Ministry

The ministry of all persons is summed up in the baptismal promises found in the Book of Common Prayer on p. 304.

 Celebrant  Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and   fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People       I will, with God’s help.

 Celebrant   Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People       I will, with God’s help.

 Celebrant   Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People       I will, with God’s help.

 Celebrant   Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, lovingyour neighbor as yourself?
People       I will, with God’s help.

 
Celebrant   Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People       I will, with God’s help.

That ministry can take many forms.  In your community, you can take part in a Habitat build (building homes), help out in a shelter, visit the sick and shut-ins, work for social justice and the like.  In your parish, you can help with church school, building and grounds maintenance, visiting sick and shut-in parishioners, read or usher during a service, help distribute communion at the altar rail and take communion to the shut-ins, serve on the governing board (vestry), lead a Bible or book study or help with the youth.  The list is endless.  If you need help in trying to discern where God is leading you at this point in your life, there may be a discernment committee within your parish who could help you sort through the options.

Some people are called by God to ordained ministry.  You will find a description of that area on the Ordination Process page.