Our Ministries

ACOLYTES

Acolytes assist the clergy during worship services. Wearing special vestments acolytes whether children of adults, participate as torch bearers, servers, crucifers, and on special occasions as flag/banner bearers and thurifers. We encourage all our young people to study to become acolytes and welcome our adults as well to serve in this ministry.

YOGA

YOGA begins at 5:30p.m. every Tuesday in the Parish Hall. Richard Rogers comes from Natchitoches to lead yoga class. We are starting our 5^th year together. Everyone is invited and there are yoga mats available. Anyone can do it, so please join us!

ECW (EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN)

ECW (Episcopal Church Women) get together each month for fellowship and to work on various church and community projects. Meetings may be social but primarily it is the business that draws our attention and time. All women of Christ Memorial are considered members of ECW and are encouraged to participate. The number one priority of this group is the organization, preparation, cooking and serving for the Bazaar. Other kitchen ministries for ECW include keeping the kitchen stocked and clean and organizing/serving meals for special occasions and regularly scheduled social events. Our women meet and greet the newcomers, make them feel “at home” at Christ Memorial, and offer refreshments after services. They minister to Parishioners during times of illness, the birth of a baby, and at a time of death of a loved one.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND LECTORS

Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors are individuals who serve as Chalice Bearers and Readers at the Sunday worship services (plus various special services throughout the liturgical year) on a regularly scheduled basis.

ALTAR GUILD

Altar Guild members work in teams and serve according to a monthly rotation schedule under the skilled direction of our Altar Guild Directress.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS

The Annual Bazaar was first hosted by the women of Christ Memorial in the fall of 1955, and has continued annually without interruption and grown in scope and numbers to Community Tradition status. This event has truly brought our community together in fellowship for many years to share a wholesome, homemade meal featuring our famous recipe of Chicken Spaghetti, sides, homemade desserts, a White Elephant Sale, and Home Baked Goods Sale. In recent years the numbers who come have grown to the point that the men of Christ Memorial joined hands with the women to get the job done. Now, we can say that our Annual Bazaar is a church-wide ministry to the entire community.

USHERS

Ushers greet people on their way into church for worship, hand them a service bulletin and assist at any time during the service. They take up the alms and oblations, and work in teams.

EUCHARISTIC VISITORS

Eucharistic Visitors are individuals who assist our clergy in administering communion from the reserved Sacraments to shut-ins and those in hospitals. In early November, 2009, sixteen additional members of Christ Memorial fulfilled the required training and were appointed and licensed by the Bishop to serve in these three Eucharistic ministries until Advent 1,2012.

THE BROTHER LAWRENCE FOOD MINISTRY

The Brother Lawrence Food Ministry, inspired by a 17^th century monk who served the Lord by doing kitchen duties for his brothers in Christ, was begun in 2010 by two individuals serving five to six shut-ins at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church. Their purpose was to feed and minister by showing God’s love to the sick and homebound in our community.

It has grown today to serve 40-50 people weekly and has evolved into a community ministry drawing from many; varied religious groups including Baptist and Catholic in the parish. Each meal is prepared with loving hands and prayers then delivered to each home. Wonderful personal relationships have been formed and we all benefit.

Brother Lawrence Food Ministry was kicked off with one time funds from the Episcopal women’s group and has been kept going strong with donations ever since.

THE ANNUAL BAZAAR

Sunday School Teachers, under the direction of the Adult and Youth Christian Ed. Committee, lead Sunday School instruction during the school year for all our children following an easy-to-use, “kid-friendly” curriculum.

THE CMC DISCRETIONARY FUND

The CMC Discretionary Fund provides outreach ministry to local citizens as well as wayfarers in dire need. At the discretion of our Rector and/or his assistants funds are allocated to help defray expenses such as medicines and utilities for persons proven to be in need. This ministry is generously funded by our Parishioners.

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Mary Vay Cobb is the Secretary Monday, Wedensday, Friday 8:30-12:30

Diane D. Paulk, Organist CMEC

From the Organist’s Bench

Organist & Vestry member of the Christ Memorial Episcopal Church

Member of the Commission of Liturgy and Music for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana

THE PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE

The Parish Life Committee explores various ways to add to our fellowship by planning and overseeing activities for Parishioners-young and old-to come together in social settings. Some of their regularly scheduled social events include pot luck meal gatherings after Sunday 10:30 a.m. service, an annual Fat Tuesday party, Pentecost picnic, Halloween Cookout party and Christmas party.