Opportunities for Ministry
Acolytes
Acolytes are dedicated young servants, 8 years old and up, who serve at the
altar in our scheduled worship services. These committed lay ministers participate
in one of the oldest Minor Orders of the Church. The bearing of torches,
candles, banners, and processional crosses and assisting at the altar during
the Eucharist are the basic expectations of this ministry. We welcome all
inquirers and aspirants to this humbling and committed ministry.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild serves at the discretion of the Rector and with
the supervision of a chairman. At present it is divided into
5 teams of 4-5 members with each team being responsible for
all services on a regular weekly schedule. All items needed
to conduct services are ordered by the Guild. Funding is by
donations. Weddings are coordinated with an Altar Guild member.
A member of the Altar Guild will be present at all weddings.
The Bookies
While we are not bookmakers, if you want to bet a little of your
time, you can win a few hours of thought provoking conversation
centered on a selected book. We are an eclectic group, choosing
diverse titles. Please check the bulletin or newsletter for times
and location.
Building and Grounds Commission
This commission is headed by the Vestry’s Junior Warden, and their responsibility
is the upkeep of all buildings and grounds, Saint John’s Church included.
This group is also responsible for planning our long term grounds and building
fiscal requirements.
Cemetery
Committee
The Cemetery Committee was created through a resolution adopted by the
Vestry in late 2000, and was up and running around March 2001. Its original
focus was the cemetery adjacent to Holy Cross Church, but focus has now
been expanded to include the cemetery on the grounds at St. John’s Church. The Church
and its neighbor on the south share ownership of the cemetery at Holy Cross.
Many issues are being resolved as to who and how one may reserve a burial
space in either cemetery, and whether a columbarium should be considered
for either or both cemeteries. Development of rules and regulations are being
established for both cemeteries to bring both facilities into the full family
of the Church’s ministry. The Committee presently is comprised
of about 15 members and several advisory and resource members.
Chalice
Bearers
As a chalice bearer you are licensed by the Diocese to be an instrument
in serving the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. You are offering to
the recipient the Blood of Christ through serving the chalice. Weekly
assignments are done in concert with the Lay Readers. You do not necessarily
have to be a “Reader” to
be a “Chalice Bearer.”
Choir
The Choir is open to anyone who loves to sing and is willing to
commit time and talent to serving God. Our primary purpose is
to lead the liturgy in worship. We also present special anthems
as well as services as our gift to God. Rehearsals are every
Wednesday at 7:30 pm in choir room in Skiles Hall. There are
no auditions and a trained voice is not needed, just a love for
music and singing.
Christian
Education Commission-Adult
The Christian Education Commission is chaired by a member of
the Vestry and assisted by volunteers. The commission not only
welcomes and encourages program suggestions from the parishioners,
but also deeply appreciates any and all contributions. Christian
Education at Holy Cross is a relatively informal but extensive
program. The Sunday morning program is eclectic and responsive
to current issues as well as biblical and spiritual needs. In
addition there are book clubs and intense study groups. Education
For Ministry (EFM) is an ongoing, four-year program for laity
and Deacons based out of the Univ. of the South Seminary, Sewanee,
TN. The Valle Crucis Conference Center offers weekday and weekend
seminars. Literally we have something for everyone.
Christian
Education Commission-Children
The Christian Education Commission for children and youth is
chaired by a member of the vestry and assisted by many volunteers.
A curriculum and programs are formulated for the instruction
and guidance of your youth in the knowledge of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, its liturgy and the teaching of scripture.
A children’s choir, hand bell choir and children’s
church is currently offered as well as many activities involving
service and fellowship.
Church
Library
Holy Cross is quite proud of its library. It is located in the Skiles
cabin and has many inspiring books. There are Bibles, reference books,
books on church history, books by recognized authors, appealing children’s
books, current literature and even books written by some of our
own members! There is quite a collection of tapes, cassettes and
videos. The room is pleasantly decorated, inviting readers to come,
relax and enjoy a good book!
Cross
Walk Committee
Committee members entice volunteers to walk to raise money for “In- reach” (opportunities
within the parish) programs such as the Youth Group, Towel Ministry and
other in-reach programs.
Episcopal
Church Women
“Little old ladies in tennis shoes” is the perception
of ECW held by many parishioners. Au contraire; we respectfully
beg to differ! Many of the ladies are young, or at least young at heart, and
all of us can really run and serve in those tennis shoes! Fundraisers
throughout the years have supplemented needs throughout our parish.
Just a few examples: historical preservation supplies, a fan
in Skiles kitchen, an easel that actually holds charts, scholarships
for seminarians, outreach grants, matching dishes for Skiles Hall,
new vases, fresh flowers, wall hangings, and many others. The list
is endless. Along with service, worship and fellowship are core
to our program. All women of Holy Cross are members of the Episcopal
Church Women by virtue of their church membership. The purpose
of the organization is to unite the women of the parish in a program
of worship, study, service and fellowship which will deepen and
strengthen their own spiritual lives and lead them into service for the Church
in this parish, community, diocese, nation and world.
Episcopal
Youth Community
The Holy Cross youth group participates in and hosts a variety
of youth events, ranging from congregational to communal activities
throughout the months of August through the following May. The
youth group has grown in the past 2 years, and attendance may range
from 12-20 participants per event. The youth group concentrates
on not only meeting Sunday evenings (regular meeting time), but
also participates in community events, such as the Valle Country
Fair and hosting the youth from other churches in the area. In
addition, the youth are encouraged to attend Diocesan events including
conferences such as the annual Senior High Conference. When not
attending special events, such as those noted, the youth gather
weekly on Sunday evenings and engage in community activities. These
include, making dinner together, games and team exercises, and
some type of instructional activity. Youth Group ministry at the
Holy Cross is quickly becoming a main concentration, and as membership
of the youth group continues to grow, the love and commitment of
the youth for each other and the community surrounding them continues
to grow as well.
The
Finance Commission
The primary function of the Finance Commission is to manage the
budget process for Holy Cross Church. The Commission is also mindful
of future needs and tries to balance the present with the future.
Foyer
Groups
The purpose of the foyer groups is to provide opportunities for social
gatherings so that parishioners can get to know our Holy Cross friends
better. Foyer groups are composed of 10-14 people and home gatherings
are rotated throughout the group during the year.
Gourmet
Dinners
Sponsored by the Stewardship Committee who invite Hosts to participate
in creative ways to raise money and have fun. Creativity has included
some of the following: Hosts’ interpretations of “Gourmet Dinner” goes from Hotdogs
to Arkansas Barbecue to visits to exotic lands via food and beverage (i.e.
Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, and Mexico). Others have included Mystery Movies
with popcorn and mystery Dinner Theaters. The committee’s priorities
are to support in-reach programs, have fun, and create fellowship
Hand
Bell Choir
The Hand Bell Choir does the same thing as the choir does, except they
do so by playing hand bells. If you like bells, give them a call.
Hospitality
Committee
If you have enjoyed fellowship and refreshments after church, pitching
in to help make them happen might be of interest to you. The Hospitality
Chairperson is always ready to welcome any and all volunteers to provide
coffee, snacks or lunch for church events. Whether your cooking and
baking skills rival Betty Crocker or your best talent is cleaning or
stacking chairs, this is a place for you to minister through hospitality.
Lay
Readers and Chalice Bearers
Lay Readers are the transmitters of God’s Word in the Old and New Testament
scripture readings during services. This includes Sunday as well as special
services; we also lead some of the Summer Services at St. John’s. It
is the Lay Readers’ job to bring the scriptures to life for the
listeners, aiming to tell the stories of the service readings. If you
have a desire to read, this is a ministry for you! You do not need experience,
just a strong voice that can be heard throughout the church.
Lemonade
on the Lawn
At the close of services in pleasant weather, refreshments are served
on the lawn in front of the church, beneath an umbrella, providing members
and visitors with social time and a chance to welcome newcomers.
Membership
Commision
The Membership Commission is headed by a vestry member. This commission’s
primary mission is introducing new members to Holy Cross’s congregation,
facilities and programs. Updating church directory and bulletins are
also covered by Membership Commission
Memorials
Commission
The Church of the Holy Cross Columbarium and Memorial Garden is located
on the church property and is an appropriate space for interment of ashes
after cremation of the deceased.
The
Men’s Breakfast Club
This is a very informal group of gentlemen within the church, divided
into teams, that provides breakfast for the congregation the first
Sunday of each month. Each of the chefs serves approximately three
times a year. The group occasionally prepares special occasion events
for the congregation. No experience or expertise in the culinary arts
is required. The event generated such fun and fellowship for the providers
as well as the participants, it became a regular first Sunday of the
month occasion. Approximately 25 to 30 men, women and youth participate
in providing the breakfast meals, with one person being designated
the team leader for each Sunday. The team leader generally organizes
the assigned team members, plans the menu and secures the needed kitchen
and food products. A volunteer serves 4 to 5 Sundays a year.
Ministry
on Aging
The ministry to the aging community offers opportunities for involvement
by parishioners. This ministry includes visitation to nursing homes,
participation in a caregivers program for Alzheimers and early dementia
sufferers, chair exercise program in an assisted living facility, pastoral
care and visitation to shut-ins and to the infirm. This ministry offers
a rewarding opportunity to work with the elder community and volunteers
are always appreciated.
Mission and Outreach Commission
The Mission Outreach Commission (MOC) is a visible and tangible way that the
Holy Cross family demonstrates our dedication to our Lord’s teaching
to love and serve Him by helping others. Funds are provided by the proceeds
of the Valle Country Fair and are used to reward several deserving grant
recipients, therefore assisting them in their various ministries, and also
to fund the Commission’s yearly budget. Through outreach activities,
the MOC is able to support families in crisis, provide opportunities for
education and enrichment to those who are unable to do so for themselves,
and to help meet basic emergency needs of citizens in our area who are brought
to our attention. Additionally, the Commission supports mission work
around the globe. The MOC is made up of 12 rotating members who serve for
a 3 year period, and 2 permanent members, Father John Zellner and Deacon
Muriel Moore. The Mission Outreach Commission provides a wonderful opportunity
for valuable and rewarding stewardship.
Newsletter
Do you remember watching Superman? Lois Lane and Clark Kent had such exciting
newspaper jobs. They would rush off to get the “scoop” - no matter
if it was dangerous and they had to be saved by Superman. The story had to
be written quickly and given to their editor, Mr. White. Ah, such fun - newspaper
work. While The Holy Cross Newsletter is not a dangerous job, it is fun and
exciting. Cub reporters throughout the church turn in their “scoops” to
the editor for printing in the monthly newsletter. Why, on a few occasions
we have actually been the first to put a story into print! No “scoop” so
far has been turned away! Another important part of preparing the newsletter
for distribution is the folding and addressing of the finished product. There
are several people who spend quality time together completing this task.
I am sure they feel very honored to be the first to see the stories in print.
Anyone who wants to be creative (like Lois and Clark) and turn in stories,
help fold and address the finished product, edit or try new ideas for our
newsletter, please let us know.
The Order of the Daughters of the
King
The Order of the Daughters of the King is an Order for women
who are communicants of the Episcopal Church. The Order, founded
in 1885, is a community of nurturing women, accepting all people,
bridging differences and cherishing traditions. Members undertake
a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule
of Service. By reaffirmation of the promise made at Baptism and
Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program
of prayer, service, and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of
Christ’s Kingdom and the strengthening of
the spiritual life of her parish. The Rule of Life requires spiritual disciplines
of daily prayer, service and evangelism. Because of the vow, the Daughters
of the King are referred to as an Order, not an organization. The by-laws prohibit
the Order from raising funds. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the vision of the
Order is to encourage and enable all to be reflections of God’s love,
reaching out through prayer, service and evangelism to spread His Kingdom.
Through the Rule of Service Daughters are to be Christ’s faithful servants
in the extension of His Kingdom; to regularly take part in the worship, study
and work of the Church; and to render at all times aid to the clergy as deemed
necessary for the spiritual up-building of the parish. Part of the Rule of
Prayer is to pray daily for the unity of Christ’s Church for the spread
of Christ’s Kingdom and for the spiritual growth of the parish and for
the clergy.
Project Linus
Holy Cross is host to a chapter of Project Linus, a recognized national organization
commemorating the blanket-toting character from the “Peanuts” comic
strip. Members make security blankets, which are distributed to seriously
ill or traumatized children. This is an on-going project.
St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church
St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, is an historic Episcopal Church built
in 1858 and consecrated in 1862, located off Mast Gap Road. Saint John’s
is open during the summer months for worship, fellowship and prayer. In addition,
several times during the year, special services are held at St. John’s.
In recent years, it has also become a site chosen for weddings. All events
for St. John’s must be scheduled through the Holy Cross Parish Office.
Scout Troops
Boy Scout & Girl Scout Troops are sponsored by Holy Cross Church in conjunction
with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone. These groups meet bi-weekly
and go on a variety of outings, including camping, canoeing and the Council’s
summer camp. In addition, the Scouting programs include service to the community
and training programs for the participants.
Stewardship Commission
Activities of the stewardship commission are focused on “year-round” stewardship,
the giving of time, talent and treasures. The Commission includes 6 to 8 members
with a Vestry person as chair. The team fosters stewardship awareness as it
applies to environment, spirituality and finances. Efforts of the Commission
concentrate on proportional giving on an on-going basis.
Towel Ministry
Towel Ministry is a servant ministry that “interprets to the Church in
the needs, concerns and hope of the world,” and then crosses the bridge
from the church to the community to serve those in need. The Towel Ministry
sponsors work camps to help those in need of home repairs who “fall through
the cracks” of government programs. Concentration is on those families
whose homes need roof repairs, wheelchair ramps, new porches, new screen doors,
and a variety of repairs that can be accomplished over a short period of time
or through the course of a week. The volunteers include adult and youth groups
from parishes across the Diocese who takes on continuing weekend projects and
or retreat work camps. Teenage summer participation in work camps is composed
of teens from the Diocese of Western Carolina as well as from Alabama, Connecticut,
Florida, Delaware, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The basic goals are to offer
hands-on immediate relief to specific situations. The volunteers learn of the
needs of others and how, as Christians, to serve them.
Usher/Greeters/Oblation Bearers
Ushers, Greeters, and Oblation Bearers play a very significant and integral
roll during the celebration of worship services at Holy Cross. Ushers, by
definition, are those who escort persons to seats in church, are officers
or servants having charge of the entrance door, and are ones whose business
it is to introduce strangers. Greeters meet and receive all visitors to our
worship services, making sure that they are known to others and that they
feel comfortable during their visit in God’s House. The Oblation Bearers
carry the unique elements of bread and wine to the altar for use in the Eucharist.
These non-vested lay ministers represent an important element through which
the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost embrace members of the
congregation and visitors to the Church. We usually have a pool of 65 men,
women, and youth participating as ushers, oblation bearers and greeters.
Four are scheduled at every 11:00 A.M. Sunday Service and for special Christmas
Eve Services and Easter Services. Occasionally Ushers are required for funeral
services. A volunteer serves 3 to 4 Services a year.
Valle
Country Fair
The Valle Country Fair is held annually on the third Saturday
of October. It has been held every year since 1979 on the grounds
of the Valle Crucis Conference Center. Approximately 125 Craft booths
display and sell the work of craft people from North Carolina and surrounding
states. Each crafter donates 10% of their receipts for the day to the
Mission and Outreach Commission (MOC) of Holy Cross Church. Demonstrations
of apple butter making and cider pressing take place during the day.
The church also has booths selling jams and jellies, baked goods, t-shirts
and hats, apple butter, cider, a barbecue lunch, and several other “Food Booths.” This
is an event where most Holy Cross members volunteer their help in
some way; we also have many community volunteers that help us that
day. The proceeds from the Fair are used for a group of selected non-profit
organizations that are chosen by the MOC (through a grant application
process), and are also used for other needy individuals in Watauga
and Avery Counties (as described in Mission and Outreach Commission
description).
Villager
Initiative
Once a month, volunteers from Holy Cross meet at the Playhouse in Boone
to spend time with several foster children, in order that the parents
of these youth might have a night for themselves. The Playhouse is
already equipped with many fun options for the children, and the volunteers
keep a watchful eye, play with and support the children, and provide
a very light supper for them. It is an enjoyable and rewarding time
for everyone, and the foster parents really appreciate it! This is
a great community service, and a loving witness for the children and
parents. We meet at the Playhouse, the third Thursday of each month,
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come join us in this special ministry. Contact:
Alicia Toomey, 297-7586.
Worship
and Liturgy Commission
The purpose of the Worship & Liturgy Commission is to support the
Rector and Deacons in liturgy; support Christian Education, and help
coordinate training sessions for those involved in worship.