The Ministries and Organizations of St. Cyprian’s

The ministries of St. Cyprian’s are expressed through its organizations. Building the community, reaching out to others, glorifying God are all supported through the work of the parish’s organizations. Here are the organizations and ministries of the congregation:

The Acolytes

The Acolytes are those members of the congregation who dedicate themselves to service at the altar. The Acolytes-male and female-assist the priest in the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgical acts of worship. This ministry is open to all of confirmation age and up.

The Altar Guild

The Altar Guild is one of the original organizations of the congregation whose ministry is to prepare the altar and sanctuary for Divine Service, care for the sacred vessels used during the Eucharistic celebration, maintain the vestments, and care for service books used during the Eucharist.

The Church School

The Church School ministry provides instruction to the youth of the parish in order to educate them in the Christian faith and help prepare them for Christian adulthood and service.

The Episcopal Church Women

The Episcopal Church Women is a ministry of parish that seeks to unite the women of St. Cyprian’s Church, to further the work of the Church, and to lead them into service for the Church, the community and the diocese. The women of the church visit the sick and shut-in members of the parish whenever possible.

The Eucharistic Ministers

The Eucharistic ministers are members of the congregation who are commissioned to assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion by administering the chalice during the Eucharist. Some of the Eucharistic ministers also are Visitors who bring the sacrament of Holy Communion to the sick and shut-in of the parish who are unable to attend Sunday service. Another group of liturgical ministers are the Readers who read the lessons at every Eucharistic celebration.

The Food Pantry

The Food Pantry is an outreach ministry of the parish. Every second Sunday of the month, parishioners contribute during the Eucharistic celebration non-perishable food supplies for the parish cupboard. The Food Pantry is open every week and makes bundles of food available to our neighbors in need.

The Men’s Fellowship

St. Cyprian’s Church Men’s Fellowship is a strong Christian brotherhood functioning within the church community to foster support for other church constituents through worship, service, education, and fellowship. Its varied activities include the sponsorship of community leaders to speak to the parish on every facet of social life. Its membership is involved in projects including the sponsorship of an annual St. Andrew’s Day Breakfast, recognizing the “Man of the Year” within the parish, production of the annual Parish Calendar and the granting of monetary scholarship to graduating high school seniors. Furthermore, its membership supports the parish in whatever ways in which it is called upon to assist, both financially and manually. Currently, its membership stands at 20 and it meets on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

The Naarah ThornelI Gospel Choir

The Naarah Thornell Gospel Choir is an integral part of St. Cyprian’s music ministry. The Choir is named after one of its beloved soloists–the late Mrs. Naarah Thornell. The Choir’s musical repertoire is the rich heritage of Gospel song old and new. The Choir performs every month during Sunday service as well as performing throughout the diocese at various celebrations.

The Senior Choir

The Senior Choir provides music for all of the liturgical services of the parish. Its repertoire represents a rich mixture of Anglican chant and classical liturgical music. The Choir is under the direction of Ms. Laura Weiss. The Choir also performs a recital on the evening of Good Friday every year to mark Holy Week.

The Social and Cultural Committee

The Social and Cultural Committee is a parish ministry that fosters fellowship among parishioners through various projects, trips, and cultural activities. This ministry builds community socially, spiritually and raises funds for the needs of the congregation.

The Ushers’ Guild

The Ushers’ Guild is a parish group made up of men and women who assist in greeting visitors coming to the Church’s religious services, take the Sunday collection, assist in the orderly conduct of religious services, and foster fellowship through various projects in support of the congregation’s needs.

The Vestry

The Vestry is a canonically established ministry in the parish. The membership is elected by the congregation to manage the affairs of the parish in collaboration with the Rector and in the absence of a Rector to ensure that religious leadership is available to the congregation.