Evangelism
ALPHA COURSE
Alpha is a 10-week practical introduction to the Christian faith, which is offered to our parishioners and to the community. All of the sessions are centered around the videos of Nicky Gumbel, an ordained Priest, who serves on the staff of Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London, England. The large-group sessions and small-group discussions are an effective way to gain understanding about the Christian faith while building friendships with others. There are opportunities for volunteers in the following areas: small group facilitators or helpers, kitchen crew, music, audio-visual, books and supplies, greeters, marketing and advertising. For more information contact Dianne Larson or visit AlphaUSA.
CURSILLO
Cursillo (pronounced kur-see-yo) is a Spanish word meaning "short course." The three-day Cursillo weekend is held at Camp Weed and provides a living experience - an encounter with Christ, meeting fellow Christians and sharing Christ's love with them. It is intended to help participants know God's love and grace, also to help them discover and live out their personal vocation in the world. Participants listen to and discuss various talks given by both clergy and laity, which are designed to present a vision of Christian life. Cursillo provides a means to continue in Christian growth after the weekend, and this support is found in two post-Cursillo activities: small groups with close friends for mutual sharing and the larger Cursillo community in the Diocese with monthly "ultreyas." For more information visit National Episcopal Cursillo.
DOCENTS GUILD
The Docents Guild offers information, history and hospitality in the form of formal tours to the visitors of the Cathedral. Tours are offered after all services each Sunday. In addition, tours are available for students, seniors or visiting tourists upon request. Guild members are friendly and knowledgeable enthusiasts on the subject of Cathedral history, art and trivia. Upon signing up for this ministry, Docents are given instruction in the materials they receive. They meet quarterly for updates, presentations and new information on designated Saturday mornings. Training to become a tour guide is rigorous but rewarding. Plan to absorb a lot of information and be able to tell a good story! Once you've mastered the material, you will be asked to direct tours.
FOLKS AT THE FONT
The "Font Folks" welcome newcomers after the 10:30 services each Sunday morning. We feel it is fitting that new folks are welcomed at the Baptismal Font, since that is where God adopts us as His children and makes us members of Christ's Body. We encourage each visitor to complete a pew card so there can be a follow-up after our initial meeting. In addition, members of the Font team are also present during Coffee Hour to "spot" and welcome newcomers who might not have been seen at the Font. Every effort is made to identify new persons and respond to questions they may have. We host two Newcomers' Rendezvous each year, one in September and another in March. We also assist with the Inquirers' Retreat which is held in the spring, for those who are interested in Confirmation.
GREETERS
Greeters are often the first contact newcomers have when attending St. John's Cathedral. We welcome everyone entering the Cathedral. Greeters show young families the location of the nursery and familiarize everyone with the church's floor plan, including the restrooms. We also place the purple Welcome Bags around the baptismal font to present to those who attend for the first time. Greeters generally serve once a month.
SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR
Sunday Coffee Hour is a long-standing tradition at St. John's Cathedral and offers an opportunity for members to greet friends and meet new ones. Coffee Hour is held in Taliaferro Hall after the Sunday 10:30 a.m. service. Most Sundays, light refreshments are served. For special occasions, a festive Coffee Hour with delicious goodies is offered. We welcome food contributions as well as assistance with preparation.