Ministries

Serving God and neighbor through the life of the parish

At St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, we believe that every baptized person is called to share their gifts in the service of God and neighbor. Our ministries provide opportunities to participate in the life of the parish, support our worship, and care for each other and our community. Your time and talents help sustain our shared life in Christ while bringing the Light of Christ into the community. We invite you to explore the opportunities below and prayerfully consider how God might be calling you to serve.

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Care and Hospitality

Community and Parish Life Committee

The Community and Parish Life Committee organizes events throughout the year to help build community within the parish life of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church as well as promote our church’s mission in the wider community. Some examples include assisting with meals to support special events and receptions; hold events to bring the parish together; help ensure after-service coffee hour runs smoothly.

Coffee Hour Host

Coffee Hour Host Guidelines

Building and Grounds Committee

The Building and Grounds Committee cares for the church’s property so that it remains safe, welcoming, and beautiful. Members help with maintenance, repairs, landscaping, and improvements that support the church’s mission and hospitality.

Pastoral Care Committee and Prayer Ministry

The Pastoral Care Committee responds to the pastoral care needs of the congregation, in consultation with the Rector. The primary focus is to offer care and connection to parishioners experiencing illness, grief, isolation, or other life challenges. Supporting parishioners through important life events is also a focus of this committee.

St. Luke’s Prayer Chain is a group of individuals who pray daily for individuals in the congregation who have requested prayer.

Christian Formation

Church School Teacher/Volunteer

Church School teachers and volunteers help children grow in faith through Bible stories, prayer, crafts, and conversation. They create a welcoming and joyful environment where young people can learn about God’s love and what it means to follow Jesus. Learn more about the Church School

Parish Leadership and Stewardship

Vestry

Vestry members share in the leadership of the parish by working with the rector to guide the church’s mission, ministry, and finances. They represent the congregation, help make decisions about parish life and stewardship, and pray for the well-being and direction of the church. Learn more about the Vestry

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee oversees the parish’s financial health in partnership with the Vestry and Treasurer. Members help prepare the annual budget, review financial reports, and support responsible stewardship of the church’s resources. Their work ensures that the ministries of the parish are sustained with transparency, care, and faithfulness.

Worship and Altar Ministries

Liturgical Ministries

We invite parish members to contribute to our worship services as: greeter, reader, intercessor, chalice bearer, and torch bearer. These individuals help create a welcoming atmosphere and help ensure that all aspects of the service flow with reverence and care. Learn more about Serving in Worship.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild prepares the worship space for services by caring for the altar, vestments, vessels, and linens used in worship. Members set up for Holy Communion and clean up after the service, change the hangings for the church seasons, and ensure that everything is ready for each service in a spirit of reverence and devotion.

Choir

The Choir leads the congregation in worship through music, offering praise to God and enriching our services with song. Singers of all experience levels are welcome to join in rehearsals, fellowship, and the joy of making music together during church services.

Outreach

An important way that many members of St. Luke’s act out their faith is by reaching out to those in the community. We consider it a priority to connect with the community in meaningful ways.

Ypsilanti Homeless Shelter

We were grateful to be able to offer the Parish Hall as a location for Ypsilanti’s first overnight homeless shelter, which typically operates November through March. Learn more about the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, its upcoming fundraisers, and how to volunteer throughout the year.

Provide Meals to the Community

In collaboration with another church, we provide 150+ meals to the community each month in collaboration with Hope Clinic (518 Harriet St., Ypsilanti). Join other faithful volunteers the fourth Friday of each month, anytime between 2:30-6:15pm. For additional information, contact Cathy Lewis (cclewis@umich.edu).
Learn more about Hope Clinic

Student Food Panty

Support the students of Eastern Michigan University (EMU) by purchasing food and personal care items, and dropping them off at church. This effort is a collaboration with Swoop’s Food Pantry at EMU. About 60 students are helped daily. Drop off donated items at church.
Learn more about Swoop’s Food Pantry
In demand items: Cereal, Peanut Butter, Snack items, Rice, Condiments, Black Beans, Notebooks, Highlighters, Spices, and Canopeners.

Monthly Missions

Each month, St. Luke’s selects a mission focus. Areas of focus include refugees, hunger, homelessness, families in trouble, students, and the environment. Specific non-profit organizations are highlighted.

Seasonal Outreach

Opportunities will be described as they arise.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Ypsilanti, MI

All are welcome!