Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. — 1 Corinthians 12.4-7

Many of us may be familiar with this scenario: We slip away from church for awhile and then - whammo - we are driven back in by crisis. Crisis of faith? Crisis in our lives? It doesn't matter. Even if we don't recognize the crisis, we are spiritually hungry and it's time to do something about it! We stumble into the door with our hands outstretched looking for nourishment.

The holy joke is that those outstretched hands don't just receive. They serve!

The blessed punchline to the joke is that serving nourishes your spirit, body, and soul more than anything else.

If I think, what is St. John's doing for me? I realize that I am St. John's. Is "the church" going to call me when something goes wrong in my world? Or are my family members in Christ going to look after me? Service in the church connects you to the family members who will know you and care for you like no others. You have nothing to lose but loneliness and isolation! And I just know that YOU are the expert in some area that St. John's really needs. - Lorienne Schwenk

Let Us Pray

Ministry Opportunities at St. John’s

or Answering Your Call to Baptismal Ministry

The Book of Common Prayer defines the ministry of lay people in the catechism (p. 855) as follows: “The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ’s ministry.”

As Christians, we are all called to ministry. At the time of baptism, we are charged with the responsibility to serve. This responsibility is referred to as Baptismal Ministry. Baptism expresses God’s claim on our lives. It is the most fundamental link that ties us together as Christians. The call to serve is there to be heard by each and every Christian, to give expression to the voice of God in his/her own ministry.

Perhaps you are called to work for justice and peace in the world; perhaps you are called to the ministry of prayer. Perhaps you feel God’s gentle hand steering you towards ministry at the altar as a liturgical server or as a member of the Altar Guild. You may have talents as a teacher you want to share through Children’s Ministry; you may have the amazing gifts that make newcomers to St. John’s feel warm and welcomed. Answer the call to ministry that came to you at your baptism. Get involved here at church and in the community. Come and use the gifts God has given you to serve the world through your ministry.

Current Volunteer opportunities at St. John’s:

• Welcome Ministry
• Outreach Committee
• Adult School Board
• Eagle reporter
• Sunday Flower Delivery
• Ride Provider
• Meals Ministry
• Rag dolls 2 love
• Coffee Hour Assistants
• Office help (Thursday afternoons).
To volunteer or for more information, call Pam in the office, 303-442-5246.
Don’t wait! PARTICIPATE!