Outreach

“All who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.”
–The Rule of Saint Benedict

The following ministries are always looking for helpers

Acolyte: assist during the service with the lighting, extinguishing, and transport of liturgical candles.
Crucifer: carrying the crucifix during the procession and assisting the priest during Eucharist.
Thurifer: burning the incense and swinging the thurible.
Lector: reading either the first or second lesson during the Liturgy of the Word.
Choir: singing the anthems, chanting the psalms.
Usher: greeting, handing out bulletins, and assisting with seating.
Hospitality: providing the refreshments for the post-Sunday Mass coffee hour.
Altar Guild: setting up and cleaning up the communion elements and linens.
Flower Guild: arranging the flowers around the altar.
Catechumenate: preparing new members for baptism and confirmation.
Christian Formation [Adults and Children]: the leading of bible studies and education classes.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers: licensed by the diocese to take consecrated elements to the home-bound and sick.
House Eucharist Host: during the summers, Grace members take turns hosting a midweek Eucharist at their home.
Buildings and Grounds: helping with keeping the Grace campus lush and clean.
Gardening: during the farming seasons, Grace Church operates a modest garden of vegetables and herbs.
Episcopal Church Women [ECW]: Episcopalian women of all ages doing Christ’s ministry in the world.
Cursillo: a movement focused on the spiritual training of lay church leaders.
Prayer Ministry: participating in a cycle of prayer for members of the Grace community.
Stewardship Committee: coordinating members’ time, talents, and financial resources for the good of the parish.
Vestry: the church board operating the parish day-to-day.
Birthday Ministry: sending out cards to remind our members that they are loved.
Grace Notes Newsletter: a monthly collection of happenings with the parish.

The following outreach programs always welcome assistance

Community Kitchens: serves lunch every day from 1pm to 2pm in the Parish Hall.
Food Pantry: distributes bags of groceries 3-4 times a month to Woodlawn families in need.
Clothes Closet: gives reclaimed clothes to those in need free of charge.
Emergency Shelter: offers shelter during times of inclement weather and/or emergency situations.
Grace By Day: offers hospitality in the Parish Hall during the week from 11:00am to 12:45pm.
Grace Works: provides a summer day camp for adolescents ages 10-14.

The following programs are hosted by or affiliated with Grace Church

ESL Classes: teaching English as a Second Language to the greater Hispanic community in Birmingham.
Nar-Anon Meetings: a support group dedicated to family members and friends of substance addicts.
55th Place Community Thrift Shop: a nonprofit organization that gives its proceeds directly back to Birmingham.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to give us a call, send us a note, or stop by for a visit.