Lay ministries: ways to get involved
Put your faith in action
In worship:
- ACOLYTES are the all-purpose helpers in the weekly worship. They carry the cross in procession and assist the priest in the communion liturgy. The job is open to anyone of any age who loves worship and likes to help.
- ALTAR GUILD members care for the cleanliness, good order and beauty of the sanctuary and its furnishings. They see to candles, flowers, communion vessels, vestments (the ‘uniforms’ worn by participants in the service), linens – everything that sets our worship ritual apart from daily life and makes it ‘special’.
- GREETERS are the crucial point-people for welcoming members and visitors as they come in. They are responsible for handing out worship materials and gift-bags and following up on visitors after worship. Virtually the whole congregation has been trained for this ministry, but we need someone ‘on duty’ each week as well.
- LECTORS read the weekly lessons and Prayers of the People at worship. Training in how to read well is offered periodically, and new lectors are always welcome.
- VERGERS are the masters of ceremonies and general overseers of the practical elements of our common worship. They see to the basics: heat, light, sound, the comfort and convenience of the sanctuary – and ring the church bell to invite others in.
By working together:
- Cooks, bakers and hospitality-makers – Do you like to cook? You can offer your talents at our weekly coffee hours, monthly Simple Suppers and occasional fellowship or service events. The annual baking of hundreds of grape pies for North East’s Wine Festival is a week-long marathon in September which welcomes all comers – on-the-job training provided, of course!
- Crafters – The Crafting Group does sewing and other crafts for their own pleasure and to help with our outreach and fund-raising events.
- Carpenters, painters and gardeners – We always need help making the church beautiful at the semi-annual Cleanup Days (potluck luncheon always included) or with the ongoing warm-weather gardening group.
By helping others beyond our doors:
- Food pantry volunteers – the Food Pantry staff can always use new members to help.
- Outreach Committee – Are you an organizer and/or an idea-person? The Outreach Committee is always looking for your talents.
- Adopt-a-Child Program – This program of providing clothing and school supplies to needy children is growing every year and needs a coordinator.
- Second Sunday Performance Series – This creative group welcomes help with logistics, food preparation and performance ideas and productions.
