Parish Life Commission

Parish Life ministries include the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Foyers, Holy Cookers, Super'Lites, Office Volunteers, Receptions, Sunday Refreshments and Vestry Nominating Committee.

Receptions and parish events were coordinated by Cathy Cofer. Events included the Annual Parish Meeting, the Rite 13 dinner and reception, the Annual Ministry Fair, the Farewell Reception for Debbie Henson and the end-of-year Senior Luncheon and Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Reception.

Lemonade was provided on the terrace throughout the summer following the 10:00 service. This ministry was coordinated by Sherry Gaby. Coffee and donuts provided each Sunday is a ministry coordinated by Keith Dix and Naomi Norman. Also as a ministry of Parish Life, the Ushers held their annual barbeque; Jerry Pope and Agnes Parker coordinated the All Saints Luncheon; and the Brotherhood of St. Andrews hosted a breakfast in appreciation of the service of the acolytes.

Finally the Nominating Committee was chaired by retiring Vestry member, Debra Harden. With the assistance of her committee, a slate of Vestry nominees was approved by the Vestry at the October Vestry meeting. New Vestry members will be elected from the slate by the parish at the Annual Parish meeting.

The activities noted in this report are just a few of the many Parish Life activities that have taken place during 2004 at Emmanuel. While some people have been mentioned in this report, they represent the many parishioners of Emmanuel who have made meaningful contribution of time, talent and love throughout our church community.


THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is an international ministry of men within the Anglican Communion. It was formed to reach out and minister to men following the example of Andrew in bringing his brother Peter to meet Jesus. The Brotherhood is a study and service organization. The Brotherhood meets the last Sunday of the month at a member's home for dessert followed by discussion of a selected book reading. An Emmanuel tradition is the annual breakfast sponsored by the Brotherhood to honor acolytes for their continuing service to the church. A May family picnic is jointly held with the Brotherhood of St. Gregory the Great. All men are invited to join the Brotherhood.


FOYERS

The French word "foyer" means a hearth or fireside, suggesting a small group, relaxed and open to one another Groups of eight to ten people are formed, and each Foyer meets in the homes of members once a month for a simple meal and relaxed conversation. New friends are made of those who may have been just names or faces in the congregation. The Foyers are regrouped twice a year, in September and January.



HOLY COOKERS

The Holy Cookers are Emmanuelites who prepare the Wednesday Night Suppers. This is no small task for the 40 dedicated volunteers who are divided into seven teams. Each team sets the evening menu, purchases the groceries, and prepares the meal for approximately 70-80 people each Wednesday evening. In addition to the volunteers who prepare the meals, Robin Bewley coordinates the kitchen and keeps the pantry stocked with the necessary staples.