Ministry Opportunities

The lay people of St. David�s are our greatest strength and we are aware that to be fulfilled, and to do His work, we must use the gifts God has given us too minister to others.

We invite you to participate in or offer your service to the following areas. Call the church office or the vestryman for evangelism/membership to get contact names.

Worship and Prayer

Acolytes � Acolytes assist the priest with tasks before, during and after the worship service. The crucifer carries the cross and assists the priest during the gospel reading. Torchbearers light the candles before the service, carry the torches to light the way for the cross, and assist the priest with communion. Adults and youth (from age 8) may join the acolyte ministry. Assignments are made on a rotating basis.

Ushers � Ushers are needed only at the 10:30 a.m. service and at special services on other days during seasons leading up to Christmas and Easter. They distribute worship guides and the weekly Dove newsletter prior to the worship service, assist with seating if needed, and collect the offering. Assignments are made on a rotating basis.

Greeters � Men, women and families greet participants at worship services. Assignments are made on a rotating basis.

Lay Readers � Men, women and teens read the lessons and prayers during the worship service and assist in administering communion. Training is required. Assignments are made on a rotating basis.

Altar Guild � Before the service, women of the church prepare the altar for communion, as well as ensure that all is prepared for Sunday or weekday worship. The Altar Guild is organized in teams that serve once a month.

Choirs � Adult choir practice is held on Wednesday evenings in the choir room above the parish hall. The choir sings during the 10:30 a.m. service in August-June. The choir leads the congregation in traditional hymns and contemporary music and performs anthems from a variety of traditions. The children�s choir also sings periodically throughout the year; their rehearsals are held at the end of Sunday School. We welcome vocalists as well as anyone who plays an instrument or who would like to learn to play the handbells or percussion instruments.

Daughters of the King (DOK) � Daughters of the King is an order for women of the Episcopal Church, or churches in communion with it. Members undertake a Rule of Life, incorporating a Rule of Prayer and a Rule of Service. The Mission of the Order is �This Order shall be the extension of Christ�s Kingdom through Prayer, Service and Evangelism.� The DOK meets monthly.

Christian Education and Study Groups

Sunday School � Leaders are needed for adult sessions and for pre-school through high school aged children�s Sunday School at 9:15-10:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings September-May.

Bible Studies � These sessions are held periodically throughout the year, some for men only, some for women only, and others for teens or all adults. These meetings include spirited discussions about readings or topics of the day.

Wednesday Night Programs � These are scheduled in September-May and are convened after the weekly dinner offered in the parish hall. They typically include a video program followed by roundtable discussion. Youth programs are offered separately in the EYC room.

Inquirers� Classes � Classes for visitors, newcomers or other adults interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church are offered by the rector as needed. While these are offered primarily for those wishing to be confirmed during the Bishop�s annual visit, they are open to all. Contact the rector for more details.

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Fellowship

Wednesday Night Suppers � Suppers are held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in September-May. A satisfying full meal is prepared by rotating cook teams. Cost is $4/person or $13/families of 4 or more.

Monthly Breakfasts � Breakfast is offered 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. on the second Sunday of the month in the parish hall. Enjoy a meal with fellow parishioners. Cost is $4/person or $13/families of 4 or more.

Luncheons � These typically are covered dish lunches, held in the parish hall periodically throughout the year following the 10:30 a.m. service. Some are hosted specifically to introduce new members. A church picnic is scheduled once a year.

Feast Groups � These are monthly social gatherings with fellow church-goers who live in your general area. Anything goes � dinner out or just getting together at someone�s house. Annually, the groups change members so you can meet other members of our congregation.

Coffee Ministry - Coffee and refreshments are prepared and shared with parishioners and visitors following the 8 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. worship service. Team hosting assignments rotate.

Episcopal Church Women (ECW) � In the diocese and nationwide, most Episcopal parishes have an ECW. St. David�s group, open to all women of the church ages 18 and above, meets on the first Monday night in the parish hall.

Men�s Club � The men of the church gather once a month, usually on a Thursday night, for both social and outreach events that they sponsor as fund-raisers.. Their meetings always include a meal, and meet in the parish hall or at a member�s home.

YAMS � This acronym stands for Young Adults Married and Single and encompasses families with young children and individuals generally in their 20s and 30s. They meet once a month on Sunday evenings to socialize and plan special projects, such as an annual Oktoberfest fund-raiser dinner.

Honors Group � This group meets during weekdays for activities such as bridge, golf, tours and off-site visits. Some of the activities are held weekly, and programs or day trips are planned once a month on the third Wednesday.

Parish Weekend Retreat � This is a get-away to a scenic retreat with other members of St. David�s. It is usually scheduled in the summer and is for families and individuals.

Children and Youth

Nursery � A nursery is available for youngsters under age four years each Sunday during church school and during the 10:30 a.m. service. It is located downstairs from the sanctuary, near the church offices.

Children�s Chapel � This is a part of our 10:30 a.m. service and is oriented to children ages 3-6. They leave the sanctuary before the sequence hymn to go downstairs to hear �Godly Play� stories, sing Christian songs and wonder about God. The children �follow the cross� out after the New Testament lesson is read and return during the passing of the peace.

EYC � The Episcopal Youth Community consists of senior high school students (Senior EYC) and middle school students (Junior EYC). Youth may join as soon as they graduate from 5^th grade. They socialize, pray, plan and participate in outreach projects such as home repair for low-income, elderly individuals in the community. They also join in diocese level youth events and with other churches� EYC group activities. Leading the group is a staff member, with parish adult volunteers who have been trained in �Safe Church� classes as required by the diocese. Our EYC meets on Wednesday nights in the EYC room near the church offices.

Happening � This is organized by the diocese as a three-day Christian experience for teens ages 15-19. It is based on the Cursillo format and its goal is to help teenagers grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and experience true community. The weekend consists of short talks, group discussions, singing and prayer, and prepares the young person to walk closely with Christ in his or her daily life. It takes place at Camp Gravatt, near Aiken.

Vacation Bible School � Our a week-long, morning Vacation Bible School occurs in the summer and is open to visitors and members alike.

Community Outreach

Fall Bazaar � People form all over Northeast Columbia and beyond look forward to our Fall Bazaar, held annually on a Saturday in September, October or November. Everything is homemade and handmade by St. David�s members and friends. Be a part of the crafters who meet throughout the year, or offer up your time to provide food or work the day of the bazaar.

Scouting � We sponsors several Girl Scout troops for kindergarten through high school ages. They meet at various times on week nights in the parish hall or in the classrooms above the parish hall. They are part of the Girl Scouts of America, Mountains to Midlands District (www.gssc-mm.org )

Community Barbecue � The Men�s Club hosts an annual community barbecue one weekend in the Fall as a fund-raising event that draws people from all over Northeast Columbia. They spend the night barbecuing on our outdoor grills, then welcome the public to make their purchases over the next two days.

Brian Ewing Memorial Golf Tournament � Named for a deceased member of the parish, this tournament is organized by our Men�s Club at the Golf Club of South Carolina at Crickentree for members and the public as a fund-raiser for outreach. The event usually takes place in the spring.

Sparkleberry Country Fair � We host a hot dog ministry at Northeast Columbia�s community fair held in April.

God�s Storehouse � We support God�s Storehouse, a nonprofit food and clothing bank for low income residents of North East Columbia, with regular collections throughout the year of food, school supplies, Easter baskets and Christmas gifts.

His Hands Ministries � This is a nonprofit ministry started by a St. David�s member, C. J. Bilka, that feeds the homeless in downtown Columbia every Saturday and on Labor Day. Our members assist, along with volunteers from other churches. www.hishandsministriesinc.org

Home Works and Habitat � Our youth and adults participate on occasion in blitz weeks in Columbia. www.homeworksofamerica.org , www.habitatcsc.org

Community Concerts � Columbia area choral groups use our beautiful sanctuary, well known for its acoustics, for community concerts.