Worship | Church Prayer List | Serving God through Worship | Music Ministry | Notes from the Director
Serving God through Worship
Many participate in the preparation for the worship services at St. Paul's, and many others participate in the services. This lay ministry is vital to the context of worship.
The Altar Guild. One of most active, and specialized, lay ministries is the Altar Guild of St. Paul's. This ministry prepares the church and altar for worship of Sundays, Holy Days, and weekdays, as well as for baptisms, wedding, and funerals. The New Altar Guild Book summarizes this ministry:
"altar guilds today are groups of men and women who are called to serve God by preparing and tending the places where Episcopalians worship. Wherever they are, the work they do together is an offering of time and many talents. It is a ministry of love undertaken in the name of Christ."
Training is available to all interested in joining this active guild. Anyone interested is invited to contact the Parish Office.
Acolytes. Many young members of the congregation serve during the service as acolytes. They serve the celebrant at the altar, carry the processional cross which leads the choir and clergy in and out of the service, and assist in various ways during the service. All are welcome to perform this important role during the service.
Lectors. St. Paul's is blessed with an expert group of individuals who read the Scripture lessons at the services, and lead the congregation in reciting the portion of The Book of Psalms appointed for the day, as well as the intercessory Prayers of the People.
Eucharistic Ministers. Laypersons assist the clergy with the distribution of Holy Communion. These Eucharistic Ministers administer the wine to the communicants at all the services of the Holy Eucharist.
Ushers & Greeters. Members of St. Paul's greet, welcome, and assist all those who come to St. Paul's for Sunday worship. They represent and extend the hospitality of St. Paul's to all who visit and participate in the worship services.
Videographers. St. Paul's Sunday worship services are videotaped and broadcast on the local public access channel of Time-Warner Cable. A team of volunteers make up a rota to videotape the service and then feed it to the cable system for Sunday broadcast.