The Book of Common Prayer (p.855) tells us that "the ministers of the Church are Lay persons (followed by), bishops, priests and deacons." And "the ministry of the laity is to represent Christ and His Church... according to the gifts given them... to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church." The people are entrusted and empowered by the Spirit of God to seek ministries of service in the Church. Nurtured by the clergy, these are people who are committed to discipleship by seeing that Christ's ministry and kingdom are shared by all the proclaimed to the world.
Ministry at St. Augustine's is an important part of our spiritual journey. Through the parish's guilds, committees and organizations, we have found a variety of ways to give expression to a commitment toward service. Our work is a reflection of a living and visible God active in the life of the immediate and broader community. It is organic in the heart people committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who seek to serve, emerge from a belief that "faith by works is not dead."
Worship Related Programs
The Music Program: The worship team is always looking for talented new voices. If you are interested, auditions can be arranged. See the director Mr. Hector Peña. The gospel choir welcomes all who want to sing praises to the Lord. Finally, “pickup” choirs for Christmas and Easter always welcome volunteers. Look for announcements in the Sunday bulletin.
The Praise Dancers: are children and adults that use the medium of dance to express their faith and communicate the message of the gospel to others. The Director/Choreographer of the Praise Dancers is Mrs. Gwendolyn Periera.
Acolytes: Adults and children trained to assist the priest during the service and to lead the procession into and out of the church. They also assist the Rector and the Deacon during communion.
Lay Readers/Lectors: are trained to read the Old and the New Testament readings during worship.
Guilds
Altar Guild: prepares and maintains the altar linens, altar vessels and the clergy vestments.
St. Ann's Guild: dedicated to children’s ministry.
Men's Guild: a brotherhood of men, young and not so young, in the parish who nurture one another and the parish by their fellowship and service. Their annual Mother's Day luncheon is one of the highlights of the year.
St. Monica's Guild: a special ministry to the elderly and the homebound.
Rector's Guild: provides hospitality and other requested services for the parish at the request of the Rector.
Usher's Guild: serves at every service of worship assisting and attending to the needs of visitors, guests and parishioners.
Outreach and Community Services
The members of the congregation wish that our facilities also serve those in need in the community at large. You are invited to use and support these various ministries with your time, talent and gifts.
Columbarium Ministry: For the first time in the 180 years of this parish, burial in the church is possible for parishioners and community residents. The cremated remains of family and friends can be placed in the church's indoor columbarium at a reasonable cost and where the remains can be visited by with greater convenience and sheltered from inclement weather in a place where prayers are said and Masses are celebrated. Contact the parish administrator for further information.
Counseling: The parish clergy are available for private personal and family counseling. Arrangements can be made by speaking to the Rector or the Deacon. Short-term counseling is always free.
Senior Citizens: On Thursday afternoons the church runs a program of activities and lunch for the Senior Citizens. This is a free program and all seniors are invited. Volunteers to assist in the program are always welcome. See the Rector for more information.
AA: For more than 30 years St. Augustine’s has hosted a Spanish speaking AA program that meets in the classroom area on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7PM and Sundays at 2PM.
Emergency Food Pantry: Every Wednesday afternoon, canned and dry foodstuffs are distributed to families and individuals in need who are referred to us by a certified not-for-profit. We are always in need of donations of canned and dry foodstuffs and money. The money may be left in the office or placed in alms basin during church.
EDUCATION
Sunday School: In the classrooms found on the lower level of the Parish House, we provide classes for all grades kindergarten to 12. These classes are staffed by trained teachers and assistants and are held September through early June. Sunday school begins at 9:00AM.
The Scholarship Committee: raises funds in order to offer support for our parish high school graduates in the form of scholarship awards.
Youth Group: Young people grades 7 through 12 meet after service on the First Sunday of the month with their youth advisors.
Bible Study: Adult Bible study with the Rector is held every Sunday at 9:15AM in the common room September through June.
Confirmation Instruction: Children and adults desiring to be confirmed by the Bishop are instructed prior to being presented. Watch your bulletin for the announcement of the organizing of confirmation classes.
The St. Augustine’s Project: A non-profit organization run primarily by volunteers, dedicating itself to the restoration and preservation of the Slave Galleries at St. Augustine’s Church. Their website may be found here.
The Library: The parish maintains books, periodicals and other reading material about the church and the faith in the common room. See the parish administrator about the availability of borrowing this reading material.