LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

Parish members perform many of the liturgical duties essential to weekly worship. All are welcome to participate. We try to help members of the St. John's community, both new and long term, to use their particular gifts to support and nurture our activities. Contact Ministry Coordinator Jan Adams to discuss various possible roles. Above: Nico de Ruijg, head sacristan, lights candles before Mass.

Acolytes serve in a variety of capacities including Torch Bearer, Banner Bearer, Crucifer, Thurifer, and Lay Assistant. Acolytes are expected to arrive early on Sundays in order to be vested and ready at least 20 minutes prior to the service. For special services a rehearsal is usually held an hour prior to the service. Service as an Acolyte is open to all members of the parish. Training sessions are scheduled on a regular basis. Contact Nico de Ruijg.

Altar Guild members prepare the chancel for services, setting up supplies and arranging furnishings as needed. On an ongoing basis, they also look after and take care of the sacred vessels, sacristy supplies, and chancel furniture. Service on the Altar Guild is open to all members of the parish. The ministry is learned through an apprenticeship. Contact Nico de Ruijg.

Bread Bakers bake fresh bread each week for the Sunday Eucharist. This ministry is open to all, and volunteers are greatly needed. Contact Liz Specht.

Choir: The choir consists of volunteer members, and its main focus is to support congregational singing at the 11 a.m. liturgy on Sundays. Generally the choir also prepares an anthem to be sung at the start of Communion. The choir meets at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday morning for coffee and pastries, and rehearsal is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.. Many choir members also elect to attend the Thursday evening Taizé service and help lead the singing. Throughout the church year, the choir also sings for special events such as the Advent Lessons and Carols and Holy Week services. Anyone who loves to sing and blend with other voices is welcome to join. Contact our Parish Musician Charles Rus. See also Music.

Flower Guild members buy flowers on behalf of the church and then arrange them in time for all to enjoy at the Sunday worship. (In Advent and Lent, they coordinate gifts of flowers for Christmas and Easter celebrations.) Service as a Flower Arranger is open to all. Contact Delores Mays.

Greeters are the first to extend the welcome of this parish to visitors. They arrive early to greet all who come to worship on Sundays and other major Holy Days. After the service they help newcomers feel at home by introducing them to other parishioners. In addition, the Greeters maintain the Visitors' Table. Service as a Greeter is open to all members of the parish. Training is provided. Contact Fred Marett.

 


The Healing Prayer Team offers anointing and the laying on of hands for healing during Sunday Eucharists. Contact Bonita Palmer if you are interested in training.
 
Lectors and Intercessors read the Lessons appointed at services and lead the Prayers of the People. Service is open to all. Practice sessions are scheduled on a regular basis. Contact Timm Dobbins.
Ushers assist in worship by handing out service bulletins, showing worshipers to seats as they arrive, collecting offerings, and directing people to the Communion circle. They also help set up the nave according to the needs of the day. The Hospitality Coordinator sometimes enlists the help of the Ushers in setting up for the social hour. Service as an Usher is open to all members of the parish. Training is provided. Contact Fred Marett.

Ushers assist in worship by handing out service bulletins, showing worshipers to seats as they arrive, collecting offerings, and directing people to the Communion circle. They also help set up the nave according to the needs of the day. The Hospitality Coordinator sometimes enlists the help of the Ushers in setting up for the social hour. Service as an Usher is open to all members of the parish. Training is provided. Contact Fred Marett.

Photo: M. Cousins; B. Pethoud; J. Adams; P. Lane; J. Adams.