The Nurture Ministry is focused on education, worship, Christian formation, membership care, small groups, stewardship, and fellowship. Attention is given to the needs of individuals and families of all ages.

Serving as an Acolyte is both an honor and service to God, enhancing the congregation’s worship services. The children of First & Wesley UMC may volunteer to attend our acolyte training in order to perform their duties as acolytes. Adults, however, also may serve as acolytes.

In the Methodist traditions, acolytes participate in the worship service by lighting and extinguishing the altar candles. In this tradition, the lighting of the altar candles in the worship service is a symbol of Jesus’ coming into the presence of the worshiping community. Also, before the extinguishing of the last altar candles, the acolytes relight their “candle lighter” and then process out into the narthex. This symbolizes that Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere. It also symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ going out into the world where believers are called to serve.

Please contact the pastor to bear the Light of Christ.

The Altar Guild serves a critical function to the church by preparing and maintaining the altar. Members of the Altar Guild prepare for changes in the liturgical seasons and for all worship services, including weddings, memorials, baptisms, confirmations, and funerals. There exists a special sense of pride and pleasure in contributing to worship in a quiet behind-the-scenes way. Alter Guild arranges the flowers that adorn the church, and coordinate the Altar flower dedications.

The Altar Guild relies entirely on the generosity of church members and friends. If you would like to donate Sunday altar flowers in memory or honor of someone or to celebrate an event, sign up online or complete printable “Altar Flowers Donation Form” and return it to MaryAnne Hawkes or the church office.

For more information about being a part of the Altar Guild, please contact MaryAnne Hawkes.

The purpose of the Audio-Visual team is to use the gifts and talents God has given us to enhance and assist our worship services and special events. Our ministry consists of sound system operations, creating and using visual media aids during our services, and making audio recordings of our worship services. It’s a genuinely rewarding role in the church, one that often goes unnoticed but is one of the most important.

Training is provided to anyone interested in participating in this support ministry. For more information or to get involved with the team, contact Helen Smith, A/V team coordinator.

Responsibilities:

  • Sound System Operation: The sound technicians are responsible for producing quality sound for worship. They will set up the microphones, balance the sound, and operate the mixer on the iPad.
  • Livestreaming Operation: The operator is responsible for managing the camera, the livestreaming software, and PowerPoint slides during services.
  • PowerPoint Creation: PowerPoint designers are responsible for what gets put up on the projection screen in the sanctuary. A template will be provided for you for the Sunday you are creating the presentation.

It is a tradition that we share fellowship during coffee hour following Sunday worship. It is a great opportunity to socialize with the congregation, meet new people, or continue discussion of themes brought up during the service. Volunteers from the congregation host the coffee hour each week, and serve coffee, tea and punch which is provided. The host may also bring in a light snack (i.e. cookies, cupcakes or fruit) if they are so moved. If you want to host or co-host a coffee hour, please contact Christine Chan.

The Communion Stewards set the Lord’s table and serve the congregation with the elements of The Lord’s Supper on the first and third Sundays of each month, Christmas morning, Easter, and other special services.

The ushers consist of a staff of men, women and young adults. Ushers take the prayer requests, the offering, and help serve communion. They arrive one-half hour before service and tidy up the pews after each service.

Christ’s church exists to worship God. The members of the worship committee help the congregation to understand the meaning, purpose, and the practice of worship. They work with the pastor and the music director with a goal of providing vital and alive worship experiences for the congregation. They encourage the use of spiritual devotional material, and the spiritual disciplines such as prayer, bible reading and study. For more information, contact Christine Chan.