Who Does What
There are many, many people involved in each service. From those behind the scenes, like the Altar Guild, to the readers at the lectern. Here are some of the specific jobs that lay people, people who are not ordained, do during a service.
Altar Guild: The Altar Guild is a group of men and women who are the set designers for the church and communion service. They design the beautiful flower arrangements that often reflect the season of the year or the season of the church calendar. They care for all the vestments, linens, chalices, and other items used during the Eucharist. They are responsible for setting up and disassembling the altar every Sunday.
Acolytes: Young people age 9 and older serve as acolytes. They have several responsibilities including lighting and putting out the altar candles. They carry the processional and recessional crosses. They carry a cross for the presentation of the bread and wine and they assist the priest in preparing for and reading the Eucharistic prayers.
Readers: Any member of the parish can volunteer for one of four readings that take place during the service. They are the New Testament lesson, the Old Testament lesson, the Psalm and the Prayers of the People. Volunteers are on a rotating schedule.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers: These people receive special training for this job, which is to help the priest distribute the Eucharist. Our Lay Eucharistic Ministers offer people a chalice with wine.
The Choir: The choir usually performs a special piece of music at each service, typically just before the Eucharist. The congregation also looks to the choir for support when we sing the hymns during the service.
The Priest: Pastor Chris is our Celebrant, the ordained person who can perform the Eucharistic prayers.
Ushers: A team of ushers greats everyone as the enter the church, distributes the service bulletins, helps with seating, manages the collection plates, and guides the congregation when the Eucharist is received.
Presentation of the Elements: Two or three people, lead by an acolyte, will present the bread and wine to the altar for the Eucharist.
