VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
WELCOME
Not only does God call us to share our time and talents, but sooner or later, we each will have an opportunity to be gracious recipients of another’s gifts. The latter is most challenging in light of the lauded protestant work ethic. Yet God calls us to both a “ministry of service” and a “ministry of receiving,” as my mentor called it. The dance of grace flows in, out, and around all that we do.
As we seek to be diligent givers and gracious receivers, thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! In a busy church, this is a great way to get plugged in and deepen your connections to the First Pres community. This is one way we fulfill our mission of making God’s love visible. But don’t forget to take a step back and enjoy the ministry of receiving!
This Volunteer Handbook contains the various opportunities this year and the key information you need to know to make the most of your gifts. We hope that it will serve as a helpful resource to you.
Rev. David Prentice-Hyers Lead Pastor
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VOLUNTEERING AT FPC
“God has given you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve others.”
— 1 Peter 4:10WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US
To support you in your role, FPC offers training, briefing, and support for your role. You’ll be able to develop new skills, make new friends, face a fresh challenge, make your own contribution—and hopefully have fun too!
WHAT FPC EXPECTS OF ALL VOLUNTEERS
• Be kind, courteous and respectful to all members, guests, staff members, and fellow volunteers.
• Arrive at your assignment on time, allowing ample time for traffic.
• Respond promptly to emails and phone calls from the staff or member coordinator.
• Be flexible in working with your coordination team and/or your staff supervisor.
• Be prepared to answer questions about the ministry area you are working in.
• Tell us if something isn’t working out, share your concerns, and ask for help if you need it.
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VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
As a volunteer for First Presbyterian Church, you may sign up for opportunities in the following ministry areas. All positions are available during the program year (September through May) unless otherwise specified.
• Adult Ministries
◊ Mature Ministries
◊ Presbyterian Women
◊ Twenties & Thirties
• Children & Family Ministries
• Congregational Life & Care
• Communications & Technology
• Finance
• Mission
• Music & Fine Arts
• Property
• Resident Ministry
• Safety
• Worship
• Youth & Family Ministries
VOLUNTEER JOBS
As a volunteer you are accepted, assigned, and scheduled according to your activity preferences, availability, experience and skills as indicated on your registration form—along with our vacancies and needs.
Here are thumbnail descriptions of the volunteer roles we assign:
Adult Ministries
MATURE MINISTRIES
Lunch and Learn Clean Up
Help clean up after Lunch & Learn gatherings that are held at noon once a month.
Frequency: Second Thursday of the month
Length of Commitment: 1 hour
Location: Social Hall
Contact: Dory Anderson, robert.e.anderson317@gmail.com Becky Donally, bldata2@att.net
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Memorial Reception Volunteer
Presbyterian Women provides a simple reception following a memorial or funeral service consisting of coffee, punch, and cookies. Help us continue this loving service by volunteering a few hours of your time to be a memorial reception volunteer.
Frequency: following memorial or funeral services
Length of Commitment: 1-2 hours
Location: Founders Room
Contact: Felicity Williams, fwwilliams176@gmail.com
T2A2 (Twenties & Thirties)
For information about volunteer opportunities with the T2A2 group, contact Hannah Lundberg.
Contact: Rev. Hannah Lundberg, hlundberg@firstpresbyterian.org
Adult Ministries
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Children & Family Ministry
The Children and Family Ministry offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including:
• Serve as a Sunday School teacher
• Prepare teaching material packets
• Organize classroom supplies
• Provide childcare during church events
• Assist with ministry events
• Assist with Summer Camp
Contact: Rev. Mark Mares, mmares@firstpresbyterian.org
Congregational Life & Care
Sunday Morning Volunteers
Congregational Life offers a variety of opportunities to help Sunday mornings run smoothly.
• Serve as a greeter before the Sunday worship services
• Serve at the Welcome Center
• Serve as a host for the Social Hour
• Bake cookies for the Social Hour
• Help sell Fair Trade coffee at the Social Hour
• Help set up or clean up at an all-church event (seasonal)
• Help serve food at an all-church event (seasonal)
Contact: Jim Cameron, jmcameronjr@gmail.com
Barb Brewster, dexter4brews@aol.com
Cathy King, cpking507@gmail.com
Congregational Care
• Provide a meal for someone
• Run errands for housebound members
• Make knitted gifts with the Knit Night Group
• Take a member to a medical appointment
• Join the greeting card-making group
• Join the weekly online prayer group
Contact: Rev. Melissa Anne Rogers, mrogers@firstpresbyterian.org
Stacey Pakela, spakela@firstpresbyterian.org
Barb DeLancey, bdelancey@firstpresbyterian.org
Children / Congregational Life & Care
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Communications & Technology
Photographer
Shoot, selects, and edit photos of special events for promotional usage online and in print.
Frequency: congregation-wide events throughout the year
Length of Commitment: 1-2 hours
Location: church campus
Contact: Esther Patrick, epatrick@firstpresbyterian.org
Proofreader
Proofread weekly worship bulletin
Frequency: every Tuesday afternoon
Length of Commitment: 30 to 45 minutes
Location: Church Office
Contact: Esther Patrick, epatrick@firstpresbyterian.org
Camera Operator
Operate the cameras for live streaming of worship and special events. Training provided.
Frequency: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. Worship and special events
Length of Commitment: 2 hours
Location: Sanctuary
Contact: Jen Day, jen1641@gmail.com
Sound Technician
Operate the soundboard to ensure optimal sound for recorded and live-streamed services. Training provided.
Frequency: Sundays, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. and special events
Length of Commitment: 2 hours
Location: Sanctuary/Monteith Hall
Contact: Jen Day, jen1641@gmail.com
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Communications & Technology
Finance Finance Committee
Serve on the church Finance Committee
Frequency: once a month on the Monday before Session meeting
Length of Commitment: one year
Location: assigned meeting room at church
Special Skills: Interest in Financials of FPC, some finance experience/knowledge is helpful
Contact: Steve McKenny, csmck93@att.net
Tom McKarns, tom@ecophysics-us.com
Sunday Offering Counter
Count the offering collected each Sunday.
Frequency: Sundays, 9:30 or 11:15 a.m.
Length of Commitment: 30 minutes on Sunday morning
Location: Finance Office
Special Skills: Must be organized and have excellent computation skills
Contact: Sandy Talbott, sandy2ts@gmail.com
Anna Miller, amiller@firstpresbyterian.org
Annual Giving Volunteer
Serve on the Annual Giving Workgroup to plan and implement the annual campaign that funds the annual church budget.
Frequency: meetings in March - October and Sundays in October
Length of Commitment: March - October
Location: Meeting rooms /Social Hall
Special Skills: Interest in financial management; fundraising skills are helpful
Contact: Steve McKenny, csmck93@att.net
Tom McKarns, tom@ecophysics-us.com
Legacy Partner Program Assistant
Assist with Legacy Partner Program (Endowment & Special Gifts)
Frequency: meetings as scheduled and Legacy Partner Sunday
Length of Commitment: one year
Location: Meeting rooms
Special Skills: Planning and fundraising skills are helpful
Contact: Zach Monsma, jzmonsma@yahoo.com
Anna Miller, amiller@firstpresbyterian.org
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Finance
Mission
Alpha House
Meal Preparation
Volunteers are asked to prepare a healthy main dish or two side dishes to serve up to 20 people and deliver to Alpha House by 6 pm. Host weeks are scheduled three times per year: September, November, and March
Frequency: Week of Caring in September, November, and March
Length of Commitment: during the three weeks First Pres serves as hosts
Location: Alpha House, 4290 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
Contact: Diane Knibbs, dbreckle@umich.edu
Pantry Stocking
Volunteers are asked to sign up for as many pantry items from the sign up list. The list is sent out two weeks prior to the First Pres host weeks in September, November, and March
Frequency: Week of Caring in September, November, and March
Length of Commitment: during the three weeks First Pres serves as hosts
Location: Alpha House, 4290 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
Contact: Gail Einhaus, gail.einhaus@gmail.com
Evening Child Care
Volunteers provide child care one or more evenings during any of the three host weeks.
Frequency: Week of Caring in September, November, and March
Length of Commitment: 6:45 to 8 pm during the Week of Caring
Location: Alpha House, 4290 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
Contact: Diane Knibbs, dbreckle@umich.edu
Communion Sunday Food Collection Delivery
Volunteer to deliver the food that is collected at the monthly Communion Sunday Food Collection to one of our partnering local food banks.
Frequency: once a month at the end of the month
Length of Commitment: one year
Location: designated local food bank
Special Skills: reliable transportation needed
Contact: Diane Knibbs, dbreckle@umich.edu
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Mission
Cass Community Social Services
Food Delivery after Football Games
First Presbyterian’s Feeding Our Neighbors Program picks up the cooked, but unsold, food at football games to redistribute to Cass Community Social Services.
Frequency: home football games (September - November)
Length of Commitment: U of M football season
Location: U of M Stadium
Contact: Don Redding, Dredding58@yahoo.com
Community Kitchen Gardener
CCSS’ food is sourced from its community gardens and food rescuers. Volunteers should have a love of gardening.
Frequency: Spring/Summer
Length of Commitment: Spring/Summer
Location: Cass Community Garden
Contact: Rev. Sue Pethoud, spethoud@casscommunity.org
Building Repair and Renovation
Volunteers assist with repairs and renovations of the Cass Community Center.
Frequency: as needed
Length of Commitment: as able
Location: Cass Community Center
Contact: Don Redding, Dredding58@yahoo.com
Dismantling Racism Group
Join a group of members committed to dismantling racism. Increase your understanding of racism and the impact on people of color. Advocate for policies and legislation that support dismantling racism. Participate in community events that support and include people of color.
Frequency: varies
Length of Commitment: on-going
Location: in-person and hybrid
Special Skills: Willingness to support and organize planned activities
Contact: Jeanette Kibler, jeanette.kibler@gmail.com
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Mission
Food Rescue Program - UM Basketball
Volunteers are needed after the UM Basketball home games to collect and deliver the excess food from the concession stands to various local mission partners.
Frequency: U of M home basketball games
Length of Commitment: 2 hours
Location: Crisler Arena
Contact: Don Redding, Dredding58@yahoo.com
Friends in Deed Circles Program Ally
The Circle’s program utilizes education, goal setting, training, and relationships to help participants develop the resources and social capital they need to rise out of poverty and achieve economic mobility and self-sufficiency. Allies participate in Match Night meetings where they spend time connecting with their Leader and supporting the Leader’s work on their goals. Training is provided.
Frequency: Every Tuesday
Length of Commitment: 18 months
Location: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
Contact: Marsha Kershaw, mdkershaw@sbcglobal.net
Gun Violence Prevention
Join a group of members with a focus on reducing and preventing gun violence.
• Discuss domestic violence and gun violence in greater detail, review proposed bills to address this issue
• Advocate for laws and policies that are intended to reduce or end gun violence
• Participate in End Gun Violence Michigan, a nonprofit organization compose of religious and nonprofit organizations in Michigan. Support legislation and educational events organized by End Gun Violence Michigan.
Frequency: varies
Length of Commitment: on-going
Location: First Presbyterian and some off site
Special Skills: willingness to support and organize planned activities related to gun violence prevention
Contact: Jim Peggs and Larry Engelhardt, jpeggs@med.umich.edu
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Mission
Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley
House of Faith Build
Volunteers would be assisting the building supervisors to renovate/build a home. No special skills are needed, only a willingness to learn. Supervisors assign work according to your abilities.
Frequency: May - July
Length of Commitment: 2-3 hours
Location: typically in the West Willow Neighborhood, Ypsilanti
Contact: Don Redding, Dredding58@yahoo.com
Community Beautification Day
Volunteers participate in a community beautification day. Details can be found online: https://h4h.givepulse.com/event/379871West-Willow-Beautification-Day.
Frequency: October 14, 2023
Length of Commitment: 6-hour work days
Location: West Willow Neighborhood, Ypsilanti
Contact: Don Redding, Dredding58@yahoo.com
Home Repair Program
Volunteers assist Habitat Building Managers with installing ramps, porches, desks, handicap bars, kitchen repair, etc.
Frequency: As requested/needed
Length of Commitment: varies
Location: At a resident’s home
Contact: Don Redding, Dredding58@yahoo.com
Hope Clinic
Medical Professional Volunteers
Hope Clinic’s medical clinic in Ypsilanti is looking for U.S. licensed care providers, such as nurses, physicians, pharmacists, EMTs for patient care, .
Frequency: Clinic hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Length of Commitment: one year
Location: Hope Medical Clinic Ypsilanti
Contact: Marsha Kershaw, mdkershaw@sbcglobal.net
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Mission
Thanksgiving Bags Packing
Volunteers are asked to prepare a grocery bag filled with the specific items as requested by Hope to hand out as Thanksgiving dinner bags. Hope Clinic provides the turkey. Art on the side of the bags is encouraged!
Frequency: Early to Mid November annually
Length of Commitment: Once per year
Location: Social Hall
Contact: Maurine Nelson, maurinea4161@sbcglobal.net
Rotating Shelter
Opportunities for preparing meals, serving meals, staying the night, and driving the residents back and forth from the shelter.
Frequency: First Two Weeks in January
Length of Commitment: Any shifts during the two weeks
Location: Social Hall
Contact: Jim Peggs and Marcey Terrien, m2terrien@hotmail.com
Music & Fine Arts
Chancel Choir Singer
High-school-Adult singers are invited to join the Chancel Choir. No audition required.
Frequency: Rehearsals - Thursdays, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.; WorshipSundays, 8:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Length of Commitment: 4 hours per week
Location: Monteith Hall/Sanctuary
Contact: David VanderMeer, dvandermeer@firstpresbyterian.org
Children’s Choir Singer
Singers K-8th grade rehearse for 30 minutes each Sunday. The Children’s choir sings in worship several times throughout the year.
Frequency: Sundays, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.
Length of Commitment: 30 minutes
Location: Lemon Chapel
Contact: Shayla Powell, spowell@fpca2.org
Music & Fine Arts
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Children’s Choir Helper
Assist the Choir Director with singers needing help
Frequency: Sundays, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.
Length of Commitment: Half an hour twice a month or weekly
Location: Lemon Chapel
Contact: Shayla Powell, spowell@fpca2.org
Liturgical/Visual Arts Team
Interested in the arts? Join our team to help plan liturgical and visual arts events.
Frequency: Second Tuesday of the month, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Length of Commitment: 1 hour per month
Location: Zoom
Contact: David VanderMeer, dvandermeer@firstpresbyterian.org
Open Doors Greeter
Greet people attending one of the Open Doors Creative Arts
Series Events
Frequency: October 8, February 18, April 14 at 4:00 p.m.
Length of Commitment: 2 hours
Location: Sanctuary
Contact: David VanderMeer, dvandermeer@firstpresbyterian.org
Orchestra
Musicians of all ages are invited to join the FPC Orchestra.
Frequency: One hour rehearsal twice a month (Sat. & Sun.)
Length of Commitment: 2-3 hours per month
Location: Sanctuary
Contact: David VanderMeer, dvandermeer@firstpresbyterian.org
Youth Handbell Choir
Students in grades 5-12 who are interested in learning to play the handbells are invited to join our Youth Handbell Choir.
Frequency: Sundays, 5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Length of Commitment: 45 minutes per week
Location: Handbell Room
Contact: David VanderMeer, dvandermeer@firstpresbyterian.org
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Music & Fine Arts
Property Building Projects
Join a working group to assist with repair projects in and around the church campus.
Frequency: varies
Length of Commitment: varies
Location: church campus
Special Skills: carpentry, painting, building and grounds maintenance
Contact: Chris King, chris@a2kings.com
Seasonal Clean-up Days
Participate in seasonal clean-up days.
Frequency: Spring and Fall
Length of Commitment: half or full day
Location: church campus
Special Skills: Willingness to perform yard work
Contact: Chris King, chris@a2kings.com
Property Committee
Join the Property Committee.
Frequency: monthly meetings
Length of Commitment: one year
Location: church and hybrid meetings
Contact: Chris King, chris@a2kings.com
Resident Ministry
For information about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved with Resident Ministry, contact Hannah Lundberg.
Contact: Rev. Hannah Lundberg, hlundberg@firstpresbyterian.org
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Property / Resident Ministry
Safety
Power of Hello Team
The Power of Hello team will circulate throughout the church on Sunday mornings, engaging with newcomers, helping people find their way or find family members. We are the face of welcoming, wayfinding and wondering.
Frequency: Sunday mornings
Length of Commitment: several Sundays out of the year or as “fill-ins” when available
Location: throughout the church building
Special Skills: A willingness to engage with strangers, helping them to feel comfortable in our church home. Power of Hello training will be provided. Walkie talkie training (if using) will be provided.
Contact: Sandy Talbott, sandy2ts@gmail.com
Worship
Decorate Worship Spaces
Help decorate the worship spaces for special seasons including World Communion Sunday, Advent, Easter, and Pentecost
Sunday
Frequency: 3 to 4 times per year
Length of Commitment: 2-3 hours
Location: Santuary/Monteith Hall
Contact: David VanderMeer, dvandermeer@firstpresbyterian.org
Usher
Ushers seat guests, collect tithes and offerings, maintain order at the entrance to the Sanctuary/Monteith Hall, distribute worship bulletins, and ensure that an atmosphere of worship, reverence, and order is maintained.
Frequency: Sundays, 9:30 or 11:15 a.m. worship
Length of Commitment: 2 hours per week or once a month
Location: Sanctuary/Monteith Hall
Contact: David VanderMeer, dvandermeer@firstpresbyterian.org
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Safety / Worship
Youth and Family Ministry
The Youth and Family Ministry offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including:
• Become a Confirmation mentor
• Serve as a Youth Group Leader
• Serve as a Small Group host
• Serve as a Youth Mentor
• Serve as a leader or chaperone on a youth trip
• Drive youth to a youth event
• Provide a meal for a youth gathering
• Host a Youth Group gathering
Contact: Betsy McCallister, bmccallist@aol.com
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Youth
HOW TO SIGN UP
Once you have decided on your preferred role(s), please follow the link below and complete our online form.
• You can apply to volunteer by completing our online volunteer form at firstpresbyterian.org.
• You will receive an email notification of your submission at the same address you provide on the form.
• Confirmation of placements will begin in September.
Note:
• Some ministries can only accept a limited number of the most appropriate volunteers for each area.
• Once your role is confirmed, we will send you more information about the schedule and responsibilities.
We encourage volunteers of all ages and abilities to participate in the ministry of First Presbyterian Church.
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SIGN UP
1432 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 firstpresbyterian.org