Ministry Spotlight: Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM)

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT is an addition to our Announcements, Blog, and Facebook page. Please feel free to contact me about a ministry you are involved in. Remember ministries are not only through the Cathedral. You may be sharing your spiritual gifts with ministries outside the Cathedral, (such as Hands Up Food Pantry or Uptown Faith). To Spotlight your ministry please email Vicki Hoppenrath at hoppenrathv@stpaulcathedral.org

Today's spotlight is on Joanna Airhart, LEM


Describe your Ministry.
 A Eucharistic Minister is a layperson that takes Communion to a member of St. Paul’s Cathedral who, through illness or recuperation, is unable to come to church. The Eucharistic Ministers go in pairs. There is a class and an apprentice (shadow) period when you attend visits with trained EM’s. A calendar notifies you and a partner of the day your Eucharistic Ministry. The week before your visit you receive an email informing you of the person you are to visit. You then contact that person and set up the time for Sunday after the 8:00 or 10:30 service.

What have you learned about yourself through your ministry? 
I have learned that even though I am not ordained that I can bring Jesus to a person that hungers for the Eucharist. I do many things at St. Paul’s but this ministry brings me the closest to Christ.

Have you seen Jesus through your ministry? 
I do see and feel Jesus at the end of the service when I carry the consecrated Bread and Wine from the altar, down the steps, out through the congregation to the Baptismal font and out through the doors. As I walk up the aisle I don’t see the congregation, I look at the Rose Window and think about this honor I was given. I feel the sacred responsibility of carrying the Eucharist to a person who cannot come to church. I always tell the person I visit that he/she was prayed for at the end of the service and that they are a very special addition to our congregation.

What is the biggest secret about your ministry?
The biggest secret about this ministry is you walk away feeling you have received even more than the person you have just visited.

What is the time commitment? 
 The time commitment is short. In advance of the visit, you phone your person. Before your Sunday service you check in with the head verger. After the Post-Communion prayer, the priest prays for you and the person you will visit. You take the Communion Kit and walk out of the church. You and your partner drive to the person’s house. You have a very short service. After the reading of the Gospel you retell the sermon (I always take notes during the sermon). The Bread and Wine are shared. Your visit is now over. You or your partner delivers the Communion Kit back to the sacristy. This Ministry only takes an hour after a Sunday service.

Why would you recommend your ministry to another person?
 I recommend the Eucharistic Ministry to another person who is firm in their faith who is ready to visibly share Christ’s love.

Ministry Spotlight: Greeters

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT is an addition to our Announcements, Blog, and Facebook page. Please feel free to contact me about a ministry you are involved in. Remember ministries are not only through the Cathedral. You may be sharing your spiritual gifts with ministries outside the Cathedral, (such as Hands Up Food Pantry or Uptown Faith). To Spotlight your ministry please email Vicki Hoppenrath at hoppenrathv@stpaulcathedral.org


 
Ministry Spotlight: GREETERS 
Volunteer: Mary McBride

Describe your ministry: It is a joy to be a Greeter at St. Paul’s. As part of a team, Greeters welcome people worshipping at St. Paul’s on their faith journey for the day or searching for a church home. We are many times the first faces and contact that people have and we reach out and tell everyone how glad we are that they are with us and let them know how valuable their presence is, making our worship richer by their presence; we are interested in them, talking with and listening to their stories; introduce them to clergy and parishioners to help them to feel comfortable and at ease, answer questions about our church and ministries, give directions to various campus locations; generally embracing and enabling them to feel included in and an important part of our church family.

What have you learned about yourself through your ministry? I have learned how connected I feel to people I have never met before and how easy it is to talk with them, expressing and experiencing God’s love. Jesus in me greets Jesus in them. It also helps me to live into our baptismal covenant to “seek and serve Christ in all persons.” I have found also that I am a Greeter at heart and like to welcome and express God’s love to people who are seated in the pew next to me, at Cathedral functions and even at places outside St. Paul’s, being an ambassador for Christ. Have you seen Jesus through your ministry? In the people who come to St. Paul’s, I see the warmth and genuineness of Jesus as well as a desire for relationship, which Jesus sought in the people He met.

What is the biggest secret about your ministry? Everything tastes better in our St. Paul’s mugs, mainly because using them brings a reminder of God’s love and acceptance experienced at St. Paul’s. Why would you recommend your ministry to another person? I would recommend being a Greeter to everyone who wants to come closer to God through meeting fellow pilgrims who we do not yet know as friends. It is a good way to offer hospitality which we are called to do in both the Old and New Testaments

What is the time commitment? Greeters are a part of a team that serves one Sunday a month. Sometimes we are asked to volunteer for greeting when there is a 5th Sunday in the month and for special services at Christmas and Easter. On the Sunday our team serves, we are asked to be at the Welcome Table 20 minutes before the service begins and then for approximately 20 minutes after the service concludes.

Ministry Spotlight: FOMOS

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT is an addition to our Announcements, Blog, and Facebook page. Please feel free to contact me about a ministry you are involved in. Remember ministries are not only through the Cathedral. You may be sharing your spiritual gifts with ministries outside the Cathedral, (such as Hands Up Food Pantry or Uptown Faith). To Spotlight your ministry please email Vicki Hoppenrath at hoppenrathv@stpaulcathedral.org


 

Ministry Spotlight: FOMOS (Military Outreach)
Volunteer: Kim Sorrel

Describe your ministry: The Saint Paul’s ministry for military personnel support is dedicated to building bridges of healing in the pastoral care and spiritual healing of current, transitioning, and former military members, their families and friends. Representing a progressive Christian perspective, we are committed to assisting in the struggles of the greater military family and either filling or collaborating with to the appropriate aid organization to fill the need.

What have you learned about yourself through your ministry? I have learned to be open to the many different ways you can be of service to the community and the Church

Have you seen Jesus through your ministry? I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and love for Veterans of all eras at St Pau’s Cathedral.

What is the biggest secret about your ministry? Many of our ideas for FOMOS projects often come from people who are not members of FOMOS.

Why would you recommend your ministry to another person? Giving back to Veterans and their families is very rewarding. San Diego is home to one of the largest communities of Veterans in the United States. Serving our Veterans is a way to honor those that serve and have served our country.

What is the time commitment? Since there are so many different ways, we can show our support for military veterans, active duty and their families the time commitments vary. We meet once a month for about one hour on the third Sunday of the month. We are dropping food off about once a quarter at the Fisher House, a facility for family members whose loved ones are receiving treatment at Balboa Naval Hospital, we have volunteered at the annual “Stand Down” organized by Veteran’s Village of San Diego which is coming in July. We have laid wreaths at the Fort Rosecrans and Miramar National Veteran’s Cemeteries during Wreaths Across America in December.

Ministry Spotlight: Women Together

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT is an addition to our Announcements, Blog, and Facebook page. Please feel free to contact me about a ministry you are involved in. Remember ministries are not only through the Cathedral. You may be sharing your spiritual gifts with ministries outside the Cathedral, (such as Hands Up Food Pantry or Uptown Faith). To Spotlight your ministry please email Vicki Hoppenrath at hoppenrathv@stpaulcathedral.org


 

Ministry Spotlight: WOMEN TOGETHER
Volunteer: Nancy Tarbell

Describe your ministry: The women of St. Paul’s Cathedral gather monthly from October through May for a simple supper, themed program, guest speakers and discussions on what it means to be a Christian woman in a diverse world. Together we seek to deepen our faith as we interact with the rest of the world and explore the challenges women everywhere face in their daily lives. Meetings are open to all women in the community. View our schedule at www.stpaulcathedral.org/women-together. .

What have you learned about yourself through your ministry?   I’m finding that I can deepen my daily spiritual journey by incorporating practices shown to us by our guest speakers. And I’ve discovered a renewed interest in learning about other faith traditions, unveiling our common faith in God. Last but not least, I realize more and more the importance of fellowship.

Have you seen Jesus through your ministry?   When women tell me how much they appreciate this ministry, that it brings them closer to God and each other, I know this is Jesus at work amongst us.

What is the biggest secret about your ministry?  Our guest speakers are theologians, professors, authors and ministers. Their talks often include the practical aspects of deepening our daily spiritual lives. Sometimes they teach us about other faith traditions. They not only give us something to think about each day, they often give us new tools and skills to put into practice.

Why would you recommend your ministry to another person?  Attending Women Together meetings is a great way to become more a part of Cathedral life. Enjoying fellowship with other women enriches our lives. And the dinners are yummy. The ministry is run by volunteers; working alongside other volunteers is very rewarding!

What is the time commitment?    Monthly meetings last an hour and a half. We begin with a light supper at 6 pm, followed by a guest speaker from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. One does not ‘join’ Women Together; meeting/dinner reservations are made each month. The time commitment for volunteers varies with each task, from 15 minutes a month to two to three hours a month. Volunteers can choose their level of commitment. Current vacancies include back-ups for hospitality at meetings, publicity, computer RSVP tracking, and others. Minimal training is required, although some tasks depend on computer skills. If you are interested please contact me at – WomenTogetherSPC@gmail.com

Ministry Spotlight: Simpler Living

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT is a new feature. Please feel free to contact Vicki about a ministry you are involved in. Remember ministries are not only through the Cathedral--you may be sharing your spiritual gifts with ministries outside the Cathedral, (such as Hands Up Food Pantry or Uptown Faith). To Spotlight your ministry email Vicki Hoppenrath at hoppenrathv@stpaulcathedral.org.


Ministry Spotlight: SIMPLER LIVING  Volunteer: Phil Petrie

Describe your ministry: Our ministry seeks a Christian response to the twin perils of environmental degradation and hyper-consumerism.  The latter often drives the former.  Both are symptoms, we believe of a civilization that is out of touch with what God intends for us and for his/her Creation.  We call ourselves Simpler Living because we feel that living with fewer things can open us further to God’s loving presence and is more just to those that our wealth tends to marginalize--be they our human brothers or sisters or the rest of creation.  However, we know also that for all of us this is a process and patience is always a necessary part of love.

What have you learned about yourself through your ministry?  I am not always so good at following up on a particular avenue—I tend to jump around some.  I do like working with our small committee.  I think we have developed a good rapport.  I have also learned that I should not take personally certain things that don’t always go as I would like them.  The short term is relatively unimportant—it is the longer term and the longer scope of relationships that matter.

Have you seen Jesus through your ministry?  Yes, but not in ways perhaps that are obvious.  I think Jesus was present to many of us that just completed the Richard Rohr book study.  But (borrowing from Rohr) I think Jesus’ presence was not only in those things that went well but also in those things that were more mixed or even failed.

What is the biggest secret about your ministry?  That we have a section of the St. Paul’s lending library devoted to books on the environment and simpler living.  Carolyn Lief is in charge of that.

Why would you recommend your ministry to another person? Both because I think doing something about the environmental crisis (and especially addressing climate change) is absolutely crucial and because I believe deeply that living more in sync with Creation is fundamentally good for us.  And sometimes we even have fun (look for Game Night in September)!!

What is the time commitment? For those of us on the committee it is anywhere from 2-8 hours per month.  However, we would also welcome volunteers for specific projects that would have a clear beginning and ending point, perhaps just helping to set-up for an event or writing a paragraph for our e-newsletter.  If you are interested please contact myself at petriep@hotmail.com or Grace van Thillo at gracea@earthlink.net .

Ministry Spotlight: Altar server (acolyte, chalice bearer, thurifer, verger)

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT is a new feature. Please feel free to contact Vicki about a ministry you are involved in. Remember ministries are not only through the Cathedral--you may be sharing your spiritual gifts with ministries outside the Cathedral, (such as Hands Up Food Pantry or Uptown Faith). To Spotlight your ministry email Vicki Hoppenrath at hoppenrathv@stpaulcathedral.org.

Ministry Spotlight: Altar Server
Volunteer:  Lisa Churchill

Describe your ministry:  Altar servers are volunteers who help make the worship service happen. Roles range from acolyte (with duties such as candle lighting, torch bearing, altar preparation), to thurifer (the person who carries the thurible and "boat" when incense is used), to chalice bearer (offering the Cup at Holy Communion), to verger (who helps organize the particulars of the service and keeps it running smoothly).


What have you learned about yourself through your ministry? I was surprised to experience service as a form of worship. Being on the chancel during Holy Eucharist is deeply moving.

Have you seen Jesus through your ministry? It’s hard to describe my feelings serving at chalice. I see Jesus in all the expectant, hopeful, beautiful faces receiving, “the Blood of Christ; the Cup of Salvation,” and it gives me great fulfillment—yet humility—as bearer of the Sacrament.


What is the biggest secret about your ministry?  It’s not as scary, or as complicated, as you think—people really aren’t looking at you individually. The roles are very straightforward, and you have the opportunity to progress in duties as far as you’re comfortable.

Why would you recommend your ministry to another person? It is very rewarding to be in service in this way. You gain a different appreciation for the flow of the Eucharist service… and you have a front-row seat to some of the best ecclesiastical music in Southern California!

What is the time commitment?  After initial training, acolytes arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled service. Thurifers and vergers have a greater commitment as they serve at Evensong as well. Servers typically join a regular team that serves once per month.

For more information about the roles of the altar servers, check out our "field guide to the processional".  If you are intrigued by altar service, don't be shy!  New members are always welcome.   Please contact The Rev Canon Brooks Mason at  <masonb@stpaulcathedral.org> to find out how to join this ministry.

Ministry Spotlight: Listening Hearts

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT is a new feature. Please feel free to contact Vicki about a ministry you are involved in. Remember ministries are not only through the Cathedral--you may be sharing your spiritual gifts with ministries outside the Cathedral, (such as Hands Up Food Pantry or Uptown Faith). To Spotlight your ministry email Vicki Hoppenrath at hoppenrathv@stpaulcathedral.org.


Ministry Spotlight: LISTENING HEARTS Volunteer: Richard Bonacci 

Describe your ministry: Trained listeners prayerfully assist a person in their discernment process. The person has the opportunity to share with three trained discerners an issue in their life about which they would like more clarity. It might focus on significant changes in their life or a possible calling to ordained ministry.

What have you learned about yourself through your ministry? I’ve learned that I am a good and compassionate listener, that I can see connections that might not be immediately obvious to others, and that I empathize with people who may find discernment particularly challenging.

Have you seen Jesus through your ministry? The small group of discerners surrounding and supporting the person in discernment is a microcosm of the “body of Christ”. I am often keenly aware of the Spirit of God, working through the interactions in the Listening Hearts sessions and in my private periods of prayer.

What is the biggest secret about your ministry? Most people would benefit from availing themselves of this ministry. We all have questions nagging at us, some we are better able to verbalize than others, but discussing them in community will most often provide greater clarity, whether that comes immediately or only after a longer period of reflection.

Why would you recommend your ministry to another person? This ministry builds upon skills and personality traits not usually sought out or fully developed in more active ministries, particularly the ability to prayerfully listen, to sit in silence, and the need to keep in check your own opinions and expectations while focusing on the concerns and priorities of another. Each of these is a real gift.

What is the time commitment? Listening Hearts requires a training of a day and a half, which occurs on a weekend. A Listening Hearts session lasts for three hours.

If you are interested in volunteering for Listening Hearts, please contact Susan Ward at susanward961@sbcglobal.net.