Vestry
The vestry, along with the Rector, make all the financial decisions for the parish. First and foremost, we are to be good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us for ministry.
The vestry meets on the third Tuesday of every month (between September and June). A vestry term is three years with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Vestry members are elected at the Annual Meeting every January. Two leaders are elected to
Charitable Outreach
The Charitable Outreach Committee leads many of the outreach ministries at Zion. Food is collected for the food pantry at Grace Church, Whitestone. Christmas gifts are bought for families in need through the diocesan Adopt-a-Family ministry. School supplies are collected every fall to be distributed by the St. John’s Hospital Auxiliary in Far Rockaway.
A large part of the committee’s work has been identifying local charitable organizations and raising funds to award them grants to help them carry out their work. Zion has given grants to Star of the Sea, Horse-ability, Little Neck-Douglaston Community Ambulance Corps, Little House of Long Island, Oratorio Society of Queens, Dress for Success, and Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults. This ministry seeks to support service projects that will link us to each other and to the community as a whole.
Peanut Butter & Jesus
PB& J is Zion’s monthly feeding ministry. On the last Friday of every month, members of all ages and abilities meet in the Parish Hall at 5pm to make sandwiches for hungry people. The next day the sandwiches are distributed along with socks, toiletries, coats, underwear, and non-perishable food items directly to people in need outside Penn Station.
Zion shares this ministry with St. Ann’s, Sayville. There are many ways to get involved in this ministry. You can donate needed items. You can come and make sandwiches. You can help distribute sandwiches and other items directly to people in need on the last Saturday of the month. For more information, see Joanne Martell or Regina Dougherty.
Faith and Justice
Faith & Justice @ Zion is a ministry that creates a space to learn, pray, read, discuss, and reflect on all issues of social injustice that we believe we are called to confront as Jesus’ disciples. The ministry seeks ways we can engage as a parish to be more faithful witnesses, to deepen our resolve and take action to pursue justice and mercy, and ultimately to find reconciliation.
This ministry hosts film discussions, book groups, Bible Study, and field trip to local museums and lectures.
Sunday Liturgy Ministries
The word liturgy comes from a Greek word that means, “the work of the people.” By taking an active role in the Sunday worship services, we are able to lead the parish in the worship and praise of God. Both youth and adults can take an active roles in leading the liturgy by serving as acolytes, crucifer (cross bearer), and MC (Master of Ceremonies). The chalice bearer helps administer Communion during the Eucharist. Lectors read the first and second lessons as well as the Prayers of the People. Ushers and Greeters provide a friendly face to everyone who enters.
Choir
Zion’s choir is a group of dedicated people who love music and singing and who want to serve God by using the talents God has given them. Music is a vital part of our liturgy and elevates our worship to the sublime.
During the months of September through June, the choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 8pm and again on Sunday mornings at 10am.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild prepares and maintains the materials elements for all of the worship services that take place in the church. They set up for Holy Communion, prepare for weddings, funerals, baptisms, and clean up after services. Decorating for the Easter and Christmas seasons are joyful reflections of their efforts.
Through our service, the Altar Guild aspires to elevate our worship. By the care and handling of holy elements, we hope to bring us all closer to God.
Hospitality Team
Sharing food and fellowship every Sunday is Zion’s way of welcoming all who enter through our doors. Coffee Hour is offered between the services and after the 10:30. This ministry involves making coffee, prepping food, and cleaning up afterwards. They also plan and serve at special events like Candlelight & Carols, Lenten Pancake Breakfasts, Kick-off Sunday Potluck, and various other holidays and events.
Churchyard Committee
Zion’s churchyard is a historic church cemetery dating back to the 19th century. The committee preserves the records of the past and current burials. In cooperation with the Property Committee, they maintain the grounds. The churchyard serves as the backdrop for our picnics, outdoor worship and other events.
With its spacious parklike setting, the churchyard is one of Zion’s greatest assets. The beautiful old trees and historic monuments, including a Native American burial site, create an oasis of meditative calm in the midst of our busy city.
Gardening Committee
This is a ministry for people who like to work together and get their hands dirty! There are flower beds that always need weeding and tending, trees in the churchyard that can always use mulch. A few minutes or hours spent beautifying our churchyard feels great—no experience necessary!
Plant and flower choices are selected for sustaining our local butterflies and bees, for being low maintenance, low water usage, and perennial. The whole neighborhood enjoy walking through the churchyard to appreciate God’s handiwork tended by our loving hands.
Property Committee
The church building is used for many Zion and diocesan events, but it is also used by self-help groups, the Douglaston Community Theatre, and local organizations. The churchyard is one of our great assets with its glorious canopy of trees, historic monuments, and the uninterrupted sweep of lawn at the rectory. All of these resources need to be monitored and maintained. The volunteers on the property committee strive to keep everything up and running. The church was built on this site in 1830. With God’s help, we will be good stewards of the property to further our mission and grow our presence in the community.
Pastoral Care Team
Following our mission to lift people up as Christ calls, the ministry of Pastoral Care is to provide help, care and comfort to all during challenging life circumstances in the hope of lightening the burden for an individual or family. The ministry will provide both practical and emotional support during times of need. Team members bring Communion to homebound members, coordinate Get-Well cards, deliver altar flowers, and offer practical support like meals and rides to appointments.
Rhythms of Grace
Rhythms of Grace is Zion’s monthly service of worship and faith formation for children and families with autism and other special needs. Combining storytelling, arts and crafts, therapeutic play, and a celebration of Holy Eucharist, ROG is a ministry that strengthens skills, fosters community, and nourishes at God’s table. Volunteers shop for supplies, help create lesson plans or craft/activity ideas, set up, clean up, and offer assistance during the service.
