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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Budget and
Finance Committee
The Budget and Finance committee has
the responsibility of preparing the annual operating
budget, which is then submitted to the Vestry for
approval. Throughout the year the committee reviews the
monthly financial reports, compares them with the
budget, and recommends actions to the Treasurer and
Vestry regarding the church’s financial well being. |
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Buildings and
Grounds Committee
This committee works under the
supervision of the Junior Warden to maintain our
physical plant, grounds and all buildings. The committee
monitors and sees to the repairs of the air
conditioning, lighting, roofs, and all rooms on our
campus. This committee also monitors the cleanliness and
neatness of our buildings and grounds. In addition to
providing some light maintenance assistance from time to
time, the committee organizes and coordinates 3 work
days each year. These workdays are scheduled to provide
for the painting, repairing and cleaning of our
buildings and grounds. |
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Building Task Force
The Building Task Force works with an
architect to identify our space needs both for the
present and the future. This group is responsible for
preparing a master plan for new construction. Duties of
group members: Task Force members provide insight and
suggestions for space needs and future building ideas.
Data is gathered and organized to help in the decision
making process. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Discretionary Funds
Both the Rector and the Deacon
maintain a Discretionary Fund. The funds are supported
by the contributions of parishioners. The Discretionary
Funds are used to assist people who have special needs,
primarily parishioners. Both funds have helped people
through difficult times such as when a rent or utility
payment was due and the individual had no money. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Lay Eucharistic
Visitors
The Lay 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: LEMs 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 Minister 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. |
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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. |
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Ministry of Music
The Ministry of Music prepares and
offers music to enhance the liturgy and enrich the
individual chorister in the spiritual life and their own
ministries.
For younger people who
wish to avail themselves of the music ministry we have
"Joyful Noise" (prek-4th grade) and "Joy Singers" (5-12
Grade). Orff instrument ensemble is also available at
St. Benedict's. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Planned Giving
Committee
The Planned Giving Committee works to
educate the parish about planned giving and to help
parishioners understand the laws about wills and
distribution of assets after one’s death. This committee
oversees the parish Endowment Fund. |
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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. |
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St. Benedict's
Adventurer's
The Adventurer's are a group
of parishioners that share a common love of God's
natural beauty displayed through nature. Activities are
organized to provide parishioners, their families and
friends a time to share and build community away from
the "daily grind"; a time to be still and "know God".
Group activities occur once a month and vary based on
group consensus, but have included canoe trips, camping
trips and sailing trips. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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
(mostly on Thursday mornings from approximately 10 a. m.
to noon) to assemble the Sunday bulletins, special
bulletins, and mailings (letters and the Parish Gazette)
and working in the office (once in a great while). |
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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." |
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Use of our
Facilities
This parish allows our facilities to
be used by 12-step programs (Gamblers Anonymous,
Alcoholics Anonymous, AlAnon, and Chronic Pain
Anonymous) 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 for Children, 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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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.) |
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