LITURGY AND WORSHIP
Liturgical Ministries
Liturgy is the work of the whole people of God, and many ministries are involved in each celebration.
Acolytes lead processions, carry the candles in procession, assist with the setting of the table and are helpful in other ways at the altar. They are trained by the Vergers. Acolytes may be children, youth or adults.
Altar Guild members care for the liturgical space, vestments, paraments, and vessels for the Eucharist. Their careful and loving work prepares the church for Sundays and other services. New members are paired with an experienced member for a year to learn about and experience this ministry.
Bulletin preparation is an essential background ministry for the liturgy. Usually, it is staff members who do this ministry. These persons are very familiar with the Prayer Book and Lectionary (the list of readings). They make sure that the lessons and music are correct, they format and see to the printing and distribution of the bulletins. If you are interested in assisting with this ministry, please contact Carrie Thomas.
Eucharistic Ministers assist with the distribution of communion at the Eucharist. They come up from the congregation just before communion and take their places, either in the nave or at the altar rail. EMs generally serve about once a month. Contact Kate Maxwell if you are interested in this ministry.
Greeters welcome people as they arrive, assist in navigating the building, and often answer questions about the church and the services. Please contact Kate Maxwell for more information.
Lectors read the lessons and usually lead the psalm in the service. Lectors often serve as intercessors (leading the Prayers of the People) as well. The office of reader, or lector, is among the oldest, if not the oldest of liturgical lay ministries. In the early church, lectors were frequently appointed on a permanent basis. They were selected on the evidence of their ability to read well, and it was expected that they show forth in their lives the truth of the lessons they read. Please contact Kate Maxwell if you are interested in this ministry.
Liturgical planners reflect on liturgical issues for St John’s, plan seasonal liturgy and special liturgies, evaluate liturgical experience, and provide liturgical formation and training. The Team consists of at least one clergy staff member, the Music Minister, and several lay members of the parish with an interest in liturgy. The Team meets at least twice in preparation for each season, ideally two seasons in advance. If you are interested in the Liturgical Planning Team, please contact Kate Maxwell, clergy support.
Ushers meet people as they enter and distribute bulletins, organize the presentation of the bread and wine, help with the collection of the offering and provide a count of participants for each service. Along with the greeters, they are usually the first ones to meet people as they arrive for a service. Training (and a checklist) is provided by experienced ushers.
Vergers are the ministers of ceremony. They know the liturgy well, and make sure that lectors, eucharistic ministers, ushers, greeters, acolytes (and clergy!) are present and ready for the liturgy. Vergers notice and take care of whatever may need attention and see that everything takes place in good order.
