Participate in meaningful worship through active service.
Serving in Worship
GROUPS
Why Serve in the Liturgy?
The liturgy of the Church is the ministry of all the baptised. The Greek word “liturgy” literally means “the work of the people.”
When we gather to celebrate the Eucharist or sing Evensong, everyone present is a participant, not a spectator. Within the liturgy specific roles are taken by members of the community, usually after suitable training.
Bishops and priests typically preside and preach.
Deacons read the gospel, prepare the altar, and usually lead the prayers.
Lay people serve as readers, intercessors, servers, communion assistants, musicians, greeters, and sidespersons.
The work of preparing linens and vessels and decorating the church is carried out by members of the Altar Guild.
Ways for Lay People to Serve in the Liturgy
Prospective volunteers should contact the Rector or the Parish Administrator regarding any of the ministries listed below. Training is provided in all cases as needed.
Readers (Lectors): Readers proclaim scripture at 8:30 am, 10:30 am and 4:00 pm on Sundays, 10:00 am on Wednesdays, and on Holy Days as announced.
Servers: The Servers Guild consists of acolytes, torch bearers, and crucifers who assist in the conduct of the church's liturgies in “beauty and holiness.” There are roles in the guild for children, teenagers and adults. Please speak to the Rector for further information.
Intercessors: Lay people at the church share with deacons the ministry of leading the Prayers of the People at all services. Intercessors at 10:30 am on Sundays and 10:00 am on Wednesdays compose the prayers with the assistance of the Deacon. At other liturgies intercessors read prayers designated for use in our prayer books.
Sidespersons: The word “sidesman” originally referred to a lay church official who stood “at the side of” the church wardens, assisting them in gathering the collection. Today, in addition to collecting the offering, sidespeople act as ushers guiding people forward to receive communion.
Communion Assistants: At all Eucharist services, communion assistants help in administering the chalice or the wafers for Holy Communion.
Greeters: At many of the church's liturgies, greeters are stationed at the entrance of the nave (the main part of the church) to make people feel welcome, answer any questions, and assist with distributing bulletins and other items for worship.
Altar Guild: Members of the guild clean and maintain the linens (altar cloths, purificators, corporals and lavabo towels), vessels (chalices, patens, cruets, ciboria), crosses, and other objects used in the worship of the church. Altar Guild members also decorate the church, fold palm crosses, and distribute the flowers after worship. Please speak to the Altar Guild Director for further information.