.
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
This is the Saint Michael's chapter, a part of the National Church
ECW organization. It is open to all women of Saint Michael's Church.
The ECW chapter meets the second Monday of each month at various
locations. ECW sponsors interesting guest speakers for their monthly
meetings, and also sponsors many charitable events for the community,
including a twice-yearly consignment sale of children's clothing
and toys.
Quilters
The Quilting Club is a group, open to people with all skill levels,
that meets twice a month to make quilts and other items for persons
in need. This activity combines outreach, fellowship, and the fun
of learning new skills. This is a joint activity with St. Matthias
Lutheran Church, which is located near us on Powdersville Road.
Youth Group
The Youth Group is open to young people in the congregation
who are in grade 5 through high school. It meets weekly
for fellowhip, fun, and to discuss issues that are important
to young people.
Social Events
The Parish sponsors many social events in the Parish Hall and at
various locations. These include an annual parish picnic, various
potluck luncheons and suppers, a reception for newcomers, a Shrove
Tuesday pancake supper, and the annual "Pig Picking" barbeque.
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Copyright © 2007 by St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Easley, SC.