Grace Ministries – Where You Make a Difference

Christian Formation Ministries

Sunday School
“Catechesis of the Good Shepherd,” the children’s spiritual formation program at Grace, meets Sunday mornings, 9:00-10:15. Using a Montessori approach that allows children 3-9 years old to explore their individual spirituality with the sacramental structure of our faith, it offers an environment where “the Holy Spirit and the child meet!” The role of a catechist is to be a guide to the child, not by giving answers but by exploring with them to discover what the answers might be. In addition to the Sunday classes, there is also a Monday afternoon class, 3:30-4:30. Children may participate in either one of both of these programs at any time.

Monday Morning Bible Study
Study is offered on Monday mornings at 10:30 currently via ZOOM. This is a study group focusing on the Gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday. We read and ponder scripture for nuggets of insight that we share with the group. An alternative reading from The Message by Eugene Peterson presents an interesting perspective. This is a small-scale, comfortable, class so it’s a wonderful way for folks to connect with each other.,

Women Walking the Way
Come walk with us! Thursday mornings at 8:20 a.m. we gather at the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary pavilion for a lively discussion of the following Sunday’s Gospel reading as we walk. It’s a peaceful time of fellowship, an opportunity to discover new insights, and a wonderful way to make new friends. For more information, contact Ann Lewis, 815-441-2282 or annaflewis7@gmail.com.

Outreach Ministries

Outreach at Grace Church intertwines with almost everything and everyone in our parish as we all seek to serve God by advocating for and responding to the needs of the disadvantaged, the disenfranchised, and the suffering. An Outreach Ministry group meets regularly to seek a clear spiritual focus for parish outreach ministries. In addition to keeping the parish informed about current outreach opportunities, the Outreach Ministry plans and administers the outreach budget; distributes funding and serves as a liaison between the parish and various outreach-related agencies; and proposes and supports outreach projects.

Parish Life Ministries

Audio/Video Team
This behind-the-scenes crew makes sure worship services and other special events are streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Building and Grounds
Grace Church is beautiful inside and out! This Committee oversees maintenance and landscaping.

Communications Team
Through email newsletters, church bulletins, the website and social media, this team keeps the Grace family informed.

Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
All women of the Episcopal Church by definition are members of ECW (Episcopal Church Women.) Our mission is to share God’s love within our church and beyond with the following objectives:
1. To build community and provide fellowship opportunities for the women of the church while working together on church projects/needs.
2. To assist financially the children of Grace in attending Camp Henry and Diocesan sponsored youth conferences/events.
3. To care for God’s creation (recycling goods) and raising funds to help with church projects and community outreach by holding an annual rummage sale.
We hold two official potluck luncheon meetings each year in the parish hall. One in the spring and one in the fall. Specific dates and time are announced in “Growing in Grace.” Our annual rummage sale is held traditionally on the first Saturday in November. We have a great time working together the week prior to the rummage sale! We also gather together at other times as needed for events like cleanup day!

Grace Greeters
These volunteers are often a visitor’s first impression of Grace Church. Mingling in the foyer on Sunday mornings and during Coffee Hour, our Greeters make introductions, answer questions and provide directions. Skills needed? A friendly smile, a warm handshake or hug, and an eagerness to demonstrate the loving welcome Grace has become known for. What a great way to get to know the members of your Grace Family!

Hospitality/Coffee Hour Hosts
Every Sunday following worship and often for special services, we gather in the parish hall for refreshments coordinated by a dedicated, behind-the-scenes team of coffee hour hosts. As Fr. John says, “Yes, [Coffee Hour] is about coffee and tea and tasty snacks, but more importantly, it is a time of fellowship and welcoming our visitors. It is a time of deepening relationships with one another. It is also a first step towards Grace Church becoming a church home for our  newcomers.”

Grace Greeters
These volunteers are often a visitor’s first impression of Grace Church. Mingling in the foyer on Sunday mornings and during Coffee Hour, our Greeters make introductions, answer questions and provide directions. Skills needed? A friendly smile, a warm handshake or hug, and an eagerness to demonstrate the loving welcome Grace has become known for. What a great way to get to know the members of your Grace Family!

Men of the Church
more to come from Jack Frue Men of the Church meet on  the second Tuesday of each month and ALL men are welcome. January’s meeting is the 9th in the Parish Hall at 6pm. Steve Birkhofer will be the host and the cost is $15. Please contact Ron Sims for more details.

Office Volunteers
On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 1:30-4 p.m., volunteers staff the church office. The job is easy: (1) offer a warm, helpful welcome to visitors who drop by, (2) answer the phone and (3) help our office administrator with any tasks she might have for you. You’d be amazed at the impact this important ministry of hospitality can have on the people who interact with us during the week.

Pastoral Care Team
The Pastoral Care Ministry supports the sick, homebound, bereaved and lonely of Grace Parish and is defined by this mission statement: The mission of the Pastoral Care Team at Grace Episcopal Church is making the compassionate presence of Christ known through intentional connection and through the physical and spiritual care of those in need.

PubSing
Come join us for our PubSing, an informal gathering on the second Sunday of each month to sing hymn, old-time gospel, folk, and Americana inspirational music. We’ll meet on January 14 at Cork & Keg Bar, 86 Patton Ave.,Asheville from 3:00-5:00 p.m. For directions go to http://www.weinhaus.com/cork-keg-bar. For more information contact Monty Wooten at montywooten@bellsouth.net.

Stewardship
We can start by pledging our support to the ministries and work of our church, and using our resources to continue to help grow the positive impact Grace Church has on our Community. The Stewardship Committee invites you to join us in striving for 100% participation from our parishioners. Working towards our goal of $400,000 will help us sustain and expand God’s important work at Grace Church. Our contributions can help carve a positive impact for generations to come.

Wedding Hosts
Imagine a stately stone church with its welcoming red doors and the warm glow of candlelight twinkling in beautiful stained-glass windows. Imagine a sacred venue nestled in the heart of a vibrant community. The perfect wedding could very well begin when the bride-to-be contacts the wedding hosts at Grace. They offer tours of the church, they answer questions, they make recommendations, and they provide assistance, all with a calm and reassuring presence as the big day approaches.

Prayer Ministries

Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is a method of contemplative prayer that helps individuals deepen their relationship with God through silent rest and presence. A weekly Grace Centering Prayer group meets on Zoom.

Healing Prayer
A dedicated group of trained intercessors offers prayer and comfort to the sick.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Trained LEVs take communion and comfort to those unable to worship in person.

Worship Ministries

Acolytes
Acolytes have various roles at the altar each Sunday – everything from processing with the cross in and out of the church to lighting the candles, holding the Gospel Book during the reading of the Gospel lesson, and assisting during the Eucharist. Boys and girls ages ten and older, as well as adults, are welcome to become part of the Acolyte Program.

Altar Guild
Who makes sure our altar is prepared for worship? Who keeps vessels polished to a shine and candles filled with oil? Who makes sure there is bread and wine for our Eucharist? These are all responsibilities of an amazing team of Grace parishioners. Female or male, your attention to detail and your love of liturgy might make you a perfect candidate for the Grace Altar Guild.

Chalicists
Chalicists are trained by the Clergy and licensed by the Bishop of the Diocese to administer the wine during the Eucharist. Their attentive participation assists the Celebrant and models a sensitive welcome to all at the Lord’s table. Chalicists at Grace often volunteer to take on dual roles during worship by also serving as readers or intercessors.

Flower Guild
Beautiful altar arrangements, breathtaking floral creations during Easter and Christmas — these are all gifts offered by the Grace Flower Guild. Bring your skills. Learn new skills.

Music/Choir
Grace Church is blessed with a talented group of vocalists always ready to offer their musical gifts to enrich our worship. In a day when people are hesitant to give up their free time, Grace is truly fortunate to have a choir of giving and dedicated singers – a rarity in many churches today. Parishioners are encouraged and always invited to consider joining the choir and sharing their musical talents. Choir rehearsals take place on Sunday mornings before worship.

Taizé Music and Prayers
Grace’s Taizé service is attended by an ecumenical congregation. Worshipers enjoy the reflective, communal, contemplative form of worship in the midst of candlelight, incense, chants, meditative readings, prayers – and in these days, perhaps rarest of all, peaceful silence. Healing prayers for yourself or on behalf of others are also offered at the service. We look forward to having you join us.

Ushers
In the back of the church on Sundays and special worship services, these friendly volunteers hand out smiles, words of welcome and bulletins. They also answer questions, help us “pass the offering plate” and provide guidance as we go up to the altar for communion. Our young people often serve as ushers. This is another ministry of Grace that is easy  to do but so important to the life of our church.

Worship Committee
This group meets weekly to assist in planning worship services.

Worship Readers and Intercessors
Lectors and Intercessors are the people who read the lessons and lead the Prayers of the People each Sunday.