Lay Ministry
Many opportunities exist to participate in worship at St. John's. The following are the most common ministries that people of all ages share in on Sundays and during the week.
ACOLYTES Lay servers (acolytes) are persons who assist the celebrant in the liturgy. The acolyte program is inclusive of all ages – children, youth and adults. Responsibilities are assigned according to the experience level of the participants. Acolytes process with torches, carry the Gospel book and processional cross, and assist the celebrant to prepare the altar for Holy Eucharist. All children, youth and adults interested in serving in this special ministry are welcome to be part of St. John's acolyte team.
ALTAR GUILD The Altar Guild consists of many members with two persons assigned to a team. Each team is responsible for their assigned month. Duties include such things as caring for the linens, polishing brass and silver metal ware, cleaning the Eucharistic vessels on Sunday, preparing the sanctuary for worship services and caring for the chancel and sacristy area.
READERS The Word of God is meant to be proclaimed from the midst of the gathered community. In this spirit we welcome people to come up from the congregation to read the lessons from the Old Testament, Psalm, and New Testament.
LICENSED LAY MINISTERS Lay Ministers administer the elements at the Celebration of Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning and read the scripture lessons appointed for Sunday. Directly following a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a Lay Eucharistic Visitor (“LEV”) takes the Sacrament consecrated at the Celebration to members of the Congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration.
USHERS AND GREETERS Ushers and Greeters share in a ministry of Hospitality. Through their actions, they invite people to participate in the Gospel of Jesus Christ as they demonstrate the love and caring which the Holy Spirit has called us to share. Ushers do this by:
ACOLYTES Lay servers (acolytes) are persons who assist the celebrant in the liturgy. The acolyte program is inclusive of all ages – children, youth and adults. Responsibilities are assigned according to the experience level of the participants. Acolytes process with torches, carry the Gospel book and processional cross, and assist the celebrant to prepare the altar for Holy Eucharist. All children, youth and adults interested in serving in this special ministry are welcome to be part of St. John's acolyte team.
ALTAR GUILD The Altar Guild consists of many members with two persons assigned to a team. Each team is responsible for their assigned month. Duties include such things as caring for the linens, polishing brass and silver metal ware, cleaning the Eucharistic vessels on Sunday, preparing the sanctuary for worship services and caring for the chancel and sacristy area.
READERS The Word of God is meant to be proclaimed from the midst of the gathered community. In this spirit we welcome people to come up from the congregation to read the lessons from the Old Testament, Psalm, and New Testament.
LICENSED LAY MINISTERS Lay Ministers administer the elements at the Celebration of Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning and read the scripture lessons appointed for Sunday. Directly following a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a Lay Eucharistic Visitor (“LEV”) takes the Sacrament consecrated at the Celebration to members of the Congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration.
USHERS AND GREETERS Ushers and Greeters share in a ministry of Hospitality. Through their actions, they invite people to participate in the Gospel of Jesus Christ as they demonstrate the love and caring which the Holy Spirit has called us to share. Ushers do this by:
- Greeting all and helping them feel welcome.
- Assisting visitors with guidance and information.
- Helping to keep our worship space neat and orderly.
- Providing a safe worship environment.
- Being prepared for emergencies and offering assistance when needed.
- Helping worship to be conducted with dignity and grace.
- Presenting the people's offerings of time, abilities, and gifts at the altar.