Volunteer Opportunities
St. Gabriel's provides many ways for our members to give back to the parish and community at large. The following are some of the areas in which you may serve. If you would like more information or would like to participate in one or more of the following areas please contact The church office at 770 503-7555 or stgabriels@bellsouth.net.
The Worship Committee
with the direction and guidance of the Rector, is responsible for insuring that all worship services are provided with the best possible people, materials, and space to insure a quality experience of worship for every person who participates in a service at St. Gabriel's.
The Worship Committee includes:
- Acolytes
- Altar Guild - Responsible for the care, maintenance, and set-up of the altar and its accessories.
- Choirs, Adult and Children's
- Chalice Bearers
- Lay Readers
- Ushers and Greeters
- Oblation Bearers - bring up bread and wine at the offertory
- Vergers
Christian Education:
- Sunday School
- Vacation Bible School
- Education for Ministry (EFM)
- Adult Education
The Parish Care Committee
is organized into teams of parish members, each with a team captain. The Committee is responsible for responding to the internal needs of the parish by:
- Providing meals in time of special needs
- Producing or arranging social functions
- Producing or arranging for special events
The Parish Care Committee oversees:
- Episcopal Church Women - ECW
- Newcomers
The Outreach Committee
provides goods, services, and support to the community in a variety of ways. These acts of love and charity are accomplished through the following programs:
- Food Pantry - St. Gabriels, Christ Lutheran, and Oakwood Methodist churches sponser a food pantry to serve the Oakwood area. The churches provide volunteers in rotation to sign up individuals and give out food each Monday from 4 to 6 pm (3 to 5 in the winter).
- Prayer Quilt Ministry - a group of women each Tuesday from 10:00 - 1:00 to make quilts for those who are ill, bereaved, or in need of other prayers. After the quilts are finished they are almost finished they are spreaad in the Parish Hall and members say a prayer as they tie a knot.
- GAM - Gainesville Action Ministries - an alliance of churches to provide temporary relief for those in need of assistance to pay heating bills, rent, and other requirements to sustain a healthy lifestyle. We support GHAIN with volunteer workers and monetary support.
- Meals on Wheels - St. Gabriel's provides a pick-up and drop-off facility for those delivering meals to the shut-ins and elderly, through the use of its Fellowship Hall. Members also serve as volunteer delivery personnel.
- Sheltering Tree - A year-round project which helps meet the needs of those served by Legacy Link, the Humane Society and others when requested.
- Angel Tree - A Christmas program providing gifts for those who would not otherwise receive gifts of joy. In the past we have assisted CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Legacy Link, Aids Alliance, gifts for the military, and individual families whose needs were made known to us.
- "Changels" - Coin bank angels used to collect loose change for varying needs.
The Stewardship Committee
is the "talent scout" of the St. Gabriel family. It's goal is to help our church use those talents to further the work of St. Gabriel's and of God. Specific activities of the committee include:
- The annual pledge campaign
- Any Capital Fund campaign authorized by the Vestry
- Any special fund-raising drive authorized by the Vestry
The Communications Committee
ensures information regarding events related to the life of the parish is given to the parishioners in an effective and timely fashion. It also provides the community at large with information about St. Gabriel's via news articles, advertising, etc.
- The St. Gabriel's Herald newsletter
- The Web Page
The Administration and Finance Committee:
- Develops the Annual Budget
- Establishes the financial policies for Receipts and Disbursements
- Conducts or arranges for an Annual Audit
- Insures that administrative staff have adequate facilities, equipment and supplies
- Develops and maintains the Policies and Procedures Manual
- Functions as the Personnel Committee as necessary
The Buildings and Grounds Committee:
- Maintains all structures and mechanical systems
- Arranges for janitorial service
- Maintains yard and gardens
- Oversees the "Sacred Sweepers" and "Holy Mowers"
- Sponsors Spring and Fall workdays
The Long Range Planning Committee
coordinates with the Finance Committee in planning for resources to meet adopted goals and leads in the development of 3, 5, and 10 year goals in the areas of:
- Congregation size
- Programs of Ministry
- Needed facilities
- Sites for future congregations
