We have many ways that you can be involved – from preparing the altar or flowers, greeting members, being an acolyte, reader or member of the choir, to serving the coffee and donuts afterwards. Then, of course, there is pastoral care to any parishioner in need. Read about them below!
If you would like to make a difference by volunteering with any of the ministries listed below, please contact the church office at (818) 991-4797 or send an email to info@tcote.org.
Acolytes
The word acolyte means “one who helps.” Acolytes participate in different roles of the service as part of the team of ministers who lead the worship. An acolyte’s duties include holding the Gospel book for the vicar or priest during the reading, receiving the collection plate from the ushers after the offerings have been blessed, washing the hands of the clergy involved in the celebration of the Eucharist, and assisting with clearing the altar after the distribution of communion. This ministry is open to both adults and young adults. Training is provided. If you are interested, please email us at info@tcote.org.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a ministry of service – a gift of our time and talent to serve God – preparing all that is necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist and any of the other sacraments of the church (e.g., baptisms, weddings, burials). We serve reverently and quietly behind the scenes, ensuring that our sanctuary reflects the holiness and the joy that we all create together in our worship. The work of the altar guild is not only of great importance to the liturgy, but it is also deeply spiritual and rewarding on a personal level. If you are interested or want to learn more about the Altar Guild – which is open to all women and men at Epiphany, please contact the church office at info@tcote.org or (818) 991-4797.m
Coffee Host
Coffee hour is a tradition of hospitality and fellowship, a time to catch up with friends and acquaint yourself with new people of the congregation. The work of a coffee host entails a very practical contribution to our parish life and to our community, and what emerges through the work are new connections, life-long friendships and a great sense of satisfaction after providing the opportunity for all of us to engage in fellowship. If you are interested in hosting Coffee Hour, we would be so grateful! Hosting is simple, you prepare and serve the donuts, coffee and lemonade after the 10:00 a.m. service.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office at (818) 991-4797 or send an email to info@tcote.org.
epiphany Flower Guild
Each week, the talented and creative Epiphany Flower Guild members are responsible for purchasing and arranging altar flowers for Sunday services, including Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas, and Pentecost. Members are divided into teams which serve on a weekly rotation throughout the year. No experience necessary. On the job training provided! Flowers and plants from the arrangements are distributed to shut-ins and hospital patients by our clergy and lay ministers. For more information contact Carrie Wilcox at (703) 508-2628.
Holy Hosts
Being a Holy Host is all about creating a sense of community. One of the ways we come together is through shared meals. We help with potlucks, cooking meals, setting up, and cleaning up after events. The events could include anything happening here at church: a baptism, a memorial, our annual fundraiser, post-service receptions, meal trains for fellow parishioners in need – the list goes on. We work around YOUR schedule: if you’re available to help, terrific! If not, we’ll catch you next time.
This is a wonderful opportunity to serve others, build friendships, and contribute to the heart of Epiphany. If you’ve ever stored leftovers, washed a tablecloth, or taken out the trash, YOU have the qualifications to be a member of this important ministry! Please contact Stacey Stephens to join the crew, or if you have any questions: holyhosts@tcote.org
Lay Eucharistic Minister
A Lay Eucharistic Minister also known as a LEM, is a lay person authorized to assist the clergy during liturgical services. During Eucharist (Holy Communion) the Lay Eucharistic Ministers offer wine to the congregation. In the absence of a priest, they will take the consecrated Sacrament to members of the congregation who may be ill, confined, hospitalized, or are otherwise unable to attend our regularly scheduled worship.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office at (818) 991-4797 or send an email to info@tcote.org.
Lectors/Lay Readers
Lay readers read the scripture lessons from the Old and New Testament – a vitally important role in the leadership of our worship. They serve at all Sunday morning services and special services during Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter.
Being a lay reader can be a great way to participate in leading worship for those who have limited time but who desire to contribute to our worship. Readings and prayers are sent out in advance so there is plenty of time to familiarize yourself with what you will be reading and to develop an understanding of its meaning.
If you are interested in becoming a lay reader, please contact info@tcote.org
Pastoral Care Team
The Pastoral Care Team cares for parishioners who may be sick, recovering from surgery, or experiencing other life changes by making phone calls, visiting hospitals and homes, and helping with their unmet needs, such as providing an occasional meal following surgery or illness. If you would like to be a part of this rewarding ministry, contact Sharon Schneider: sschneider@tcote.org
Ushers
Ushers are the smiling faces that greet us every Sunday morning as we gather for worship. They help our Vicar with the orderly running of the service and assist members and visitors before and during each service. They hand out programs, help people find seats, manage the offerings, and direct the orderly movement of people to and from communion. Open to men and women.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office at (818) 991-4797 or send an email to info@tcote.org.