The VERGERS are the ‘masters of ceremonies’ at worship, guiding people in and out, up and down, being in charge of all the logistics in the movement, timing and ordering of what we do. Their name comes from the official who carried the virges, a symbol of office, before officials in the Roman empire.
They also manage all the physical arrangements that make people comfortable such as light, heat, an orderly environment, worship aids – preparing the church and congregation for worship and picking up afterward to prepare for the next event. It’s a nuts and bolts kind of ministry, not glamorous, not exciting (except when it gets very exciting), but essential to the life of the church. It’s also fun. What the Altar Guild is to the chancel, the vergers are to the overall landscape of the church. Theirs is another servant ministry, following our Lord’s command and example of loving, practical service to others, and being an example of it to fellow Christians.
The ministry of vergers is one that Holy Cross needs and values. It is hoped that volunteers might find it convenient to take it on for a month at a time, with the understanding that substitutes can be found for those Sundays that the designated person can’t be there.