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We welcome you to St. Francis' Episcopal Church, and invite you to participate in the ministries of this church. Contact the church at 865-494-7167 for additional information or see the Calendar or the Announcements. Church office hours are: Monday: Closed Tuesday & Thursday: 8 AM to 4 PM Wednesday & Friday: 8 AM to 12 PM
Lay Ministries Committee Our Lay Ministries Committee Mission Statement: We are members of St. Francis congregation who reach out with Christian love to assist those persons in our congregation, and the world, who are in need, as we remember our Savior's commandment to love one another. The members of Lay Ministries raise funds through various activities throughout the year. These include: the Bargain Mart, annual Auction Dinner, bake sales and soliciting donations from parishioners in the form of cash or items for the Norris Community Food Pantry. Grace Point Summer Camp Scholarships are available for Grace Point Summer Camp sessions. Visit http://www.gracepointcamp.org for more details about Grace Point. Contact Sonya Minarik or the church office for more details about the scholarships. Other Ministries Donations are made for the purchase of school supplies for disadvantaged youngsters in both Campbell and Anderson Counties. The Angel Tree in our church at Christmas provides presents for needy children. Several members donate their time at the Norris Food Pantry which assists elder, disabled and indigent families throughout the county. We provide meals for bereaved or disabled members of our congregation. Cookies are baked and distributed to local nursing homes at Christmas time. Liturgical Ministries Altar Guild- These dedicated members prepare the altar for communion. Vocal Choir The vocal choir has been an integral part of St. Francis since the parish was organized some 50 years ago. It serves as the musical worship leaders for the 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Service, leading the congregation in hymns and sung responses in the service. The choir also participates in other worship services during the Christian year including All Saint's Day, Ash Wednesday, and the Midnight Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve. Traditionally, the Christmas Eve service begins with a 30-minute musical offering that combines the talents of the vocal and bell choirs. The vocal choir meets every week for rehearsal and currently has 16 members. It is open to all ages and is led by the choir director/organist on the church staff. Bell Choir The bell choir at St. Francis was formed in 1996 to provide another way for parishioners to serve the church musically. While the bell choir does not participate in worship every Sunday, it does provide music during special occasions during the liturgical year. The Bell Choir typically plays for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, confirmations, bishop visits and other times during the life of the church when special music is desired. The bell choir meets regularly from Sept. to May and has 10 members. It is led by the staff choir director/organist and open to individuals high school age and older. Children's Choir Announcements will be made when the children's choir reforms. Acolytes Historically, St. Francis has utilized the youth as acolytes. As church attendance varies, so does the number that serve as acolytes. We have youth acolytes (crucifer and two torchbearers) serving at the 10:30 a.m. services; the 8:00 a.m. service does not have a young acolyte. Lay Readers- Lay Readers are licensed by the diocese to participate in the worship service by reading the scripture lessons and assisting with prayers and communion. Members who are called to this special ministry participate in special training led by the rector. Lay Eucharistic Visitors- These individuals take the Eucharist to shut-ins or others who are unable to come to the church to worship. Ushers- Ushers will help you find a seat, assist with the offering and help the congregation if needed as they go to and from the altar for communion; let them know if you are a visitor, or if you need special help at the worship service. Hospitality Kitchen Angels - This group of women and men help with functions that involve the use of the kitchen. Greeters - Members of the congregation are at each door to greet visitors and members as they leave the service each Sunday at the 10:00 am worship service. Outreach Appalachian Ministries - See link to Appalachian Ministries on Related Links Page. Ministry to the Aged and Infirm There are people in our midst who need to be loved. Many of them are our older parishioners that are unable to transport themselves to church. Some are in nursing homes. Our Eucharistic Visitors are available to take Holy Communion to people whom for whatever reason are unable to get to Sunday services. Norris Health and Rehabilitation Center-3382 Andersonville Highway, Andersonville, TN Sunday evenings at 6:30, a few (usually 4 or 5) parishioners hold a service of singing, scripture reading, and prayers at NHRC every Sunday evening from 6:30 to approximately 7:30. On the first Sunday of each month, Fr. Minarik joins us and we have the Lord's Supper. |
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The Episcopal Church Welcomes You |
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Ministries |
