Ministry of Administration
“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
THE COMPANY OF ANGELS GIFT SHOP
The Gift Shop reopened in September 2007. Items for sale include garments and accessories displaying the Episcopal shield, such as hats, shirts, flip flops, checkbook covers, totes, mouse pads, and windsocks. We have two different artists’ prints depicting our church, as well as sweatshirts and magnets depicting some of the angels on our windows. We carry inspirational books and music, Prayer Books and Hymnals, and instructional materials on what it means to be Episcopalian. The gift shop is open after the 9:45 am service every Sunday and after the 7:30 am service on Sundays of Vergers’ Breakfasts. To make a purchase during the week, contact Amy Thompson or the church office.
Contact: Amy Thompson (270-575-7158 weekdays, 270-534-1575 home),
Parish Office (270-443-1363)
ARCHIVISTS
Our history spans over 160 years. We have boxes of papers and photos and other interesting artifacts. We have ample storage space. We need a group of people who would enjoy sifting through our “stuff” with an eye to preserving the past and telling the story of Grace Church in compelling ways to future generations. A records management manual designed for Episcopal churches is ready and waiting to guide you. Sorters, filers, archivists, librarians, scrapbookers, visual display artists, historians, and writers could all have a place on this team. Also needed is a calligrapher to complete work begun on a Memorial Book.
Contact: Membership Secretary Sherry Threlkeld (270-443-1363),
Financial Secretary Trish Hines (270-443-1363)
COMMUNICATIONS
To increase our ability to communicate efficiently and effectively, we need volunteers with expertise and interest in the following areas:
• Bulletin Board Design
• Public Relations: Print Media, Broadcast Media
• Website Design and Maintenance
• Photography
• Brochure Design and Production
• Signs and Visual Presence in Our Community
• Newsletter Writers, Reporters, Proofreaders
• Internet Communications – Staying Connected Electronically
Contact: Parish Administrator Kimberly Stevens, The Rev. Meghan Holland (270-443-1363)
VESTRY
Parishes are governed by their rector and the Vestry, which legally represents the parish in matters concerning corporate property, finances, and relations of the parish to its clergy and staff. Another important function of the Vestry is long-range planning and visioning. The Vestry is also charged with being spiritual leaders who help guide the congregation in fulfilling the mission of the church to “restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ” (BCP, p. 855). The Vestry meets each month usually on the 4 Monday a th t 6:00 pm. Parishioners are always welcome to attend. Five new Vestry members are elected each year at the Annual Meeting to fill three-year terms. In the fall, the Vestry will list qualifications and call for nominees. Please prayerfully consider whether you might be called to serve.
Contact: Senior Warden Phil Counts (321-412-3486), The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443-1363)
COMMITTEES OF THE VESTRY
Two standing committees are composed of members of the Vestry, but may include one or two at-large members from the congregation. The Personnel Committee includes the Rector, Senior and Junior Wardens, and Clerk of the Vestry and meets on an as-needed basis to deal with staffing matters. The Finance Committee, which usually meets on the 3rd Monday of each month, includes a Chair appointed from the Vestry, Senior and Junior Wardens, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, one other Vestry member, and the Rector. If you have expertise in either of these areas and would like to serve as an at-large member, please contact the Committee Chair.
Contact: Personnel Committee: Dr. Ron Slatick (270-519-1519); Finance Committee: Susan Clifton (270-519-4135), Terry Richards (270-705-1507)
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Each congregation of the Episcopal Church is required by canon law to complete an audit each year. While a professional outside audit is required periodically, most years an internal audit is accomplished in the summer by a team of 3-4 volunteers who are elected by the Vestry and approved by the Diocesan Audit Committee. An audit manual is provided by the diocese to guide the committee’s work. While an accounting degree is not a requirement, some experience or education in a related area is helpful. If you are interested in joining Grace Church’s pool of internal auditors, please let us know.
Contact: The Rev. Richard Paxton (270-442-3857)
TRUST COMMITTEE
This three-person committee oversees Grace Church’s Endowment Funds and reports quarterly to the Vestry. Members serve three-year terms with one new member nominated by the committee and elected by the Vestry in the spring of each year. Qualifications are listed in the Trust Manual which is available in the parish office.
Contact: Ric Ladt (270-443-2826), David Black (270-217-3119), Kathleen Overlin (270-442-4008)
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
The Vestry appoints a Stewardship Committee Chair each year to educate and inspire the congregation to become better stewards of the resources with which we have been blessed by God. The committee chairs are ably assisted by sub-committee chairs working on a year-round concept of stewardship that encompasses pledges of money, time, and talent, as well as a commitment to stewardship of the environment.
Contact: Juliette Grumley (270-442-7488)
FOUR RIVERS DEANERY
This grouping of congregations includes St. Paul’s (Henderson), Trinity (Owensboro), St. Mary’s (Madisonville), Grace (Hopkinsville), St. Peter’s of the Lakes (Gilbertsville), St. John’s (Murray), St. Paul’s (Hickman), Trinity (Fulton), and Grace (Paducah). The clergy gather bi-monthly for support and communication. Occasionally events and activities are planned for the deanery. The Casparian Fund, a scholarship for continuing education for lay leaders, is administered by the deanery. Our goal is to enhance and enlarge the ministry of the Episcopal Church in the Purchase Area of Western Kentucky.
Contact: Four Rivers Dean The Very Rev. Candyce Loescher (270-821-3674)
DIOCESAN CONVENTION DEPUTIES
Diocesan Convention meets the last weekend in February each year to hear reports from various Departments and Committees, attend workshops, hear a guest preacher, receive the Bishop’s annual address, and conduct the business affairs of the diocese. It is part family reunion and part business meeting. All clergy have a vote, along with lay deputies elected from each congregation in proportion to that congregation’s size. The Grace Church Vestry elects three lay deputies each year along with one alternate deputy and a youth representative. Please let us know if you are interested in representing Grace Church.
Contact: The Rev. Libby Wade (270-443-1363)
DIOCESAN OFFICES & DEPARTMENTS
Many diocesan offices are filled by election at Diocesan Convention. Membership on various Departments and Committees may also be filled by appointment of the Bishop. A list of offices open for election is published each year in the diocesan newspaper Episcopal News. Nomination forms for elected offices are available in the fall. Grace Church currently has several people serving in both elected and appointed positions. It is important that we continue to assume strong leadership in our Diocese.
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