Our Outreach Services
Acolytes:
Membership in the acolyte program is for those in the church who are 9 years and older. They are organized by the Acolyte Master and taught by the Deacon. Any one interested should contact Bob Whitmer (bwhitmer@grangergroup.com).
Altar Care:
Alpha:
Alpha is a 10-week course that covers the basic principles of Christianity. Each week the participants gather for a meal and a few songs, then watch a short videotape on the night’s topic. After the video, they break into small groups for discussion. Please contact the church office (parish@staomhcoxmail.com or 402-289-4058) for more information and a schedule of Alpha Course dates.
Bulletins:
St. Augustine’s has lead the way in introducing a fully-contained bulletin which incorporates all the liturgy, hymns and prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Rather than just a 3-4 page bulletin that shows the page numbers of the hymns or psalms, and some announcements; our bulletin runs 24-28 pages and contains the entire worship service. This innovative technique is possible by downloading the contents from The Rite Stuff [an Episcopal Church’s Liturgical Planning Resource] and from several internet websites. This eliminates moving from book to hymnal and back. Our church has been utilizing this concept for three years and everyone appreciates its convenience.
Coffee Hour:
Every Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service, our parishioners take turns hosting the Coffee Hour. The host has the option to bake or prepare the goodies themselves [St. A’s has a wonderful cookbook full of these types of recipes]; or provide store-bought items. The host will fire up the coffee maker, pour juices for the kids, and spread out the goodies for all to enjoy. Afterwards, they do basic cleanup of the kitchen and Parish Hall area. It provides a delightful time for social fellowship, time to catch up with each other and also gives us a chance to welcome new visitors. In addition, the group of parishioners who attend the 8:00 a.m. service, holds a full breakfast between the services on the first Sunday of each month. It’s a good time to connect with them once a month and enjoy a wonderful meal together. Call Theresa Johnson at 402-493-9653 for more information.
Cope:
COPE (Community Outreach Project of Elkhorn) is an organization which serves the needs of people in the Elkhorn area. They have a clothing and furniture store where people can get the things they need for free. Food needs can also be met by them through the W. Douglas County Food Pantry. We have volunteers working with them. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Elizabeth Nabavi (elizabethnabavi@yahoo.com).
Daughters of the King:
Daughters of the King is a lay order of women who have chosen, after a few months of study and prayer, to become members of a world-wide organization devoted to prayer, service, and evangelism. The Naomi and Ruth Chapter of DOK meets at St. Augustine's every other Monday. Dinner is served from 5:30-6 pm and the meeting is held in the Sanctuary from 6-7:30 or 8 pm. Anyone who is interested is welcome to attend meetings to learn more of the order. Please contact Mary Wells at mwells@tcoln.com for more information.
Eucharistic Minister:
Eucharistic Ministers are lay people who serve Holy Communion at the altar during the services. Adults are trained for this position by the Deacon. If you’re interested, please contact Deacon Pat Sheldon: patsheldon@cox.net
Eucharistic Visitor:
Eucharistic Visitors are lay people who are specially trained by the Deacon to take the reserved sacrament and make visitations to people who are shut-ins or in the hospital. Please contact Deacon Pat Sheldon (patsheldon@cox.net) if you’re interested.
Food Pantry Volunteers:
The Dean Fricke Memorial Episcopal Food Pantry is a joint venture of the Omaha Area Episcopal churches. Volunteers from the various churches go down to Trinity Cathedral during the month to pack bags of food for the needy. The bags are then given to various groups for distribution. St. Augustines has volunteers packing bags and serving on the Board of Directors. During the month of November we also collect non perishable food items for the pantry. If you’re interested, please contact Deacon Pat Sheldon: patsheldon@cox.net
Greeters:
Most members of the church perform the service of “Greeter” about twice per year on a rotating basis. A friendly welcome is very important and the Greeter’s job is to greet everyone and hand them a bulletin. If there is a Visitor, the Greeter welcomes them, has them sign the Guest Book, gives them a “Visitor’s Bag” and invites them to join us for Coffee Hour following the service. If possible, they will accompany the Visitor to the social hour for introductions.
Lectors:
Lectors are lay people who read the Old Testament and New Testament lessons during the services on Sunday. Training is done by the priest or deacon. Anyone interested should contact the church office. (parish@staomhcoxmail.com or 402-289-4058)
Prayer Chain:
The Daughters of the King serve as the prayer chain for St. Augustine. Please contact the office (402-289-4058 or parish@sainta.omhcoxmail.com) any DOK member, or Elizabeth Reither at 963-9904 with prayer requests.
Preparation for Baptism and Confirmation:
Preparation for Baptism and Confirmation is done by the priest and/or deacon as needed through personal interaction and organized classes. If you’re interested, please contact the church office. (parish@staomhcoxmail.com or 402-289-4058)
Red Cross Blood Drive:
Once or twice a year, the American Red Cross Bloodmobile comes to St. Augustines. Members can help by signing up to recruit donors, serve refreshments, and donate blood.
Worship Service:
Ours is a simple service with traditional and contemporary music, and prayers that reach back through the ages, yet touch our real, everyday lives. St. Augustine's an 8 am service with no music and a 10 am service with music and Godly Play (Sunday School) which begins at 9:45 am.