Acolytes

Acolytes are those who serve at the altar by assisting the clergy during Services. Traditionally, acolytes are the youth of the parish, but at St. Philip’s we encourage adult participation as well. Children as young as third grade may be quickly trained to serve in this important ministry. Four acolytes are needed at each service. Prior experience is not necessary.

Altar Guild

This dedicated group gives their time and talent throughout the year to care for the altar and sanctuary of the church.
 

Book Discussion Group

This group focuses on books of all genre and most discussions take place over a 4 week period.  Topics vary from session to session. Gatherings are open and informal and are held the in the parlor of the church, Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 - 2:30.  Please call before coming to ensure the club is meeting.  Sometimes they take a break in between books.
 

Evangelism and Renewal Team

The “E” team’s mission says: “Touching people with God’ Love, we seek to energize, inspire, nourish and guide the congregation in our ministry of love, acceptance and renewal to all those sent to us by God.”
 

Foyer Groups

With its origins in the Anglican Church, the mission of this group is to build community within the parish family. Members meet in each other’s homes on the third Sunday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner and fellowship. Conversations aren’t focused on church or religious matters and each month’s host sets the dinner menu. A great group to be a part of if you’re new to the area or parish, or would just like to feel more connected to others. Dinners run from October to May.
 

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM’s)

These volunteers support the mission of St. Philip’s by speaking the Word of God and by assisting Clergy in distributing the Eucharist during Sunday services. Even more importantly, they are responsible for taking it to those unable to make it to scheduled services. Some training is necessary.
 

Lectors (Lesson Readers)

Anyone of reading age or older may provide service to the Church in the ministry of lay reading of the scriptures.
 

Prayer Chain

The St. Philip’s Prayer Chain is made up of a group of parish members who receive prayer requests from the parish office. Our Prayer Chain is especially active and responsive in crisis situations. The members pray individually for all requests received. Every request is handled in a confidential manner. Members meet as a group about twice a year. New members are always welcome.

As a congregation, we pray for guidance and healing during our Prayers of the People segment of each Sunday worship service. Members of our parish whose names are part of the prayer list are automatically included in the Prayers of the People.

Phone or e-mail our Administrative Assistant at the parish office with your prayer request. She may be reached at 248.651.6188 or by e-mail. 
 

Seasonal Decorating Team

Welcoming any member in St. Philip’s with ideas or time to give, the job of this group is to plan, organize and implement decorating ideas which will beautify St. Philip’s and enhance the liturgy and communal worship.
 

Tellers

These folks always work in teams of two and are responsible for counting the Sunday offerings and making an after hour deposit at the bank. Each teller team works for two Sundays then they’re off for about six weeks. Time commitment is minimal and training is provided.
 

Ushers

This invaluable ministry does more than meets the eye. In addition to greeting worshippers and passing out the Order of Service bulletins, they provide aids to the hearing impaired, light the candles of the torch bearers, take attendance and collect the offering plates. They also keep the Holy Communion portion of the service moving smoothly by directing communicants to the communion rail. After services have concluded they prepare the pews of the sanctuary for the next service.
 

Music Department

Music, both vocal and instrumental, is a vital part of the life of the Church and is important for the spiritual formation of all persons. At St. Philip’s, the leadership of music is considered a calling and a ministry to equip the People of God for the worship of God “in splendor and beauty of holiness.” We are committed to enriching the lives of all people through a music ministry that reaches out through choirs, instrumental music, hand bells and all of the performing arts.

The music used at St. Philip’s reflects tradition as well as our modern age; diversity as well as our liturgical identity, all selected and used to encourage spiritual growth and maturity and of a quality to reflect the glory of God.

Vocal and Bell choirs meet regularly from September through May. We welcome anyone who wishes to participate. All music rehearsals originate in the music room on the lower level of the church.
 

Worship Committee

Acts as a liaison between the parish, clergy and staff to evaluate and advise what’s working and what isn’t, to make the worship service relevant to today’s parish family. We look at the kind of equipment we need (hand bells, prayer books, vestments, etc), the style of worship service, the inclusiveness of our message (child friendly, available to shut-ins and those who need transportation), and the educational connections between the service itself and the Christian education program which follows the principle Sunday service. This committee meets quarterly.