WORSHIP AND LITURGY

The Worship Committee meets approximately four times annually to review, plan and revitalize liturgical events and to discuss any related concerns. Members include the Rector and music director, and representatives from the Altar Guild, lay Eucharistic ministers, lay readers, ushers, choir, Vestry and members-at-large. The chair, rector and music director meet monthly.  Parishioners, who feel called to serve on the Worship Committee, please contact church office.

Sacristans

Sacristans is a spiritual ministry that supports worship at St. John’s.  The members are divided into four teams.  Each team is responsible for setup or clean-up for one Sunday per month.  The Sacristans, as a whole, participate in the decoration of the Church for Christmas and Easter.  There is a separate team in charge of flower arrangements each Sunday.  A coordinator is also available for weddings at St. John’s.

Acolytes

Acolytes assist the priest with the liturgy, processing with the cross and torches, and serving at the altar during worship services on Sundays and Holy Days.  This is a unique opportunity to participate in a special way in our worship life. Training is provided by the Liturgist. One can expect to acolyte every three to six weeks.

 Lectors, Chalice Bearers & Bread Bearers

Among the important areas of lay contribution and participation in our worship are those of lector and chalice bearer. Lectors read the lessons during the service and lead the psalms and prayers of the people. Chalice bearers administer the chalice at communion. We plan to introduce bread bearers for communion this fall. The Rector provides training for these ministries. Time commitment varies from six to twelve services a year depending on the parishioner’s availability, and one or two meetings.

Eucharistic Ministers

This is a ministry in which a member of St. John's takes a consecrated bread and wine from the Eucharist to someone who is shut-in at home or in a hospital or nursing home.  Taking Communion from the regular service at church, the minister leads a short service and shares the elements with the absent member of the parish and their family or friends who are present.  There is usually an opportunity for conversation to bring them up to date on people and events in the parish.  This ministry involves special training and licensing from the diocese.  They are regular worshippers and members of the pastoral care team.

 Choir

Under the guidance of our new Director of Music and Organist, Matthew Russell, we are moving forward in creating a new choir at St. John's. The rehearsals are on Thursdays, from 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM in the Undercroft. Sunday morning rehearsals (9 AM) will be held before the worship service. A new, flexible attendance policy will also be put in place.
Please search your hearts. Be open to the movement of the Spirit and God's call to music in ministry and music as ministry in your life. It's not about the number of people who will fit in the choir stalls...it's not about worrying about the past or the future...it's not about being perfect. It's about living in the NOW. It's about using your voice, and making a joyful "noise" unto the Lord. CANTATE DOMINO, CANTICUM NOVUM!!

Please contact Matthew Russell (chs-choirdirector@hotmail.com) to discuss any aspect of the music ministry at St. John's.

 Ushers

 Ushering is an important aspect of worship support on Sundays and special festivals.  Ushers open the church, set out the flags, ring the bell, collect church offerings, direct people to communion and tidy the pews after service.  Most importantly, ushers greet and welcome parishioners and newcomers.  Families are welcome to usher together!  The commitment is 3-4 Sundays a year from 9:40 AM until the service ends.