Acolytes
Acolytes assist the clergy at the
altar for Sunday and Holy Day services. Acolytes serve
at the altar on a rotating basis when scheduled by the
coordinator. Acolytes assist by lighting and
extinguishing candles, carrying the cross in procession,
serving the priest and deacon as they prepare the altar
and celebrate the Eucharist. Membership requirements:
Boys, girls, men, and women from ages 7 to adult may
serve as acolytes. Before serving at the altar, acolytes
must attend training sessions. |
|
PAGE UP |
Altar
Guild
The Altar Guild takes care of the
altar by preparing and cleaning vessels and linens
needed for all Masses, weddings, funerals, and special
services. The Altar Guild also decorates the altar for
Christmas, Palm Sunday and Easter. The Altar Guild is
divided into four teams. Each team is responsible for a
week at a time. During that week the team meets to do
the cleaning. Each team decides on a time best suited
for them. |
|
PAGE UP |
Altar Ministries
This group of adults assist at the
celebration of the Eucharist by reading lessons (lectors
and layreaders), providing for the reading of The Daily
Office (Morning and Evening Prayer) (layreaders), and
assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion (Chalicebearers).
Members serve when scheduled by the coordinator.
Membership requirements: Any adult who is a member in
good standing of St. Benedict's Church and who has been
trained by the coordinator may serve in the Altar
Ministries. The Bishop, upon the recommendation of the
Rector, must license Layreaders and Chalicebearers. |
|
PAGE UP |
Benedict’s Bunch and
BenedicTEENs
The
Benedict’s Bunch Youth Group is for children in Middle
School. The BenedicTEENs is the group for high school
students. These groups provide social activities and
discussion of spirituality and social concerns. The
groups participate in community projects as a means of
outreach. The activities of the "Bunch" include softball
games, picnics, and projects for the community and the
parish. |
|
PAGE UP |
Bible Study - Thursday Morning
It is with much interest, as we share the Bible.
Everyone participates not only do we do the study of the bible but we share in
prayers for St. Benedicts. We really would welcome anyone for joining us for about
1 hour on a Thursday morning. |
Bible Study - Wednesday Evening
Bible study begins at 7:30
pm after the 7 pm healing mass. It is conducted by Fr.
Bob. There are many different subjects
that are covered from the Bible. Everyone is invited to attend. |
|
PAGE UP |
Brotherhood of St.
Andrew
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is a
world wide organization of the Anglican Communion whose
purpose is to spread Christ’s kingdom especially among
men and youth, not by our might but by the power of
God’s Spirit. Members are asked to faithfully commit
themselves to keep the three disciplines of daily prayer
for the spread of Christ’s kingdom, the discipline of
the study of Holy Scriptures regularly and the teachings
of the Church, and the discipline of continuous service
for the spread of Christ’s kingdom. Membership
requirements: Every baptized Christian man who is
interested in the continuing "spread of Christ’s kingdom
among men and boys" is eligible for membership. |
|
PAGE UP |
Christmas Tree Project
The Christmas Tree Project is held to
raise funds for the parish, its youth programs, and
outreach. In addition to raising funds, it serves to
promote a sense of parish community, provides
inter-generational fellowship, heightens awareness of
the parish throughout Plantation and the surrounding
area and enables parishioners to be involved in a parish
activity on a short-term basis. Duties of group members:
Group members plan and organize the tree sale by
scheduling volunteers, advertising, and setting up
before the event and cleaning up after it. There are
several jobs that must be covered including sales, money
collection, advertising, trimming trees with a chain saw
and greeting customers. Membership requirements:
Everyone who is in Middle School or older is welcome to
participate. |
|
PAGE UP |
Cursillo
Cursillo (a short course in
Christianity) is an international spiritual renewal
event that occurs on weekends throughout the year.
Weekends run from Thursday night through Sunday
afternoon. There are weekends for men alone, women alone
and men and women together (co-ed). The purpose of
Cursillo is to revitalize the spiritual lives of those
who attend. The weekend consists of a series of talks
with time for reflection. Someone who has already
attended must sponsor those who wish to attend Cursillo.
Cursillo is open to any adult who wishes to attend and
who has the approval of the rector. After a Cursillo
weekend, participants continue to meet in small groups
known as Reunion Groups. Several Reunion Groups meet in
our facilities on a weekly basis. |
|
PAGE UP |
Diocesan Convention
In addition to vestry members, each
annual meeting also elects delegates and alternates to
our Diocesan Convention. The Convention meets once each
year in October being preceded by two meetings (spring
and fall). It is the Diocesan Convention that takes care
of business matters for the diocese. |
|
PAGE UP |
Disaster Relief Fund
For several years in a row, the
Caribbean nations and South Florida were badly hit by
hurricanes. The needs were so great and this parish
reached out as best it could. The disaster Relief Fund
was established to be a source of funds to assist those
in need due to disasters. |
|
PAGE UP |
Discretionary Fund
The Rector
maintains a Discretionary Fund that is supported
by the contributions of parishioners. The Discretionary
Fund are used to assist people who have special needs,
primarily parishioners. This fund has helped many people
through difficult times. |
|
PAGE UP |
ECW
Mission statement of the ECW of the Diocese of Southeast
Florida:
We are Episcopal Woman called into action to bring Christ to all people.
We are committed to empower Christ’s mission in this world through love, service,
prayer, study, and fellowship by respecting the individuality and diversity of all
God’s children.
Our ECW meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of every month immediately following the
10:00 AM service in the St. Elizabeth Room in the old parish hall. Every woman of St.
Benedict’s is always sincerely invited to attend as we need your voice and participation.
|
|
PAGE UP |
Eucharistic Visitors
The Eucharistic Ministry exists to minister to those
who, by reason of sickness or infirmity, cannot attend
the regular worship of the Church. Duties of group
members: LEVs visit the sick and shut-in, following a
celebration of the Holy Eucharist, taking the Sacrament
with them. Membership requirements: Those who feel
called to the ministry of a Lay Eucharistic Visitor
must: be a member in good standing, be recommended by
the rector, attend the Diocesan training program, be
commissioned by the Bishop and the Rector. |
|
PAGE UP |
Evangelism Committee
The Evangelism Committee works to
find ways to educate the parish about evangelism, which
is a part of our parish mission. The purpose of this
parish is to be Christ-centered and to serve Him through
worship, evangelism, and social action. Members of this
committee study evangelism and provide ways for
parishioners to become involved in spreading the Good
News of Jesus Christ in the world. This committee
coordinates the Newcomers’ reception held each quarter,
provides for greeters on Sundays, and organizes Name Tag
Sunday on the first Sunday of each month. |
|
PAGE UP |
Gazette
The parish gazette showcases many of St. Benedict’s
activities and supported ministries. The gazette can be good for informing people of
the activities in which your organization is involved and to get their interest in
joining in. It fills in the details for people who are not involved in all of St.
Benedict’s ministries and/or activities. It brings awareness of what is going on
at St Benedict’s Church to those parishioners who are gone for periods of time.
The frequency with which the gazette is published is determined by contributions
written by parishioners and clergy. Contributions can include articles covering
church events (who, what when, where, why), interviews with those helped by our
supported ministries, youth church activities, theological topics, or other
content. Content is approved by Father Bob. |
|
PAGE UP |
Healing Team
The Healing Ministry works to foster
the healing ministry within St. Benedict’s and to
represent the healing ministry of the parish within the
greater community through education, assistance at
liturgies, and laying on of hands with prayer for
healing, when commissioned by the rector.
Group activities include praying for healing with the
laying on of hands at weekend Masses, visiting the sick
and shut-ins when requested, and participating in
healing retreats and seminars.
Membership requirements: Be a member in good standing of
the Episcopal Church, (unless the rector gives special
approval) Complete a course in Christian healing
approved by the rector.
Obtain the recommendation and approval of the rector and
the facilitator of the healing course to be commissioned
as a full member of the team. Be willing to participate
on an ongoing basis in a relationship of spiritual
guidance or direction. Attend meetings regularly and attend a class on Christian healing every other year. |
|
PAGE UP |
Luncheon Group
St. Benedicts Luncheon Group welcomes all members of
our parish and their guests. Our luncheon group began seven years ago with a small
group of women gathering for a Bible Study class and wishing to extend their friendship
beyond a classroom. The Luncheon Group visits
local restaurants and holds an annual Christmas Party. |
|
PAGE UP |
Meals for the Sick
This group of volunteers provides
meals to those who become seriously ill or who have
suffered the loss of a loved one. Duties of group
members: Prepare and provide meals as requested at times
of need. |
|
PAGE UP |
Ministry of Music
A Youth Choir meets after the
10 am Mass to rehearse. They perform during the
Youth Sunday Mass on the 5th Sunday of each quarter and
during special events. |
|
PAGE UP |
Missions
Each month we feature one mission in our bulletin
and invite them to speak to the parish. Monies collected in the missions box go to
that mission for their month. In addition, we are actively involved in these missions
in a number of ways. The Missions
Committee meets quarterly. If you have a heart for missions, please join us.
|
| The Shepherds Way |
January |
We host families twice each year |
| 4 Kids |
February |
|
| Co-operative Feeding Program |
March |
We make sandwiches one Sunday each month and donate
food from parish events |
| God's Little Lambs |
April |
We provide a monthly craft project for the children |
| True Fund |
May |
Members of the parish provide leadership for Annual
golf tournament and other events |
| |
June |
|
| Food for the Poor |
July |
|
| St. Laurance Chapel |
August |
|
| Seafarers House |
September |
Father Bob is one the board of directors and we
support the annual Valentine (or other fundraisers) |
| Haiti Comfort House |
October |
We help with newsletter and our members house the
Comforts when they come to the U.S. |
| Shut Ins, Armed Services Support UTO |
November |
|
| Angel Tree |
December |
|
|
PAGE UP |
Mothers' Union
The Mothers'
Union is a worldwide Christian organization that
believes in the importance of family. Being a member of
the Mothers' Union is a commitment before God and
members join in a worldwide fellowship of prayer,
worship, love and service. The aim of the Mothers' Union
is the advancement of the Christian religion in the
sphere of marriage and family life. The Objectives of
the Mothers' Union are to uphold Christ's teaching on
the nature of marriage and to promote its wider
understanding; To encourage parents to bring up their
children in the faith and life of the Church; To
maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in
prayer, worship and service; To promote conditions in
society favorable to stable family life and the
protection of children; and To help those whose family
life has met with adversity. |
|
PAGE UP |
Offering Counters
The Offering Counters are responsible
for counting the Sunday offering and depositing the
collection in the bank. This group works with the
Treasurer and the Bookkeeper to account for all moneys
collected by the parish. Duties of group members: Members
are scheduled on teams of four people. Each of the five
teams is scheduled on a rotating basis. |
|
PAGE UP |
Order of the
Daughters of the King
Members of the Order of the Daughters
of the King live a rule of prayer, service and
evangelism. Daughters involve themselves in study. They
assist the clergy as requested by visiting people,
taking people to doctor appointments, treatments, or
other places as needed. Duties of group members: The
overall duty of a Daughter is to serve Christ as
directed by the clergy of the parish. Group activities:
Our members take care of supplying the track rack,
sending cards to sick and shut-in members of the parish,
praying daily for the parish. We also prepare and
deliver gifts to sick and shut-ins at Easter and
Christmas. We lead Quiet Days, go on retreats, and
handle receptions after funerals if asked to do so. We
are not allowed to earn money so we help other groups
who can. Membership requirements: Three-month training
program and commitment to the Order. |
|
PAGE UP |
Order of the
Junior Daughters of the
King
The purpose of the Junior Daughters
of the King is to spread Christ’s kingdom and strengthen
the spiritual life of the church. The order provides
opportunities for girls and young women to experience
the joy of belonging to a fellowship in which love of
God, others and self is the framework for the meetings,
pastimes and ministry to others. The Junior Daughters
follow a daily rule of life and undertake a personal
program of evangelism through prayer and service,
working to bring others to Christ through His church.
The Junior Daughters participate in meetings in the
parish, at the Diocesan and provincial levels. They make
arts and crafts for our sick and shut-in parishioners,
assist the Senior Daughters, and serve lunch at St.
Laurence Chapel (a Caring Place for Homeless People).
Membership Requirements: Any girl or young woman who is
baptized and between the ages of 7 and 20 is eligible
for membership. There is a three-month preparation
period after which the girls make promises of prayer,
service and evangelism for the extension of Christ’s
kingdom. |
|
PAGE UP |
Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee works to
identify needs in the community and to educate the
parish about those needs, enabling the parish to reach
out to those in need. This committee works to enable the
parish to fulfill the mission of the parish. The purpose
of this parish is to be Christ-centered, serving Him
through worship, evangelism, and social outreach. Group
activities: Study the needs of our community and develop
ways to assist the parish is fulfilling its mission. |
|
PAGE UP |
Parish Library
The Parish Library is available to
everyone at all times. The library is contained on a
cart that is placed on the patio on Sundays and is
housed at the back of the church during the week. The
Library Coordinator rotates the selections from time to
time. Anyone may borrow a book at any time and return it
when finished so it is available to others. |
|
PAGE UP |
Parish Prayer Chain
The Parish Prayer Chain is initiated
when the Parish Office becomes aware of an urgent
situation with a parishioner. The purpose of the Prayer
Chain is to "storm the Gates of Heaven" at the hour of
critical need e.g. surgery or following an accident.
Duties of group members: Receive and pass on telephone
messages initiated by the Parish Office and pray for the
person who is in a critical need. |
|
PAGE UP |
Pastoral Care Program
The mission of the Pastoral Care
program is to enable members of the parish to take care
of one another’s needs by making people aware of: the
fact that a part of our call as Christians is to be
pastoral to one another, the gifts and services various
people have to offer, and the services available the community. We see ourselves as people caring for
one another, utilizing our gifts to address needs both
in and out of the parish community. The Pastoral Care
Team has the responsibility of working with the clergy
to monitor the program which: seeks information about
services available in the larger community, makes this
information available to parishioners in their time of
need, establishes partnerships with community services
and agencies, and enables parishioners to network with
each other, utilizing the talents and skills of each for
the other. |
|
PAGE UP |
Quilting Group
A group of interested people (mostly
ladies, but not limited to them) has formed a quilting
group. This group works regularly to create quilts,
which are sold to raise dollars for our Building fund.
They have also made several banners for use in our
worship service. |
|
PAGE UP |
Social Activities Committee
The Social Activities Committee
provides social events for the parish throughout the
year. This committee also attends to the needs of the
clergy for special events that require a meal or
reception. Duties of group members: Work as a team to
provide events for parish, fellowship at the coffee hour
on Sundays, and receptions for special events. Group
activities: This group meets periodically to plan and to
prepare decorations or food for special events. |
|
PAGE UP |
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee has the
responsibility of educating the parish about Christian
stewardship and organizing and implementing the annual
parish stewardship drive. This committee’s work is
important to the life of the parish, as the stewardship
of our members is vital to the maintenance and operation
of the parish. Duties of group members: Learn about and
help educate the parish about Christian stewardship.
Plan and implement the annual stewardship drive. |
|
PAGE UP |
St. Elizabeth Office Guild
The St. Elizabeth Office Guild was
formed to help in the church office by covering the
office when the Rector’s Secretary is on vacation or
when extra hands are needed. Duties of group members:
Help in the office by coming in on a regular basis. |
|
PAGE UP |
T.R.U.E.
(Toward the Relief of Urgent Emergencies)
Fund
The TRUE Fund is supported by the
contributions of parishioners and is used to assist in
times of urgent need. The Department of Children and
Families of the State of Florida or other human service
agencies must refer people who are not parishioners to
the church. This Fund has assisted many people who
needed a one-time financial boost to "get back on their
feet." |
|
PAGE UP |
Use of our
Facilities
This parish allows our facilities to
be used by 12-step programs (Gamblers Anonymous,
Alcoholics Anonymous, and AlAnon) whose purpose is to assist those who suffer
from addictions (or those who live with persons who are
addicted) or other on-going problems. Other groups (Boy
Scouts, Lifeline Screening, and a Sewing guild) also
use our facilities. The dollar value of this
contribution by the parish to the community is about
$30,000 per year. Parish and non-parish groups must
reserve our facilities for use. |
|
PAGE UP |
Ushers
The ushers provide the ministry of
hospitality at all weekend and Holy Day services. Duties
of group members: Welcome people as they arrive for
church services. Attend to the needs of worshippers by
providing them with bulletins, seating, and any other
assistance that may be required to enable them to
worship comfortably. Membership requirements: Anyone who
enjoys the ministry of hospitality, male or female, who
is a member in good standing of St. Benedict’s Church
may serve as an usher. |
|
PAGE UP |
VESTRY
The vestry is the body of twelve
elected laypersons within the congregation that, with
the clergy, leads the parish. The vestry: helps to
discern the vision toward which God is drawing the local
community of faith; articulates and communicates that
vision; holds the community accountable for its
realization of that vision; keeps the mission of the
Church and that congregation clearly before the parish.
The Vestry of St. Benedict's Church meets once per month
on the third Monday evening. Vestry members are elected
to three-year terms at the annual meeting each January.
|
|
PAGE UP |
Worship Committee
This committee meets throughout the
year to discuss and plan special worship events. The
members of this committee are the heads of other
committees and organizations involved with worship
(altar guild, altar ministries, choir, ushers, etc.) |
|
PAGE UP |
