Worship Ministries
Are you called to help lead our worship?
At St. John’s, our worship experiences are participatory and engaging, and we encourage those who feel themselves so called to join our worship team.
Altar Guild
Typically unseen and unheralded on Sunday mornings, members of the Altar Guild deserve credit for the adornment of our worship space and the care of our worship implements. Episcopalians cherish a ‘sacramental’ faith, regarding various items as outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace. The Altar Guild keeps fresh and vibrant all the tools of liturgy which remind us of our Lord’s teachings: baptismal font; paschal candle; altar linens the bread and wine of Eucharist. They are the curators of sacramental worship.
Lectors
Sharing the Word of God from the Holy Scriptures is central to our faith practices. On Sunday mornings our service includes three Bible texts and a Psalm, following the Revised Common Lectionary. Volunteer Lectors read these are read aloud before the congregation, to proclaim God’s Word loudly, clearly, and distinctly in the vitality of the Holy Spirit.
Choir and Musicians
Is music perhaps God’s universal language? Is harmony what the Spirit means by ‘speaking in tongues’? If true, then the inclusion of Choir and Music is a welcome addition to liturgy! Those who have a talent to communicate musically and lead others as well will surely find a way to witness at St. John’s. Our choir rehearses on Sunday mornings before our weekly service. They lead processions, sing anthems, and, together with our organist/pianist, guide the congregational singing. Our vintage pipe organ has been well-maintained and is a powerful voice of God’s own language.
Acolytes
Do you have a flair for organizing and keeping things on schedule? The Acolyte serves the congregation by signaling the various parts of the weekly worship service. From lighting candles to carrying the processional cross to handling the sacred vessels for Holy Communion, acolytes keep everything moving. Best of all, they ‘dress-up’ in official vestments; their faithful witness is seen by everyone!
Visiting Eucharistic Ministers
The sacramental life of the parish family is not meant to be constrained to the interior of any particular building, and it is the obligation of the priest to include those who are, for whatever reason, unable to come to the church. Trained Visiting Eucharistic Ministers assist by bringing consecrated communion elements, and friendship, to those who are homebound or in hospital, and their sending forth has the blessing of God and the assembled congregation. This spiritual “meals on wheels” is a delight to both the recipients and the visitors, and helps us equip all “the saints!”
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
The Biblical Greek word ‘eucharist’ means ‘thanksgiving’, and our abiding intention is to offer God thanks for the path to salvation provided by Christ. The sacrament of Holy Communion is therefore celebrated each week at St. John’s. Lay Eucharistic Ministers, after receiving diocesan training, assist the priest in the administration of the elements by serving at the altar during the consecration and, typically, by bearing the chalice of wine to each congregant. At St. John’s, the LEM is also the leader of the Prayers Of The People as we lift up our intercessions and petitions to God.
Worship Leaders
Christ has raised up a congregation of ‘priests’ for God, and even those who are not officially ‘ordained’ by the church are called to devote their talents and time to worship. Some choose to learn the intricacies of liturgy and become Worship Leaders. Our Episcopal Diocese of Central NY provides training and certification for those who sense a calling to guide their faithful friends in prayer and praise. With the supervision of a priest or deacon, these may become confident in their service to God and their faith community, lead Morning Prayer and other liturgies, and learn to plan worship experiences.
Ushers
Do you like to “work the room”? Sunday morning Ushers are our welcoming interface with those who come through our bright red doors. They hope to make everyone feel at home, often pairing strangers with church regulars for assistance in following our liturgy. With a genuine smile they open the doors, hand out bulletins, facilitate the offering of gifts and special collections, bring communion elements down the center aisle, and generally attend to the comfort and convenience of all who come to worship. God bless them and their call to serve!