Caring Committee: The Caring Ministry is a group of clergy and laity who meet to share information as to which parishioners need pastoral care. The group performs a needs assessment each month for parish nursing; the prayer chain and intercessory prayer; transportation, cards and meals; Eucharistic visits; and visiting people in home, hospital and care centers.
Here at St. Augustine’s we seek to follow this definition by providing the following formation opportunities for our young people:
Godly Play (ages 4-11), 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: During the 10:30 service children from 4 to 11 learn that God is with them not only here or there but everywhere. St. Augustine’s, using the Godly Play program, offers lessons each Sunday from September to June.
Godly Play uses Montessori teaching techniques which invite discovery rather than a traditional lecture or scripture memorization style. For example, a desert box of sand is used to represent the desert in telling of Exodus and the migration of Abraham and Sarah. Physical objects are also used to relate to the parables of Jesus and, of course, the Resurrection. Godly Play is a “hands on” learning experience that presents both the Hebrew experience with God and the teachings and actions of Jesus. Godly Play is designed to connect with the Church year and worship. A storyteller presents the lesson assisted by a door person.
Altar Guild: The Altar Guild is responsible for the maintenance of church linens and vestments and for the dressing of the altar. Spectacular floral arrangements made by Altar Guild members from their own gardens are one example of their talent and dedication.
Junior Altar Guild: The Junior Altar Guild invites young people ages 12 and up to work with the adult Altar Guild members in learning how to care for and maintain linens and vestments and how to dress the altar.
Worship participants: Acolytes: As “one who serves”, Acolytes assist the clergy during the liturgy by carrying the processional crosses and torches.
Worship participants: Junior Acolytes
Jr. Acolytes invite youth ages 12 and up to serve during the liturgy in the same way as adult Acolytes.
Choirs: Our adult choir is renowned throughout the region for their musical talents. We welcome anyone who has an interest in singing praises to God to join us in the choir loft.
The Columbarium at St. Augustine’s: Within steps of our church doors and nestled at the forest edge, the Columbarium at St. Augustine’s revives an ancient Christian tradition of providing a final resting place on our parish grounds for the remains of our loved ones.
The Columbarium is a welcome place for contemplation and renewal for the living and is a tangible reminder of the communion of saints, both living and dead.
Animal Spreading Garden: Nestled next to our columbarium and spreading garden is a smaller spreading garden for the the animal companions of parishioners who have died.