St. Paul's Church Episcopal

What ever your interest, there is a place for you at St. Paul's. For more information about any of our groups, please contact the church administrator at admin@stpauls-dedham.org.

ALTAR CHAPTER

The Altar Chapter prepares the Altar and Credence Tables for the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Sunday services, Thursday morning 7:00 a.m. service, and any additional services such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Other duties include ongoing care of our beautiful linens and liturgical vessels. Teams are assigned for monthly rotations and training is provided for this wonderfully rewarding service.

CHURCH SCHOOL AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Church School is held during the school year on Sunday mornings during the 10:00 a.m. service. The program year is divided into three blocks of 5 or 6 classroom days. There are also approximately 7 special group events scheduled on Morning Prayer Sundays bringing all ages together for a lesson, fun activity and crafts. Classes are not scheduled on Family Service Sundays nor on 3-day holiday weekends. This ministry encourages your participation in teaching a Block of 5-6 classes for our K-2, 3-5 and middle school students. Larger classes are co-taught. The Curriculum and training are provided.

CHANCEL AND YOUTH CHOIR

The Chancel Choir provides the vast majority of music for services at St. Paul’s. This mixed voice choir of sixteen to twenty-four voices rehearses Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and sings at the 10:00 a.m. service every Sunday from September to June. Membership is open to experienced singers of high school age and older. Participation is by audition or invitation. Youth Choir is for boys and girls from Kindergarten and up. The Youth Choir provides music at five or six church services through- out the year (please call for a schedule). The Youth Choir rehearses on Sundays following the 10:00 a.m. service.

FLOWER GUILD

The Flower Guild supplies and arranges flowers for the altar and Jane Clark table (by the front entrance) each week, September through June, for Sunday services and occasionally for special services throughout the year. Anyone interested, even a novice arranger, is welcome to participate. The commitment is bi-monthly at most.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The mission of the Finance Committee is to monitor the performance of St. Paul’s endowment in light of the church operating budget and financial needs. The group meets several times a year to review the endowment’s fund performance and current asset allocation, and recommend any suggested changes to the Vestry. The Finance Committee has also assisted in the Church’s annual audit and helping to ensure standard financial controls that meet the guidelines of the Diocese. Members of St. Paul’s Church with an interest in finance and asset management are welcome.

LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS GUILD

The Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist at the altar, read prayers, and assist in administering the Bread and Wine at the two Sunday Services and other special services. Some Lay Eucharistic Ministers may also train as Lay Eucharistic Visitors, which allows them to take Communion to members of the parish who cannot attend regularly. A candidate should be willing to serve at both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services and be able to lead the prayers and read the lessons on occasions when there are no lectors.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

The Property Committee meets at least quarterly to review and take action on any church buildings and ground maintenance or structural projects. The Committee is committed to maintaining and improving the St. Paul’s Church and grounds.

GREETERS GUILD

The Greeters welcome everyone warmly, help guide the flow of movement during worship, manage surprises, count attendees, pass the offering plates, tidy up pews, and count the money offering after the service. When time allows, greeters also follow up with guests, newcomers and members during fellowship hour.

ACOLYTES GUILD

The acolyte program is made up of children in grades 4 - 12 who dedicate their time to our church by taking an active part in the worship service. These young people serve at the 10:00 am Sunday service on a rotating schedule. They set a wonderful example for their peers, as well as for the younger children in our congregation.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

The mission of this team is the evaluation of St. Paul’s facilities with regard to energy use/conservation and other sustainability focused practices. We work to increase of parish environmental awareness with regard to our individual and collective stewardship of God’s creation, and environmental sustainability beyond St. Paul’s.

FELLOWSHIP GROUP

St. Paul’s Fellowship Group is designed to build community and facilitate fellowship among parishioners. Membership in this committee is open to everyone. Events include organizing parties, receptions, and fundraisers. Specific events include the Warden’s Welcome Back Social, the upcoming reception for our community Lessons & Carols, the annual Halloween Party, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper & Easter Egg Hunt. If you enjoy baking, making appetizers, flower arranging, party planning—we have a job for you! A good sense of humor and a willingness to pitch in is all that is asked.

LECTORS GUILD

Lectors read the lessons on Sunday mornings at the 10:00 service and other special services. Each lector is scheduled to read approximately once every three months from September through June. Summer reading is on a volunteer basis. Children are encouraged to volunteer for Lector assignments, particularly at Family Services. New lectors are always welcome; the only talent required is the ability to read well and enunciate clearly. Please call the office and ask to be included. Schedules are set in September and January.

OUTREACH COMMITTEE

The Outreach Committee focuses on coordinating fundraising and volunteer opportunities. Our goal is to provide engaging volunteer opportunities for all members of our community, from youth to seniors. Recent initiatives have included staffing and baking holiday pies for the Food Pantry and cleaning up litter from a protected estuary and volunteering with the B-Safe Children’s Program of the Diocese. Fundraising efforts are targeted toward a range of local (Dedham Youth Commission, Dedham Food Pantry, Society of St. Vincent de Paul), regional (Epiphany School) and international (NuDay Syria) organizations. Interested parishioners are warmly invited to attend committee meetings, which are announced in our Friday parish email. Ideas and enthusiasm from new committee members are welcome in order to continue the support and development of new outreach initiatives.

TOWER BELL RINGERS GUILD

Give some consideration to becoming a Chimesmaster. The bells of St. Paul’s are heard in Dedham most Sunday mornings and on other days for weddings, funerals and other church celebrations. Additional volunteers are gladly welcomed as well as visitors any time the bells are ringing. Training is provided.

BOOK GROUP

This relaxed group averages 12 parishioners and meets the first Wednesday of the month in the Rectory, reading a wide variety of secular books. It’s a good chance to connect with parishioners in a more intimate setting. Come to one meeting or come to them all – no long-term commitment required.

MOVIE REFLECTION GROUP

If you enjoy the movies this is the group for you. One Sunday a month (generally the 4:30 p.m. showing) we will venture to the Dedham Community Theater at 580 High Street to see a movie. Following the movie we will adjourn to a local eating establishment to reflect on the themes, acting, directing of the movie. There is no need to commit to every month. Simply come when there is a movie that you would like to see. Everyone is welcome to join us for lively discussion and entertainment that supports our local community.

CONFIRMATION CLASS/YOUTH GROUP

St. Paul’s Confirmation Class/Youth Group is open for youth age 12 and up. Our goal is Christian formation of our young people as well as fostering a sense of community, fun and fellowship. Youth meet from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at designated dates throughout the year (September – June). In addition to young people, we also welcome the participation of adults who are willing to assist with meal preparation, field trips as well as being present during the sessions.