St. Gregory’s Ministries
St. Gregory’s has many opportunities for ministry and service, both within the parish and out in the greater community. Volunteers are always needed and welcome, and it’s a great way to get to know your church and fellow parishioners. Some of the larger ministries, such as Worship and Pastoral Care, have several subcommittees that deal with specific areas of need. You do not have to be a committee member in order to volunteer with a ministry; all are welcome!
Scroll down to learn more about the many opportunities for ministry and service and click here for our full ministries booklet.
Parish Life
The mission of Parish Life is to provide hospitality and encourage community within the parish of St. Gregory the Great. With a dedicated, loyal and active committee, Parish Life accomplishes its mission by hosting a series of events throughout the year. Parish Life works with the rector to organize and promote events such as the Annual Meeting/Vestry's soup luncheon, Maundy Thursday potluck dinner, festive Easter coffee hour, Bishop's reception, Pentecost picnic, Feast of St. Francis potluck breakfast, baptism receptions, funeral receptions, and the Sunday coffee hours. Committee members participate in decorating, setting up, hosting, cleaning up and storing serviceware after the events. To learn more about Parish Life and its service to St. Gregory, or to become an active committee member, please contact Karen Radde.
Pastoral care
The Pastoral Care ministry assists the priest in providing support and comfort to parishioners who are in crisis or undergoing transition in their lives. Pastoral Care offers hospital and home visits, transportation to and from church and church events, visits from Voices of Blessing, meal train, and de-cluttering help. Please let the office know when you provide any of these services, or if you would like any of these special PC offerings. This is a huge part of life here at St. Gregory's and living in community is a two-way obligation; one hand to give and one hand to receive! This allows the body of Christ to really do its thing! If you are in need, please contact either co-committee chair Margaret Reinberger or Missy Hamlin.
outreach
St. Gregory the Great Outreach programs are focused on striving for justice and peace among all people and respecting the dignity of every human being. Parishioners give of their time and talents as volunteers in Outreach opportunities in the Athens area community. The Outreach Committee also oversees disbursements of funds to charity and service organizations.
Welcoming Committee
Every Sunday morning, Welcoming Committee greeters invite both newcomers and members of St. Gregory's to worship. There is nothing we enjoy more than standing at the church door, hand out, to say “I'm so glad you are here!” Whether this is a newcomer or someone who has been coming to St. Gregory's for years - everyone needs to be welcomed as a part of our church community and to know we are happy to have them worship with us. The requirements for being a greeter are easy - a smile and an open heart. You will be provided with a few suggestions on how to follow through with newcomers. A sign-up sheet for volunteers is posted in the narthex and the education building, or you can click here to sign up. Contact Alice Mohor for more information.
worship
“The perfect church service would be the one we were almost unaware of; our attention would have been on God.” — C.S. Lewis
The Worship Committee’s mission is to provide meaningful worship experiences for our members and visitors. We meet on a regular basis to discuss and plan worship services. Our goal is to provide an atmosphere where all may worship as part of a community of mutual love and respect. The committee helps to coordinate all parts of our worship life including: Acolytes, Altar Guild, Bread Ministry, Choir & Music, Flower Guild, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Lay Readers, and Ushers.
stewardship
The Stewardship Committee works to encourage all people in the church to use their time, talents and treasure for the good of God and God’s church. We plan and conduct the Ministry Fair and conduct the annual Pledge Drive. In addition, the Stewardship Committee continuously encourages people to use their talents in the many ministries at St. Gregory the Great. A directory is produced and updated to inform the congregation of our ministries. We also continue to highlight ministries throughout the year. We enjoy finding ways to focus on Stewardship and encouraging the congregation to participate.