Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
In a church this size, there are hundreds of ways to use the talents, spiritual gifts, and abilities God gave each of us. The opportunities listed below are just a few. No experience is required except where noted; training is provided for each opportunity. As you experiment with ways to serve, remember that our loving God has prepared the good works he has for you to do ahead of time; though you may be tired when a project is complete, your work should be fulfilling. If it isn’t, pray about a new opportunity and try something else!
Don’t see anything that makes your heart go pitter-patter below? Give Melissa Ricketts a call at (770) 427-0293 x248 to discuss your abilities and opportunities to serve the church that might be a good fit for you.
JUST FOR KIDS
Joy Choir (Age 4 by 9/1 through Kindergarten)
At FPC, we believe all God’s people should have the opportunity to worship through song, and it is with great anticipation that we welcome our little ones into their first choir. The Joy Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. in Children’s Choir Room 232, and serves the church by singing in services six or so times per year as well as in the Spring Children’s Musical and Christmas Candlelight Service.
Contact: Larisa Dukes
JUST FOR YOUTH
Acolytes (Grades 4, 5, 6 & 7)
Training now open for May through September 2016
Training date: Sunday, April 17, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. in the Great Hall
Acolytes carry the flame to light candles at the beginning of each Sunday worship service at FPC. The fire and light symbolically remind us that God is with us and that Jesus is the Light of the World.This program serves as an outstanding opportunity for students to be leaders and participate in worship
Contact: Alesia Jones, (770) 427-0293 x249
PREPARE FOR WORSHIP SERVICES OR WEDDINGS
Chancel Guild
Decorate the Sanctuary and Great Hall in preparation for Sunday worship and special services such as Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday.
Contact: Cindy Saunders, (770) 427-0293 x254
Seating Preparers
Replenish Friendship pads printed material in the Sanctuary pews and Great Hall on Thursday or Friday in preparation for Sunday services.
Contact: Becca Yan, (770) 427-0293 x260
Bulletin Stuffers
Stuff inserts in the Sunday worship service bulletins on an as-needed basis. Depending on when the bulletins are printed, volunteers are needed either Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. or Fridays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Library. This task can be done while sitting or standing.
Contact: Kelly Estrada, (770) 427-0293 x241
Wedding Guild
Guild members work with pastors, brides, grooms, and families in preparation for wedding services held at FPC.
Contact: Cindy Saunders, (770) 427-0293 x254
Robe Washing and Repair
Wash and/or repair choir robes for our youth choir, youth handbell choir, and children’s choirs.
Contact: Cindy Saunders, (770) 427-0293 x254
BE A GRACIOUS HOST/HOSTESS
Greeter Ministry
American writer Max Eastman wrote, “A smile is the universal welcome.” As a greeter you have the opportunity to be the first to welcome members and visitors as they come to church on Sunday mornings. Help visitors connect to a Sunday School class or get acquainted with other ministries. The Greeter Ministry is vital to the work of the church.
Contact: Dave & Tammy Amsler, (770) 335-1030.
Ushers
Serving as an usher is more than showing guests where to go and helping them find a place to sit. It’s an opportunity to embody the gracious welcome God gives each person into his house.
Wednesday Night Dinner Volunteers
Create a welcoming opportunity helping to setup or serve during Wednesday Night Dinner. The fellowship is wonderful and volunteer times are flexible.
Contact: Bill Fogarty
TEACH, MENTOR, CHAPERONE, OR TELL GOD’S STORY
Club 3:30 After-School Program
Each school day, 25-30 latch-key children from Hickory Hills and A.L. Burruss elementary schools attend Club 3:30. They are tutored, fed, and loved on by volunteers from our church and community. Volunteers are needed to help with homework, provide snacks, and host birthday parties and Christmas festivities.
For more information about volunteering, contact Karen Stickel at (770) 427-0293 x228.
Children’s Choir Rehearsal Monitors
Watch over our little ones as they rehearse with FPC’s two children’s choirs on Wednesdays between 5:30 and 6:15 p.m.
Contact: Cindy Saunders, (770) 427-0293 x254
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE
Worship God with your voice on Sunday mornings. There are many opportunities for all ages to share in praises to Christ our Lord. Check out choir opportunities on the Music and Fine Arts page here.
PROVIDE CARE AND SUPPORT
Shepherding the Flock
Be an extension of God’s loving care for us by contacting a group of ten church members monthly to see how they are doing, ask about prayer needs, and share major church news and events. A brief training is provided. There are lots of opportunities to serve as a shepherd – we have a big church!
Contact: Kelly Estrada, (770) 427-0293 x241
Martha Ministry
Members of the Martha Ministry help other church members with everyday needs: a ride to the doctor, handywork around the house (we take men, too!), meals after hospitalization, and more.
Contact: Kelly Estrada, (770) 427-0293 x241
Stephen Ministry
Share compassion and the love of Christ by providing one-to-one support through listening and prayer for people in transition or a time of difficulty. Confidentiality is of utmost importance. This is a two-year commitment and extensive training is provided.
Contact: Rev. Denise Beltzner, (770) 427-0293 x238
Home Visitation
Are you an encourager? Many of our members would welcome an encouraging home visit: those who don’t have family in the area, can’t get to church for a variety of reasons, or are older and would enjoy a lively conversation.
Contact: Rev. Denise Beltzner, (770) 427-0293 x238
The Prayer Group
If you love to pray for others, contact Eve to receive FPC’s weekly email of recent prayer concerns, or pick up a prayer flyer at the circulation desk. In addition, The Prayer Group meets Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Library to praise God and bring petitions before the Lord in prayer. Childcare is provided.
Contact: Eve Kool, (770) 590-7004
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Love to knit or crochet? Put your crafty fingers to work! Join a Prayer Shawl group on Mondays from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the Library or Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in Room 241 to make shawls, wraps, and lap blankets for people in need of encouragement during difficult times, health or otherwise. Each item is prayerfully made.
Contact: Kelly Estrada, (770) 427-0293 x241
KEEP FPC ORGANIZED
Music Ministry Attendance Log
A volunteer is needed to log music attendance into FPC’s database system, ACS.
Contact: Cindy Saunders, (770) 427-0293 x254
Choir Librarians
One or more volunteers are needed to serve as choir librarians to sort, copy, and distribute music.
Contact: Cindy Saunders, (770) 427-0293 x254
USE YOUR CREATIVE TALENTS
A/V Technical Support (Sunday Morning Worship Services)
Enhance worship through Audio and Visual Arts. Serve as an audio technician, video camera operator, or visual presentation specialist. Opportunities are available for the 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Traditional services as well as the 11:00 a.m. Contemporary service.
Contact: Melissa Ricketts, (770) 427-0293 x248
Photographer (All Church Ministry)
Two or more photographers are needed to cover all church and ministry happenings at FPC to be used in print materials and on the web. There is a brief informational session regarding use of pictures and style information for anyone interested.
Contact: Melissa Ricketts, (770) 427-0293 x248 or Kelly Estrada, (770) 427-0293 x241
Photographer (Music Ministry)
One or more photographers are needed to cover FPC’s youth choir, youth handbell choir, and children’s choirs on an as-needed basis.
Contact: Cindy Saunders, (770) 427-0293 x254