Inreach Programs

Inreach is a special ministry at ECA which focuses on our parishioners.  We look for ways in which we can minister, support, and uplift all of our members.  Another popular term for this ministry is "Pastoral Care".   At ECA we believe it is important to care about our family and strengthen it, because in our strength, we can better serve others.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) - Women of all ages, ethnic origins, socio-economic backgrounds in the Episcopal Church are members of ECW.  Our purpose is to implement programs within the church and communities that will strengthen our faith, improve our relations with others, and use our own individual time, talents and treasure.  ECW begins at ECA, strengthening and nourishing the women of the parish.

An ongoing ECW event is the monthly Lunch Bunch luncheon that is held the 3rd Thursday of each month.  The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board at church.  The lunch vary from month to month.  Some lunches are prepared and served by hostesses, and others are held at restaurants.  Most luncheons begin at 11:00 or 11:30 am and are usually over by 1:00 pm.  Read more about this on our Fellowship page.

ECA MEN'S CLUB - All men at ECA are part of the Men's Club. Currently there is one regularly scheduled event: every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. there is a breakfast meeting at Denny's on Blossom Hill Road followed by Bocce Ball at Almaden Lake.   Listen for announcements in Church and watch the Shape and the Bulletin for other activities.

FELLOWSHIP — These are the fun activities ECA offers for small groups or the whole congregation.  We try to offer a variety of events aimed at families, adults only, youth, just men, and just women.  All of our activities are recreational or social in nature.  Please see our Fellowship page for a current list of activities.

GOD SQUAD — a ministry to welcome and integrate newcomers into the church.   The God Squad meets the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00 AM to help plan the Welcoming Sunday service.  This is a way of meeting the new people in the church and getting to know them.  It is not necessary to attend the Tuesday meeting to be a part of God Squad.  Contact Father Stephen.

GOOD SAMS — a low profile in-reach body of our church that cares for the physical, financial and/or mental health needs of our church family.  The need may be as simple as a phone call, flowers or a check.  It could be more involved and ongoing, like rides to church, the doctor, or the grocery store.  Good Sams volunteers also prepare and deliver home cooked meals to those who are ill, injured, just home from the hospital or in need of a meal(s) for a variety of reasons.  Anyone interested in being on the list of parishioners willing to help when a need arises, donate money to the Good Sams discretionary fund, are in need of or know of anyone in need of the services Good Sams can provide, contact Kelli Casale, Brenda McHenry or Father Stephen.

GREETERS - welcome all who enter our front doors for our 11:00 Family Service on Sunday. They help newcomers find their way to the sanctuary and the nursery if needed. They help everyone find or make a nametag. Sharon Mills coordinates this ministry and assigns volunteers on a rotating basis. She welcomes new participants, so just give her a call.  see Matrix

LIBRARY — we have a Joint Venture library in the southeast corner of the choir room.  Most of the books have been donated by members of  ECA and UCC.  The collection is extensive, and has been divided into 13 categories.  Thanks to helpful volunteers, the collection is well-maintained and includes books that will interest all ages.  Contact Judy Thompson of UCC for more information.

PRAYER VINE — an intercessory prayer telephone chain.  Each Sunday before the services the Parish Prayer list can be found on the stand in the church narthex.  Anyone who feels the need to add a name(s) or concern(s) to be prayed for that day and throughout the week is encouraged to do so.  PRAYER DOES WORK! Prayer vine members are responsible for contacting the next person on the telephone tree with concerns to be prayed for during the next two weeks.  Contact Dorothy Willard or Father Stephen with new concerns.