Ministries | Episcopal Church of the Incarnation (Ann Arbor) 

Love in Action through Our Ministries

Through our Ministries, we build community, care for one another, and practice justice in Ann Arbor and beyond. Questions or want to get connected? Email our Administrator, Catherine, at admin@incarnationannarbor.org

Ministries That Serve the Wider Community

Incarnation has been actively engaged in justice outreach since our founding. Below are a few examples of outward-facing Incarnation Groups and community partnerships and initiatives we support and participate in.

Incarnation Creation Care Committee:

This Committee connects members of Incarnation to local and global movements for transformative environmental and social justice. We believe that addressing the climate emergency requires creation of a world-wide culture promoting mutual care, respect, and interconnection of all beings rather than one based on exploitation and extraction. 

Our current focus:

Our activism on water protection and water affordability for all communities to honor our obligations as residents of the Huron River and Great Lakes watersheds.

Incarnation Solidarity Open House:

One evening a week we host an open house for wider-community gatherings in our Social Hall. We often have special speakers or justice-related activities and actions. sometimes it is simply a time available for people to come to share a meal, chat, and make connections.

FedUp Ministries (Southeast Michigan):

FedUp Ministries serves healthy, food-truck-style meals with dignity to communities experiencing food insecurity and economic exploitation. Incarnation is a faith-based sponsor of FedUp, and members of our congregation support its mission and fundraising.

Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice (ICPJ):

ICPJ supports people of faith, congregations, mutual aid groups, and volunteers working for systemic change with love within Washtenaw County and across Michigan. Members of Incarnation participate in ICPJ initiatives.

Ministries That Serve Our Church Community

Many people work to nurture our building and grounds, our members and friends, and our spiritual life together. 

Building & Grounds Committee/Decarbonization: 

This team cares for the maintenance of our church and parsonage buildings and our three acres of grounds. We’re committed to green solutions whenever possible. 

Recent examples include:

• Installing air-source heat pumps in the chapel and parsonage

• Adding solar panels to the church roof

• Creating and maintaining walking paths through the woods

• Tending organic food and flower gardens 

Twice a year, we also host German exchange students through Youth for Understanding. They share a meal, learn about Incarnation’s advocacy history, and volunteer alongside us on grounds projects.

Children & Youth Ministry: 

During service, we welcome children to an area called the "prayground." In that gentle space, children of various ages do activities, engage in quiet play, and join the service, participating on the Gospel procession, the Offertory, the Prayers of People, and a kid-friendly closing hymn. Each week's programming is overseen by the Pastor, a planning committee, the staff Youth Leader, and dedicated adult volunteers.

Choir: 

Our choir is an eclectic, all-age ensemble, exploring a variety of musical styles and vintages from "down-home gospel" to "high-church hymns," and everything in between. We celebrate the beauty of other cultures incorporating music from other parts of our global family--singing in other languages at times--and also love to express our faith through finding spiritual connections in pop music as well.

Hospitality Ministry: 

If you’ve ever visited a church and felt unsure where to go or who to ask, you’ll understand why this ministry exists. Our Hospitality team helps ensure Sunday mornings feel welcoming and easy—greeting people, answering questions, and helping visitors feel at home.

Meal Ministry:

The Meal Ministry supports our community through food—organizing potlucks, supporting pantry stewardship, and providing meals when members of our church family need extra care. We also support meal-related outreach in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, including organizations like FedUp and Mercy House.

Pastoral Care Committee:

This committee works to identify and support Incarnation's members who are struggling with illness, economic stressors, or other issues.

Spirituality Discussion Group:  

This group shares their journeys of beliefs, practices, and perspectives. Some of us consider ourselves Christian; some don't. They discuss topics that emerge through their relationships with each other and through sharing their lives for several years. They welcome new members who also are open and inclusive of many points of view.

Stewardship Development:

This ministry helps our community name and celebrate the gifts we share—time, talent, treasure, and life together—and coordinates our annual pledge drive to support the ongoing work of the church.

Vestry:

The Vestry serves as the church’s board of directors. They meet monthly to guide church operations and decision-making—everything from practical needs (repairs, improvements) to larger goals and vision.

Worship and Music Committee:

This committee supports the Pastor in shaping meaningful worship—bulletins, liturgy, and music—and helps the congregation reflect on what serves us well and what we hope to grow into as a worshiping community committed to justice and love."