Worship Ministries

Members ensure the Altar and surrounding Sanctuary are properly prepared for worship services every Wednesday and Sunday, and for funerals, weddings, and holy days as they occur throughout the year. Working in teams, Altar Guild members care for the fair linens and the vessels that are used for worship, make sure everything needed is set out before the service, and clean up afterward. It is a “behind the scenes” ministry that does not require any public speaking, appealing to people with an eye for detail who like to serve without being in the public eye. A smaller sub-set of the Altar Guild is the Flower Team who arrange flowers around the altar on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter.

These friendly people warmly welcome those coming to the building for services of worship, especially newcomers to the parish, and make sure they have what they need to worship. They hand out bulletins, help people find a place to sit, orient newcomers to the building, present the offering during the service, and assist with directing people during communion.

Our worship services are supported by a Livestream Operator and a Soundboard Operator. The livestream operator helps those worshipping at home to connect to the service through broadcasting the service to our YouTube channel. The soundboard operator ensures that people in the church and online can hear all the speakers’ voices.  This is another “behind the scenes” ministry that does not require any public speaking. It would appeal to people who are comfortable with audio and video technology and who like to serve without having to give verbal presentations.

The choir, led by our director of music, Kurt Ala-Kantti, and supported by organists Denise Hawkins and Richard Frith, lead the congregation in singing at our 10am Sunday service, as well as special services throughout the year.

These parishioners are part of the team of people who help lead the service. Readers read the scripture lessons during services and intercessors lead the Prayers of the People. A clear voice, a love of sharing God’s word or leading people in prayer, and comfort with speaking in public are the gifts brought by people who participate in this ministry.

The server assists the clergy in tasks that support the priestly role at Eucharistic services, and occasionally at other special services. The server does things such as light the candles, carry the cross in processions, hold the gospel book for the person proclaiming it, bring needed items to the altar when it is being prepared for Eucharist, and clear the altar at the conclusion of communion.

Lay assistants are part of the team of people who assist in the altar area during a Eucharistic service. They serve the chalice (cup of consecrated wine) to members of the congregation during the distribution of communion. Lay assistants serve at Eucharistic services on Sunday mornings and during our midweek service on Wednesdays.

Fellowship Time after the 10am Sunday service is a ministry of hospitality, welcoming parishioners to a social time following the worship. Hosts create a space in the Trinity Room where parishioners can enjoy coffee, tea, a snack and conversation with one another. During the summer months our regular hosts take a break, and others are encouraged to host Lemonade on the Lawn, which takes place in the community garden (weather permitting).