Worship
Lay ministry is important at Varina
Church. Lay readers and lectors participate in all services. More than a dozen
parishioners act as lay readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers. The youth and
college students of the parish lead certain services (Youth Sunday, Lessons and
Carols). During the church year, various "red-letter" days are celebrated with
special services. In addition to the traditional Lenten, Easter, and Christmas
services, we also hold various special services in conjunction with parish meals
and meetings.
Christian Education
Christian Education at
Varina Church actively involves both children and adults in a variety of
educational and worship activities. Classroom settings are provided for adults
and all children pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Our Parish Hall houses all
Sunday School classes, which are led by a team of dedicated volunteers. All
children's classes use the Episcopal Children's Curriculum and the adult class
affords an opportunity to discuss important issues facing our members today.
Music/Choir
Although Varinia Church has a
small congregation, there has always been an active music program. The choir
averages ten members, and is comprised of volunteer members. There is a paid
Choirmaster/Organist. The choir works on weekly as well as seasonal programs and
also supports Varina's joint-church music program. There is an active bell choir
that presents music pieces for various church services.
Acolytes
Acolytes are trained by the rector
and a lay chair. They assist at the worship service by lighting altar candles,
carrying the processional cross, giving and receiving of the alms basins, and
assisting the rector in preparing bread and wine for the Holy Eucharist. Our
acolytes consist of our youth grades 2 to 12.
Vestry
The Vestry meets on a monthly basis.
The Vestry at Varina has 12 members. Every year, Vestry members are elected by
the Parishioners of the church to serve a three-year term. The Vestry of Varina
Church defines its primary duties at:
- Assisting and empowering the Rector and Parishioners in their ministries,
- Working with the Rector to set goals and missions for the Parish,
- Handling church budgeting and finances,
- Maintaining the physical plant of the church.
Altar Guild
The altar guild is composed of
27 dedicated women of the church. They work in groups of 2 or 3 each month,
under the direction of a chairwoman. Members prepare the altar for all service,
by providing and arranging the altar flowers, and changing the linens. Altar
guild members clean and care for the silver and brass, a well as the altar
linens.
Episcopal Church Women
The Varina Episcopal
Church Women is a group of approximately 20 women who get together monthly.
Their efforts are focused on fellowship and fund-raising for outreach
ministries.
Outreach
Need updated text for outreach
Youth Group
The youth group includes our
young people from grades 6-12. The group gets together monthly for fellowship,
service, and fun.