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St. John's Episcopal Church "The Beloved by the Bay" |
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Building bridges to Christ, one heart at a time. |
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815 South Broadway, La Porte TX 77571 ◘ phone: 281-471-0383 ◘ fax: 281-470-1720 ◘ info@stjohns-laporte.org |
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The Rev. Michael Besson, Rector |
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Worship Opportunities |
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Acolyte |
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Nick Borkowski, Acolyte Master 281-218-696 |
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Acolytes are an important ministry in the life of St. Johns. Vital to the service, these servants of the Lord help prepare the Eucharistic elements, aid the congregation by opening and closing the communion rail gate, lighting and extinguishing the altar candles, and bringing the collection plates to the ushers for the offertory (among other seasonal-specific duties). However, being an acolyte is so much more than just a series of tasks to be performed during a church service. It presents an opportunity to give of yourself to God and show reverence and respect for our Episcopal traditions and sacraments. Please consider being a part of our St. John's Acolyte team! |
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Altar Guild |
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These devoted parishioners prepare the altar for all worship services, wedding, baptisms, and funerals. They are the caretakers of the linen, silver, candles, hangings and sacraments. After services they deliver flowers to shut-ins or ill parishioners where they are further enjoyed. What could be more special than to tend the Lord’s Table! |
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Eucharistic Ministers |
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Bob Blakeway, Lay Ministry Coordinator 281-326-5231 |
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May assist during a worship service with the reading of the lessons, Prayers of the People, Creed, etc. They wear vestments and assist at communion with administering the chalice; they are licensed by the Bishop of the Diocese, after instruction by the Rector or his appointee. |
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Lectors |
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Bob Blakeway, Lay Ministry Coordinator 281-326-5231 |
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Persons licensed by the Rector to read the lessons during worship services. |
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Ushers |
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Bruce Pinkham, Head Usher 281-380-1297 |
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Vergers |
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Bob Blakeway, Head Verger 281-326-5231 |
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Worship Leader |
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Bob Blakeway, Lay Ministry Coordinator 281-326-5231 |
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May assist during a worship service with the reading of the lessons, Prayers of the People, Creed, etc., but do NOT assist with administering the chalice. They are licensed by the Diocesan Bishop, after instruction by the Rector or his appointee. They also wear vestments. |
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Music Opportunities |
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Adult Choir |
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Clint Brown, Music Director 281-471-0383 |
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We have completely blended worship music. Our usual service includes hymns, renewal music, and contemporary music. The Senior Choir (jr. high and up) and instrumentalists lead the 10:30 music. We rehearse at 9:30 on Sunday mornings and have an evening rehearsal once a month or so. |
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Children’s Choir |
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Charlie Barrett 281-218-6568 |
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Our Children’s Choir (4 years old to 3rd grade) and Intermediate Choirs (3rd grade to Jr. High) perform together at Christmas and Easter and also perform separately during the year. Each time they perform, they have rehearsals after the 10:30 service for a few weeks beforehand. We try to make their participation as convenient as possible for them and for their parents. This year we began a children’s Handbell choir in conjunction with the choral choirs, and it made its debut at Easter. |
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Musicians |
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Clint Brown, Music Director 281-471-0383 |
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Sound |
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Steve Harris, 281-991-9455 |
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We are always looking for responsible youth or adults to become proficient in operating our sound system to fill in, or assist, our regular sound technician. |
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“The Key” |
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Ed Buskirk 281-479-9988 |
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The Gathering is our once-a-month praise and worship service held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. It’s casual and very child-friendly. We now have a puppet theater for the children (enjoyed by all ages!) and a growing group of enthusiastic young puppeteers. Music for the Gathering is provided by the St. John’s praise and worship band, The Key. The Key also plays at the 10:30 Sunday service several times a year. |
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Hospitality Opportunities |
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Breakfast Cooks |
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JoLynn Sallee 281-470-0777 |
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The delicious breakfasts offered at St. John’s every Sunday morning are prepared by these folks. If scrambling eggs, baking muffins, or other breakfast foods are your forte, you may want to join one of these teams. Each team cooks once a month. |
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Coffee Hosts |
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JoLynn Sallee 281-470-0777 |
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This group provides coffee and pastries or other snacks in the parish hall following the 10:30 a.m. service. This is a great opportunity to meet visitors and newcomers and requires a minimum of time and expense. With a full complement of coffee hosts a team is scheduled only about once every six weeks. |
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Fellowship Team Member |
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Ellen Besson 281-867-0303 |
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This ministry assists the Fellowship Chairman in hosting the parish social activities by decorating, helping with set-up and clean-up and preparing food. |
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Holy Smokers |
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Jorge Mazariegos 281-471-0345 |
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Do you like to BBQ? The Holy Smokers do just that. Any time the parish needs some good old fashioned BBQ this is the team to call. If you like to fellowship around the BBQ pit give Jorge a call. |
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Newcomers |
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Deb Gallington 281-410-7744 |
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We have all been the new person one time or the other. If you are outgoing, can easily talk to others, and like to make people feel welcome, we need you on the newcomers committee. This group takes care of all people new to your parish home |
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Rotary Lunch Cooks |
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Carroll Blakeway 281-326-5231 |
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St. John's has for many years served lunch every Tuesday to the La Porte Rotary organization. Currently we have 5 teams made up of volunteers. Every Tuesday you will find volunteers arriving for cooking duty at 9:00 AM. Each team prepares the same menu every month. The meeting and lunch last for approximately one hour from 12:00 to 1:00. We do help with much of the clean-up afterward. We are always looking for helpers, male and female, for this valuable ministry. Our work helps to fund the after school program, a community outreach program, at St. John's. |
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Social Opportunities |
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Elderberrys |
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Gordon Robb 281-471-4671 |
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This group of 50+ parishioners enjoy day trips, covered dish luncheons and many other activities. They meet on the third Thursday of every month at 11:30a. |
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Parish Retreat |
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Sandi Harris 281-471-0383 |
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A yearly weekend gathering at Camp Allen, usually the second weekend in November. The 2006 “We Are Family” retreat sold out. So make sure you get your spot reserved early when then 2007 retreat info goes out. |
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Christian Education and Prayer |
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Christian Education |
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Deb Gallington 281-470-7744 |
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Every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. there is a lectionary based class for all school age children. The children learn more about the stories they are going to be hearing during the services that morning. Classes are for children in kindergarten and 1st grade, 2nd and 3rd grades, 4th and 5th, junior high and high school. |
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Young Adults— Young adults, ages 19 through 30 meet with Father Mike during the Sunday School hour. |
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Adults— have two classes to choose from. The first is a lectionary or bible study, based on that Sunday’s scripture. The second is a book study. |
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Vacation Bible School |
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Deb Gallington 281-470-7744 |
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Cursillo |
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Cursillo is a weekend renewal retreat weekend which can be life changing and helpful beyond measure to those who feel they need to take the next step in their spiritual growth. It can be one of the most exciting and meaningful weekends of your whole life—just ask anyone who has done it. But start by talking with Joyce Bell or Jackie Torres. |
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Labyrinth |
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St. John’s is extremely blessed to have our own, permanent labyrinth. The labyrinth is used a meditation or ‘centering’ tool which can add to quiet times with God by helping one keep focused. It is an environment of dim lights, quiet music and solitude which provides an atmosphere conducive to meditation. To walk the labyrinth or to learn how to help others walk it, contact Steve. |
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Ladies Bible Study |
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Men’s Study Group |
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This group of men meets at 6:30 a.m. every Wednesday morning in the parish office conference room to share a cup of coffee or juice and discussion on the book they are currently reading as a group. |
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Outreach and Service Stewardship |
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After School Program Volunteer |
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Kathy Buskirk, After School Program Director 281-470-2575 |
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St. John’s largest outreach ministry is our After-School Program. This program cares for at least 100 at-risk or latch-key children from La Porte Elementary School for 3 hours every school day. They are fed snacks, tutored, given an opportunity for supervised play, receive music lessons, crafts, and many other subjects during those three hours. In addition to our paid staff, a large number of volunteers are needed to help with the children, whether listening to them read, tutoring, teaching a craft, or just listening to one who needs to talk. This is the greatest service you can possibly do for a disadvantaged child and meet the results face-to-face. |
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Joys of Christmas |
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Sandi Harris 281-471-0383 |
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Our largest outreach program takes place during the Christmas season. We open our doors to the community, sharing the Joy of Christmas through crafts, refreshments, and a live nativity. We are always looking for help planning, decorating, assisting with costumes, craft, and serving of refreshments. |
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Gift Shop Workers |
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Ruth Hampton 281-471-0718 |
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We are looking for people to man the gift shop during breakfast and fellowship on Sundays. |
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Office Angels |
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Sandi Harris 281-471-0383 |
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This talented group of people spend time in the church office during the day helping the staff in any way possible. If you would like to volunteer to be the receptionist one day a week, answering phones, greeting visitors, and light office work, your time would be greatly appreciated. If you don’t have that much time to give, we are always looking for people who can come in when needed to fold bulletins, get mailings ready to go, and help with the monthly newsletter mailing |
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Wedding and Funeral Coordinator |
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This ministry, which assists with every detail of the planning and execution of these very important life events, is headed up by JoLynn. Assistants are always welcome so contact her if you would like to help with these occasions. |
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Community of Hope |
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Fr. Mike Besson 281-471-0383 |
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Lay Chaplain Program. |
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Daughters of the King |
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Daughters of the King motto best expresses our service: For His Sake... I am but one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do. Lord, what will you have me do? |
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Eucharistic Visitors |
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Joyce Bell, Lay Ministry Coordinator |
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Licensed by the Bishop to administer already-consecrated elements to persons in the hospital or to shut-ins. This is usually done on Sunday afternoon. These persons are instructed by the Rector and licensed by the Bishop of the Diocese. |
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Shepherd’s Ministry |
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This group of people prepares meals for ill parishioners if needed or in the event of a death in the parish, they assist with taking food to the family or preparing food for an after-service meal in Faith Hall if one is requested. |
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