St. Simons on the Sound Episcopal Church


Parish Council Commissions and Lay Ministries are at the heart of St. Simon's programs and worship. Each parishioner is invited to participate in one or more of their choice. For more information, please contact the Parish Office at (850)244-8621 or Email
Administration Commission † Mary and Martha Guild - Volunteers who staff the reception desk in the church office during the week. �Their goal is to provide hospitality to callers and visitors such as the sisters, Mary and Martha, offered Jesus. Outreach Commission † Cold Night Ministry - St. Simon's is one of 3 local churches that partner to provide emergency winter shelter for the homeless. † Community Needs - St. Simon's ministers to individuals and families in need through local agencies, including OASIS, Habitat for Humanity, Sharing & Caring, and Hospice. † Golf Tournament - Sponsor of the Annual Ed Campbell Memorial tournament to benefit local non-profit organizations. † Nursing Home Birthday Parties - Residents are provided cakes, drinks, and wished happy birthday in song. Greetings are also taken to those who are bedridden. † Overseas Mission Trips - Medical missionary teams from the diocese travel twice a year to the Dominican Republic to provide medical care and health education to citizens in need. † Soup Kitchen - On Sunday afternoons St. Simon's offers meals to the hungry. Growth and Stewardship Commission † Stewardship - A ministry committed to enabling the continued work of St. Simon's by securing pledges of time, talent, and treasure. † Newcomers - A hospitality ministry whose goal is to welcome visitors to St. Simon's and introduce them to our worship and ministries. Youth Commission † EYC - Programs are offered to middle and high school students for fellowship and Christian formation. † Happening - Diocesan sponsored youth program and activities. Christian Formation Commission † Bible Study - A group of parishioners meet to study scriptures. † Book Study - The group discusses spiritual books selected by the members. † Cursillo - A weekend of personal and spiritual growth where the love of Christ is experienced. �Weekly meetings renew and deepen Christian commitment. † Education for Ministry - EFM helps lay people develop an understanding of their faith through study of scripture, church history and theology, bringing material into dialogue with events of everyday life. † Library - The library is open whenever church doors are open. All are welcome to use this facility, which has the best collection of theological materials in the diocese. † Nursery - A ministry of quality Christian childcare where children experience love, respect and encouragement by interaction with caring Christian adults. Parental and member involvement is encouraged. † Sunday School - Adult and children classes are provided. Volunteers serve as teachers to lead the classes. † Vacation Bible School - A week-long vacation school for Pre-K through 5th grade is held during the summer. Worship Commission † Acolytes - Individuals ages 10 and older who assist the clergy at the altar during worship services. † Altar Guild - A dedicated group whose mission is to prepare the sanctuary and chapel for all worship services. † Banner Ministry - Members create and refurbish banners to be displayed in the church. † Flower Guild - Consists of teams who meet on Saturdays to arrange flowers for the main and chapel altars for worship services, special occasions, and weddings when requested. † Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Vergers - Men and women who participate in reading the lessons and prayers and in the administration of the Eucharist. † Music Programs: † Choir - The adult choir performs music, which enhances worship and musically expresses the joy of their faith. † Handbells - Handbell music provided to enhance the worship experience and also perform at special events. † Joyful Noise Youth Choir † Folk Mass Music Makers - Musicians who lead singing at 6 p.m. services on guitar, piano, and tambourine. † St. Catherine's Guild - Members of St. Catherine's Guild are artists and art lovers whose mission it is to maintain and enhance the sacred space at St. Simon's. We also sponsor and participate in art related programs, workshops, and other opportunities. † Ushers and Greeters - Volunteers who welcome the congregation and assist the clergy. † Weddings - Members of St. Simon's Altar Guild serve as wedding coordinators to assist couples with the liturgical part of their ceremony. Pastoral Care Commission † Condolence Ministry - Upon notification of a death, the family is contacted to see whether meals are needed at home or a reception is desired in the parish hall. Meals are also provided for the ill and shut-ins. † Daughters of the King - An order of women who pledge a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism dedicated to extension of Christ's kingdom and strengthening spiritual life of their parish. † Eucharistic Visitors - Dedicated persons who visit those unable to attend church services and celebrate the Eucharist with them. † Flower Delivery - Flower arrangements made from the altar flowers are delivered to parishioners. † Healing Touch - A ministry of caring, in which personal cards are written, signed by parishioners, and then sent to those who are sick or hospitalized. † Knitters� Guild � Gather monthly to knit pray shawls and other items for Outreach. † Transportation - Provides rides to those unable to drive to service, medical appointments, etc. Parish Ministries Commission † Dining Out - Meets monthly throughout the year to enjoy a meal in an area restaurant. Members take turns in selecting locations and making reservations. † Episcopal Church Women (ECW) - Women's fellowship and service organization which meets monthly for a luncheon and program. Organizes and sponsors an annual crafts fair and a rummage sale to raise money for outreach. Also involved in other numerous events throughout the year. † Kitchen Krew - Volunteers prepare food and other items when needed for receptions and other functions. † Episcopal Men - Organization whose mission is to grow spiritually through fellowship and communion. Accomplished by giving personal support to the rector and other church organizations, and helping others in need in the church and community. Breakfast meetings are at 8 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. St. Simon's Counseling Center St. Simon's Counseling Center is open to all within the community for assistance with problems encountered in life. It is staffed by Carol Murphy Greene, a Licensed Mental health Counselor. Appointments may be made by calling the Counseling Center office at (850) 244-8448.