Church Life
So, you clicked “Church Life!” Maybe a word of clarification is in order!
You don’t have to “become a member” to serve your community! The committees you see listed under “Church Life” are open to anyone to attend. All committees of the church seek to serve our community.
So…what is membership about?
OK, so here is the way we feel about church membership. It can be a good thing. But becoming a member of a church no more makes you a Christian than sleeping in your garage at night makes you a car!
At Open Door we value a feeling of belonging more than “official membership.” However, membership does have its perks. Because our church is governed democratically (we call this “Congregationalism)” becoming a member means you not only have a voice in congregational decisions, but also a vote!
If you are a baptized Christian and you are thinking of taking the next step in your faith journey by becoming a member of this faith community, just say a word to the pastor or make a note on the “connection card” that appears in every church bulletin, and we can hook you up! We offer “New Member Classes” every few months. If you have never been baptized, either as an infant, an older child, or an adult, we have exciting news! You can be baptized by meeting with the pastor to discuss the meaning and significance of the “sacrament” of baptism. Baptism is one of the two “sacraments” of the church (the other is partaking in Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month), and both are open to you, upon confession of faith in Jesus Christ. As sacraments, both baptism and Holy Communion are “visible signs of an invisible grace.” We use the word grace a lot around here. Christianity is a religion of grace not law. Grace is a free gift of God. This means you don’t have to measure up or keep a set of strict rules or laws to experience human flourishing, or salvation. Grace is central to what Jesus called “the good news,” or the gospel.
Here is the gospel:
God raised Jesus from the dead. God has done with Jesus what God intends to do with you and me. Your sins are forgiven— not eventually, not on the condition of moral improvement, but now, not on my authority, or yours, but on the sole authority of a promise from God that does not depend on us to be true.
Open Prayer
Open Teams
These ministry teams are your opportunity to get more involved in the life at Open Door and in the community. See what you might find interesting and join in a community of ministry in our world.
Parish Care
The Team provides support to members for their continuing participation in the life of the church and works closely with the Pastor to meet the changing and emergency needs of members. We provide care for our church family during times of crisis and life challenges. We make phone calls and visits, provide meals, pick up prescriptions, provide transportation, pray, listen and send cards to support those in need. For those on our prayer list, we also send cards and make calls. If you would like more information on Parish Care, please contact Carol Dougherty at 209-916-5095.
Christian Enrichment
The mission of the Team is to initiate and direct Christian Enrichment activities for all ages including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, adult classes, and youth groups, as well as to enlist and supervise teachers and leaders. The Team coordinates the family program, which serves young families with meals, social activities, and parenting support, and sets up family events and activities around holidays. The Team also supports a book study group that meets regularly to discuss powerful books on topics related to our faith. For more information please contact Evelyn Betts at evelynbetts2001@hotmail.com.
Membership & Calling
The Membership and Calling Team is all about building and nurturing community within our church family and making our church feel like home! This team reaches out to visitors and prospective members with a warm welcome, helping them find their place in our congregation. They also stay in touch with members who haven't been able to attend regularly, offering encouragement and care. To strengthen our sense of connection, the team coordinates fun and meaningful gatherings such as new member luncheons and church potlucks—times to share food, stories, and fellowship. They also keep our church directory updated so that everyone can stay connected and feel part of the life of the church.
Worship Team
Working with the Pastor and other staff plus bringing together ad hoc inspired people to design the worship services throughout the liturgical seasons of the church year.
Finance & Facilities
The duties of the Finance & Facilities team oversees all financial and administrative aspects of the church as well as overseeing the maintence of all church buildings. They have recently merged with the Stewardship team to manage the annual financial enlistment program for our congregation.
Outreach & Social Justice
Our mission is to live out the teachings of Jesus through welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry, reaching out to the people of the community and the world, fostering a sustainable environment, working within our church, with other churches, and with organizations to promote social justice. The Team takes the lead in coordinating activities that meet the mission, extending participation to the whole congregation. Current activities are helping to meet the needs of the food and housing insecure in our community, supporting a healthy environment, and contributing to improved living conditions beyond our community. For more information please contact Lynne Bird at lcbird@comcast.net.
Watching a presentation on Ukraine by Merita Calloway, who brought medical equipment to Ukraine to help doctors have needed supplies for prosthetic limbs, etc. Picture taken in the Eastman Building of Open Door Church.
Blessing Box
The Blessing Box is a small ongoing mission to those whose food budget doesn’t quite last long enough. The box is regularly stocked several times a week, and also supplemented by church and community members. People are invited to take what they need, always mindful that someone else might have needs, too. It is located on the porch of the Eastman Education Building facing Algiers Street. For more information, contact the church office.
The Resource Connection
The Resource Connection Food Bank. Our church has loyally contributed to the Food Bank for many years. Since 2014 we have donated over 9000 lbs. of food! Our congregation has huge hearts and lots of compassion for the vulnerable of Calaveras County. Food insecurity is a big concern for the Resource Connection and our church continues to show love and concern for our community.
Sierra Hope
For more information please contact Susan Medeiros at susancmedeiros@gmail.com
Habitat for Humanity
As a church we are concerned about housing and joining with Habitat is one way we can make an impact in our community. Habitat for Humanity has been building homes in Calaveras County for over 22 years. We offer families a “hands up” rather than a “hand out.” Our church partners with Habitat in fundraising, volunteering on home building, and working with individual families to provide affordable housing. At the current time, Habitat for Humanity was awarded a $10 million grant from the State of California to build 107 affordable homes in Angels Camp.
Earth Day
Consistent with our belief that our Earth is God's most precious creation, we actively participate in our local Earth Day events and encourage our youth and congregation to do likewise through education and stewardship.