Office Volunteers
The Office Volunteers are not an actual committee, but a group of men and women, most of whom are retired from the business world, whose ministry is essential to keeping the parish functioning. They work to respond to the needs of the clergy, the diocese, and the public, sometimes at a moment’s notice. Their past experience is an invaluable asset to the paid staff. In addition to clerical help, some of the office volunteers bring their talents in music, liturgy, computer technology, and bookkeeping. Most parishioners are unaware of the hundreds of “behind the scenes” tasks necessary to keeping the office and the parish running smoothly.
Some of these tasks include:
- Answering the phone and taking messages
- Responding to people in need of food by answering the door and bagging groceries
- Purchasing office supplies
- Purchasing soft drinks, coffee, and other items needed for parish events
- Straightening the church on Mondays by: restocking pew racks with prayer and visitor cards: turning up kneelers; picking up remaining service sheets; replacing prayer books and hymnals
- Delivering and picking up printed materials from the printer on Clinton Highway
- Mailing the lay ministry reminders
- Helping set up and dismantle the parish hall, conference room, or Hopper Room before and after functions
- Delivering bulk mail to the Weisgarber Road post office
- Helping prepare for and extend hospitality to all visiting groups who meet at Saint James, such as EFM, the Diocese, KICCUP, and AKIMA
- Preparing the Sunday service sheet
In addition to the two Office Coordinators, ten people work on regularly, serving one day every other week. An additional group 8-10 people are on call to help with special mailings, e.g., the monthly newsletter, stewardship mailings, special parish publications, etc. The majority of the volunteers are active in various parish committees and ministries, giving the office first-hand information about parish activities. Those who are not active in this way find a strong connection and a special ministry by serving as volunteers. The office volunteers have fun and enjoy being together while they take their responsibilities seriously. Their work has renewed their knowledge and brought a new awareness and appreciation of the clergy and to the various functions, sacraments and special services of the church.