Christ Episcopal Church
	Riverton, New Jersey
	YOU ONLY WORK ON SUNDAYS, RIGHT? Grace be unto you and peace! When I was in my first congregation as an ordained person, the family of one of my confirmation class students put him up to asking me a question that he had asked at the dinner table during the week. It was a query that is often on people’s minds even if they are not willing to ask: “Father Wrede, since you only work on Sundays, what do you do the rest of the week?” In David’s case, it was not difficult to answer, since he and his brother, his father and mother and grandfather all benefited from my being around the rest of the week. I have included a more detailed response to this specific question at the end of the column, which I assembled with the aid of a book entitled People and pastor. Most importantly, I think, it helps illustrate that my role (and indeed all that we do) on Sunday mornings are like the tip of an iceberg: visible and up front, while most of the church’s life and ministry, that which keeps the tip afloat, is below the surface. For while this list is thorough, it doesn’t begin to describe all the activities that take place, nor acknowledge all those who are involved in enabling the life of our congregation to continue, prosper, and grow. On an average September – June Sunday, I figure that there are at least 50 volunteers at work every week contributing to everyone’s worship and educational experience. There are ushers, acolytes, Eucharistic ministers, readers, greeters, choristers, church school teachers, counters, altar guild members and parish visitors all involved in some public or support role. And as I do not show up on Sunday without many hours of preparation, neither do they. Most of these ministers spend extra time to ensure that they offer their very best to the glory of God and the service of the rest of the congregation. I give thanks to our Lord constantly for their generous commitment of time, the 21^st century’s most valuable commodity. In turn, each of these groups are coordinated by volunteers. They schedule, train and support those participating in one of these ministries so that everyone knows what to do and when to do it, as well as to accommodate those changes that inevitably take place. On top of that, they then go and actively participate in that ministry. And that is just Sunday. Then there is the business end of running a corporate undertaking. Finances are handled, bills paid, buildings and grounds maintained and beautified, repairs made – well it just goes on and on. And while we contract out for basic lawn and cleaning services, most of the effort in these areas comes from volunteers. Much of this is then coordinated with the help of our Wardens and Vestry. Then there are the activities outside our doors. Our ministry at St. Paul’s, Camden, participation in the local council of churches, Habitat for Humanity, and the work of the Burlington Convocation, the Diocese of New Jersey, and the Episcopal Church Women are all other areas where we see our volunteers in action. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the hard work of our Secretary Sharon Hollingsworth and Organist Justin Hartz. No Wal-Mart rock-bottom special could provide better bargains for quality received than the people of Christ Church get from these dedicated and caring individuals. When I count the many blessings I have received, Sharon and Justin are near the very top of my list. Our church is not merely a series of historic stone structures resting dreamily under the buttonwood trees. Rather it is a community where much ministry is done, a beehive buzzing with activity creating a place where the sweetness of the Lord is provided and shared with all those who seek God’s goodness. And the ministry of the church, both existing and yet to come invites all to be a part and contribute to the continuing life of the Holy Spirit in this place. My ministry is not pursued only on Sundays, nor am I the only minister. Rather, we are all the beneficiaries of divine love through the ministry and ministrations of Christ Church 23/7/365. Thanks be to God! DUTIES OF A PASTOR SERVING A CONGREGATION Sundays: Review sermon in advance; preach and preside at worship / Conduct adult Sunday school class or confirmation class / Attend fellowship time after worship / Share information and informal conversations with members. / Follow up on emergency pastoral care. This may include hospital visitations. Weekly: Supervise staff. / Respond to phone calls, e-mail, mail and people who stop in for information or assistance. / Prepare for and conduct a staff meeting. / Plan worship service and prepare items for bulletin or worship folder. / Prepare for sermon and adult Sunday school class. / Participate in text study group. / Conduct hospital and home visitations. / Prepare for and lead a Bible study or confirmation class. / Stay current on issues in the congregation, community, and world. Monthly: Write newsletter articles. / Attend the local pastors' gathering. / Meet with Bible study or small group leaders. / Prepare for and attend meetings of the executive committee, other designated committees, and the Vestry. / Review trend data for community and county. Yearly: Prepare and preside at special worship services, such as mid-week Lenten services. / Lead first Communion class, teachers' workshops, a series of classes on a special topic, or training sessions for acolytes or ushers. / Assist in planning a community Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Holy Week event. / Plan a Vestry retreat. / Review contribution and communion records and note any increased or decreased participation by individuals. / Represent congregation at local church, community, and synod events. / Assist the council or budgeting committee in projecting financial contributions for the upcoming year. / Attend Diocesan convention and other diocesan meetings and functions. / Oversee completion of the annual report to the congregation, pastor's report to the bishop, and the Episcopal Church’s parochial report. As needed: Meet with prospective members and conduct new member orientation or classes. / Meet with families planning baptisms and preside at baptismal services. / Hold premarital counseling sessions and preside at weddings. / Meet with people in need of immediate pastoral care. / Pray and be present with families facing medical emergencies, the death of loved ones, or other crises. / Prepare and preside at funeral services. / Complete the pastor's entries on the parish register and maintain accurate parish records. / Ensure that funds are handled appropriately / and seed planting [see ‘Planting seeds, expecting results’ ( June 2006 Tower Bell)]. See you in church?!