Church Ministries
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Church Ministries —
At the heart of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church are our many ministries—teams and committees of faithful volunteers who lovingly keep our parish running. From the reverent care of the altar guild and the sacred service of chalice bearers and lectors, to the joyful music of the choir and the warm hospitality of our welcome and coffee crews, these dedicated groups support every aspect of our worship, fellowship, and mission. The buildings and grounds team stewards our beautiful campus, while countless other quiet acts of service make Sunday mornings welcoming and our community life vibrant. We are deeply grateful for every person who shares their time and talents, and we warmly invite you to explore how your gifts might fit into one of these essential ministries.
Sunday Servants
Our Sunday Servant teams are the heart of worship at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Needs ebb and flow—some teams have an abundance of dedicated members while others are always looking for more help. We invite you to review the various ministries and roles described on this page to see what might interest you. If something sparks your interest, please reach out to the listed contact with any questions or to express your desire to join (space is sometimes limited). Your gifts and time are deeply valued!
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The Altar Guild is a vital volunteer team at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd that prepares the altar and sanctuary for worship each week. Members arrange sacred vessels, linens, candles, bread, and wine for the Eucharist with care and reverence. They also maintain and clean altar furnishings, polish brass, care for linens, and support special services. This behind-the-scenes ministry helps create a beautiful and sacred space for our community. New members are warmly welcome—no experience necessary.
Contact: Cathy O’Connor.
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The Flower Guild at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd creates beautiful floral arrangements for the altar, honoring the seasons of the liturgical year including Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. They also prepare special arrangements for dedications, memorials, and other occasions. The guild manages the annual Christmas poinsettia and Easter lily dedications, bringing color and joy to our worship space. Their ministry enhances the beauty and spirit of our services through thoughtful floral artistry.
Contact: Marcia Weber-Olsen
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The Sanctuary Setup team at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd prepares our worship space each week for meaningful services. They straighten the sanctuary, put out the bulletins, replenish tissues, organize hymnals, and ensure everything is welcoming and ready. Team members also provide valuable office support, including scanning mail, rotating signage, and helping organize the church office. This practical ministry creates a tidy, inviting environment where our community can gather in worship.
Contact: Parish Admin
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The Coffee Crew at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd warmly welcomes everyone to fellowship after Sunday services. They arrive early to brew fresh coffee, set out simple treats, and prepare the space for Coffee Hour. This friendly ministry fosters connection, conversation, and community among parishioners and visitors alike. Their efforts turn Sunday mornings into times of joyful gathering and shared fellowship.
Contact: Alice Knapp
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The Welcome Crew at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd warmly greets everyone who walks through our doors. Comprised of greeters and welcome table attendants, they help newcomers and regular attendees feel seen, valued, and at home. Their friendly presence creates a hospitable first impression and supports connection within our parish family. The greeters also assist during the service by passing the plate. This ministry plays a key role in building an inclusive and welcoming church community.
Contact: Sandy French
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The Subdeacons at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd arrive early on Sundays to open the church, unlock doors, and prepare the sanctuary for worship by adjusting temperature and ventilation. During services, they assist with the liturgy, including administering the consecrated bread and wine at Holy Communion. This important lay ministry supports smooth, reverent worship and helps feed the community with the sacraments.
Contact: Sandy French
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Crucifers at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd carry the processional cross at the head of the procession during Sunday services, leading clergy, choir, and congregation into worship. This visible role symbolizes Christ leading His people and adds dignity and beauty to our liturgy. Teens and adults are welcome to serve—it's a wonderful opportunity for youth to participate actively in worship.
Contact: Parish Admin
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Join our Chalice Bearers Ministry at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and serve as Lay Eucharistic Ministers during Holy Communion. Chalice Bearers reverently offer the consecrated wine to the congregation, helping to facilitate the sacred sharing of the Eucharist with reverence and care.
In addition to serving at the altar, Chalice Bearers also participate in the readings on most Sundays. They proclaim the First Reading and lead the Prayers of the People, combining meaningful liturgical leadership with practical service.
This important lay ministry is a wonderful way to use your gifts in service to God and our parish family—Sunday Servants who help lead worship both at the table and through God’s Word.
Contact: Sandy French
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Join our vibrant Choir Ministry at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and share your voice in uplifting worship that enriches our Sunday services and strengthens our faith community. Our choir explores traditional sacred music drawn from a rich variety of disciplines and liturgical traditions. We perform approximately once a month during the program year, bringing beautiful SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) harmony and part-singing to our services.
Whether you read sheet music fluently or are simply passionate about sacred music, all voices are welcome. Choir robes are provided for a unified and reverent appearance during services. Rehearsals take place on Wednesdays from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM in the church Sanctuary. This ministry is a wonderful way to use your musical gifts in service to God and our parish family—Sunday Servants who help lead worship through song.
Contact: Juneau Rowe, Music Minister
Note: The choir takes a summer recess during June, July, and August, allowing members time for rest and renewal.
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Join our lively Folk Group Ministry at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and bring energy and joy to our worship through contemporary and modern music. Our Folk Group draws from a vibrant mix of Gospel Bluegrass, Christian Rock Praise, and various Christian Contemporary sources to create an uplifting, less traditional sound that speaks to many hearts in our community.
We use a variety of instruments including guitar, mandolin, harmonica, drums, and others to lead engaging worship. Sheet music is sometimes used, along with chord/lyric sheets and oral traditions—making it accessible whether you read music formally or learn by ear.
This ministry is a wonderful way to share your musical talents in service to God and our parish family—Sunday Servants who help lead worship through song.
Contact: Juneau Rowe, Music Minister
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Join our Lectors/Readers Team at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and serve as a voice for God’s Word during worship. On most Sundays, four different people participate by reading the First Reading, Second Reading, Psalm, and Prayers of the People.
The Chalice Bearers proclaim the First Reading and Prayers of the People, while two Lectors/Readers offer the Psalm and Second Reading. This is also a wonderful role for our younger attendees who feel called to participate in the service.
This ministry is a meaningful way to use your gifts in service to God and our parish family—Sunday Servants who help lead worship by bringing Scripture and prayer to life for the congregation.
Contact: Connie Bafford
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Our Prayer Team at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd surrounds our community with the power of prayer. Anyone is welcome to request prayer through the “Prayer” button in the header of our website. Prayers can be shared on our public prayer list or kept fully confidential with the Prayer Team and Rector.
Team members also send encouragement cards when requested and faithfully staff the Prayer Corner during services for anyone seeking individual prayer and support.
This ministry is a beautiful way to use your gifts of compassion and intercession in service to God and our parish family—Sunday Servants who lift up the needs of others in faithful prayer.
Contact: Debbie Avilez
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Join our Plate Counters Team at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and provide faithful, behind-the-scenes support for our parish’s stewardship. Each Sunday, two team members collect the offering plates after the 10:00 AM service, along with any donations received during the week.
Together they count the offerings, prepare a detailed worksheet for our parish administrator, and make a bank deposit. This important work ensures our financial gifts are handled with care, accuracy, and integrity.
This ministry is a wonderful way to use your gifts of reliability and service in support of God’s work through our parish family—Sunday Servants who quietly strengthen the mission of the church.
Contact: Tim Knapp
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Join our Livestream Team at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and help extend our worship and special services to those who cannot be with us in person. This vital team handles the video and audio production of our Sunday livestreams, as well as weddings and memorial services when requested.
Team members receive special training on our equipment and then arrive early to run either the video camera or the computer-based camera angle switcher. Your technical skills directly support our mission to make worship accessible to the wider community.
This ministry is a wonderful way to use your gifts in service to God and our parish family—Sunday Servants who help share the love of Christ beyond our sanctuary walls.
Contact: Juneau Rowe, Music Minister
More Ministries
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Join our Cursillo Ultreya gatherings at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd as we continue the spirit of Cursillo through fellowship, prayer, and encouragement. “Ultreya” means “Onward!” — an ancient pilgrim greeting that perfectly captures the heart of this ministry.
These regular gatherings bring together Cursillistas and friends for worship, sharing, testimony, and support as we live out our faith in everyday life. It is a joyful space to deepen relationships, grow spiritually, and renew our commitment to Christian discipleship.
This ministry is a wonderful way to stay connected and encouraged in your faith journey alongside others in our parish family. Check out Upcoming Events page for when the next Cursillo event.
Contact: Joe Ladd
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Join our Buildings & Grounds Ministry at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and help care for the facilities and property that serve as the home of our worship and community life. This dedicated committee stewards our buildings, grounds, and resources with care and foresight.
Twice each year, in spring and fall, the team organizes COGS Work Days — wonderful all-parish events where we gather together, bringing our time, talents, skills, and tools to maintain and improve our campus. The ministry draws on the experience and abilities of our own parishioners to handle as much as possible in-house, promoting good stewardship and fiscal responsibility. When needed, the team also selects and oversees professional vendors and contractors.
This ministry is a meaningful way to use your practical gifts in service to God and our parish family—keeping our sacred spaces welcoming and well-maintained for all.
Contact: Stan Crane
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Our Finance Committee at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd provides wise and faithful oversight of our parish resources. This important committee carefully monitors the church and preschool budgets, investment accounts, and overall assets. They review financial reports, ensure good stewardship, and make thoughtful recommendations to the Vestry to support the mission and sustainability of our parish.
This ministry is a valuable way to use your gifts of financial knowledge and stewardship in service to God and our parish family—helping to strengthen the foundation for worship, programs, and outreach now and into the future.
Contact:Michael Ipson
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Our Outreach Committee at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd help extend Christ’s love beyond our walls into the wider community. This team monitors and supports the many outreach activities already happening through our parishioners while actively seeking new and meaningful ways to serve the people of Salinas, Corral de Tierra, and Monterey County.
The committee also reviews and makes recommendations to the Vestry for financial donations and support to local organizations, ensuring our resources are used effectively to meet real needs and make a positive difference.
This ministry is a wonderful way to live out our faith through action and compassion—serving our neighbors as an expression of God’s love in the world.
Contact: Sheryl Merrill or Anne Albano
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Join our Stewardship Committee at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and play a key role in supporting the ongoing mission and ministries of our parish. This team leads the annual pledge campaign each fall, clearly communicating the financial needs of the church and preschool so that we can continue God’s work in our community.
The committee encourages parishioners to submit pledges — a commitment of planned giving for the coming year — which our Treasurer and Finance Committee then use to build a faithful and realistic annual budget. Each November we celebrate with a joyful In-Gathering service, where all submitted pledges are brought forward and blessed.
This ministry is a meaningful way to practice grateful stewardship and help sustain the life and witness of our parish family for years to come.
Contact: Peter Albano