Ways to serve

Our parishioners are actively involved in our services as acolytes, vergers, lay Eucharistic ministers, ushers and readers. St John’s is blessed to have a dedicated choir that shares their gifts with us each Sunday and on special oc­casions. Behind the scenes on the days prior to our Sunday services, our altar and flower guilds work hard to prepare the church. Some of the many ways you can serve at St. John's include:

The Altar Guild is a group of parish volunteers whose ministry is to care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the parish. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary for services and clean up afterwards. In general, the duty of the Altar Guild is to prepare all things necessary for worship at St. John's. This includes Sunday morning Eucharist, funerals, weddings, special services such as Christmas Eve and Day services, and the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter.  

The preparations are done reverently and prayerfully. The work is an offering of time and talents. It is a ministry of love undertaken in the name of Christ. If you would like to become part of this group, please speak to Priscilla Battley or notify the church office.

AltAr Guild

FLOWER GUILD

The members of the Flower Guild offer their dedication and creativity to the beauty of worship at St. John's by arranging flowers and floral displays for Sunday services and special services. Each Sunday flower arrangements give beauty to our church and are a wonderful way to share your special gifts.

Each member is responsible for placing flower arrangements in the church on a rotational basis. We all work together with volunteers across the parish on Easter and Christmas to create a beautiful and spiritual environment. If you are interested in joining this group, please speak to Stacey Baumhauer or notify the church office.

At St. John's, all members have a place and a role in our worship, especially the laity, or those who are not ordained. According to the Book of Common Prayer, the laity is vital to the worship of the Church. The laity serves in various and important ways at St. John's to ensure that our worship is dignified and runs smoothly. The dedication of our many worship volunteers is evident each week. Please let the rector know if you feel called to serve in one or more of the many capacities listed below.

Worship Volunteers

Lay Readers
Lay Readers are trained and licensed to facilitate the worship of the church by reading from Holy Scripture, offering prayer, and supporting the clergy during a service.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors
A Lay Eucharistic Visitor is authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration. A Eucharistic Visitor acts under the direction of the Clergy. Application for licensing of the Lay Eucharistic Visitor is initiated through a conference with a member of the clergy and with the approval of the Vestry.

Vergers, Acolytes and Ushers
These persons play a vital role in ensuring that each worship service runs smoothly.  The Vergers lead the procession and, in essence, direct the other lay persons.  The acolytes carry the cross and torches and are generally youth.  Ushers welcome worshippers, distribute bulletins, help with seating and take up the offertory.

Choir
St. John's choir sings at the 10:30 service. Practice is each Wednesday evening at 6 pm. If you are interested in joining the choir, please speak to Hope Shotts or notify the church office.