St. Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church
Time and Talent Commitment
As the heart and hands of Christ we encourage you to find places
where your gifts and talents can help further our mission.
where your gifts and talents can help further our mission.
St. Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church
Time and Talent Commitment
Time and Talent Commitment
TIME AND TALENT COMMITMENT DESCRIPTIONS
WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild prepares the altar and sanctuary for worship on Sundays and for other special services. This involves setting out the proper vessels, water, bread, wine, and hangings in conjunction with the church calendar. Members work on teams under a team captain and rotate services according to the number of teams.
Usher
For Sunday and other services ushers make sure that the lights are on before the service, hand out bulletins to attendees as they enter the church, pass the collection baskets, and assist with direction at the altar rail.
Greeter
Being a greeter is all about hospitality, especially to our visitors and those looking for a church to attend. The greeter stands at the entrance to the church and welcomes people as they enter. When guests arrive, the greeter engages them not only in welcome but conversation to make them feel at home. The greeter offers a name tag, asks if there is any way they can be of assistance, and invites them into the church. The greeter should also try to locate guests at The Peace and extend the peace to them and invite them, at the end of the Service, to the Parish Hall for refreshments. The greeter then introduces the guests to other members and especially the Rector. The greeter should also have the guests fill out a newcomer card and make sure the card comes into the office.
Acolyte/ Crucifer
The acolyte vests in liturgical attire assists with such things as lighting and extinguishing candles, receiving the bread and wine at the Offertory, bringing the proper vessels to the altar during the Service, distributing the cup at communion, and clearing the vessels off the altar after communion. The Crucifer carries the processional cross during the procession, recession, and the Gospel procession.
Lector
The lector sits in the congregation coming to the lectern at the proper time to read the appointed scripture lessons
Parish Choir
Members of the Choir lead the music on Sundays and at other services as needed. In addition, the choir sings an anthem during the Offertory each week. The choir meets for rehearsal prior to the morning service as well as one day during the week. Being a member of the choir requires a great commitment and regular attendance. The choir usually does not sing during the summer.
Hand Bell Choir Members of the Handbell Ensemble rehearse every Tuesday at 10am in the choir loft. They will play an anthem during the Offertory a number of times throughout the year. Since ringing bells is a team effort, regular attendance is expected. The Handbell Ensemble does not rehearse during the summer months. If you are interested in ringing, please contact Sophia Witte at 520-509-5037 or smw_witte@yahoo.com
Audio Video Team
The audio video ministry is a two-part team that works together to fill the audio and video streaming needs of the parish. The ministry has two parts: 1) Live Stream / Video Operator Broadcasting our services is a ministry that provides an avenue for people to participate in our services when they can’t physically be present. The live stream/video operator makes use of cameras and broadcast equipment to either broadcast and or record our various services. Training and coaching is provided. 2) Sound Technician Quality sound during our services is one of the keys to good worship. The sound technician monitors the sound board during our services to assure the best sound possible. Training is provided.
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRIES
Daughters of the King
The Daughters of the King is an international religious order of lay church women with chapters in the Episcopal /Anglican Church, Roman Catholic Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. A Daughter takes a vow to live her life for God through Prayer, Service and Evangelism. In addition to conversation with God and praying for one another, Daughters pray daily for their local parish, clergy and parishioners, and they are devoted to learning more about living an effective life for Christ.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Lay Eucharistic Visitors take the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ to those who are ill, hospitalized, homebound, and in nursing homes. Lay Eucharistic Visitors are trained to lead a brief prayer service before sharing the blessed bread and wine of Holy Communion. A Eucharistic Visitor should be able to articulate a clear call to bring the grace and presence of God to others within the faith community.
Memorial Receptions
Those who volunteer for this ministry prepare and serve light food and refreshments to family and friends following a burial service as an expression of support to those grieving the loss of their loved one.
Prayer Chain The Prayer Chain consists of members of the congregation who pray for the needs of others within and beyond our congregation. We believe in the power of prayer and offer this as a service that enlists the spiritual support and encouragement of a loving parish community.
Stephen Ministry
This ministry is named after Stephen in the Book of Acts (chapter 6) who was commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are laypeople who receive Christian caregiving training then provide one-to-one Christ-centered care to hurting people. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week.
Sunday Flower Delivery
Teams of two remove the flowers from the altar after the last Service on Sundays, arrange them into four cartons and deliver them to people indicated on the delivery list.
TeleCare
TeleCare is nine parish volunteers phoning all members on the parish roster, about 2 hours a week on a continuing basis. The purpose is for the parish to take initiative in asking how our members are, what they would like our prayers for, any changes in their contact info or living arrangements, and any help the church can offer them.
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Hearts and Hands Ministry
Hearts and Hands Ministry Group Participate in the development of and advertising for our various outreach projects locally and abroad, helping with parish sign-ups for outreach events. Raise awareness in the congregation about outreach needs and our response. Actively work with various agencies.
Refugee and Border Ministry Group
The Refugee and Border Ministry Group works to help those who have fled conflict, persecution, or natural disasters in their home country and are coming to Southern Arizona. The group is involved in emergency supplies to migrants at the southern border and assisting refugee relocation services to help resettle refugees in new homes in the Tucson area.
Prison Ministry
The Prison Ministry works in conjunction with the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona Prison Ministry. At St Francis-In-The-Valley we support the children who attend Camp Genesis at Chapel Rock by committing to pray every day for the camper for a year. These campers are the children of an incarcerated parent. Also, we support women who are incarcerated in Perryville Prison in Goodyear, AZ, by sending birthday cards to the women. In addition, we sell Perryville Notecards created and printed by women in Perryville.
Imago Dei Partnership
St. Francis has taken on the role of “honorary grandparents” at Imago Dei Middle School, an Episcopal School in Tucson that offers quality, tuition-free education to low-income families. Honorary grandparents offer support occasionally throughout the year but especially at graduation when we raise funds to give each graduating student a gift card and attend the graduation ceremony.
Welcome Ministry
A team of clergy and lay people take on the role of developing relationships with our newcomers and helping them to make connections with other parishioners. From Greeters to Home visitors and Companions, there are several roles we take on to make those who are new to this church feel welcome and valued and assist them in becoming an active part of the St. Francis family.
EDUCATION AND FORMATION MINISTRIES
Library
The purpose of the church library is to be a tool to serve the educational and spiritual needs of the members of the congregation. Tasks to be done are maintaining the collection through the Reference and Circulating collection by cataloging, shelving, checking books out and in, helping people with requests in all subject areas, authors and/ or titles of books. Our volunteers also do book reviews for News from the Pews (published weekly on the website) and the church newsletter (published monthly and mailed to members). We also maintain the “Library Table” in the Parish Hall during Coffee Time after Sunday services with a selection from the library which is changed periodically to offer different items from the collection. The library is open during the weekly office hours, after Sunday services and during church activities.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Social Activities Team Involved with planning, organizing and executing all social events for St. Francis Church.
Men’s Group
The Men’s Group is a group of Episcopal men that meet bi-weekly to commune with one another in song and prayer and discuss the problems that we all face as we take our paths through life. They also host a breakfast three times a year.
Solo Journeyers
The Solo Journeyers are members of our parish family (and friends) who are traveling through their life without a significant partner. We gather together at intermittent times to share conversation, food, wine, activities, laughter and companionship.
Turkey Squad (Thanksgiving Dinner)
The Turkey Squad is a team of helpers that prepares, cooks and serves Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day to our parishioners and members of the community.
SERVICE MINISTRIES
Vestry
The vestry is the elected leadership of the church charged with the responsibility to discern the vision toward which God is drawing our congregations and to keep the mission of the Church and that of St. Francis Church clearly before the parish community.
Stewardship
The Stewardship Ministry Group Members participate in planning and conducting the annual Stewardship Program.
Budget and Finance
Budget and Finance Ministry Group Participate in the preparation of the annual budget and make recommendations to the Vestry in October each year, assist in the review of request for midyear funds and/or budget overruns and the financial impact of changes in wages and benefits, help with reports as request, and vote on ministry group recommendations to the Vestry.
Personnel Ministry
Personnel Ministry Group Participates in discussion and research of personnel issues and policies as requested by the Rector or Vestry. The personnel ministry group makes recommendations related to pay, benefits and the holiday schedule.
Communication Ministry Group The ministry group works to communicate information about parish life and parish events to people within the church and to the world outside its doors.
Landscaping and Grounds
Landscaping and Grounds Team We welcome parishioners who would like to work outdoors to help maintain and beautify God's Creation at St. Francis in the Valley! Parishioners declare their interest to the Junior Warden or lead designees about working around the Church grounds and gardens. Adjusting for weather, needs of the property and the volunteer's time, energy, and skills, the work, usually with other team members, may include trimming trees and shrubs, loading the trailer or pickup bed with trimmings/debris, raking leaves and gravel, sweeping courtyards or parking lots, planting and watering flora, or moving dirt and rocks. The team meets periodically to assess work accomplished, share ideas, and make plans to do other tasks! Talk with us to learn more or set up a work schedule. Tools are provided!
Photographers
Take photographs of parish life and parish events for use in various communication formats such as the website, social media, email, brochures, etc.
Memorial and Gifts
Memorial and Gifts Ministry Group Assist in handling memorials and special gifts to the parish and the disbursements of funds from the memorial account.
Fold Bulletins/Newsletters
Gather at the end of the week to fold Sunday bulletins and other special Service bulletins. Gather at the end of the month to fold monthly newsletters in preparation for mailing.
Tellers/Auditors
Tellers/Auditors Tellers work on teams who are responsible to pick up the Sunday receipts each Monday as well as count and prepare the cash receipts for deposit. Auditors assist in monitoring parish finance procedures and policies
Office Volunteer/Receptionist
Volunteers are needed to help as receptionists by answering the phone and greeting people who come into the office. Other duties include making phone calls as needed and assisting office staff.
Website Management
Website Management Maintain and keep current all information on the website.
Trust/Endowment Ministry Group
Members of the Board administer the details of the St. Francis endowment.
Boutique
Assist with waiting on customers, writing up purchases, and assisting with seasonal changes of merchandise.
*****
In addition to all the opportunities listed above, we encourage you to consider experiencing Centering Prayer, the Labyrinth, and our many opportunities for faith enrichment through Bible Study and other Adult Education classes.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild prepares the altar and sanctuary for worship on Sundays and for other special services. This involves setting out the proper vessels, water, bread, wine, and hangings in conjunction with the church calendar. Members work on teams under a team captain and rotate services according to the number of teams.
Usher
For Sunday and other services ushers make sure that the lights are on before the service, hand out bulletins to attendees as they enter the church, pass the collection baskets, and assist with direction at the altar rail.
Greeter
Being a greeter is all about hospitality, especially to our visitors and those looking for a church to attend. The greeter stands at the entrance to the church and welcomes people as they enter. When guests arrive, the greeter engages them not only in welcome but conversation to make them feel at home. The greeter offers a name tag, asks if there is any way they can be of assistance, and invites them into the church. The greeter should also try to locate guests at The Peace and extend the peace to them and invite them, at the end of the Service, to the Parish Hall for refreshments. The greeter then introduces the guests to other members and especially the Rector. The greeter should also have the guests fill out a newcomer card and make sure the card comes into the office.
Acolyte/ Crucifer
The acolyte vests in liturgical attire assists with such things as lighting and extinguishing candles, receiving the bread and wine at the Offertory, bringing the proper vessels to the altar during the Service, distributing the cup at communion, and clearing the vessels off the altar after communion. The Crucifer carries the processional cross during the procession, recession, and the Gospel procession.
Lector
The lector sits in the congregation coming to the lectern at the proper time to read the appointed scripture lessons
Parish Choir
Members of the Choir lead the music on Sundays and at other services as needed. In addition, the choir sings an anthem during the Offertory each week. The choir meets for rehearsal prior to the morning service as well as one day during the week. Being a member of the choir requires a great commitment and regular attendance. The choir usually does not sing during the summer.
Hand Bell Choir Members of the Handbell Ensemble rehearse every Tuesday at 10am in the choir loft. They will play an anthem during the Offertory a number of times throughout the year. Since ringing bells is a team effort, regular attendance is expected. The Handbell Ensemble does not rehearse during the summer months. If you are interested in ringing, please contact Sophia Witte at 520-509-5037 or smw_witte@yahoo.com
Audio Video Team
The audio video ministry is a two-part team that works together to fill the audio and video streaming needs of the parish. The ministry has two parts: 1) Live Stream / Video Operator Broadcasting our services is a ministry that provides an avenue for people to participate in our services when they can’t physically be present. The live stream/video operator makes use of cameras and broadcast equipment to either broadcast and or record our various services. Training and coaching is provided. 2) Sound Technician Quality sound during our services is one of the keys to good worship. The sound technician monitors the sound board during our services to assure the best sound possible. Training is provided.
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRIES
Daughters of the King
The Daughters of the King is an international religious order of lay church women with chapters in the Episcopal /Anglican Church, Roman Catholic Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. A Daughter takes a vow to live her life for God through Prayer, Service and Evangelism. In addition to conversation with God and praying for one another, Daughters pray daily for their local parish, clergy and parishioners, and they are devoted to learning more about living an effective life for Christ.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Lay Eucharistic Visitors take the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ to those who are ill, hospitalized, homebound, and in nursing homes. Lay Eucharistic Visitors are trained to lead a brief prayer service before sharing the blessed bread and wine of Holy Communion. A Eucharistic Visitor should be able to articulate a clear call to bring the grace and presence of God to others within the faith community.
Memorial Receptions
Those who volunteer for this ministry prepare and serve light food and refreshments to family and friends following a burial service as an expression of support to those grieving the loss of their loved one.
Prayer Chain The Prayer Chain consists of members of the congregation who pray for the needs of others within and beyond our congregation. We believe in the power of prayer and offer this as a service that enlists the spiritual support and encouragement of a loving parish community.
Stephen Ministry
This ministry is named after Stephen in the Book of Acts (chapter 6) who was commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are laypeople who receive Christian caregiving training then provide one-to-one Christ-centered care to hurting people. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week.
Sunday Flower Delivery
Teams of two remove the flowers from the altar after the last Service on Sundays, arrange them into four cartons and deliver them to people indicated on the delivery list.
TeleCare
TeleCare is nine parish volunteers phoning all members on the parish roster, about 2 hours a week on a continuing basis. The purpose is for the parish to take initiative in asking how our members are, what they would like our prayers for, any changes in their contact info or living arrangements, and any help the church can offer them.
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Hearts and Hands Ministry
Hearts and Hands Ministry Group Participate in the development of and advertising for our various outreach projects locally and abroad, helping with parish sign-ups for outreach events. Raise awareness in the congregation about outreach needs and our response. Actively work with various agencies.
Refugee and Border Ministry Group
The Refugee and Border Ministry Group works to help those who have fled conflict, persecution, or natural disasters in their home country and are coming to Southern Arizona. The group is involved in emergency supplies to migrants at the southern border and assisting refugee relocation services to help resettle refugees in new homes in the Tucson area.
Prison Ministry
The Prison Ministry works in conjunction with the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona Prison Ministry. At St Francis-In-The-Valley we support the children who attend Camp Genesis at Chapel Rock by committing to pray every day for the camper for a year. These campers are the children of an incarcerated parent. Also, we support women who are incarcerated in Perryville Prison in Goodyear, AZ, by sending birthday cards to the women. In addition, we sell Perryville Notecards created and printed by women in Perryville.
Imago Dei Partnership
St. Francis has taken on the role of “honorary grandparents” at Imago Dei Middle School, an Episcopal School in Tucson that offers quality, tuition-free education to low-income families. Honorary grandparents offer support occasionally throughout the year but especially at graduation when we raise funds to give each graduating student a gift card and attend the graduation ceremony.
Welcome Ministry
A team of clergy and lay people take on the role of developing relationships with our newcomers and helping them to make connections with other parishioners. From Greeters to Home visitors and Companions, there are several roles we take on to make those who are new to this church feel welcome and valued and assist them in becoming an active part of the St. Francis family.
EDUCATION AND FORMATION MINISTRIES
Library
The purpose of the church library is to be a tool to serve the educational and spiritual needs of the members of the congregation. Tasks to be done are maintaining the collection through the Reference and Circulating collection by cataloging, shelving, checking books out and in, helping people with requests in all subject areas, authors and/ or titles of books. Our volunteers also do book reviews for News from the Pews (published weekly on the website) and the church newsletter (published monthly and mailed to members). We also maintain the “Library Table” in the Parish Hall during Coffee Time after Sunday services with a selection from the library which is changed periodically to offer different items from the collection. The library is open during the weekly office hours, after Sunday services and during church activities.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Social Activities Team Involved with planning, organizing and executing all social events for St. Francis Church.
Men’s Group
The Men’s Group is a group of Episcopal men that meet bi-weekly to commune with one another in song and prayer and discuss the problems that we all face as we take our paths through life. They also host a breakfast three times a year.
Solo Journeyers
The Solo Journeyers are members of our parish family (and friends) who are traveling through their life without a significant partner. We gather together at intermittent times to share conversation, food, wine, activities, laughter and companionship.
Turkey Squad (Thanksgiving Dinner)
The Turkey Squad is a team of helpers that prepares, cooks and serves Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day to our parishioners and members of the community.
SERVICE MINISTRIES
Vestry
The vestry is the elected leadership of the church charged with the responsibility to discern the vision toward which God is drawing our congregations and to keep the mission of the Church and that of St. Francis Church clearly before the parish community.
Stewardship
The Stewardship Ministry Group Members participate in planning and conducting the annual Stewardship Program.
Budget and Finance
Budget and Finance Ministry Group Participate in the preparation of the annual budget and make recommendations to the Vestry in October each year, assist in the review of request for midyear funds and/or budget overruns and the financial impact of changes in wages and benefits, help with reports as request, and vote on ministry group recommendations to the Vestry.
Personnel Ministry
Personnel Ministry Group Participates in discussion and research of personnel issues and policies as requested by the Rector or Vestry. The personnel ministry group makes recommendations related to pay, benefits and the holiday schedule.
Communication Ministry Group The ministry group works to communicate information about parish life and parish events to people within the church and to the world outside its doors.
Landscaping and Grounds
Landscaping and Grounds Team We welcome parishioners who would like to work outdoors to help maintain and beautify God's Creation at St. Francis in the Valley! Parishioners declare their interest to the Junior Warden or lead designees about working around the Church grounds and gardens. Adjusting for weather, needs of the property and the volunteer's time, energy, and skills, the work, usually with other team members, may include trimming trees and shrubs, loading the trailer or pickup bed with trimmings/debris, raking leaves and gravel, sweeping courtyards or parking lots, planting and watering flora, or moving dirt and rocks. The team meets periodically to assess work accomplished, share ideas, and make plans to do other tasks! Talk with us to learn more or set up a work schedule. Tools are provided!
Photographers
Take photographs of parish life and parish events for use in various communication formats such as the website, social media, email, brochures, etc.
Memorial and Gifts
Memorial and Gifts Ministry Group Assist in handling memorials and special gifts to the parish and the disbursements of funds from the memorial account.
Fold Bulletins/Newsletters
Gather at the end of the week to fold Sunday bulletins and other special Service bulletins. Gather at the end of the month to fold monthly newsletters in preparation for mailing.
Tellers/Auditors
Tellers/Auditors Tellers work on teams who are responsible to pick up the Sunday receipts each Monday as well as count and prepare the cash receipts for deposit. Auditors assist in monitoring parish finance procedures and policies
Office Volunteer/Receptionist
Volunteers are needed to help as receptionists by answering the phone and greeting people who come into the office. Other duties include making phone calls as needed and assisting office staff.
Website Management
Website Management Maintain and keep current all information on the website.
Trust/Endowment Ministry Group
Members of the Board administer the details of the St. Francis endowment.
Boutique
Assist with waiting on customers, writing up purchases, and assisting with seasonal changes of merchandise.
*****
In addition to all the opportunities listed above, we encourage you to consider experiencing Centering Prayer, the Labyrinth, and our many opportunities for faith enrichment through Bible Study and other Adult Education classes.
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