Acolyte & Crucifer
Here at Grace we invite all youth, grades 5 through 12 to assist the Pastor and Pastoral Assistants with the worship service by participating as an acolyte and/or crucifer. We have an annual training and review session in the fall. If you are new to Grace and have a child who would like to be an acolyte or crucifer, a special training session can be arranged. Please contact the Director of Youth and Family at faithformation@gracelutherantampa.org or 813-961-8747.
Altar Guild
Assisting Ministers
Are volunteers who assist the Pastor with the liturgy, especially the Kyrie, the prayers and distribution of communion. Most Sundays, the Kyrie is sung by the assisting minister. There are a few other spoken parts.
Care Team Ministry
The purpose of the team is two-fold: it gives those experiencing health issues, death of a loved one, etc. the comforting assurance that they are not alone – that someone cares enough to give them a call; and those participating are given the opportunity to reach out to those who are being prayed for by Pastor during Sunday services and/or included during the week by the Prayer Chains.
The only requirement is to call the individual assigned by the Chairperson of Member Care during the week, and let them know that they are being prayed for and cared about. The caller then emails the Chairperson to tell them that the call has been made, and give them a brief summary of the conversation.
Christian Teachers
- Persons interested in becoming a part of our teaching ministry are recruited each summer. They are asked to make a one year commitment and complete a background check. Orientation for teachers is held in August prior to the start of the new Sunday school year. Curriculum and supplies are provided. We recruit 4 teachers for each class so that in a month they will each teach one Sunday and help one Sunday in the classroom.
Leaders for the Adult classes are asked to commit to 3-4 week sessions. Materials are provided as well.
If you have questions or are interested in teaching, please contact the Director of Youth and Family at faithformation@gracelutherantampa.org or 813-961-8747.
Communion Assistant
Communion assistants are volunteers who assist the Pastor with the liturgy, especially the Kyrie, the prayers and distribution of communion. Most Sundays, the Kyrie is sung by the assisting minister. There are a few other spoken parts.
Fellowship Committee
The Fellowship Committee oversees the Sunday refreshments, which includes coffee and snacks after each service. During this time, members and guests are able to socialize and get to know one another better.
The committee also coordinates special events throughout the year including Thanksgiving Dinner, Lenten Dinners, Easter Sunday breakfast, Hot Dog Social, Reformation Celebration Potluck and Oktoberfest. Members of the committee help guests feel welcome to Grace.
Contact the Committee Chair if you are interested in joining the Fellowship Committee or would like to host Sunday refreshments.
Homeless in Our Community
The Homeless in Our Community Committee sponsors the “teal bag” Sundays. The “teal bags are handed out on the first Sunday of the month with a request that they be returned the third Sunday, filled with the monthly donation items. The members of the congregation that want to participate purchase the items .i.e. food, school supplies, socks, children’s underwear, gently used t-shirts, tennis shoes, travel lotions and shampoos, baby items, etc. The items are sorted and distributed to the homeless veterans, Forest Hills and Alexander Elementary Schools, the foster children program at Eckerd Raising Hope, Oasis Pregnancy Care Center, the Kaye Prox Food Pantry at Lutheran Church of Our Savior and McCulloch Group Homes.
The Homeless in Our Community Committee also holds food drives at our local Publix and donate those contributions from members of the community to the above mentioned organizations.
At Christmas time the committee adopts children from Forest Hills Elementary School that have been identified by the social workers, and purchases gifts with donated funds to ensure the children have Christmas.
Manna Bags containing snacks, water and toiletries are also sponsored by The Homeless in Our Community Committee. These bags are offered to those in need who visit the church.
Contact the church office if you would like more information or would like to volunteer as a member of this amazing outreach committee.
Office Volunteers
This ministry was formed to assist the office staff with daily tasks, so that we may better serve the members and visitors of Grace. If you are interested, please contact the church office. Read More…
Pew Angels
This group of volunteers are key to keeping our sanctuary in order. Restocking the pews with envelopes, pencils, writing pads, prayer cards and Stephen Ministry cards are the main responsibilities of this ministry along with picking up bulletins left behind and straightening the hymnals. The pew angel’s schedule rotates so that each will be assigned every 4-6 weeks. Duties usually are performed during working hours (M-F 9 AM-noon, 1-4 PM). Contact the church office if you would like to be a part of this important ministry.
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain is a way to support those having concerns about health and/or general life issues. Prayers are received from present and former members of Grace, as well as people around the country. Participants receive those prayers via email, on a regular basis and add them to their own personal daily prayer list.
The chains have been operating since 1981 without interruption and have evolved from person to person phone calls to computers. There have been literally thousands of prayers prayed during those years and often a person who was the recipient will put a prayer of thanks that God had answered his or her prayers. Some of the members have been participants since 1981 – even though they have moved or are no longer members of Grace.
Ushers & Greeters
Join the elite usher corps at Grace Lutheran Church!
Ushers are needed for the 10:00 AM service.
Ushers serve one Sunday a month. We welcome those who wish to serve more frequently. Experience is not required; we provide on the job training. Present ushers, as well as newcomers and high school juniors and seniors are invited to participate.
Please contact the office if you are interested in serving with this important ministry of Grace.
Church Council
The Congregational Council (Council) is comprised of members who desire to donate their time and talents to do the work of the church to the glory of God. Each member brings special gifts to their position and each is encouraged to work hand-in-hand with other members for the good of the church. Following are brief descriptions of each Council position. Read More…