ACOLYTES
During the 2nd century of the Church, various minor religious orders were created, among them "acolytes" (Greek for "follower"). Acolytes serve and assist the clergy at the altar and perform a wide variety of ritual functions in our worship. Young people often serve as acolytes, in this way creating a foundation for a meaningful religious life in years to come. Acolyte trainings are held regularly. Please contact the church office if you or your child is interested.
ALTAR GUILD
"Oh God of beauty and love and peace: Make us thankful for the privilege of adding beauty to thy sanctuary, growing in love through thy service, and gaining peace from thy presence, through Jesus Christ, our Lord." The men and women of the Altar Guild care for the Altar and its furnishings with reverence, polishing, dusting, washing, arranging flowers, arranging for the purchase of equipment and altar supplies. This is a ministry of dedication and love for Christ and the worship of the church.
LECTORS, LAY READERS AND LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Lectors, Lay Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers are lay (non-ordained) persons integral to Episcopal worship services. Lectors read the scripture lessons and lead the prayers of the people. Lay Readers read scripture lessons, and conduct Morning and Evening Prayer and Compline. Lay Eucharistic Ministers help distribute communion during worship. Lay Eucharistic Visitors take communion to homes, hospitals, and nursing homes.
USHERS
Ushers welcome and assist parishioners and visitors at church services and special events. They organize the assistance of volunteers as needed. They collect offerings and maintain the security of offerings. They ensure the cleanliness of the church after each service. Dignity, friendliness, knowledge of church facilities, and attention to the needs of the worship leader and congregation characterize our ushers. Ushers serve on a rotating basis.
GREETERS
Greeters serve at each worship service with the ushers to give newcomers a warm welcome to the parish. They accompany visitors to the coffee hour, introduce them to parishioners and answer questions they may have. This is often a ministry carried on by members of the parish who are relatively new themselves and know what it is like to be a visitor.
WELCOME COMMITTEE
Attention to the details of warm hospitality and welcome to visitors and people interested in finding out about our faith community is our mission! We work to incorporate and connect newer and older parishioners into the life and work of the church. We make name badges and circulate during the fellowship time to greet and get to know visitors and newer members.