Parish Ministries

Acolytes

Acolytes participate in the procession and assist at the altar for weekly Sunday morning services. They also serve at special services such as weddings, funerals, and ordinations. The large majority of acolytes are youth in grades 5 – 12. However, this ministry is not limited to youth! We welcome all people who have a desire to serve and worship in this capacity.

Altar Guild

The church recognizes many ministries. Some are highly visible and public while others, no less vital, are carried out quietly and out of the public eye. The Altar Guild is one of those quiet but important ministries found in every congregation.

We read in the scriptures “….let us offer to God an unending sacrifice of praise…” Those words call to mind the ministry of the Altar Guild. The atmosphere of reverence and beauty, whether in a majestic cathedral or a tiny mission so often reflects the work of loving hands and devoted servants of the Lord. – Bishop Ronald H. Haines

The primary purpose of the Altar Guild is to prepare the nave and sanctuary for the family feast on Sunday morning. The Altar Guild assists the Rector in preparing for the worship. Altar Guild work is a sacred duty and members should strive to make their service an acceptable offering to our Lord. All men and women who have been confirmed in the Episcopal Church are eligible to be a member.

A person who has accepted membership in an Altar Guild will be provided instruction in procedures and terminology and will learn: the names of all parts of the church, church seasons and colors, names of vestments, linens, and sacred vessels, the most widely used church symbols, and parish procedures in making ready for any sacrament or office of the church.

Both St. Luke’s and St. Joseph’s have their own Altar Guild teams but sometimes one team is called upon to help cover duties at either location on special occasions. If being a member of the Altar Guild team is something you are called to explore please call the St. Luke’s Church office and let us know.

Eucharistic Ministers

The Eucharistic Ministers are lay persons who administer the bread and wine at worship services. Eucharistic ministers are scheduled on a rotating basis and must be confirmed members of St. Luke’s or St. Joseph’s , approved by the Rector and licensed by the Bishop of the Diocese. Attendance at a training session is required before beginning the ministry.

Eucharistic Visitors

The Eucharistic Visitors are lay persons who take the bread and wine to those unable to attend a worship service. This ministry allows the home-bound members of St. Luke’s and St. Joseph’s to experience the embrace of the community. Eucharistic Visitors are licensed by the Bishop to deliver the Eucharist on Sundays to people who are unable to attend a worship service. The only requirements for this ministry are the enjoyment of meeting and visiting people and some training provided here at St. Luke’s and St. Joseph’s.

Sunday Lectors

Lectors read the Old Testament and New Testament lessons at Sunday services. They are scheduled on a rotating basis. Interested parties need advanced reading skills, a strong voice and a public speaking presence. Attendance at a training session is required before beginning the ministry.

Sunday Intercessors

Intercessors lead The Prayers of the People at Sunday Eucharist services. They are a group of women and men who represent the worshiping community by leading the prayers. Interested persons need advanced reading skills, a strong voice, and a public speaking presence.

Ushers

The ushers greet and welcome the congregation and assist with their seating. They distribute the worship bulletins. Ushers arrive early to make sure the church is neat. During the service they collect the offerings, which along with the bread and wine are presented to the celebrant. Ushers are available to assist the congregation with any situational problems which might arise. After each service, they tidy the pews for the next service. Ushers serve on a rotating basis.

Greeters

Join the friendliest ministry at the church. The skills you need to be a greeter are a sincere smile, a warm handshake, and a little church geography. The hours are easy – you’ll be there anyway – and the work couldn’t be more fun. Couples, singles or entire families can be greeters: all are welcome. We greet at the front door before and in the Parish Hall after the morning services. Interested? Contact Jack Walters or Richard Stillman.

Vergers

The verger is a stage manager or master of ceremonies who coordinates the physical aspects of the worship service. The verger must be knowledgeable about the liturgy and familiar with church operations because he or she helps in the planning and preparation for the various services and liturgies. Before the service, he or she makes sure that everything is in place, ready for the service to begin. In this way, the celebrant can look to one person and ask “are we ready to go?” During the service the verger helps to assure that the service flowers smoothly, guides the acolytes and lay Eucharistic ministers and carries out any requests of the clergy. It is not uncommon for the verger to carry cough drops and a spare battery for the wireless microphone in their pocket, and have a bottle of water by their chair. If you have an interest in the ministry of Verger please contact George Richter or Tamara Clothier.

Ministry Contacts