Ministry in the church is not confined only to the clergy. All faithful are called to minister in their lives; to use their God-given talents in the service of God (Matthew 25:14-30). There are a variety of ways you can choose to minister at Archangel Michael Orthodox Church.
If you see a ministry in which you would like to participate, please contact Fr. Gregory Bruner to get started.
Liturgical Life
The Liturgical Life ministry enriches the liturgical experience by encouraging congregational singing, regular choir practice, trained readers, guides for altar service, care of candles, greeters, and the offering. Everyone has an active role in the living liturgy: clergy and the faithful, young and old, male and female.
Mission & Evangelism
By fulfilling the commission to "baptize all nations" (Matthew 28:19) we not only find salvation for our souls but, by "letting [our] light so shine before men" (Matthew 5:16) and bringing them to the Church we will be assured of a continued Orthodox presence in Cook County and the Southwest Chicao Suburbs and therefore a future Archangel Michael Orthodox Church. This ministry is responsible for events that invite others to share the beauty and truth of Orthodoxy.
Parish Education
The Parish Education Ministry focuses on all aspects of parish education, from Sunday School curriculum and activities for our children to adult education programs. This group also offers their time and talents to our children by either helping with Sunday school on a weekly basis or to volunteer as a substitute Sunday school teacher. This ministry serves as a very important part of our continued movement to Christ.
Service & Philanthropy
We are charged to tithe in Stewardship and to go beyond this in providing for those in need both with our time and with our financial support. This ministry supports many organizations and institutions: our seminaries, disabled clergy, children with physical illnesses, and local efforts to provide energy relief for those in need.
Building & Grounds
Like our spiritual lives, our physical temple and rectory require upkeep, renovations, and tending. This ministry is responsible for the maintenance and repair of our buildings and grounds. This year the ministry renovated the bathrooms in the parish house, cleaned and prepared the parish house for Fr. Gregory and his family, and regularly cleans and maintains the church building.
Hospital Ministry
This ministry group focuses on assistance to those in hospitals and nursing homes, as well as shut-in who benefit from bringing the Church to their homes and hospital rooms and giving comfort to those who are ill. As they are remembered in our Litanies, so we must also make sure that they are not spiritually and physically alone. If you are in need of a visit, or know of someone who is in need of a visit, please contact Fr. Gregory Bruner.
Fellowship
Fellowship activities provide parishioners the opportunity to gather together to strengthen their bonds within the parish family. Whether formal or informal, fellowship activities for both adults and youth are a necessary part of parish life. Recent fellowship events include a youth trip to Chuck E. Cheese, and future events are already being planned.