Barb Ilkka reads a lesson during Advent.
Worship at St. John’s may be led by the clergy but it is supported by parishioners who offer their service as part of the altar party each Sunday. Volunteering as a Worship Leader enhances our services by connecting with guests and members and assisting the clergy so that the service runs smoothly and provides an atmosphere of worship for all involved.
Worship Server Resources
Click to view:
- Serving Schedule – November & December 2017
- Online Lectionary – Revised Common Lectionary Online
- The St. John’s “Ushers & Greeters’ Guide to Everything About Everything“
- The St. John’s “Ushers’ & Greeters’ Guide” – Abridged
Worship Leader Job Descriptions
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a ministry whose purpose is to prepare the Lord’s House for worship and celebration. St. John’s Altar Guild assists the clergy in its preparation for all religious services including weddings, funerals, and other special religious events. The ministry also includes the care and cleaning of all linens, brass, silver, and glass receptacles, plus the upkeep of the sacristy, sanctuary, and baptistery. It is a ministry of love and devotion to Christ. Members of the Altar Guild are scheduled about one Sunday a month with an additional monthly dinner meeting for fellowship.
Acolyte
Crosses, torches, vestments, choirs, assorted acolytes and servers, all serve to move the congregation of believers out of secular time and space into sacred time and space.” Servers or Acolytes are representatives of the congregation who take part in processions (bearing the censer, the processional cross, torches, banners, books) and assist the clergy in various ways to facilitate the services including:
- lighting and extinguishing candles,
- incensing the clergy and people,
- assisting the preparation of the table and at the ablutions,
- carrying extra incense or books or other items which might be needed in the rites.
Acolytes are scheduled about once a month and are required to attend seasonal training meetings with the rector.
communion kit
Lay Eucharistic Minister
A Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) serves as part of the altar party at worship services by helping to administer the wine at communion. LEM’s are scheduled about once a month and are required to attend seasonal training meetings with the rector. Every 3 years, LEM’s are also required to attend a special training to gain or renew their certification.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV) are LEM’s who also are willing to take communion to our sick or home-bound members.
Lector
A lector is someone who reads one or more of the lessons during a worship service. Typically, lectors are assigned one lesson to read, about once a month.
Usher/Greeter
Ushers and Greeters are the first point of contact for our members and guests at our worship services. They offer hospitality, provide information, and manage any issues that may arise during the service. Ushers & Greeters are typically scheduled once a month.