Worship - Lay Liturgical Ministries

Worship is central to the life of the church. Liturgy, which shapes our worship, is, by definition, “the work of the people.” Participants in the liturgical ministries assist the clergy in our worship services. All of these ministries require clergy support and approval as well as specific training. The schedules for all these areas are prepared about every three months by the Lay Ministry Coordinators and the Office Administrator.

Lay Ministry Coordinators and Trainers
Mary Kimball highgate@sbcglobal.net
Betsy Robinson betsyrobsn@earthlink.com

Acolytes, Crucifers, and Torchbearers
Congregants of all ages are recruited and trained by the Acolyte Coordinator to process the cross and the torches for opening and closing hymns, the Gospel reading, and for the offering. Banners and streamers may be processed at special services.
John Cullom johncullom@aol.com

Altar Guild
The Altar Guild prepares the altar and sanctuary for all Sunday, weekday, and special services, including weddings and memorial services. The Guild is also responsible for the care of altar linens and candles and for the repair of Eucharistic silver, altar brass, altar linens, vestments, and hangings. The flowers at the altar each week (and greens during Advent) are prepared by members of the Altar Guild. Members serve on a team that serves for one weekend a month at the 7:45, 9:00 and 10:45 services, for one hour on Saturday, plus 30 minutes before and after their Sunday services. Team Members also serve one fifth-Sunday per year. The entire Altar Guild prepares the altar, sanctuary and nave for the Christmas and Easter celebrations.
Judith Fleming judithfleming@sbcglobal.net

Chalice Bearers (Lay Eucharistic Ministers - LEMs)
After Diocesan training and further work specific to St. John’s, LEMs are licensed by the Diocese; this license is renewable. Chalice bearers offer the cup to congregants during the Eucharist.
Mary Kimball highgate@sbcglobal.net

Healing Team
These congregants are called to offer prayers, laying on of hands, and anointing those who intentionally seek healing for themselves or others. Laypersons and clergy offer this rite during the Eucharist, at the principal Sunday service beside the font at the rear of the church. Healing ministers are trained in confidentiality, listening skills and prayer form by current healing ministers and the clergy.
Ray Riess rayriess@lmi.net

Host Families
Host families are scheduled for the 9:00 a.m. Service. Members of the family, of all ages, participate by processing the cross, reading the lessons, leading the Prayers of the People and receiving the offering plates. Children of all ages can assist in passing the chalice, with adult supervision.
Karen Notsund knotsund@uclink.berkeley.edu

Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs)
Lay Eucharist Visitors are licensed by the Diocese to extend the service of the Eucharist to those who are unable to come to church and participate in person. Parishioners are visited in the home, in convalescent hospitals, and even occasionally visit a non-church member neighbor who might need our services. The prayer that sends the LEVs forth from the altar at the conclusion of the main service invites the entire congregation to share the Holy Mysteries with their sister or brother, and takes with them the prayers and healing wishes of the assembled Body of Christ.
Ray Riess rayriess@lmi.net

Lectors - (Readers and Intercessors)
These congregants read the assigned lessons from the Old and New Testaments and the Gospel. Additionally they read the Prayers of the People.
The Lay Ministry Coordinators

Music
Led by three extremely talented musicians, St. John’s has active music programs for both adults and children. This parish has long been known for its high standards of musicality and its strong congregational participation. We keep alive a tradition of beauty and grandeur harder and harder to find in our secular world.

Several hymnals are used in worship services: The 1982 Hymnal; Wonder, Love and Praise, and Lift Every Voice and Sing. Special programs in the past have included Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Ceremony of Carols, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and masses by Haydn, Mozart, Schubert and Charpentier. African music and Dixieland jazz are also featured from time to time.
Sermon Replays
Recordings of the Sunday readings and sermons are available on St. John’s website to all parishioners and especially to members who are confined to their homes, the hospital or were unable to attend a particular service.

Subdeacons
Subdeacons are licensed Lay Eucharistic Ministers who wish to serve more fully in the Sunday Eucharist services. They lead the Gospel procession, assist in preparing the Holy Table, and attending the clergy at the altar. Subdeacons are recruited by the clergy for this ministry and are trained by the Liturgical Ministries Coordinators.
The Lay Ministry Coordinators

Ushers
Ushers prepare the church for services, greet parishioners, distribute the service bulletin, and facilitate collection of the offering. They also seat worshippers during special services. Ushers help make St. John’s a friendly and reverent place to worship God. This includes making people feel welcomed as they arrive and seated comfortably. They help clear the pews and lock up the church after the final service. Ushers serve on a monthly basis at the 10:45 a.m. service. Ushers must be ready at least 30 minutes before the service, make coffee and juice, and be available to assist worshippers until 15 minutes after the assigned service.
Dave Peacock contour@pacbell.net