ADULT MINISTRIES
We believe that to actually love each other, as Jesus commanded, we must actually know each other. Therefore, we value not only worshiping and studying together, but serving and having fun too! The following list is not comprehensive and is always evolving. If you see something below that interests you, or if you have a great idea for something new, please be sure to email the church office, the listed ministry head, or one of our clergy!
Christian Formation Groups
We have a great group which meets every Sunday morning at 9:35 for Adult Christian Education. The classes change throughout the year but there are normally multiple options to choose from. The goal of this time together is to glean some new insight to help us grow in our faith and live in our day to day lives. Please enjoy breakfast in the parish hall before hand(!) and then come over and join us.
Dinner Groups
Small groups of 4 to 6 individuals or couples have dinner on monthly rotating basis between the participant’s homes. The host couple chooses the menu and provides the main dish. The other couples bring side dishes and desserts. This is a great way to enjoy fellowship in a smaller setting outside of the church.
Pastoral Care Team
Pastoral Care is essential to the health and life of a church. Rev. Dixon has formed this Pastoral Care Team to help empower all members of Holy Cross to share in caring for each other in our times of need. They also help to keep track of our elderly when they have to spend time in nursing homes, assisted living, or are homebound. Look to hear from them on ways you can participate in pastoral care ministries.
Grief Share Group
A weekly grief support group that meets on Saturday mornings. This group provides help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or a friend.
WeCare Support Group
A support group for those who care for loved ones with dementia or elderly family members. This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays each month.
Brotherhood of St. Andrew
The Holy Cross Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is part of an international ministry of men within the Anglican Communion for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom among men and boys through the disciplines of prayer, study, and service. By experiencing food, fun, fellowship, intellectual stimulation, and spiritual renewal, each member can discover God’s purpose in his own life in order to be a more effective minister to others. They meet on the second Saturday of every month at 7:30AM in the parish hall for breakfast and a program.
Daughters of the King (D.O.K.)
This group is in prayer for the world and our church. It is made up of two communities: The Daughters of the King and the Episcopal Community. They take a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and Service. By reaffirmation of the promises made at Baptism and Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ’s Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish.
Ambassadors for Christ
The Ambassadors for Christ is our greeter ministry. At each Sunday service warm friendly Ambassadors greet and assist all who are new to Holy Cross. They distribute visitor bags containing information about Holy Cross, invite our visitors to Coffee Hour and introduce them to other members of our church. Following the worship service each visitor receives a loaf of fresh baked bread at their home. The Ambassadors serve on a rotation basis.
Altar Guild
Volunteers who assist in the preparation for worship services held at Holy Cross are extremely important participants in the life of the parish. These volunteers prepare the altar for all weekday and Sunday services, arrange flowers, care for the linens and vestments, and polish the silver and brass.
Holy Weeders
A group of dedicated volunteers that give their time to beautify the gardens and grounds of Holy Cross. They meet on most Wednesdays and on weekends.
Team Muscle!
This team helps when muscle (big and small) is needed.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry lovingly craft shawls for others who are on the prayer list. They knit or crochet two types of shawls: lap or wrap around. After the shawls are blessed by our Priest they are given as a source of comfort, healing, and remembrance of their Holy Cross Family.
Casserole Ministry
Members prepare and/or deliver casseroles to new parents, those who are ill and others in need. Casseroles are prepared in placed in the Parish Hall freezer for delivery as needed.
Bread Ministry
For those who like to bake this group bakes bread to be delivered to newcomers after their first visit to Holy Cross.
Cursillo and Reunion Groups
Cursillo is a three-day weekend designed to help Christians better understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders. The local Cursillo Community is Coastal Pilgrims. The Cursillo experience does not end when the weekend is over. It is a starting point that lasts the rest of your life and is a springboard to a life-long practice of the Baptismal Covenant called The Fourth Day. The Fourth Day encompasses three major elements:
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The Group Reunion - a small group of Cursillo attendees who meet weekly
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The Ultreya - A "Reunion of Reunions" of sorts, usually held monthly at various churches in the Diocese.
The Library
Coordinated by our volunteer librarian, the church library is fully stocked with an ample supply of books, video and audio tapes on subjects of interest to all ages.
Eucharistic Ministers (Chalice Bearers)
Eucharistic Ministers participate in a canonically-ordered ministry to assist the clergy in serving the chalice at Holy Communion. Eucharistic Ministers are nominated by the rector, approved by the vestry, and licensed by the bishop of the diocese, for a term of three (calendar) years. Service as a Eucharistic Minister is a particularly intense form of ministry, as you participate with the clergy in one of the holiest aspects of worship, the administration of the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Eucharistic Visitors
Eucharistic Visitors administer the Holy Eucharist to those members of the parish who are infirm or otherwise unable to attend Sunday services.
Lay Readers
Holy Cross currently has a number of devoted lay readers, many of whom are also licensed Eucharistic Ministers. They assist the Priest at all worship services, read lessons and prayers and bear the Eucharistic Cup. When a priest is not available they lead the congregation in Morning Prayer.
Ushers
At every service, the ushers job is to greet and make everyone, especially visitors feel welcome. Ushers are trained and serve on a rotating basis. Two ushers are needed for every service. They distribute weekly bulletins, collect the offering and assist during communion.
Wednesday Night Dinners
Dinner on Wednesday nights is prepared by volunteers and served to members who are at church attending various programs such as choir rehearsal, youth group, Christian education, or just to enjoy the fellowship.
