No matter your age, we invite you to deepen your involvement at St. Mary’s. As with so many things, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it! We have ministries that serve our parish, and ministries that serve our neighborhood and beyond. Please contact the church office at (831) 373-4441 or officemanager@stmarysbythesea.org to get more information on any of the following ministries, or to find out how to jump in. We need you! You can also subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on news, events, and ministries.
Opportunities to Serve
Christian Social Concerns
Since 1965 a dedicated group of volunteers provide food, clothing, and other social service resources and assistance for people in need. Volunteers interview clients to assess their needs and also bag and distribute groceries; stock shelves; collect food from a variety of sources. Volunteers contribute to the ministry of CSC not only financially but also by donating time and food. This service is available to all walk-ins Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 – 2:00 pm.
I-HELP
Along with other local churches, we take a regular turn in providing dinner and a safe overnight for homeless men, and recently, a similar program for homeless women. St. Mary’s belongs to this peninsula wide organization that provides food and shelter to homeless people enrolled in the outreach program. Once a month a group of parishioners gather in Edwards Hall to prepare and share a hot meal with either the men or women. Overnight shelter is provided in the parish hall.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Inspired by former parishioner Ann Taugher, knitters gather monthly to create shawls for those who need “celebratory or comforting enfolding.” Recipients have been parishioners, friends of parishioners, relatives at a distance, CSC clients, mental health and social service families. Some recent occasions upon which shawls have been delivered are: graduation, bereavement, hospitalization, birth and relocation. Our shawls are made for all God’s children; anyone who needs a reminder of God’s love for them. Since September 2005 we have delivered over 240 shawls! It’s fun and free! Lessons are provided and knitters of all ages are welcome.
Walking Together
Walking Together is a founding member of Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action (COPA), an organization of churches and other institutions in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. COPA institutions are working together across religion, race, class, education and geography for the common good of our region. At its founding assembly on Pentecost 2003, COPA committed to work together on problems of housing, education, healthcare, safe communities, immigrant issues and economic opportunity. Walking Together meets monthly at St. Mary’s for planning, reflection, fellowship and action.
To learn more about COPA and find out how you may become involved, contact Jack Herbig at jack@herbigassociates.com or Jackie Frey at montefrau@gmail.com and see the COPA website here https://www.copaiaf.org/about.
Episcopal Relief and Development
This fund offers immediate assistance to victims of natural disasters and civil strife throughout the world. Also, grants are made to help support ongoing educational and rehabilitation projects. Visit www.episcopalrelief.org.
Christmas Project
Parishioner, Rosemarie Axton, gathers names of families receiving help from local mental health services. Parishioners adopt these families and provide gifts for the chosen families.
Global Mission
The Diocese of El Camino Real is in partnership with the Diocese of Gloucester, Western Tanganyika. St. Mary’s has a direct relationship with Our Little Roses in Honduras.
Altar Guild
Members prepare the altar for all services. They arrange flowers, maintain linens and vestments, and polish brass and silver. Training upon request. Occasional meetings are held during the year.
Adult Choir
The Choir provides choral music at the 10:00am service on Sundays as well as special services during Advent, Christmas, Holy Week and Easter. Learn more here.
Ushers
An opportunity to serve as ushers, greet visitors, distribute service bulletins and take the collection.
Lectors
Lectors read the Old and New Testament lessons and lead the Prayers of the People at Sunday services. Contact the Parish Administrator if interested in serving in this way.
Acolytes
Youth are encouraged to serve as Torchbearers and 2nd Crucifer. Middle and High School acolytes serve as Crucifer/Server. Group training is provided periodically. Individual training is provided when you join the corps and upon request.
Creation Care
Various activities within the congregation around caring for God’s creation. Visit here.
Order of St. Luke
As tertiaries, in the Order of St. Luke, we first spend years in study of scripture focusing on the healing miracles of Jesus. After a period of discernment, and with a Priest’s blessing, we then come forward to take solemn vows. We serve in a variety of ways according to the Priest’s wishes. We visit the elderly, take communion to the home bound and are available for prayer after every 10:00 am service. We have been blessed to witness healings and our gratitude list is long.
Greeters
Greeters welcome newcomers and visitors, invite them to coffee, and direct them to the information available on the Welcome Table.
Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour follows the church service on Sunday. Coffee Hour provides a good opportunity to meet visitors, newcomers and fellow parishioners. Individuals act as hosts by preparing coffee and cleaning up afterward.
Memorial Guild
When a death occurs in the parish a reception may be provided after the service at St. Mary’s for family and friends by members of this guild. Each month has an assigned director who coordinates with the rector concerning the arrangements for the reception. Members of the Memorial Guild assist in the setting of the table; pouring beverages and bringing cookies, small sandwiches and other finger food.
Leslie Garden Standing Committee
Committee members provide care and maintenance for St. Mary’s Leslie Garden and columbarium. Members assist with arrangements for those wishing to be inurned or interred in the Garden and help clergy and family members with committal services at the time of death.
