St. Paul's Ministries
At St. Paul's there are many opportunities to engage in active ministry. Become involved at St. Paul's by joining one or more of the following parish ministries.
Click on the name of the chair to request more information or to volunteer click our signup!
Acolyte Guild
Children and adults are invited to serve as acolytes. Beginning in the fourth grade, children may train to serve as acolytes at St. Paul's. Members of the Acolyte Guild generally serve about once a month, and newer members serve as torchbearers aside the crucifer, usually a more experienced acolyte. All acolytes wear red cassocks 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. Those desiring to serve as acolytes can secure a special training. Children or adults interested in the Acolyte Guild may contact our acolyte trainer Lori.
Altar Guild
The altar guild is a special group charged with the maintenance and preparation of the altar and its furnishings. The altar guild supervises church decorations during Advent and Lent. Teams of altar guild members prepare for each Sunday service by coming in prior to service and setting up all items for Sunday service. If you would like to join the Altar Guild contact Barbara. If you would like to decorate the altar with flowers in memory of or in celebration of a special event/person donations may be made by contacting Elaine.
Children's Ministries
St. Paul's currently has childcare for children up to kindergarten (please see "Sunday School" for a program for children in kindergarten through 6th grade). Parents may take children to childcare (located in preschool wing) before worship begins at 10am. If you wish for your child to take communion or receive a blessing, please be sure to get them from daycare at the sign of peace/announcements time. Two adults, experienced in childcare, supervise our youngest children at play and sometimes working on age-appropriate crafts or reading them stories. 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 Elaine.
Choir
The choir at St. Paul's rehearses and sings from early September through early June. Under the direction of Christopher Borges, the choral director at Bakersfield High School, the St. Paul's choir rehearses Tuesday evenings from 7:15-8:30pm in the choir room. 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 joy of being part of the music ministry at St. Paul's by joining our choir. For more information, contact the choir coordinator, Miriam.
Daughters of the King
The Order of the Daughters of the King® (DOK) is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service and Evangelism. We have made a commitment to Jesus as our Savior, and we follow Him as Lord of our lives. We are an Order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the Historic Episcopate. If you feel a calling to become a Daughter of the King, please call Elaine .
Episcopal Youth Fellowship
The Episcopal Youth Fellowship at St. Paul's is made up of teens 13-18 years old. They meet twice per month on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 10am and return for 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. Contact Patty or Sean for more info.
Food & Clothing Pantry Co-Op
Large numbers of people in our neighborhood are hungry. As members of our downtown community, one of the outreach missions of St. Paul's is to minister to the needs of our neighbors St. Paul's Food Pantry distributes needs food, money, time, prayers, etc. In this way, we can as individuals and as a church will be living as God would have us- loving our neighbors as ourselves. Contact Jan to volunteer or contribute to this valuable ministry.
Fellowship of Men
St. Paul's Fellowship of Men's mission is "…to become fishers of men.” St. Paul's Fellowship of Men is dedicated to creating opportunities for men to develop vital friendships, personal integrity and profound Christ-centered growth. We do this through a variety of ways including monthly breakfasts, retreats, fellowship events, outreach projects and Bible studies. Watch the calendar for upcoming events. All men are welcome to join us! Contact Greg for more info.
Hospitality
"For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink." Mathew 25:35
Hosting a Coffee Hour is a wonderful opportunity for service at St.Paul's. We are in desperate need of Coffee Hour hosts and would appreciate any and all volunteers. We ask that you sign up to bring a treat/snack to share once a month if possible. There is a sign up sheet in the chapel so please sign up today. Contact Susan to sign up.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM)
A LEM is a lay person who represents the congregation at the altar and assists with the distribution of communion. To be a Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) requires a genuine desire to serve. You must be a confirmed adult communicant of the church, be in good standing and be appointed and supervised by the priest or priest’s designee. Preparation and training are free. Training guides are provided, a sincere reflection is expected and physical training must be completed. The LEM is both a representative of the congregation at the altar and at the same time, an example of Christian service for the congregation. Feel free to explore the possibility by discussing the ministry with any of our Priests or current LEMs. If you are interested in pursuing the Lay Eucharist Ministry, please contact Cathy.
Lectors (Readers)
Any parishioner who would like to read scripture during worship services at St. Paul's may volunteer to be a lector. There is broad participation in this ministry at St. Paul's, 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 W. is available to current lectors and those who would like to join this ministry. Anyone interested in becoming a lector may contact the scheduler, Cathy.
LGBT & Friends of St. Paul's
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 St. Paul's 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 St. Paul's for friendship and fellowship. Click on "Join us in Yahoo Groups” on our home page and you will automatically be sent to the LGBT Yahoo group. For more information contact Tanya.
Ministerio Latino
Ministerio Latino is a fellowship of parishioners interested in bringing Hispanic culture and traditions to St.Paul's. Ministerio Latino sponsors events such as Dia De Los Muertos, Las Posadas, and many more. For more information please contact Arcie.
Outreach Committee
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. Contact Committee Chairs Cathy or Robin.
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 St. Paul's 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 Hank.
Social Justice Group
The Social Justice Group is for people who feel called to explore what is it to work for justice in our community, state, country or world. Social Justice comes down to taking what we proclaim from the pulpit with our mouths and connecting it to how we lead our lives, so that our actions proclaim the gospel louder than any word. Please contact Jerry for more information.
Stewardship Committee
Stewardship is about being grateful, responsible stewards of the gifts we receive from God. The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Biblical practice of “tithing,” which means to give back a tenth of our earnings to God (Numbers 18:26). The Episcopal Church sees stewardship as more than simply contributing money to the church; it’s also about contributing time and talents, and volunteering for ministry and mission. It’s about reaching out to build relationships from a perspective of abundance instead of scarcity. Planning for our future, and developing the resources to attain that picture, are critical. Come help us plan the future. We need you! Contact Brian or Marianne.
Sunday Meditation
All are welcome at Sunday sittings, where we practice zazen (seated meditation), focusing on posture, breath, and attitude of mind. No experience is necessary. A zafu, seiza bench, or chair will be provided. If you are new to practice, this is no problem at all. Plan on arriving fifteen minutes before start time for some brief instruction before we begin. The han strikes promptly at 9:10. We conclude at 9:50. Check the calendar for the next meditation date. Contact Gary for more info.
Sunday School
Sunday School at St.Paul's instructs a group of children from 1st to 6th grade. We follow an Episcopal 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 first Sunday of the month Sunday School children remain in the sanctuary for service to be part of the service. Children are invited to sit int he choir area to be up close to the altar and part of the service. When SUnday School is not in session, there is child care for 5-8 yrs old and there are activity packets available for children 9 and above to use during service, ask a usher. For more information, contact Be.
Welcoming Committee
The Welcoming Committee is an extremely important ministry as we serve as the face of St. Paul's to those visiting and to our newest members. Welcoming Committee volunteers may serve as name tag greeters. The Sunday greeter is responsible for the encouragement of all members to wear their name tag. He or she also works to acknowledge and welcome visitors, encourage them to sign our guest book, ask them to wear a temporary stick-on name tag and to introduce them to at least one member of our clergy. The greeter also makes the ushers aware of where visitors are seated so they can make sure to give them a gift bag during the announcements. The Welcoming Committee is also involved in conjunction with the Hospitality Committee in the planning and execution of various activities such as quarterly Welcome Sunday potlucks that are aimed towards acknowledging and celebrating the presence of new members to St. Paul's. The Welcoming Committee meets quarterly for the purpose of planning the Welcome Sunday activities and to discuss ways we can enhance and improve the ministry’s goal to successfully welcome and make each and every visitor feel welcome, comfortable and valuable----an important addition to our St. Paul's family. Contact Armida.
Children and adults are invited to serve as acolytes. Beginning in the fourth grade, children may train to serve as acolytes at St. Paul's. Members of the Acolyte Guild generally serve about once a month, and newer members serve as torchbearers aside the crucifer, usually a more experienced acolyte. All acolytes wear red cassocks 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. Those desiring to serve as acolytes can secure a special training. Children or adults interested in the Acolyte Guild may contact our acolyte trainer Lori.
Altar Guild
The altar guild is a special group charged with the maintenance and preparation of the altar and its furnishings. The altar guild supervises church decorations during Advent and Lent. Teams of altar guild members prepare for each Sunday service by coming in prior to service and setting up all items for Sunday service. If you would like to join the Altar Guild contact Barbara. If you would like to decorate the altar with flowers in memory of or in celebration of a special event/person donations may be made by contacting Elaine.
Children's Ministries
St. Paul's currently has childcare for children up to kindergarten (please see "Sunday School" for a program for children in kindergarten through 6th grade). Parents may take children to childcare (located in preschool wing) before worship begins at 10am. If you wish for your child to take communion or receive a blessing, please be sure to get them from daycare at the sign of peace/announcements time. Two adults, experienced in childcare, supervise our youngest children at play and sometimes working on age-appropriate crafts or reading them stories. 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 Elaine.
Choir
The choir at St. Paul's rehearses and sings from early September through early June. Under the direction of Christopher Borges, the choral director at Bakersfield High School, the St. Paul's choir rehearses Tuesday evenings from 7:15-8:30pm in the choir room. 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 joy of being part of the music ministry at St. Paul's by joining our choir. For more information, contact the choir coordinator, Miriam.
Daughters of the King
The Order of the Daughters of the King® (DOK) is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to a life of Prayer, Service and Evangelism. We have made a commitment to Jesus as our Savior, and we follow Him as Lord of our lives. We are an Order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the Historic Episcopate. If you feel a calling to become a Daughter of the King, please call Elaine .
Episcopal Youth Fellowship
The Episcopal Youth Fellowship at St. Paul's is made up of teens 13-18 years old. They meet twice per month on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 10am and return for 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. Contact Patty or Sean for more info.
Food & Clothing Pantry Co-Op
Large numbers of people in our neighborhood are hungry. As members of our downtown community, one of the outreach missions of St. Paul's is to minister to the needs of our neighbors St. Paul's Food Pantry distributes needs food, money, time, prayers, etc. In this way, we can as individuals and as a church will be living as God would have us- loving our neighbors as ourselves. Contact Jan to volunteer or contribute to this valuable ministry.
Fellowship of Men
St. Paul's Fellowship of Men's mission is "…to become fishers of men.” St. Paul's Fellowship of Men is dedicated to creating opportunities for men to develop vital friendships, personal integrity and profound Christ-centered growth. We do this through a variety of ways including monthly breakfasts, retreats, fellowship events, outreach projects and Bible studies. Watch the calendar for upcoming events. All men are welcome to join us! Contact Greg for more info.
Hospitality
"For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink." Mathew 25:35
Hosting a Coffee Hour is a wonderful opportunity for service at St.Paul's. We are in desperate need of Coffee Hour hosts and would appreciate any and all volunteers. We ask that you sign up to bring a treat/snack to share once a month if possible. There is a sign up sheet in the chapel so please sign up today. Contact Susan to sign up.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM)
A LEM is a lay person who represents the congregation at the altar and assists with the distribution of communion. To be a Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) requires a genuine desire to serve. You must be a confirmed adult communicant of the church, be in good standing and be appointed and supervised by the priest or priest’s designee. Preparation and training are free. Training guides are provided, a sincere reflection is expected and physical training must be completed. The LEM is both a representative of the congregation at the altar and at the same time, an example of Christian service for the congregation. Feel free to explore the possibility by discussing the ministry with any of our Priests or current LEMs. If you are interested in pursuing the Lay Eucharist Ministry, please contact Cathy.
Lectors (Readers)
Any parishioner who would like to read scripture during worship services at St. Paul's may volunteer to be a lector. There is broad participation in this ministry at St. Paul's, 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 W. is available to current lectors and those who would like to join this ministry. Anyone interested in becoming a lector may contact the scheduler, Cathy.
LGBT & Friends of St. Paul's
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 St. Paul's 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 St. Paul's for friendship and fellowship. Click on "Join us in Yahoo Groups” on our home page and you will automatically be sent to the LGBT Yahoo group. For more information contact Tanya.
Ministerio Latino
Ministerio Latino is a fellowship of parishioners interested in bringing Hispanic culture and traditions to St.Paul's. Ministerio Latino sponsors events such as Dia De Los Muertos, Las Posadas, and many more. For more information please contact Arcie.
Outreach Committee
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. Contact Committee Chairs Cathy or Robin.
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 St. Paul's 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 Hank.
Social Justice Group
The Social Justice Group is for people who feel called to explore what is it to work for justice in our community, state, country or world. Social Justice comes down to taking what we proclaim from the pulpit with our mouths and connecting it to how we lead our lives, so that our actions proclaim the gospel louder than any word. Please contact Jerry for more information.
Stewardship Committee
Stewardship is about being grateful, responsible stewards of the gifts we receive from God. The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Biblical practice of “tithing,” which means to give back a tenth of our earnings to God (Numbers 18:26). The Episcopal Church sees stewardship as more than simply contributing money to the church; it’s also about contributing time and talents, and volunteering for ministry and mission. It’s about reaching out to build relationships from a perspective of abundance instead of scarcity. Planning for our future, and developing the resources to attain that picture, are critical. Come help us plan the future. We need you! Contact Brian or Marianne.
Sunday Meditation
All are welcome at Sunday sittings, where we practice zazen (seated meditation), focusing on posture, breath, and attitude of mind. No experience is necessary. A zafu, seiza bench, or chair will be provided. If you are new to practice, this is no problem at all. Plan on arriving fifteen minutes before start time for some brief instruction before we begin. The han strikes promptly at 9:10. We conclude at 9:50. Check the calendar for the next meditation date. Contact Gary for more info.
Sunday School
Sunday School at St.Paul's instructs a group of children from 1st to 6th grade. We follow an Episcopal 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 first Sunday of the month Sunday School children remain in the sanctuary for service to be part of the service. Children are invited to sit int he choir area to be up close to the altar and part of the service. When SUnday School is not in session, there is child care for 5-8 yrs old and there are activity packets available for children 9 and above to use during service, ask a usher. For more information, contact Be.
Welcoming Committee
The Welcoming Committee is an extremely important ministry as we serve as the face of St. Paul's to those visiting and to our newest members. Welcoming Committee volunteers may serve as name tag greeters. The Sunday greeter is responsible for the encouragement of all members to wear their name tag. He or she also works to acknowledge and welcome visitors, encourage them to sign our guest book, ask them to wear a temporary stick-on name tag and to introduce them to at least one member of our clergy. The greeter also makes the ushers aware of where visitors are seated so they can make sure to give them a gift bag during the announcements. The Welcoming Committee is also involved in conjunction with the Hospitality Committee in the planning and execution of various activities such as quarterly Welcome Sunday potlucks that are aimed towards acknowledging and celebrating the presence of new members to St. Paul's. The Welcoming Committee meets quarterly for the purpose of planning the Welcome Sunday activities and to discuss ways we can enhance and improve the ministry’s goal to successfully welcome and make each and every visitor feel welcome, comfortable and valuable----an important addition to our St. Paul's family. Contact Armida.
