Emmanuel Ministries and Committes
There are many ways to serve God through Emmanuel using the time and talents with which you’ve been blessed. The following lists include moe than four dozen volunteer opportunities. Browse the lists to find what interests you. If you’re ready to step up or are merely curious, we’d like to talk with you. Please call the church office staff (706) 543-1294, or connect with a ministry leader to follow up on your interest.
The names of ministry leaders, their phone numbers, and email addresses are available on the Ministry Contacts page. If you want more detailed information about any one of the ministries, click on the ministry name on either this page or the Ministry Contacts page.
Commission leaders are listed on the Commissions and Commission Leaders page.
Worship Commission
Acolytes: Adults and youth assist clergy with celebration of the Holy Eucharist and other special liturgies
Altar Guild: Assist the clergy in preparing for the celebration of Eucharist and other sacraments
Baptismal Banner: Create banners to give newly baptized a tangible memory of their baptism
Eucharistic Ministers: Assist in the distribution of Holy Communion
Lectors: Proclaim the lessons from Scripture and lead Prayers of the People
Flower Guild: Prepare flower arrangements for the church
Music, Choir: Adults and children of all skill levels provide music in support of the liturgy
Ushers: Assist the clergy and congregation as ministers of hospitality.
Verger: Lay person who assists the ordering of religious services
Wedding Committee: Assist the clergy and wedding party with all arrangements for the wedding
Spiritual Formation Commission
Nursery: Nursery workers provide care to kids up to age 3 from, 8:15 a.m. until noon on Sundays.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd : A Christian formation process for children ages 3-12 years.
Club 45: 4th and 5th graders meet monthly to enjoy activities and outreach projects.
Vacation Bible School: A week of kids gathering together for fun, memorable activities and God's love.
Formation for Youth: Several programs lead youth as they progress through grades 6 -12.
Adult Formation: Adults are served by an Adult Forum on Sunday, and other programs during the week.
Athens Episcopal Young Adults: Intentional exploration of Christian community for those 19-35.
Natural Spirituality: Explores God's wisdom as it comes to us through dreams and events of our lives.
Pastoral Care Commission
Agape Meals: Provide meals to parishioners who need them
Charioteers: Assist members in need of transportation
Eucharistic Visitors: Administer communion to the homebound
Health Ministry : Promote health and wellness awareness
Intercessory Prayer Ministry: Provide daily intercessory prayer for those with long-term needs
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Knit God’s love, care, and warmth into shawls for those who need them
Stephen Ministry: Trained lay persons provide one-on-one care (mostly listening) to people in need.
Yoga: Classes provide mindfulness and physical wellbeing.
Parish Life Commission
Brotherhood of St. Andrew: A national organization for men for Christian study, service and fellowship.
Holy Cookers: Prepare and serve meals for planned parish events.
Receptions: Provide refreshments and prepare food for special events throughout the year
Sunday Refreshments: Prepare coffee and pastry in the Fall & Spring, and lemonade in the Summer
Office Volunteers: Assist Emmanuel's staff by answering the phone and helping other tasks.
Fellowship Dinners: Small groups meet to share a meal and conversation.
Super’Lites: Opportunities for “mellow” 55 and older parishioners to share meals, events, and outings
Welcome Committee: Offer welcome to all visitors and parishioners prior to the Sunday liturgies
Extended Ministries Commission
Emmanuel Thrift House: Collects and sells or gives away gently used clothing.
Interfaith Hospitality Network: Provides housing and meals to homeless families one week each quarter
Refugee Ministry: Emmanuel volunteers provide support services to refugee families from Burma .
Northeast GA Food Bank: Combats hunger in Northeast Georgia by distributing food to those in need.
Our Daily Bread: Joining 26 area churches to offer hospitality and nutritious meals to those in need.
Thanksgiving Dinner: Emmanuel has helped feed hundreds of people on Thanksgiving Day.
Missions and Extended Ministries Committee: Guides Emmanuel 's financial giving at home and around the world.
Resources Commission
Guild of Saint Francis: Provides hands-on support for Emmanuel’s landscaping and grounds.
Facilities Committee: Keeps track of current and future building and grounds needs.
Archives Committee: Organizes and maintains records of Emmanuel's rich history.
Administrative Support Commission
Finance Committee: Oversees Emmanuel expenditures, presents provisional budget to the Vestry.
Cornerstone Society: Promotes long term giving through wills and estate planning.
Stewardship Team: Supports stewardship as a personal ministry within the parish.
Endowment Fund: A Board of Trustees elected by the Vestry oversees the progress of the Fund.
Communications Commission
The Tower: Is a monthly newsletter of information, stories and essays for the Emmanuel community
Website: An online presence for Emmanuel with information for visitors and parishioners.
Emmanuel e-Letter: A weekly newsletter directed to the parish via email.
Audio Visual Team: Assists clergy and parishioners using media presentation equipment.
Communication Committee: Sponsors lecture series; coordinates all communications.