Volunteer Opportunities

From Sunday services to justice gatherings and neighborhood service, the fabric of our community is powered and shaped by our congregants. One of the best ways to connect at Common Table is by becoming involved as a volunteer.

Explore some of the many ways to serve below!

Kids Ministry

Common Table Kids Ministry provides theologically-centered, trauma-informed spiritual formation for our youngest and most vulnerable members. As we build toward a vibrant, sustainable program, we need adults who will invest their time, energy and attention.

Reach out to Kids Ministry Coordinator Kimmothy Cole with questions, concerns and suggestions: kids@commontablerva.com

All kids ministry volunteers are expected to:

Sign and return Common Table’s Kids Abuse Prevention Policy and Procedures
Offer care in accordance with Kids Ministry Expectations

Anyone volunteering in drop-off programs where children are under direct care of non-familial caregivers (i.e. Sunday service) is required to:

complete virtual training on child safety and abuse prevention and pass a background check

Sunday Service

Join a team of volunteers for a story circle, related activities and Communion. Training provided.
Time commitment: Medium/High
Scheduled Time: Sunday mornings, 10am or 11am service

Kids Council

Discuss upcoming events, community needs and future plans. Give feedback. Share your ideas!
Time commitment: Medium
Scheduled Time: 30-minute virtual meeting 4 times/year

Chaperones

Help out with special Kids events. Set up, break down and preparation.
Time commitment: Low/Medium
Scheduled Time: As needed/available

Buddy System

Choose one child at Common Table to get to know better in the next year.
Time commitment: Low
Scheduled Time: None

More Details on Volunteering with Kids Ministry

Learn about our frameworks for connecting with kids

Sunday Volunteering

Church attendees fill many essential roles in our Sunday services. Volunteers will be scheduled through the Services app, where they can set their own schedule and preferences for volunteer frequency. Contact info@commontablerva.com with any questions.

First Impressions

Welcome people to Common Table! Responsibilities include preparing coffee and tea and presiding over our welcome table to help answer questions and invite people into the space.

Sacristy Team

The sacristy team prepares the physical liturgical components of worship (e.g. the communion table and the candlelighting tables) and tends to the liturgical supplies in the kitchen.

Arrive 15 minutes before the start of service
Prepare candle lighting stations
Prepare communion elements and table

A/V Team

Propresenter
- Man the computer at the back of the worship space and click through presentation slides during service, displaying lyrics and other liturgical elements.
Soundboard
- Turn on and off mics
- Manage sound levels
- Turn on the livestream

Liturgical Team

The liturgical team includes the many layperson roles involved in our worship services.

Liturgist
- Reads the scripture passage and leads the congregation in liturgical group prayers.
Host
- Reads a script to welcome the congregation at the beginning of service and reads announcements and a benediction to close the service.
Communion Server
- At Common Table, we serve by intinction: One server breaks bread and dips into the cup, sharing something like "the body of Christ, given for you" The other server holds the cup and shares, "the blood of Christ, given for you".

Music Team

Musicians and vocalists help us to unite and sing together. Below in a non-limiting list of some instruments we've included in our band:

Acoustic guitar
Bass
Electric guitar
Keys
Drums (cajon, bongo, or a small acoustic snare setup)
Harmonica
Vocals
Occasionally Strings and flute
Musicians are requested to arrive at 8:30 for a brief (and fun!) practice. Musicians generally serve at both the 9am and 11am services. Music and audio for weekly preparation is provided ahead of time, to ensure that our musicians feel comfortable and resourced.

Birdhouse Community Garden

The Birdhouse Community Garden is located at Petronius Jones Park on Idlewood. The garden is part of the mission of Birdhouse Farmer’s Market to improve the health and well-being of our community by making healthy food accessible to all. They host volunteer work days every Saturday morning, March through November. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Birdhouse Farmers Market website.

Community Fridge

Common Table has a covered community fridge and pantry to the left of our sanctuary entrance, offering free food to the neighborhood. Please bring items to stock the fridge as you are able, and partake as you have need. You can sign up to regularly fill the fridge here, or bring grocery items any time.

Single serve cooked meals are especially welcome. All contributions should be marked with the date and all ingredients.

Amelia Street School Urban Forest

The Amelia Street Urban Forest is a growing greenspace tucked behind the Amelia Street School where community, education, and native ecology come together. Learn more about the Amelia Street Urban Forest at their website.

We first engaged with our neighbors at the Amelia Street School by taking a special offering to finance temporary fencing for their students to safely play outside during urban forest construction. As the year continues, keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities to help with planting!

Neighborhood Service

Connecting with the Randolph community and engaging with our neighbors is an important part of life at Common Table.

Justice Ministry

Justice ministry at Common Table is another integral way that we engage in service.

Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities

Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities (RISC) is a justice ministry organization made up of 30 congregations from throughout Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield. RISC uses the power of large numbers of people to hold our public officials accountable and solve critical community problems.

At Common Table, we have 45 committed Network Members engaged in community organizing! Learn more about RISC here.

100% Voting Congregation

We're a 100% voting congregation with the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy! In short, that means that we commit to vote. For partners at Common Table, civic engagement is a holy responsibility. We take it seriously, and we're committed to it. Learn more about VICPP at their website.

Faithful Resistance Action Network (FRAN)

FRAN is a grassroots network in the tradition of the civil rights movement: it takes part in nonviolent direct action and involves people in spiritual prep work to be a public witness in the way of Jesus. FRAN meets monthly at Union Seminary here in Richmond to sing, pray, build community, and learn about historic organizing for justice. Subscribe to our weekly email or contact info@commontablerva.com for information on our next FRAN meeting.