Opportunities for Ministry

Ministry in the name of Christ is the privilege and responsibility of every Christian. Christian ministry is rooted in our Baptismal Covenant, the promises and commitments we make at the time of our Baptism. Listed below are some of the opportunities available in the parish.

Acolytes

Acolytes assist at services for Sundays, Holy Days, weddings and funerals. They lead the procession with crosses and candles, and, on feast days, with incense. They also assist the clergy at the altar. Membership is open to any member of the parish over the age of ten. Training sessions are given before a new acolyte is placed on the schedule.

Adult Forum

The Adult Forum meets on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am in the Board Room. The group has generally watches a video as a discussion-starter. These cover a wide variety of topics related to living a Christian life in the modern world. The focus of discussion includes questions of theology, ethics, liturgy and worship, ecumenism, scripture study and current issues. Participants include worshipers from both services on Sunday.

Altar Society

The Altar Society is divided into two groups. The Sacristy Committee attends to communion vessels and linens. The Flower Committee arranges flowers for the altars. The Society also oversees the care of altar linens, clergy vestments, needlepoint and candles. All duties generally take place before and after services with additional attention during Christmas and Easter. Membership is open to any member of the parish in good standing.

Choirs

The choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Eucharist from September through mid-June. The music program also includes a Handbell Choir made up of ringers of all ages. The choirs are affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music.

Membership in either of the choirs is open to anyone by means of a simple interview and audition. Parish membership is not a requirement for participation in either choir. Interested ringers or singers are always welcome to contact the Organist and Choirmaster. Mr. Smith may be reached by phone at 315-733-7575, Ext. 227; or by email, bsmith@gracechurchutica.org.

Christian Education

This ministry provides Christian Education classes for preschool through teen-age children. The young people meet in the auditorium, and learn about the Bible as well as other topics, and often have craft projects. They also have had special fund-raising projects for selected outreach work.

St. Margaret's Food Pantry

St. Margaret's Food Pantry is a mission of Grace Church. This ministry is for people in the downtown geographical area who are in need of food supplies. They stop in not only to satisfy their need for food but many also stop by for conversation and company. Our food pantry has a relationship with the Food Bank of Central New York and is obligated to provide a minimum of three days of food each month to individuals who seek our services. Due to the generosity of our parishioners at Grace Church, as well as the community, we are often able to increase the minimum requirement. During school vacations we provide breakfast and lunch bags for the children of our constituents, containing cereal, milk, bread, peanut butter, jelly, fruit and other items. In conjunction with the Food Bank of Central New York, we also sponsor demonstrations of healthy cooking and offer participants useful household gifts for attending the demonstration or vouchers to farmers' markets, when available. Whether it's donating food yourself or aiding our staff with pick up, organization and stocking shelves, St. Margaret's Food Pantry at Grace Church provides an opportunity for you to help elevate hunger in the downtown Utica area.

Liturgical Ministries

Eucharistic Ministers assist in the administration of Holy Communion during celebrations of the Eucharist. Normally they assist with the chalice, but may also administer the Host at the discretion of the Rector. Necessary instructions are given prior to being placed on the schedule.

Lectors read the scripture lessons at the Eucharist and other liturgies, and also lead the Prayers of the People.

M. Proctor Theatre Guild

The Guild produces at least one musical a year. Other performances are offered when the church activity calendar permits. Participants can be anyone from age 5 to adults. The purpose is to advance interest in and support of community performing arts.

Organ Scholar Program

Through the generosity of Emily Clark Bink, long-time Organist and Choirmaster at St. George's Church of Utica, an Organ Scholar program was established at that parish to encourage and support young people with an interest in studying organ. Lessons are provided, and in return the students assisted with the music program at St. George's Church. In 2004, the congregation of St. George's was consolidated with Grace Church, and the Organ Scholar program became a part of this parish. We have been blessed with the presence and participation of very gifted youth who participate in this program and make significant contributions to our worship life.

Parish Life Committee

The Parish Life Committee provides refreshments after each of the Sunday masses and plans special events throughout the year such as Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras, and Mother's Day and Father's Day brunches.

Thrift Store

Seasonal clothing in good condition and small household items are sold. Clothing is often provided free of charge for the homeless, those in need, and victims of house fires. The store is open Fridays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers.

Ushers

Ushers welcome those who attend Sunday and special Holy Day worship, greeting them and passing out service leaflets. They collect the tithes and offerings of those present, and present them at the altar for a blessing and dedication to the work and ministry of the Church.