Get involved in worship

Whether you just like to be active or you want to serve others, worship provides many opportunities to act and do.

Ushers

Readers

Communion Assistants

Acolytes

Visitor Teams

Altar Guild

Tech Crew

Musicians

Ushers

Ushers assist worshippers; ensure the smooth flow of traffic before and during services; offer friendly, helpful welcomes; and collect offerings. Call the office and let us know when you can’t serve or find someone to fill in for you.

Major Responsibilities

Preparing for Worship

  • Arrive about 20 minutes prior to the service to facilitate preparation.
  • Close side doors and help maintain a minimum of noise in the sanctuary prior to services.

  • Distribute bulletins to adults and children.
  • Assist with finding seats for those who need it.
  • If needed, inform families with children of cry room space and direct them to it.
  • Make sure baptismal font is in correct location for baptism services.
  • Check to see that correct hymn numbers are posted on hymn board.
  • Check with Pastor to see if any special events are taking place that ushers need to be aware of.

During Worship

  • Collect offering (2 in the center aisles; 1 on east side)
  • Provide ushering for Holy Communion. Direct from both sides of center aisle first, returning to seats by the side aisles. Then direct those in the choir area and east side. Note: This is usually only necessary if we’re at the railing. Most of the time communion is by stations and people just get up row after row.
  • Assist in emergencies as they arise.
  • Count worship attendance including children. (Count during the readings while people are seated). Record on page by the usher stand near the cry room.

After Worship

  • Pick up any loose bulletins and litter; put hymnals back in place.
  • Restock communion cards, etc. if needed.
  • After the 9:45 service, tear off Friendship Register sheets and place on office counter.

Readers

Readers read the assigned Old Testament lesson and Epistle for their assigned Sundays. Sometimes substitutions are made, but we will try to contact you ahead of time.

Major Responsibilities

  • Read through the readings before worship.
  • Ask how to pronounce names, places, or unfamiliar words.
  • Arrive early enough to glance at the brief introduction to the lessons. You will find this on the pulpit.
  • When it is time for the readings, come to the pulpit; adjust the mic; and speak strongly, slowly, and clearly.
  • If you are unable to attend on your assigned Sunday, find a replacement or call the church office.

Communion Assistants

Communion Assistants prepare the wine trays, bake bread, distribute wine during Communion, hold trays for empty communion cups, and refill bread and wine for the people distributing communion.

Requirements

Communion Assistants must be confirmed to distribute wine. All (especially children) are welcome to hold the trays to receive empty communion glasses.

Major Responsibilities

 

 

Acolytes

 

Visitor Teams

 

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild prepares the sanctuary for worship by:

  • Changing the altar cloths with the church seasons.
  • Caring for altar flowers after the service.
  • Washing communion ware on communion Sundays.
  • Cleaning and pressing cloths.
  • Hanging banners.
  • Arranging flowers (especially at Christmas and Easter)
  • Stripping the altar during the Good Friday service.

Tech Crew

The tech crew is new to St. John's! Members of the crew are responsible for running the projection equipment, monitoring the sound system, and playing recorded music. Sometimes they even get to "play" the organ! Contact Rick Corlett.

Musicians

Vocalists and instrumentalists are invited to share their talents before or during worship services. See the Music page.

 

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