Ministry Descriptions

Acolytes
Beginning in the fourth grade, children may train to serve as acolytes at Grace. Members of the Acolyte Guild generally serve about once a month, and newer members serve as torchbearers aside the crucifer, usually a high school student. All acolytes wear albs and a wooden pectoral cross, the latter made by a woodworking parishioner, with a green, red, blue, or purple cord to indicate years of service. Children or parents interested in the Acolyte Guild may contact our acolyte trainer, Aaron Conner (aaronconner86@gmail.com) or the scheduler, Miriam Raub Vivian (mvivian@csub.edu).  There is a single annual training each August to coincide with the start of school, but those desiring may be able to secure special training at other times of the year.


Aging With Grace
Brings information to the congregation about leading longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives.  One such important  idea began in 1986 with the Nun’s Study of the School Sisters of Notre Dame and has grown to include all  issues of aging.  Aging with Grace hopes to offer four gatherings per year to learn about and discuss these important issues.  Some concerns may be legal issues such as Powers of Attorney, cardiovascular concerns, dealing with loss, nutritional needs as we age, etc.  Guest speakers will be arranged with discussion time for questions and answers.  If you have an issue you would like addressed,  have knowledge of speakers in aging issues, or other questions  please contact Barbara Fleming (Barbara.fleming@gmail.com).


Child Care/Nursery Care/Preschool Class
Grace currently has one large classroom for children up to kindergarten. (Children in kindergarten through 5th grade may attend our elementary Sunday School.) Two adults experienced in childcare supervise our youngest children at play and sometimes working on age-appropriate crafts or reading them stories. Parents may take children to this classroom (currently Room 4) before worship begins at 10am. They will be brought back into the chapel during the communion portion of the service in order to join their parents and take communion or receive a blessing. Our adult caregivers have been through the online training "Safeguarding God's Children," as required by the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. For more information, contact Miriam Vivian (mvivian@csub.edu). 


Choir
The choir at Grace rehearses and sings from early September through early June. Under the direction of Christopher Borges, the choral director at Bakersfield High School, the Grace choir rehearses Tuesday evenings from 7:15-8:30pm in the chapel. We only occasional deviations, we sing an anthem on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. Exploring both classical and contemporary music--and many styles in between--the choir offers a wide variety of music, and helps lead the congregation in hymns and service music. Experience the the joy of being part of the music ministry at Grace by joining our choir. For more information, contact the choir coordinator, Miriam Raub Vivian (mvivian@csub.edu), or our director, Christopher Borges (cborges@bak.rr.com).


Episcopal Youth Fellowship
The Episcopal Youth Fellowship at Grace is made of teens 13-18. They have two Sunday School classes per month on the 2nd and 4th at 10am during Eucharist. EYF provides a safe environment for teens to come together to grow and learn in a faith community context. Whether they are discussing early Jewish myths, or the Gospel, there is never a wrong answer and all are welcome to come as they are, and be themselves. Outside of class the youth group has periodic outings and activities such golf, bowling, etc. EYF is led by Aaron Connor (aaronconner86@gmail.com).


LGBT
Are you seeking fellowship with God or looking for a home to foster your spiritual needs? You don't have to journey alone. We at Grace Episcopal Church are dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for all people, including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Please join the LGTB Community of Grace for friendship and fellowship. For more information contact Lori Toia at 661-699-5880 ltoia867@yahoo.com.To "Join us in Yahoo Groups," clicks on "Join us in Yahoo Groups” and you will automatically be sent to the LGBT Yahoo group.


Lectors (Readers)
Any parishioner who would like to read scripture during worship services at Grace may volunteer to be a lector. There is broad participation in this ministry at Grace, with a roughly three-month rota incorporating all volunteers, meaning that lectors read about once every 3 months or so. There are two lectors scheduled each Sunday. These members read the scripture passages designated by the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL): the first reads what is usually a passage from the Old Testament, and the second reads from one of Paul's letters or another non-Gospel passage from the New Testament. Periodic training by former theater professor Hank Webb is available to current lectors and those who would like to join this ministry. Anyone interested in becoming a lector may contact the scheduler, Miriam Raub Vivian (mvivian@csub.edu).
 

OUTREACH
The purpose of the Outreach Ministry is to share Christ’s love with the world through service and fund raising.  We work to minister to the poor and less fortunate by regularly volunteering with local agencies such as the Bakersfield Homeless Center and Habitat for Humanity and by assisting with other projects that arise.  The ministry manages a food basket for distribution and raises money for important causes through community fundraisers, such as an annual wine tasting and silent auction. The outreach committee meets regularly and offers many opportunities for parishioners to serve. 


Pastoral Ministry Team (PMT)
The Pastoral Ministry Team (PMT) is guided by Jesus' words in Matthew 25:36: "I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to see me." Visiting the sick in hospitals, nursing or rehab facilities, or those undergoing surgery, PMTers make the Eucharist available to Grace parishioners, thus nourishing body, mind, spirit. Members of the team make regular visits to the homebound, as well, and sometimes visit fellow Episcopalians from outside our area who are receiving care in a Bakersfield facility. Phone calls, cards, and follow-up are other facets of this important and fulfilling ministry.

Expanding pastoral care to include inmates in nearby correctional institutes is in initial stages, precipitated by requests from prisoners' families for visitation of their loved ones.

Anyone interested in becoming part of this valuable ministry should contact Mary Webb at 587-0681 or maryfwebb@bak.rr.com.   


ROAMIN’ ROMANS
Roamin’ Romans is a discussion and support group of Roman Catholics and former Catholics.

The focus of the Roamin' Romans is not on what is wrong with the Roman Catholic Church, but on how we came to the Episcopal Church…scars and all…and how we use liturgy, study, and community to heal, and to also develop a deeper relationship with God. We do not meet on a regular basis. There are no elected officers.  We don’t even really have agendas. What we do, instead, is share with our fellow- and former- Roman Catholics the experiences of our journey and our strength, our hopes, our satisfaction, serenity, and joy over finding a home in the Episcopal Church.


SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School at Grace instructs a group of children from 1st to 5th grade.  We primarily follow a gospel based curriculum with prayer and share time included. In addition, we spend time explaining the Episcopal liturgy and church calendar. We conclude our class with a craft based on what they have been learning or something seasonal from the church calendar.  The Sunday School Program at Grace runs with the public school calendar, so we take the summers off; however, there are activity packets available for children to use during service when Sunday School is not in session. For more information, contact Sandra Gamboa (gamboa.sandra94@gmail.com).

YOUNG ADULTS
Grace's Young Adult Group is in the process of forming. We have a number of members in the 20's and 30's age range, and the goal of this group is to give an opportunity for fellowship among peers. Possible events will include potlucks, game nights, attendance atlocal events, etc. Whether you're interested in being a part of this group, or if you're willing to help get this off the ground, please contact Andrew Lisa at andrew.m.lisa@gmail.com.