Worship Leadership

An important place to "make an offering of ourselves" is in worship itself. In worship we offer praise, thanksgiving, song, and prayer. We also need the talents and support of our members to lead our worship. Here are some ways you can make an offering of yourself in worship leadership and service: Welcome Host Arrive early to assemble bulletins. Greet people as they arrive for worship, and welcome newcomers. Have newcomers complete an information card and provide them with a church brochure. Usher Ushers prepare people for worship, giving them the bulletins and worship materials they need to participate in the liturgy. This is very important, especially for people who worship with us for the first time. Ushers guide the congregation in worship, assist people at Communion, receive the offering, and present the eucharistic gifts.

Lector

The Word of God is proclaimed from the Scripture at every worship service. We gather to hear God's Word, and to reflect on how God guides our lives through his Word to us. Lectors read the appointed lesson, and thus embody God's Word as a living word to us.

Gift Bearer

The eucharistic gifts of bread and wine are processed to the altar at the time of the offering. These gifts represent our offering of our selves, and become the gifts God graces with the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. We invite people to be the Gift Bearers at our service.

Communion Aide

Acolyte

Acolytes prepare the church for worship. Acolytes light the candles; process the cross, banners, and torches; assist at Baptisms and Holy Communion; and serve at the offering and at the altar. These ministers of worship bring order and flow to our acts of worship.

Deacon

The worship of the congregation is assisted at the altar by the Deacon. The offering of prayers, the reading of lessons, the preparation of the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, the offering, and the eucharistic prayer are all services taken on by the Deacon. The Deacon is also called the Assisting Minister, and the role is one of assisting in the leadership of our worship. Deacons serve on a rotating monthly schedule. People interested in serving as Deacons go through training with the pastor.

Altar Guild

The space we worship in is prepared by those whose service goes unseen in the liturgy, and yet is vital to our offering of thanks and praise. The Altar Guild prepares the altar, lectern, and pulpit - laying out the proper appointments and vestments. The Altar Guild prepares the service of Holy Communion, and refreshes the vessels after the service. New banners, paraments, church decor, and flowers are all gifts and talents employed by the Guild in our worship of God.