Serve

The church works best when every one of us brings what God has given us. There's a place for you here.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

1 Peter 4:10

Why we serve

Jesus said he came not to be served, but to serve. When we use our strengths and talents for one another, we're practicing his way, and the whole church becomes healthier for it.

There are many places to get involved, and they vary in time commitment and skill set. Some take an hour a month. Some need no experience at all. If you sense a nudge to become more engaged in the life of the church, we'd love to help you find where you fit.

  1. Practicing the Way of Jesus,Following the one who knelt and washed feet
  2. in community,Serving alongside others and getting to know them along the way
  3. for the sake of others.Making room for the next person to know Jesus and feel at home

How to get started

Not sure yet? That's fine.
  1. Tell us what interests you

    Fill out the volunteer interest form. If you're unsure, check a few areas that sound interesting.

  2. We'll connect you

    We'll pass your info to the ministry leader for each area, and they'll reach out to talk it through.

  3. Start serving

    Many teams train you on the job and provide everything you need. You just bring a willing heart.

Find a team

Pick a category to narrow the list, then open any team to see the roles and who to contact.

17 teams

HospitalityCoffee crew, greeters, and the welcome desk

We want every visitor to feel valued and welcomed. The hospitality team creates a warm, safe, and friendly place for people to come to know Jesus and become fully engaged in his life and mission.

  • Coffee crewOnce a month on Sunday, 9:00 to 9:45 am. Make coffee and set up the meet and greet space for others to enjoy.
  • GreeterArrive 15 minutes before the service and welcome people with a smile.
  • Welcome deskCome 15 minutes early and stay 15 minutes after to help people with information about the church. We'll give you everything you need to share.
Children's MinistryNursery, Sunday school teachers, and helpers

Build relationships with the kids in our care and teach them about Jesus. All materials and lessons are provided, with opportunities at several grade levels.

  • Nursery volunteerTypically a once-a-month commitment.
  • Sunday school teacherServe every other week during the school year.
  • Sunday school helperAlso every other week during the school year, alongside a teacher.
  • Summer helpShort-term opportunities when the school year is out.

Monthly trainings are encouraged for everyone on the team.

Youth MinistryYouth leaders, event helpers, and prayer partners

Students are growing up in a crazy world. They need caring adults to come alongside them through middle school and high school. Simply put, we pursue Jesus together.

  • Middle school or high school youth leaderJoin weekly youth group gatherings, weekend events, overnight retreats, and one-on-one discipleship.
  • Special event helperOccasional help with things like a Blazers game in Portland or a BBQ on the church lawn: preparing food, driving students, or being an extra set of eyes.
  • Prayer partnerPray intentionally for our students, leaders, and ministry. A monthly email shares current needs and prayer requests.
WorshipSing or play on Sunday mornings

If you sing or play an instrument, let us know. We'll connect you with our worship leader to talk about where you might fit.

Tech & ProductionSound, projection, and livestream cameras

No prior experience needed, just a willingness to learn a new skill. We're happy to train you.

  • SoundLearn to run the soundboard, an essential part of making the service run smoothly. Watch the training videos
  • ProjectionRun ProPresenter for everything shown in the sanctuary and on the livestream.
  • CameraThe quickest team to join, since you can learn on the job. Operate our two cameras for the livestream.
Prayer & IntercessionPray before the service and with people who respond
  • Pre-service prayerPray for the service at 8:30 am in the Soothing Room.
  • Altar prayerPray with people responding to the work of the Spirit in their lives during the service.
SecurityHelp keep our Sunday gatherings safe

The security team keeps watch over our building and people during services so everyone else can focus on worship.

Women's MinistryBible study, game night, nights out, and the fall retreat

Women's ministry supports women in every season of life through community, prayer, the Word of God, and service.

  • Women's Bible studyCoffee and tea setup and cleanup, welcoming, leading a small group or prayer, and praying before the gathering.
  • Game nightSetting up tables and chairs, preparing dinner or cleaning up, welcoming, or running a game.
  • Women's night outLeading a group.
  • Fall retreatPrayer and hospitality.
Men's MinistryHelp with men's gatherings and events

Help make room for men to grow together in following Jesus.

Community GroupsHost or help lead a group through the week

Community groups are where much of the church's life happens. Opening your home or helping lead a group is one of the most direct ways to serve.

Celebrate RecoveryThursday nights: meal team, kids, and worship
  • Meal teamPrep and serve the weekly meal. It's time to connect and get to know others in the recovery community.
  • Recovery Kids and The LandingLead programming for kids, following the large group themes and teaching them to express their feelings, own their wrongs, and make amends.
  • Worship teamIf you sing or play an instrument, there's a place for you.

The best way to learn more is to join us on a Thursday night.

Special EventsSet up and run all-church events

From the River Baptisms BBQ to neighborhood block parties, big days take a lot of hands. Help plan, set up, serve, and clean up.

FacilitiesProjects around the building and grounds

We're always glad for extra hands. Individuals and groups can take on projects that fit their skills and schedule.

Email the church office or talk to Eric Bokovoy or Anders
Social MediaPhotos, video, and posts

Help tell the story of what God is doing at HRAC by taking photos and video and helping with our posts.

Stewardship Advisory TeamLend financial experience to church leadership

The Stewardship Advisory Team (SAT) helps church leadership steward HRAC's resources well. If you have a background in finance or accounting, we'd love to hear from you.

BenevolenceCare for people facing financial need

The benevolence team helps the church respond with care when people in our church and community are going through a hard season.

OutreachShelter meals, missions, and serving Hood River

Serving doesn't stop at the church doors. Cook a meal for the shelter, support our missions partners, or help us love our neighbors across the valley.

Don't see your fit, or interested in more than one? Tell us and we'll help you find it.

Volunteer interest form

Frequently asked questions

I'm not sure where I fit. Where do I start?

Fill out the interest form and check a few areas that sound interesting. We'll be in touch to help you figure out where you'd be a good fit.

Do I need experience?

For most teams, no. Children's Ministry provides all lessons and materials, and the tech team trains people from scratch. A willingness to learn goes a long way.

How much time does it take?

It depends on the team. The coffee crew and nursery are about once a month. Sunday school teachers and helpers serve every other week during the school year. Some teams, like facilities and special events, are as-available.

Can I serve outside of Sunday mornings?

Yes. Celebrate Recovery meets Thursday nights, and teams like Facilities, Special Events, and Outreach serve throughout the week. See For the Sake of Others for ways to serve our wider community.

Who do I talk to?

Each team above lists a contact. For anything else, email the church office and we'll help you get connected.