There are many different ways in which members and friends of Christ Church Cranbrook may be involved in the life of the parish. If you are interested in participating in any of the following groups and committees, please call the church office at 248.644.5210.

Worship Ministries
Acolytes serve at worship services by leading the procession; lighting the candles; carrying crosses, banners, and torches; and assisting the clergy at the altar. This group is open to youth age 13 (or grade 7) and above. For more information, contact Pat Hirvonen at phirvonen@christchurchcranbrook.org. To download the current acolyte schedule, click here.

Altar Guild members prepare the altars and sanctuaries for all services. For more information, call the church office at 248.644.5210.

Greeters are a corps of volunteers who welcome newcomers and visitors before and after each worship service. They provide information about our parish and offer hospitality. For more information, contact Mark Mals at mmals@christchurchcranbrook.org.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers read lessons, lead prayers, and administer the chalice. Open to confirmed adults and youth over age 16.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors deliver the Eucharist to those who cannot attend the worship services due to illness or other causes.

Lay Readers (Lectors) read lessons at Saturday and Sunday services. Open to all who have been baptized.

The Order of Saint Vincent is a group of acolytes who read the lessons on the third Sunday of every month.

Ushers welcome and escort worshipers into the sanctuary, distribute service bulletins, and collect the offering. To download the current usher schedule, click here.

Evangelism and Outreach
Baldwin Avenue Soup Kitchen volunteers serve lunch to the hungry on the first Wednesday and the third Saturday of each month. The soup kitchen is located in Pontiac.

Docents conduct guided tours of the church and chapels to small and large groups.

The Rummage Sale will be hosted May 7-8, 2008 by the Episcopal Church Women. Prior to the sale, help is needed with sorting and pricing goods. Extra help is also needed during the sale.

The Service and Outreach Committee initiates recommendations for the use of Christ Church Cranbrook's resources in reaching out to those in need. They also plan opportunities for parishioners to collect food and other items for agencies serving the needy.

South Oakland Shelter (SOS) is a rotation shelter for the homeless. Christ Church Cranbrook participates with other area churches in housing and feeding the homeless one week each year. In 2008, SOS will be here April 13-20.

Pastoral Care
Lay Visitors are trained to assist clergy with visiting the ill, the bereaved, the disabled, and the homebound. Delivering altar flowers on Sundays and plants at Christmas and Easter are also the work of these dedicated volunteers.

The Memorial/Funeral Reception Committee plans and hosts receptions in the Guild Hall for family and friends following memorial or funeral services.

The Parish Health Committee serves the parish by being a health educator, personal health counselor, coordinator and trainer of volunteers, liaison between parish and community health organizations, and by clarifying the close relationship between faith and health.

The Prayer Group meets the third Wednesday of each month to pray for members of the parish.

Fellowship Ministries
Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is open to all women of the parish and involves fellowship, education, worship, and service. The group meets for a program and lunch on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. from September to June.

Fellowship Network are groups composed of 12-20 individuals who meet five times per year. These gatherings may include dinner or light refreshments, and provide a great opportunity for church members and clergy to get to know one another. Service projects may also be a part of the fellowship circle.

Senior Ladies is open to women age 70 and above, and meets monthly in the homes of parishioners for a lunch and a program.

Administrative Ministries
The Artworks Committee is responsible for the care, safe-keeping, and proper use of the artworks of the church.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee maintains all church properties, church buildings, and the church's many gardens and grounds.

The Columbarium Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Columbarium niches and the surrounding gardens.

The Finance Committee concerns itself with all matters affecting the fiscal policies and financial affairs of the church.

The Investments Committee establishes investment policy and monitors the performance of the portfolio managers for the church's trusts.

The Memorials and Gifts Committee encourages donations to the parish on behalf of those wishing to memorialize a loved one or express thanksgiving for a special event such as a birth or baptism.

The Stewardship Committee educates and inspires in all parishioners a commitment to the principles and ideals of Christian stewardship.

The Personnel Committee develops and reviews personnel policies and procedures, job descriptions, compensation, and contracts with employees.

The Planned Giving Committee educates and helps parishioners with financial and estate planning.

The Vestry is the governing body of the parish. Members are elected at the annual meeting and serve a three-year term.