Lay Liturgical Ministries / Serving Schedules
ACOLYTES
Acolytes assist the clergy and people in the conduct of the liturgies each Sunday and at some other services. The acolyte corps also provides parish youth with a visible and important liturgical ministry. All parish youth in grades 6-12 are eligible to serve as acolytes. Adults also serve with parish youth at the early Eucharist on Sundays. Training is provided parishwide on three Sunday mornings in August, before the principal service. The only requirement is a desire to reverently serve God in assisting in the liturgy. You will work with and get to know the clergy; develop a sense of responsibility and commitment; and derive satisfaction from a job well-done. Contact Jean Karadin or Derek Nelson, acolyte directors.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS (formerly “Chalice Bearers”)
Eucharistic Ministers participate in a canonically-ordered ministry to assist the clergy in serving the chalice at Holy Communion. Eucharistic Ministers are nominated by the rector, approved by the vestry, and licensed by the bishop of the diocese, for a term of three (calendar) years. They are scheduled to serve at either the early (two each Sunday) or principal (four each Sunday) Sunday Eucharist, in rotation, and asked to volunteer for service at non-Sunday services. Training is provided to new Eucharistic Ministers during January, or whenever they are newly licensed. Service as a Eucharistic Minister is a particularly intense form of ministry, as you participate with the clergy in one of the holiest aspects of worship, the administration of the sacrament of Holy Communion. Contact Fr. Hill if you are interested in being nominated (432-5115). Fr. Hill is the clergy Eucharistic Minister liaison.
LECTORS (formerly “Layreaders”)
Lectors read the lessons from the Old Testament and the Epistles at the Sunday celebrations of the Eucharist. They are representatives of the congregation serving in the liturgy, and strive to read the word of God with sense, sensitivity, and understanding. Coaching, rather than training, is provided. Fr. Hill or Mr. Karadin listens to new readers and offers suggestions about specific issues in public reading. Typically no other training (except negotiating unfamiliar Bible names and place names) is necessary. Lay persons serving in the liturgy are an important part of our Anglican model of worship. Lay people are one of the orders of ministry the prayer book describes as necessary for liturgy. Contact Fr. Hill or Ken Karadin at the parish office (432-5115).
USHERS
Ushers serve as greeters at the door and provide a service to the members of Christ Church Parish. Ushers also distribute service leaflets, pass alms basins during the offering collection, bring the people’s monetary gifts forward at the Offertory, spot and stand by handicapped members needing to receive communion in their pew, and assist in seating parishioners when necessary. Ushers serve at both the early and principal Sunday services and generally rotate with a group serving two, four week segments in a year. Ushering is an opportunity to serve God and assist the members of Christ Church. Contact Ben Townes, Head Usher.
ALTAR GUILD
Altar Guild service is a quiet, behind-the-scenes ministry, but one that is an integral part of every service held at Christ Church. The women and men of the Altar Guild work as the clergy’s liturgical partner in assuring that each worship service, baptism, wedding, funeral or special service runs smoothly. The members prepare the altar and the Eucharistic elements for Holy Communion, cleanse the communion vessels, launder and iron altar linens, arrange flowers for the altar, prepare the candles, and perform other tasks necessary for all worship services. Not all members serve in all capacities. Some set-up and clear weekend services, some serve only on weekdays, while others arrange flowers (see Flower Guild). All of our duties are filled on a voluntary sign-up basis. A few members gather once a month for a short devotional and information meeting and to do general cleaning, servicing and polishing of altar vessels and accoutrements. The only prerequisite is a reverent attitude toward the conduct of the liturgy and for the handling of consecrated elements and altar vessels. No previous experience is needed and it’s easy to try out the Altar Guild ministry before making a commitment – you may “shadow” a different member for several services until you are comfortable about making your interest known officially. Contact Anne Brewer or Jane Dysart Co-Chairs.
FLOWER GUILD (The Flower Guild is a subset of the Altar Guild)
The Flower Guild prepares floral arrangements for all celebrations of the Eucharist or any of the other services of the church where flowers are required. Members also routinely prepare the altar flowers and also do all floral arrangements used on the Christ Church altar for weddings and funerals. Contact Altar Guild co-chairs, above
OBLATIONS BEARERS
Oblations bearers present our offerings of bread and wine to be consecrated at the altar during Sunday celebrations of the Eucharist and other special celebrations. They are representatives on behalf of the entire congregation. Participating in this meaningful part of the worship service is a rewarding and significant ministry that is available to communicants within the Parish. The oblations are presented by couples, individuals, or family groups. Contact John and Nancy Hunt for further information for the 10:30 service on Sundays. Contact Elba Robertson for bearers at the 8:00 service.
THE CHRIST CHURCH WEDDING GUILD
Formed in 2007, the Wedding Guild assists the Parish clergy in preparing for weddings at Christ Church. This is a group which carries out the duties and responsibilities formerly done by the individual wedding coordinator. The functions of the wedding guild are separate from those of the Altar Guild. Wedding Guild members assist the clergy, the bride and the wedding party prior to and including the rehearsal and the marriage ceremony and clarify for the bridal party the Church’s wedding policies and customs. If you are interested, contact Cyndi Holt.