Other Ways to be Involved

Deer Lake's congregation has a very high level of involvement. Not only does this make Deer Lake a better place, but it makes our volunteers' church experience more meaningful. It helps them make a connection and develop more meaningful relationships with others in the congregation and the community. People who don't want to serve on a committee have many opportunities to get involved a little or a lot. Some of these are listed below.

Bulletin Folders

Each Thursday morning at 10:30 am, a small group (6-12 people) gathers to help our secretary collate the Sunday worship bulletins, seasonal newsletters, etc. Good coffee and conversation are very important aspects of this weekly fun get-together.

Candle Lighters

Every worship service starts with the lighting of the candles. This simple but meaningful act is normally performed by a volunteer from the congregation.

Choir

The choir, which varies from 12 to 24 members meets every Thursday evening and sings most Sundays from September to June. Anyone who can carry a tune is welcome to join the choir, whether or not they can read music. Every year members of the congregation are invited to join the choir for the Advent and Christmas seasons. At this special time of year the choir swells to 30 or so voices.

Coffee Servers

Two volunteers are needed to make and serve coffee in the Fellowship Hall after Sunday worship. This is a great way to meet people. Time commitment: About 1.5 hours as often or seldom as desired.

Counters

Two people collect, count and deposit the offering each Sunday. This requires responsible people who are good with numbers. Time commitment: About 1.5 hours five or six times per year. 

Greeters

As church-goers arrive on Sunday morning, they are greeted with a smile and offered a bulletin. Visitors are shown the way to the sanctuary, coat rack and washrooms. They are invited to sign the visitors' book and offered to be introduced to a congregation member who can help them through the service. Time commitment: About 30 minutes on a semi-regular basis.

Men's Group

Every Tuesday morning at 6:45 anywhere from four to twelve men gather in our library for a light breakfast, hot coffee, good conversation, hearty laughter and meaningful reflection. Some of the men are wide awake when they arrive and others take a while to reach full consciousness, but all of them enjoy their weekly get-together.

The Men's Group organizes and sponsors several annual events, including a Men's Retreat every May, a Fall Turkey Dinner for the congregation and guests, and a Men's Christmas Breakfast. It also engages in outreach activities and supports church initiatives as opportunities presents themselves and are deemed appropriate.

Nursery Helpers

Anyone who loves babies and toddlers will enjoy helping in our cheery nursery. Audio from the worship service is available in the nursery so nursery helpers can follow the service, if desired. Time commitment: About 1.5 hours as scheduled.

Prayer Writers

At Deer Lake we are lucky to have a small group of volunteers who write the Prayers of the People. This deeply personal contribution demonstrates in a unique fashion the spiritual strength and commitment of our congregation.

Readers

The Scriptures and Prayers of the Peopls are read by a member of our congregation each Sunday. This is a wonderful way to show leadership for anyone who is comfortable reading in front of a group, or who would like to become comfortable doing so in a supportive environment. The scriptures and prayer are normally made available well in advance of the Worship Service to permit the reader to become familiar with and practice reading them. Time commitment: Depends upon preparation required. As often or seldom as desired.

Sunday School Teachers

This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the spritual education of our children and youth. The curriculum is selected by our Christian Education committee and all materials are supplied. Teachers are scheduled according to their wishes. Time commitment: Depends upon preparation required, several times per year as scheduled.

Women's Groups

Deer Lake is fortunate to have two women's groups. One meets during the day; the other during the evening. Each has a different emphasis, but both are excellent opportunities to meet and get to know other women on a meaningful level. These groups meet once a month September through June.