As disciples, Jesus calls us to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves, and that means committing to acts of service.
We can serve others in many ways, both inside and outside our church community. When we serve, we grow in compassion, humility, and connection. We begin to see that even small acts of faithfulness can become part of something much larger than ourselves. We are asking you to make an explicit commitment of service, along with your annual pledge.
“It’s not just a place people come on Sundays. This community shows up, gives back, and puts love into action.”
Making the Commitment to Serve
1. NOTICE YOUR GIFTS
Each person has something to offer. Think about the gifts, interests, and experiences God has given you, and where they might be put to use in service.
2. EXPLORE A PLACE TO SERVE
There are many ways to serve at Saint Michael both inside and outside our walls. You do not have to do everything. You only need to begin somewhere. (See examples of serve opportunities here.)
3. TAKE THE NEXT STEP
When you are ready, let us know how you would like to serve. You can confirm an ongoing commitment, choose a place to begin, or ask for help discerning where your gifts might best be used.
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
– 1 Peter 4:10
Opportunities to Serve
IN THE CHURCH
Acolyte*
Acolytes play a vital role in our worship by leading processions, assisting at the altar, and supporting the flow of the liturgy. Whether carrying the cross, holding torches, or helping during communion, acolytes serve with reverence and joy. This opportunity is open to children, youth, and adults who want to deepen their participation in worship.
Contemporary Service Volunteers*
Join our contemporary teams who help welcome worshippers, serve communion, and offer prayers. With a minimum commitment of once a month and in-person training provided, this is a great come, see, and experience our community Serve opportunity.
Compline and Evensong Readers and Ushers*
Support these special music services by offering readings or helping pass out materials -- no formal training, in all about 10 services a year, any frequency is appreciated
Day of Service
The Saint Michael Day of Service (April 3, 2027) is a parish wide event that brings people of all ages together for one day of meaningful outreach in our community.
Friends in Christ*
A dedicated group of Saint Michael volunteers Parishioners who provide companionship and connection to our homebound. Volunteers are paired with a friend whom they visit at least monthly bringing cheer and love to those unable to attend church in person. Requires online self-paced Safe Church training.
Vacation Bible School*
Help create a fun and safe place where kids can learn and grow in their faith by volunteering for Vacation Bible School. Volunteers serve from one hour to four hours at the beginning of the day, end of the day, or throughout the day with special activities. Commit to one day or all four days for the length of time that fits your schedule.
OUTSIDE THE CHURCH
Austin Street
Each month, parishioners at Saint Michael prepare and serve food for people experiencing homelessness staying at Austin Street Center. Volunteer opportunities consist of the Cooking Team meeting every first Tuesday available to ten parishioners to prepare a full course homemade meal or the Serving Team meeting every first Wednesday at Austin Street available to fifteen parishioners to serve meals.
Stephen C. Foster Elementary School*
Volunteers can make a meaningful impact by tutoring, helping with school beautification, or supporting our mission weekday camp at Stephen C. Foster Elementary, which serves students from pre-K3 to 6th grade. A consistent weekly commitment is preferred.
Jubilee Park and Community Center*
Volunteers are essential to Jubilee Park’s mission, supporting everything from clinic work to food pantry to tutoring and events. Opportunities can vary in length and timing to fit with your schedule.
Now-Forward
Now-Forward is an interfaith community partnership offering emergency assistance— including food, clothing, medical and dental care, and housing support—to families in North and West Dallas, with serving opportunities to help meet these critical needs. Opportunities can vary in length and timing to fit with your schedule.
VNA Meals on Wheels
Deliver nutritious meals and a friendly smile to homebound neighbors in our community. This vital ministry provides both nourishment and connection to those who may be isolated or unable to prepare their own meals. Volunteers commit to regular routes at least once a month, making a meaningful difference one visit at a time.
Youth Mission Week*
In June, volunteer to serve at the week-long camp for local students. You will help with fun activities, including arts and crafts, music, sports, and special events—all while making a positive impact on the community.
*Requires online self-paced Safe Church Training
Making the Commitment to Give
Pledging to the 2027 Stewardship Campaign, Building the Kingdom, directly fuels the mission of Saint Michael as together, we strengthen our ministries, support outreach efforts, and build Christian disciples for a transformed community.
Your commitment makes a lasting difference in our church and the broader community we are called to serve.
Making the Commitment to Pray
We tend to think of prayer as a distinct activity, but the Book of Common Prayer suggests prayer is better understood as a cultivated habit or disposition. The catechism (BCP 856–857) defines prayer as something that can be practiced “with or without words” as well as something that includes “thoughts and deeds.” The Prayer Book also recognizes various kinds of prayer, including adoration, oblation, intercession, and several others.
For the first time, we are asking you to make an explicit commitment of prayer, along with your annual pledge.