Listed below are a variety of ways to participate in the life and ministry of Holy Comforter.
Acolytes
Acolytes assist in the worship service with the clergy. They may be called to carry the Gospel Book, assist in setting the altar for Holy Communion, carry the Processional Cross or banner and much more. Adults as well as children are encouraged to be acolytes. You just need to be in the 3rd grade. Training is always available. Contact person: The Rev. Glenn Palmer at rector@holycomforterchurch.org.
Altar Bread
At Holy Comforter we make our own Altar Bread for communion. This is something that families as well as individuals can do. The recipe is simple and can be found here. Sign up to make the bread at the Information Table in the foyer.
Daughters of the King (DOK)
This is for women who wish to experience a lifelong mission that calls each of them to know Jesus Christ, to make Jesus known to others and reflect God's love in the world. They are committed to a Rule of Prayer, Rule of Service and a Rule of Life, which helps them focus on their relationship to God and others. Contact Carole Nelson at catnelson127@gmail.com.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs)
These persons are licensed by the Diocese of Georgia to assist in the worship service in the administration of the Holy Eucharist and in other services. They can also be licensed to carry communion to shut-ins. Training is required and new LEMs are mentored. New persons are always welcome but need to speak to a member of the clergy before proceeding with this ministry. Contact Info: Pam Vanscoy at pvanscoy@comcast.net.
Welcome Ministry Team
This is a ministry of welcome to all first time guests to Holy Comforter. Members of this team take a Holy Comforter mug and a welcome packet to the home of our guests, usually within 24-hours of their visit. This is a low-key way to extend the hospitality of our church. The only requirement is a warm heart, friendly smile and a desire to welcome people to our church. Contact: Linda Hoogland at lhoogland2013@gmail.com.
The Men's Group
The group provides an opportunity for the men of the church to come together to do God's work through the church in the community. They provide fellowship while also working in our community and beyond. Their signature event is Gifts for the Christ Child which provides Christmas gifts for needy families which have been previously vetted. Check out some of the thank you responses below.
Please check the Church Calendar for meeting dates and times. If you would like to know more, please contact Robert Bargeron at bargeronr@gmail.com, Mike Cox at mcox549@comcast.net, or Glenn Fulghum at glennfulghum@yahoo.com.
Thank You Notes from Recipients of Gifts for the Christ Child
Music
We love joyful voices! Our choir rehearses Wednesdays at 6:15pm and again on Sunday morning at 9:30am and performs a wide variety of music. New members are always welcome. We use a wide range of music from contemporary songs to traditional hymns. And we make use of the vast area of talent in our church from brass and wind instrumentalists to jazz sax and bass as well as percussion and others. Questions? Contact Music Director Dr. Brad Green at dr.blgreen@gmail.com.
Prayer Teams
Prayer Teams are available for intercessory prayer following communion on Sundays. The two-person team is happy to pray for your needs whether they are physical, spiritual, or emotional. Privacy and confidentiality are enforced. This particular ministry requires special training and team members are selected by the pastor. Contact: Jackie Pitts at jpitts@mbsaugusta.com or speak to a member of the clergy.
Prayer Chain
Anyone with a heart for prayer can be a part of the Prayer Chain. The Prayer Chain is available for emergency prayer requests, which are passed on via e-mail. These persons pray for those with long term prayer requests, such as a chronic illness. Prayer requests can also be added at the lectern at the back of the church each Sunday. Contact: The Rev. Glenn Palmer at rector@holycomforterchurch.org or call 706-210-1133.
Prayer Shawls
Our mission is to provide comfort, hope and healing to those who most need a reminder of God's love for them through the work of our hands and the prayers of our hearts. We knit and crochet shawls, lap robes, scarves, chemo caps, and other items, all the while praying for the recipient. Don't know how to knit? We'll teach you! This group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 10:30am at Church of the Holy Comforter. Contact: Kathy McLendon at kathevmcl@hotmail.com.
Click here for the pocket prayer shawl pattern.
Readers
If you have a good, public speaking voice, you may wish to consider this ministry. Readers are those persons (youth or adult) who read the appointed lessons during the worship service and lead the congregation in the psalms. Some training may be necessary, depending on previous public speaking experience. Contact: Vivian Vaiden at administrator@holycomforterchurch.org.
Refreshments
Parishioners are asked to help with the refreshments served after worship. This doesn't have to be gourmet catering, just some snacks to complement the fellowship after church. And the kids love Cheetos! Contact: Vivian Vaiden at vivian@holycomforterchurch.org or sign up at the Information Table in the foyer.
Ushers and Greeters
These are the first people you meet as you come into the church. Greeters are responsible for welcoming people to our church, especially first time guests. Ushers assist with the service by distributing bulletins, helping with the offertory collection and assisting people with seating as well as other duties. They also help connect first time visitors with other parishioners who can assist them with the service, if necessary. The main requirements for these ministries are a heart that can welcome others into our church and a warm smile. Contact: Kirk Redding at karman4949@gmail.com.