Worship

"We thank you... for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom" - Book of Common Prayer, p. 366

An Invitation to Worship

While there are many ways to express our faith, Scripture reminds us that coming together to praise, pray, to seek forgiveness and renewal provides the foundation and encouragement we need for everything else.

“Therefore, my friends, since we have the confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus … let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” 
– Hebrews 10:19, 24-25.

Holy Eucharist

Sundays @ 10:00 AM – Holy Eucharist Rite Two with Choir.

“St. John’s Episcopal Church in Old Town Saginaw, Michigan, is a safe place for people to struggle with the difficult questions of life, stay in the struggle long enough to discover God’s blessing in their lives, and be so secure with God’s unconditional love for them that they need not seek validation, meaning, and purpose from anyone or anything other than the God revealed in Christ Jesus.”
The Rev. Curt Norman

Priest & Rector

Worship Leaders

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.

So what ministries are out there to support worship?

Which Ministries Support Worship?

 

Resources

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
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 also gather for a monthly dinner meeting for fellowship.
Greeters have the primary goal of welcoming members and guests. They are ready and available to answer questions and make introductions.
A lector is someone who reads one or more of the appointed lessons during a worship service. They speak the work of God over the people and provide context for what we hear.

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.  LEMs are scheduled about once a month and are required to attend seasonal training meetings with the rector.  Every 3 years, LEMs are also required to attend special training to gain or renew their certification.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors

Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV) are LEMs who also are willing to take Communion to our sick or home-bound members.

Ushers offer hospitality within a liturgical context. They distribute bulletins, help direct members and guests, collect the offering, dismiss people for Communion and are generally help as able.

Preparing for Worship

Let’s be honest: there is a lot going on in worship. Some Sundays we just need to come and seek rest and renewal. Others, we want to dig a little deeper.

Reading scripture and becoming familiar with the prayers and rituals go a long way to preparing for worship.

But where do we start? When studying scripture, prayer and context are key. Watch these videos for a good start on Biblical context.

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Looking for more? Click here for a TON of video resources that will help put scripture in context.
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