Check out our immediate needs here.
Directory of Volunteer Opportunities For more information on any opportunities listed, please contact Office@fpcasheville.org.
The Christian Education Committee of First Presbyterian Church Asheville seeks to support congregation members in our struggle and journey toward faithful discipleship with Jesus Christ. Faith Development staff and volunteers work together to provide opportunities for children, youth and adults to hear the call of the Holy Spirit to share the boundary-breaking love of Christ in God’s world. Sunday morning faith development classes, other faith development classes or groups, Wednesday evening programs, seasonal and/or other special learning events/activities, fellowship, outreach/mission efforts are all examples of the learning and discipleship opportunities the CE Committee offers to the congregation. Children’s Ministry Children’s Council Member Assists staff with both planning and coordinating Worship, Faith Development, Outreach/Service, Fellowship, Nursery and Special Events opportunities for children and families. The council meets for 1-2 hours each month. Children’s Council Worship Coordinator Helps staff with Acolyte Program; communion; 5-Cents a Meal Collection; and other worship opportunities for children. Children’s Council Outreach/Service Coordinator Helps staff organize opportunities for children and families to participate in outreach such as Room In The Inn; ABCCM; Presbyterian Women’s Giving Tree; Christmas caroling; cards for homebound, ill, grieving members; First Presbyterian Church Child Care Center; etc. Children’s Council Fellowship Coordinator Helps staff organize opportunities for children and families to experience fellowship with one another (as well as with those outside of First Presbyterian) through Stop, Drop & Roll; Fall Festival; First Night Advent; Christmas Pot Luck; Easter Party; etc. Children’s Council Nursery Coordinator Helps staff plan and secure support of our 3 nurseries for children ages Infant to Pre-K. Children’s Council Special Events Coordinator Helps staff with organization of events such as Marketplace Summer Bible Camp, Time Out socials; etc. Bible Journeys Coordinating Team Assists staff with planning faith development programming for K – 5th Graders. Involves developing lesson plans through Bible study with staff, as well as management of our four Bible Journeys workshops: ‘Parable Productions’ (Drama); ‘The Promise Land’ (Puppets, Games); ‘The Potter’s House’ (Art); and Bible.com (Computers). One team member recruits all Bible Journeys Shepherds and Teachers. This team meets every other month or quarterly. Bible Journeys Shepherd Accompanying 1 of our 3 groups of children ages K – 5th Grade to their Sunday morning faith development classes in our Bible Journeys program. The Shepherd is primarily focused on building relationships with children. There is a year-long weekly commitment. Shepherds help keep order but are not responsible for teaching. Bible Journeys Teacher Teaching Sunday morning faith development classes in our Bible Journeys workshops to K – 5th graders. There is a 3-week commitment. Nursery Volunteer Care for children (infant to Pre-K) in 1 of our 3 nurseries during Sunday morning faith development hour and/or late worship service, 4 times annually. Youth Ministry First Presbyterian’s Youth Ministry seeks to intentionally and creatively involve our young people (primarily grades 6-12 and also college age) in all aspects of our church’s ministry through service, study, prayer, worship, and fellowship. First Church recognizes that youth ministry happens whenever and wherever young people are engaged as partners in the ministry of the Church. Serve on Youth Council to oversee and coordinate ministry with youth and their families. The council meets generally every other month, and is composed of a balance of senior high youth and adults. Serve on Christian Education Committee as Youth Council Representative Bring issues related to youth ministry to this monthly meeting. Sunday morning faith development team teachers (Middle School and Senior High classes) Teach and develop relationships with our youth over the course of the year (except for the summer break). Staff provides curriculum and other support. Sunday evening youth fellowship advisors (Middle School and Senior High) Facilitating our youth fellowship program primarily on Sunday evenings (5:15-7:15 p.m.) during the school year. The emphasis is on developing relationships with our youth while sharing the journey of faith through service, study, worship, and recreation. Chaperone occasional youth events such as camping and ski trips. Secret Saint Program Adopt a College student and send letters and care packages throughout the school year to show our church’s support of them. Help with Youth Ministry publicity Occasional help is needed to decorate bulletin boards with pictures, posters, etc. Prepare a meal for Sunday evening Youth Fellowship for up to 20 people. Kitchen space and paper goods are available. Coordinator of Youth Fellowship meals Help recruit and schedule volunteers who bring the meals for our evening fellowship gatherings. Adult Faith Development Serve on Adult Council Assists staff with envisioning, planning and coordinating Sunday morning faith development, Wednesday evening programming, library services and other special faith development opportunities for adults. The Council meets monthly. Faith Development Teacher This volunteer teaches Sunday morning (or other special or designated times) faith development classes. The time commitment is dependent upon the duration of each class. Time Out for Parents This study and fellowship group meets for Bible study and fellowship on Thursday mornings from September - May. Participants may bring their children to our nursery during the meeting. Library Librarian The Librarian coordinates all Library functions. The commitment is flexible in terms of hours and duration. Library Assistant This person assists with a variety of Library duties. Each volunteer should be able to give about two hours per week, sometimes every other week, depending upon library needs. Librarian and Library Assistants are responsible for cataloging, determining which books should be added to the library or discarded. Library Bulletin Boards Create bulletin boards that reflect our Library’s interesting and diverse books.
Weekday Church Receptionist Answers the phones in the main reception area, greets people who come in the door and may be asked to do simple clerical jobs for the office staff. Should have good phone manners, should be polite and welcoming, and should be prompt and reliable. Morning shifts are from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Afternoon shifts are from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Pew racks Organizer Check pew racks and attendance register for pencils, books, and refills. One hour weekly. Recycling Volunteer Collect paper and plastic bottles from church and child care center each week. Two hours per week, some lifting is required. Special Projects Volunteer Work on collating documents, assembling mailings or other office projects. As needed for special tasks.
Provides and coordinates enjoyable fellowship activities, designed to enable us to spend quality time with each other, get to know each other, and to have some fun. Annual Church Retreat Planning Committee Plans, organizes and publicizes the annual all church retreat that takes place one weekend in September at a nearby retreat center. Volunteers with a variety of skills are needed. Commitment is monthly. Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinners This weekly event takes place each Wednesday night from 5:30 – 7:30. The regular dinners are scheduled from September through April. Group dinner at 5:30 is followed by a program or committee meetings. There is a nominal charge for dinner. Wednesday Night Coordinator Hires cook(s), recruits Money Takers & Serving Team Captains, works closely with Church Administrator & Congregational Life Chair on scheduling, budget, kitchen concerns. Coordinator attends planning meetings. Money Taker Greets people as they arrive for dinner; collects, counts & records dinner fees. Two volunteers needed for each Wednesday. Serving Team Captain Recruits and supervises 6-8 people to set up, serve dinner & clean up kitchen. Teams serve every six weeks for approximately 3 hours per dinner. Serving Team Member Set up, serve dinner & clean up kitchen. Teams serve four times a year for approximately 3 hours per dinner. Cook for Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinners Volunteer with experience in cooking for large groups should contact the Congregational Life Committee Chairman. Annual Church Picnic (One Sunday afternoon in the spring) Picnic Committee Plan, coordinates, and publicizes the church picnic at Montreat. Church Street Block Party (Annual Wednesday Night event) Block Party Committee Member Plans, coordinates, and publicizes this picnic with members of Central Methodist Church and Trinity Episcopal Church. Church Athletics (Usually December - July, but fall leagues are available) Players We have men’s basketball in the winter; and men’s & co-ed softball teams in spring. Most games are played on weeknights. Team Representatives Each team needs 2 representatives to serve as contact people with Asheville Parks & Recreation. Small Group Fellowship The groups meet at various times for study, fellowship & social outings. Volunteers are always needed to host an event in their home, to help plan discussion topics or special events. Women’s Studies This women’s gathering meets once a month in different members’ homes. Topic for discussion is determined by the group. 3 Score and Ready for More This group meets once a month for activities such as day trips, cookouts, and local theater performances. Three Score requires a committee to coordinate the activities for the group as a whole.
The Finance Committee oversees all aspects of the church’s financial transactions, including processing of receipts/disbursements, administering the budget which is set by the Session, and reporting to the Session and the Congregation. Serve on Committee Volunteers with financial expertise and knowledge of non-profit accounting are needed to serve. Committee meets monthly. Finance Volunteers are needed to reconcile monthly bank statements, make spot checks of financial systems and records as needed, and to record and deposit weekly cash receipts.
The Hospitality Committee at First Presbyterian Church seeks (1) to attract non-members to visit our church, (2) to extend hospitality to those who visit our church, (3) to encourage visitors to become new members, and (4) to orient new members and introduce them into the life of this congregation. Serve as a Committee member The Hospitality Committee meets monthly to review how existing programs which support our four goals are progressing and to explore new activities which promise to help us with those goals. Specific responsibilities are delegated to each member of the committee. Phone calling Make phone calls inviting people to a variety of events. Invite-a-Friend Help out with an Invite a Friend church-wide program the fall. Picking up worship register sheets after worship each Sunday After worship is over, gathering the sheets from each pew and returning them to the receptionist desk in the office. Serve Coffee after worship Serve coffee and punch, clean up and put away service items and leftovers.
The Member Care Committee
is responsible for coordinating the congregation's care of one another. As a
committee, we meet to discuss ways to implement and improve the care given to
church members who are shut-in or ill, bereaved, or in distress. Many members
of the church, through organized groups or informally, provide the actual
care. We need and rely on volunteer efforts to show love and concern for one
another. Receives word from the church office of a death in the church family and contacts their Bereavement Team members and coordinates their efforts. Bereavement Team Members Serves once or twice a year and provides either a meal for the bereaved family or a reception at the church following a service. Bereavement Team members also usher, cook, house-sit (during a funeral), or serve at a reception as needed. Coordinator and cooks of meals for new parents When a birth or adoption has taken place in one of our church families, the church office contacts this committee to provide a meal for new parents. Liaison with First Bible Class Contacts First Bible Class to arrange gift of a teddy bear and a certificate to newly baptized children Tape Copier Makes copies of Sunday service audio tapes and maintains the tape copying machines. Sermon tape Mailer Stuff envelopes with tapes and bulletins to shut-in and far-flung members, usually done by one of the church receptionists Coordinator of church visitors Recruit visitors to “adopt" homebound members and checks with these visitors and members periodically. Homebound visitors Visit their adopted homebound members at least once a quarter and remember them on special occasions. Coordinator of elders for Home-Bound Communion Recruit elders to assist the pastors in delivering Home-bound Communion. Telephone callers Participate in annual calling canvass of all congregation members Stephen Ministry Stephen Ministers provide
a listening ear and the gift of presence to persons in time of crisis. People
who volunteer should be willing to take the 50-hour training course and commit
to two years of service. Pray for members who have requested prayer and for special concerns of the church.
The Outreach Committee exists to demonstrate the boundary-breaking love of Christ by directing the benevolence of our congregation to support community and world-wide needs. The Outreach Committee recommends to the Session programs to support with volunteers and money. These include theological and denominational initiatives, international mission projects, and community needs. Committee membership activities – participate in monthly meetings, usually at 6:30 p.m. on second Wednesdays. Members may be asked to serve on an ad hoc group such as Loaves and Fishes, Room in the Inn, or the blood drive. Direct involvement encouraged with Outreach-supported programs such as the Presbyterian Home for Children, Black Mountain Women’s Prison Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, the FPC Child Care Center or Room in the Inn. Members may report to the congregation on an Outreach activity, serve on the Guatemala Partnership Committee or help with Outreach publicity/bulletin boards. Volunteer opportunities with First Presbyterian Church-supported Outreach programs/activities: Child Care Center Volunteer Located on first floor of First Presbyterian Church; cares for up to 82 children, ages 6 weeks to kindergarten, weekdays, 7:30 a.m.- 5:45 p.m. Volunteer opportunities include reading to children, rocking babies, helping at mealtimes; and doing music, art, gardening projects on a flexible schedule. (Not needed at nap time 1-3). Presbyterian Home for Children, Black Mountain Temporary or long-term home for 36 children, 5 to 19, who have experienced neglect or abuse and are court-ordered to Presbyterian Home for Children. Office no. is 686-3451. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring, handyman jobs, work days on campus, staff help in library, etc. See www.presbyterianhomeforchildren.org/03-volunteering.htm for current needs and contacts. All volunteers working with children must have a background check. American Red Cross Blood Drive First Presbyterian is currently organizing American Red Cross blood drives 2-3 times a year. Volunteers are needed and welcomed. Asheville
Area Habitat for Humanity Nonprofit ministry dedicated to building simple, decent houses with community volunteers in partnership with qualified families. First Presbyterian has volunteers helping with Habitat construction every Friday; skilled and unskilled persons welcome - tools and training provided. Workday is from 8:30 am-3:30 pm - bring bag lunch. Volunteer opportunities are also available at Habitat Home Store, 30 Meadow Rd., in the Biltmore area.
Pisgah Legal Services 253-0406 Mountain Area Volunteer lawyers serve prescreened income eligible clients. Volunteer lawyers take up to 2 cases per year regarding issues such as tenant/landlord, home ownership/consumer, domestic violence, workers compensation, wills, non-profit support and a hotline for brief advice and referral assistance. There are also volunteer opportunities for assistance related to office support and outreach events. Room in the Inn Room in the Inn is an interfaith homeless shelter for women that rotates among churches. First Presbyterian hosts up to twelve women for one week each quarter, using rooms on the second floor to provide a safe and caring place for guests. Volunteer opportunities include: **Drivers at 7 a.m. and at 6 p.m. to transport guests in the church van between the church and the AHOPE Center downtown on North Ann Street. **Teams of 2 or 3 people to prepare and deliver a dinner for the women and the volunteers who host them. First Presbyterian Church provides paper goods and drinks. **Two or more dinner hosts to welcome guests and share the evening meal with them (5:30-8 p.m.) First Presbyterian Church families can play this role. **Two overnight hosts to spend the night, with one staying awake at all times. Tasks include putting out breakfast food and making bag lunches.(10:00 p.m.- 7:00 a.m.) **Set-up/clean-up teams help put out mattresses, prepare dining room and kitchen.. Black Mountain Correctional Center for Women;s Chaplaincy Program. First Presbyterian contributes to the salary of a part-time chaplain (no state funds finance the position). For information about volunteer opportunities, contact Lynn Michie. Christians for a United Community This multi-church, grassroots organization is committed to carrying out Christ's witness to unity, justice, and reconciliation by addressing racism, economic and educational disparity in our community. The steering committee meets monthly. Several First Presbyterian Church members participate. Loaves & Fishes This market is an alternative gift-giving opportunity in lieu of traditional Christmas gifts. In early December, a gift market is set up where representatives of outreach-funded programs as well as other community services are present to answer questions and accept donations. Gift cards are sent to friends and family informing them that a gift has been given to a nonprofit organization in their name. First Presbyterian volunteers plan, administer, staff, and do follow up for this event. CROP WALK Volunteers recruit donors to sponsor their walk around Asheville on a Sunday in the fall, with proceeds going to both local food banks and to international food relief organizations. Volunteers are also needed to help with promoting this program, both in First Presbyterian and other churches. Volunteer Opportunities in the Asheville area Those interested in volunteer opportunities at hospitals, Red Cross, YMCA & YWCA, etc. should call 2-1-1, (a United Way service), where you will be directed to the volunteer coordinator for that organization
Presbyterian Women is an organization with membership open to all women of our church. The membership is divided into five circles of twelve to twenty women who gather monthly from September through May, with at least two special gatherings of all the circles. The circles provide opportunities for fellowship, worship and service. Presbyterian Women is an inclusive, caring and supportive community of women. Through working and praying together we strengthen our bond and support each other and the congregation. We provide opportunities to learn about and support missions locally and around the world.
The main purpose of the property committee is to provide direction for continuous maintenance and projects in and around the Church structure (including grounds). We also provide direction for maintenance issues and repair issues for Sally Campbell Lodge, a church-owned lodge in Montreat. In addition, the property committee recommends an annual budget for consideration by the Session each year in formulating the church budget. Committee Member The Property Committee meets on the second Wednesday of every month in the library at 4:30 PM. Property Committee Volunteer Volunteers are needed for occasional property clean-up and work-days. Volunteer landscapers are encouraged to contact the chairperson.
Members meet monthly to plan and implement an annual campaign for pledging money for the ongoing ministries of the church. This year we will be planning and implementing a campaign for planned giving.
Floral Arrangement Coordinator Keep calendar on weekly worship floral arrangements and order arrangements from florist as needed. Provide written acknowledgements to church office for use in Sunday bulletin. Oversee special arrangements for Christmas and Easter. Usher Coordinator Assign one usher team to each week of the year. Recruit new usher captains and usher teams as needed. Provide annual training for usher captains. Usher Captain Serve as head usher once every 8 weeks. Ensure that all ushering responsibilities have been assigned. Usher Serve on one usher team. Greet worshipers, hand out bulletins and inserts, receive morning offering. Sound System Coordinator Recruit and train new sound system operators. Line up operator for each worship service in the sanctuary. Sound System Operator Operate sound system in the sanctuary once every 8 weeks. Check wireless microphones before worship service begins. Training provided. Offertory Prayer Coordinator Line up lay persons from the congregations to offer the offertory prayer and Lord’s prayer after the offering is collected. Communion Preparation or Clean-up Once a month, put out communion elements to be used during worship. Clean-up involves cleaning of table cloths (at home), polishing silver (when used) and storing utensils. Generally takes about 1 hour for preparation and one hour for clean-up. Communion Bakers Volunteers bake bread to be used in the communion services on the first Sunday of the month and special services. Wedding Committee Provides a wedding director for the rehearsal and wedding ceremony. Guidelines are provided for the directors who usually work in pairs. The time commitment for each wedding consists of phone contacts, a meeting with the bride prior to the wedding date and being at the rehearsal and wedding. Music Program Our church has a variety of choirs and musicians who volunteer their time to provide music for Sunday Worship and other special services and events. Music is a vital part of our worship experience and church members can be involved in a variety of musical experiences. Chancel Choir The Chancel Choir is an adult group that sings at our 10:55 service and for special services such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and All Saints. This choir practices on Wednesday nights. The choir takes time off four to six weeks each summer. Younger Children’s Choir This choir consists of children who are 5 years old - 1st grade. In the fall, they will practice on Sunday mornings from 9:45 – 10:10 a.m., as a part of Bible Journeys. Older Children’s Choir The children in this choir are in grades 2-5. Their practice time is from 4:30-5:30 on Wednesday afternoons, during the school year. Youth Choir Young People who are in Middle School and High School are in this choir. Their practice time is 4:30-5:15 p.m. Sunday afternoons, during the school year. Hand Bell Choir This choir performs throughout the year to provide special music in our worship services. The choir practices in the daytime, on a weekday. There are no practices during summer. Knowing how to read music is necessary for members of this choir. Other Musicians Various musical instruments are incorporated into our church music program, for both congregational and choral music. If you have an interest in accompanying or in playing an instrument for worship, let Eric Wall know. Music Program General Volunteer At different times during the year, volunteers are helpful in the music program for logistical or organizational needs related to special services or events. These needs vary according to the time of year (Advent/Christmas, Lent/Easter, children’s musical, summer, etc.). If you are interested, let Eric Wall know.
Grace Covenant Disaster Response Team: Contacts: Wayne Dickson: wdickson999@charter.net; Bill Corbin: wlcj@charter.net; This group has many requests for help in Buncombe and Haywood County and would be glad to have some other volunteers. 40 Ft. Mission Team
Contact: Ginnie Stevens vestevens2@aol.com, This unusual mission is to solicit, inventory and pack medical equipment and supplies for hospitals and a crisis nursery for orphans in Malawi. We attempt to fill a 40 foot tractor trailer. Mission Personnel Working Group Contact: Ginnie Stevens Associate Presbyter, Presbytery of Western North Carolina vestevens2@aol.com, This group meets five times a year in Black Mountain. MPWG has responsibility for helping local congregations support and recruit mission personnel from the Presbytery of Western North Carolina.
Mission Teams Working Group Contact: Ginnie Stevens Associate Presbyter, Presbytery of Western North Carolina vestevens2@aol.com, MTWG develops mission opportunities, both in the US and abroad, for member churches and members of churches in the Presbytery of Western North Carolina . Other Presbytery Sponsored Mission Trips Contact: Ginnie Stevens Associate Presbyter, Presbytery of Western North Carolina vestevens2@aol.com, These vary from year to year. There is an annual trip to Puentes de Cristo on the Mexico/USA border. The Presbytery has sponsored a Women's Pilgrimage to Guatemala and a mission trip to Malawi. Mission opportunities are announced in the monthly mailing to all ministers and clerks of session, occasional mailings to the Chair of "mission" committees in local congregations, and on the Presbytery web site (www.pcusa.org).
Volunteer with the national church (Mission
Volunteer)
Where: From coast to coast and Alaska to Texas in colleges, conference centers, Non-Governmental Organizations, camps, etc. Types of jobs: Work doing office work, maintenance, gardening, teaching, computers, and many more. Benefits: most assignments will give you housing, a stipend for food, and some will even help with insurance.
|
||||||||||||||||
