​Altar Guild Members prepare the sanctuary for worship before the service begins—placing the correct paraments on the altar and pulpit, filling altar candles and the Sanctuary lamp, preparing the Communion elements and cleaning the Communion ware and washing the linens after the service. Altar Guild members serve in teams on a monthly rotating basis.

 

Greeters welcome fellow worshipers at the front door 15 minutes before the start of the service and welcoming latecomers during the announcement period.

 

Assisting Ministers are non-ordained members of the congregation who serve at the altar, leading parts of the liturgy, offering prayers and distributing the communion elements. Any adult member may be an assisting minister; the ability to chant is appreciated but not required.

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Lectors (Readers) read the first and second lessons and may lead the chanting or responsive reading of the Psalm.

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Communion Assistants
During Communion, it is usual to employ two additional people besides the pastor and the Assisting Minister for the distribution of the elements. Any adult member of the congregation may serve in this capacity.

 

Acolytes & Crucifers process in to light the altar candles at the start of the service bearing witness to Jesus Christ as the “Light of the World." They present the offering plates to the ushers and retrieve them after the offering has been taken. At the end of the service, the acolytes bring the light out into the world, after extinguishing the altar candles. The crucifer carries the cross in the procession and recession during festival services. Acolytes and Crucifers are generally 7th to 12th grade students.

 

​Ushers ensure that worshipers are provided a bulletin as they enter and are seated comfortably, especially if there are any special needs. They collect the offering, distribute communion cups and make sure the sanctuary is neat after the close of a service and may occasionally have additional special duties. 

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