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Alter GuildTogether with Fr. Ed, this ministry prepares the Eucharist Feast and the Sanctuary for all regular Saturday/ Sunday services as well as for weddings, funerals, baptisms and special services during the Christmas and Easter seasons. If you feel called to join this “work behind the scene” please contact Molly Hawthorne or Joanna Eva. Our mantra as we carry out our responsibilities is, “Many hands make light work!”
Lay Eucharistic MinistersWithin the Episcopal Church, laity assist the priest and the deacon during the celebration of Holy Eucharist, administering the elements (the wine or the bread). According to Canon III, Ministry, a confirmed communicant in good standing may serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM). Lay Eucharistic Minister receive training in how to distribute the bread and the wine, and in the service of Holy Eucharist according to the Book of Common Prayer. LEMs also lead the Prayers of the People and read the announcements at the Sunday services. The Prayers of the People are just that: our intercessions offered to God for all of God’s creation from our local church family to the state of the world and everything.
Eucharistic Minister are invited to vest (wear an Alb with cincture) and serve at the altar to help administer the chalice and may act in the capacity of an Acolyte if needed. Further training is also available for those interested in being “Eucharistic Visitors”, who bring the Eucharist to members of the Congregation who are unable to attend church due to illness or frailty. LectorsLectors are lay people who read the lessons at the Sunday services and at other services during the week. Minimal training is required. This is a wonderful opportunity for lay people to participate in the worship service.
Youth Altar ServersOur Youth Altar Servers begin as torch bearers in second or third grade, become an acolyte in seventh grade, then move up to crucifer in high school.
Torch Bearers carry the torches during the procession and recession into and out of the sanctuary. With the torches, they also carry the torches for the Gospel procession. This is a great introduction to participation in the liturgy and gives a new perspective on being a member of the parish. Acolyte duties include carrying the Gospel book during the procession and recession. They also hold the Gospel book for the procession and recession. They also hold the Gospel for the deacon or priest during its reading, receive the collection plate after the offerings have been blessed, assist with preparing the elements and setting up the altar for the distribution of communion and washing the hands of the clergy involved in the celebration of the Eucharist. The Crucifer carries the cross during the procession and recession and during the Gospel procession. They also assist the crucifer if needed in their Holy Eucharist preparations. We have a lively and engaged group of parishioners who support our services every Sunday. We recognize our alter servers with an annual pancake breakfast followed by a blessing of the altar servers during church. If you or your child is interested in serving, please contact the office. We train new volunteers as needed during the year. Please let our servers know how much you appreciate their time, talent, and dedication!
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