Lectors read the first and second readings during the worship services. Those called to this ministry need to have a strong voice that carries, and must be able to read scripture aloud, in front of the congregation. Lectors may be called to read at special services and other events.

 

The lay reader/chalice bearer helps lead our congregation during worship services. This is a highly visible ministry and is geared for the mature Christian. The lay reader reads the psalm, Nicene Creed, and the prayers of the people, during the service. He/She also helps serve at the altar, assists the priest if needed, and serves the wine during the holy Eucharist. He/She also helps out with baptisms and other special events.

 

This is truly a multi-faceted ministry, which involves someone who can think on his or her feet. An usher assists parishioners and visitors to their seats during worship services and special events. Ushers also act as an information guide for the lost, giving directions to places like the restroom, nursery, parish hall and perhaps even a heavenly place, as needed. Ushers present the elements of the Eucharist to ministers at the altar. During the offertory an usher is required to collect the offering and present it at the altar. During the Holy Eucharist an usher helps direct the congregation to the altar rail in an orderly fashion.

If you are interested in any of these ministry areas or have any questions please contact the church office at 885-1031.

 

The Greeter ministry is a ministry of hospitality. These servants are chosen by the staff and ministry leaders to welcome people. The greeters meet people coming to worship, and help visitors and new comers to feel welcome and comfortable with our worship service. They also provide guidance to visitors to help them acclimate to our facility. The goal of the greeters is to help people feel welcome in hopes that they will have a great experience and return.

To find out more about this ministry contact the church office at 885-1031

 

The choir gathers on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm in the church from September to June. The choir leads the 10 a.m. Eucharist and also sings at major festivals during the year. New members are always welcome.

 

As Father Roy has shared "Some angels come to church, set up for the three weddings this weekend, clean up and reset for the two Baptisms on Sunday."  These "Angels" are men, women, and their children dedicated to assisting our parish priests and deacons in the preparation of the Altar for Church worship. There are four teams of two people or more, who serve one weekend a month setting up and cleaning up the Altar. We meet two times a year for planning, fellowship and prayer. All training for the Altar Guild is done in fellowship with a member and brings bonding to those who serve God in his church.

 

Though it is an independent ministry of service, it is under the umbrella of the Altar Guild. People like to express a full range of experiences in their lives, and share them with the congregation as they give praise to the Lord by placing an offering of flowers on the altar. Flowers are a wonderful form of praise, and a beautiful expression of thanksgiving. For those in mourning, flowers are often an expression of love and hope, helping to lead toward closure. They can be an offering of love, praise and commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ. If you want to have flowers placed on the altar, please contact the church office.

 

This ministry also participates in holidays and special events by supplying poinsettias and wreaths at Christmas, lilies at Easter, and carnations for Mothers Day and Fathers Day.  Flowers are also provided for the services of Lessons and Carols, Maundy Thursday and the All Night Prayer Vigil.

 

 

" They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them." Mark 6:13 Traditionally, healing has been a gift that Jesus taught us as He ministered during His lifetime. He expected us to continue to heal in His example and to His glory. With that in mind you are invited to become a part of our healing ministry. Training is involved and this ministry includes offering healing prayers at the Altar following our Sunday 10:00am worship service and mid-week healing worship service, as scheduled. If you are interested in this ministry, contact the church office at 885-1031.

 

 

 

 

These people are responsible for taking the reserved Sacrament, to a shut-in, an ill person or persons in a private home, hospital, nursing home or jail. Fr. Roy sees these LEVS working as a team of two persons. On the first Sunday of the month, each team is called to the altar rail just after the final Prayer of Thanksgiving near the close of the Communion service, to receive the sacraments and to be prayed for before they make their visits. Anyone interested call the church office at 885-1031

 

TLC stands for "Tender Loving Care". The purpose of this ministry is to provide a sign of love from our church family to people who are struggling from the loss of a loved one, or illness or some other crises. We give this love by simple acts of kindness, which usually involves bringing a meal to a family or providing other help that a family may need in their time of grief or need. To join this ministry you will be called on from time to time to help when a situation arises. Please call the church office at 885-1031.

 

When an emergency strikes, be it illness, accident or misfortunes, prayers are needed right away!  It shouldn't wait for the Prayers of the People on Sunday morning. The prayer chain is ready to go on its knees in a moments notice. Members pass along prayer requests (in confidence) until they have reached the whole circle. In addition, they have added an email prayer chain in which prayer request are sent to intercessors via email. For more information on this special ministry call the church office at 885-1031.

 

Sunday School meets each Sunday between the services at 9 a.m. from September through June. Pre-K and Kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6, the junior high groups, the high school group and the adult class all meet in our new building next to the church.  Children can join Sunday School at any time. Parents should see the classroom teacher to register. 

 

St. Agnes chapter of the Daughters was re-instated in May 2004. Each daughter takes a lifetime vow to live by the Rule of Order, which requires daily prayer, service and evangelism. The Daughters at Christ Church, Ballston Spa are communicants of the Episcopal Church or of a church in communion. The order was originally founded in 1912 - no history of the previous order has been located, as of yet. Women considering joining the Order can contact the office at 885-1031.

 

 

                                                                                Matthew 19:14

Our Sunday School program for the children is wonderful. We offer Bible based lessons for preschool - high school. We have six classrooms and our class size averages 15-20 children with two teachers. Our classes are organized as followed: Preschool for three and four year old children, Kindergarten - First - Second - Third - Fourth - Fifth - Middle School for grades Six, Seven, and Eighth, and High School Ninth, Ten, Eleventh, and Twelfth. The curriculums our classes use either Hands On Bible or Faith Weaver.   Also, we try every year to do some outreach projects such as writing to our shut-ins or military parish members, collecting toys for Toys for Tots, and helping with the food pantry. If you have children who are interested in our youth groups please contact the Church office at 885-1031.

 

Christ Episcopal Church provides childcare for the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM services for children up to age 5. Children over 5 are encouraged to attend the worship service of are welcome to attend Junior Church. Anyone interested in volunteering his or her time can speak to the church office at 885-1031.

 

Junior Church is a wonderful opportunity for the younger members of our parish to celebrate together. The service is held in their own Children's Chapel in the parish Center. The readings follow the same readings as the adults; the only difference is that they are on a younger level. Each week a different adult runs the service. Although the children follow the same service each week, each volunteer brings their own personality to the service. Some adults may choose to read a religious story, others sing songs, while others may do a craft with the children. The children also have an opportunity to pray each week in their own very unique ways. It is incredibly touching (and funny at times) to hear the beautiful prayers our children pray to God. I encourage you to join this ministry. It takes very little time and brings many blessings. If you do not feel called to be a leader and you have little ones - make sure to send them over. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed.  If you are interested, please call the church office at 885-1031.

 

Our Junior Choir is open to all children from Kindergarten through 8th grade. We rehearse every Thursday evening from 7:00 - 7:30 PM in the church. The choir usually performs on the first Sunday of each month at the 10:00 AM service. We also perform on Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday. From time to time, we enjoy singing at the 8:00 AM service and other special events such as the Youth Service and the Parish Weekend. Our junior Choir performed at the Childrens Choir Festival at Redeemer Lutheran Church in the Spring of 2005. 

 

The work of an acolyte is to serve the congregation by helping the worship service to flow smoothly. They assist the Priest and Deacons during the Sunday Service and other liturgies. Young people who are active in Church and in grades 2 - 12 are eligible to be acolytes. Acolytes typically serve one Sunday a month. To sign up and be trained please call the church office at 885-1031

 

Little Saints is our Elementary School Youth Group. We meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Kids who attend Ballston Spa schools are picked up from school at dismissal time. Children in other school districts are welcome to participate but must provide their own transportation to church. Our program includes snack time, games, arts and crafts and videos or a field trip. In the past, we've enjoyed trips to the apple orchards and corn mazes, Howe Caverns, bowling, laser tag, mini golf, roller skating, rock climbing, snow tubing.  We have been to the State museum and a tour of All Saints Cathedral in Albany. Pick up time is usually 5:30 at the parish hall, but can change on field trip days. The cost of a regular meeting at church is $3.00 per child and includes dinner. Cost for field trips will vary depending on our destination. Any questions pleas contact Fr. Roy at the church office.

 

This youth group program is for children in 6th through 8th grade. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Kids who attend Ballston Spa School District are picked up from school at dismissal time which is 2:30 PM. Children in other school districts are welcomed to participate but must provide their own transportation to the church. Our program includes snack time, games, arts and crafts, service projects, discussion/learning sessions and special field trips and events. In the past this group has attended the 3-day Youth For Christ retreat called "Break Out". We have enjoyed fun things like trips to the Corn Maze, bowling, laser tag, mini golf, rock climbing and much more. Pick up time is usually at 5:30 PM at the parish hall. The cost of a regular meeting is $3.00, which includes dinner. Any questions please call the church office at 885-1031.

 

This youth group is for students in grades 9 - 12. We meet 2 times a month, usually Sunday afternoon/evenings. This group is based on building relationship with one another, learning about God, serving our church family with Spaghetti dinners and Pancake suppers, have fun together by going snow tubing, scavenger hunts, picnics, corn maze, laser tag and much more. Every January our group attends the Youth For Christ conference "Excel" where they are challenged to make a deeper commitment to Jesus. This is a 3 day event that is packed with music, workshops, speakers, and evening fun. At the end of the year we take a 4 day long trip that has brought us to places like Boston, Martha's Vineyard, white water rafting the New River in West Virginia, Washington D.C., Wildwood, New Jersey and most recently Cedar Point in Ohio. If you are interested in helping out with a great group of kids or have teenagers please contact the office for more information at 885-1031.

 

Our VBS program is for kids ages 3 through High School. It usually takes place during the last week of July and runs Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM. It's a fun and inspiring program that includes games, snacks, music, arts and crafts and Bible exploration.  We look forward to summer 2007 and a new theme. For more information please call the Church office at 885-1031.

 

                                                                         2 Timothy 3:18,19

 

The mission of the men's ministry at Church is to bring men into a vital relationship with Jesus Christ and one another. We do this in small groups where we have the opportunity to study God's word using a variety of study guides and to build friendship with other men. The meetings include time for reflection, discussion, laughter and prayer. Since forming in April of 1996 we have had a dozen or more such study groups of differing styles and duration. Usually there are groups that meet in the mornings and evenings to make it possible to choose a time that fits your schedule. Additionally several men from our parish have traveled to Promise Keepers conventions all over the northeast, where we have had a great opportunity to join with thousands of other men in deepening our faith and being inspired. If interested in join one of our men's groups please contact the Church office for details.

 

All women of the church are invited to participate in this study group. We look at a variety of books by all authors. We talk, share, laugh, study, scripture and learn to accept and relish the women we are in God. Groups and times may vary, so please call the Church office for information.

 

Through out the year a variety of Bible studies are offered. In the past we have studied various books of the Bible along with several different study programs. Most classes last from 6 to 12 weeks, although some have lasted much longer. Usually there is a Bible study program offered Wednesday morning led by Fr. Roy. There have also been a variety of topical Bible studies including "Women of the Bible", "The Parables" and "Parenting". For more information on Bible studies that are currently being offered contact the church office at 885-1031

 

This program is for engaged and recently married couples. Its purpose is to provide a solid spiritual and emotional foundation for new marriages. Christ Church offers this program, twice a year, in partnership with St. George's Clifton Park and Calvary Church Burnt Hills. Speak to Fr. Roy if you are interested at 885-1031.

 

This is a unique program that re-energizes the relationship you have with your spouse. It is for married couples that want to make their marriage even better than it is. This is a weekend event that is held twice a year in the Diocese of Albany. It is a chance for the two of you to get away from every day pressures distractions, and tensions.  It is designed to inspire you to explore your feelings about yourselves, your marriage and your relationship with God and the world around you. Couples interested in attending a marriage Encounter weekend please call the Church office for more details.

 

These classes are offered twice a year for those new to the parish that are interested in learning more about the church and the Christian faith. The classes are required in order to become a member of the church so it is hoped that these classes will give a person enough insight and understanding to make that serious commitment. The class is taught primarily by Fr. Roy and includes topics such as Jesus, the Church, Church History, the Bible, Worship and what is expected of us in living the Christian life.

 

Sunday School is not just for kids. At the same time the children's Sunday School is going on (9:00 - 9:50), we offer an adult Sunday School class. Sometimes we study the Gospel lesson to be read at the Sunday worship service.  Other times we have had a special class on a specific topic, such as "The Lord's Prayer". The coffee is always on!!! For more information call the church office at 885-1031.

 

Alpha is a 12-week course for those who want to learn more about the Christian faith. The course comes out of a church in England and features the teaching of Nicky Gumble. Included in the class are topics such as: Christianity: How should I read the Bible? Who is the Holy Spirit? Does God Heal Today? What about the Church? and more.  The Alpha course includes dinner with every meeting as a way to deepen friendships. The course also includes a weekend retreat. This is a wonderful oportunity for those who want to restore or renew their faith. For more information call the church office at 885-1031.

 

If you feel that God may be calling you to ordained ministry, please call Fr. Roy for more information on the process of discernment. There are several diocesan publications outlining the "Road to Ordination".

 

 

 

" They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers"

                                                                    Acts 2:42

We have one of the sweetest ministries there is!! Our coffee hour is held every Sunday following the 10:00 service in the parish hall. The volunteers provide a warm inviting area for all parishioners to come and fellowship with one another while sampling some of the most delicious baked goods. Each volunteer is requested to provide baked goods or snack foods, juice and creamer. They make sure the coffee is made and set up before the worship service is over. Please call the office at 885-1031 to sign up.

 

 

This ministry area is in charge of planning fun activities for our church family. In June, we hold our annual church picnic and for the past two years we have been fortunate enough to be able to hold it at the Spiritual Life Center. For the past five years, we have held the "Padre Open" golf tournament at Brookhaven Golf Course followed by dinner and awards. We have taken trips to Yankee Stadium to catch a baseball game, we've held game nights, movie nights and cafe-music night with special musical guests. We have also held an annual Valentine's Day get together. So, if you have any ideas for future events or would like to be part of this ministry, please contact the office at 885-1031

 

 

 

                                                                          1 Peter 4:10

The Buildings and Grounds Committee is a group of parishioners who, under the guidance of the Vestry Chairperson, help to maintain the facilities of Christ Church. Contact the office at 885-1031, if you are called to this ministry.

 

People are always needed to help count the Sunday offering. People work in teams and are usually committed to helping for one month of Sundays. Counters should have good math skills and basic data entry. For more information call the church office at 885-1031

 

When a loved one dies, a wonderful way to honor and remember the person is through our memorial fund. Gifts of money given in the name of a loved one are collected and in time, often with the help of family, the money collected is designated to purchase something to purchase something for the church in memory of that person. Some memorials have been designated towards the new building; others have been for various things including choir robes, prayer books, Bibles, chalice, sound system and much more. If interested in this ministry please contact the church office @ 885-1031

 

The Diocese of Albany meets for convention each June at The Camp of the Woods in Speculator, NY. Christ Church is allowed to send three deputies to participate in the important council of the Church. Delegates are elected at our annual meeting in January. Contact Fr. Roy @ 885-1031 if you would like to be considered for this ministry. But you don't have to be a deputy to attend Convention! There are a wide range of worship events, workshops and teaching sessions at Convention. Anyone who would like to attend may, but make your reservation soon because space is limited.

 

The Stewardship Committee is comprised of eight people including the Rector. We meet monthly to brainstorm ideas and implement plans to help our congregation understand the concept of giving to God from a heart of gratitude. Each month we try to be visible to the congregation in various ways and every few months we host a special event. In the spring we center our presentation on the pledge campaign, which usually occurs in May. Anyone that would like to be a part of this ministry, please contact the church office @ 885-1031.

 

Christ Church Vestry is made up of nine members, plus the Junior Warden and Senior Warden.  This group is responsible for conducting the business of the church. Three members are elected each year to serve a three-year term to allow for rotation.  The Warden position is a total two-year term. The Junior Warden is elected every year (one year term). Then at the end of the one-year term the Junior Warden becomes the Senior Warden. These officers of the church are responsible for the management, financial well being, and stewardship of the church. Each member also chairs a committee. In addition, The Clergy, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Clerk and Administrative Assistant sit on the Vestry. We are grateful and proud of their work.

 

It is important to the Vestry that all parishioners feel welcome to share their thoughts and ideas about God's vision for us as a Christian community and how to make that vision a reality at Christ Church. Parishioners are welcome to attend the meetings, which are held on the second Monday of the month beginning at 7:00 pm. Also, you are encouraged to speak with any of the Vestry members about your ideas for Christ Church.

 

  

God speaks to his Church through many people. He may be putting a new ministry on your heart today. We are always open to hearing new ideas! We may not be able to use them all; but we are always ready to listen. Share your ideas for ministry with Father Roy, Father Scott, Deacon Al, Deacon Bill, Deacon Lynne or one of the Wardens or a Vestry Member!!

 

 

A LOVING COMMUNITY SEEKING TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN