Ushers
On behalf of the congregation, ushers welcome each person--newcomers, visitors, and lifelong friends and members alike--as if one is welcoming Christ himself, for this is our belief. Greeters and ushers communicate to everyone entering the church that here, all people are equally precious, equally loved.
Summary: Ushers graciously bear Christ's own peace and welcome to all who enter the church. In addition, ushers distribute bulletins, assist latecomers, count "heads," collect and present the congregation’s offerings, provide guidance and assistance during Communion, and secure the offering following the service. Service in this ministry is a source of great joy and fulfillment.
Serving: At the 11:15 a.m. service, 5 teams of 6 ushers serve in a monthly rotation, serving the same Sunday each month. At the 8 a.m. service, only one usher is needed each week. Some people serve exclusively as "available substitutes" to fill in as needed. Some also choose to serve at funerals, some only at funerals. All new ushers receive individual training. Ushers arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled service time.
Chalice Bearer
Summary: Chalice bearers administer the sacrament of wine at Eucharistic services, either by chalice or intinction cup. They are physically steady, and will sit, stand, and move with ease, awareness, and decorum. Chalice bearers must be Confirmed members of The Episcopal Church.
Serving: Ministers serve about twice a month. Ministry schedules are created three times a year and account for everybody's stated availability and preferences. Some chalice bearers make themselves available to serve at any Sunday Eucharist, others prefer to serve at only one or two particular services or Sundays of the month. Training sessions are offered several times a year and as needed for special liturgies. New participants may serve as an "available substitute" until the next seasonal schedule is created.
Reader and Intercessor
Summary: Readers and Intercessors publicly read the Scriptures and the Prayers of the People in Eucharistic liturgies. They possess the confidence and comfort to read with understanding, pace, and inflection without dramatization in front of a large crowd.
Serving: Readers and Intercessors serve Sundays about once a month at the 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m., or 5:30 p.m. services. Ministers are schedule in either role in accordance with their stated service preferences and availability. Ministry schedules are created three times. Training is required and offered periodically.
Subdeacon
Summary: The subdeacon role is very special; it represents the ministry of all baptized persons alongside the ordained orders--bishop, priest, and deacon--at the altar in Eucharistic services. The subdeacon assists the deacon preparing and clearing the altar. During morning services, the subdeacon administers communion to the choir. At the Celtic service, the subdeacon refills chalices and patens throughout administration of communion. This role requires considerable preparation.
Serving: One subdeacon is needed at every Eucharistic service. Subdeacons typically serve one to two times each month. Training is required and offered as needed throughout the year. Liturgical schedules are created three times a year that account for other ministries, service preferences, and scheduling availability.
Morning Prayer Reader/Officiant
Summary: Morning Prayer, a foundation of Anglican worship, is observed weekdays in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Readers also serve as chalice bearers for sharing Communion from the reserved sacrament. The Officiant role requires significant competence and confidence, and the ministry is open to all who demonstrate competence or wish to develop it. Morning Prayer is livestreamed and begins on page 80 in The Book of Common Prayer.
Serving: A ministry calendar is created each month. Ministers may serve as a reader or officiant several times a month based upon availability rather than a repeating pattern. Training is offered and new participants may serve as an "available substitute" until the next schedule is created.
Healing Prayer and Anointing
Summary: The ministry of healing prayer is a practice of healing touch and silent prayer during the Celtic service, making themselves available to pray with those who ask for healing prayer. This is a ministry of openness to the healing presence of God and to the needs of those seeking healing. Ministers also tend to votives during the candle lighting portion of the service, and offer healing prayer and anointing, standing, from the beginning of Communion through the end of the service, about 15 minutes.
Serving: Those who sense a call to this ministry are invited to meet with a member of the clergy. Those whose calling is perceptible enter a discernment process administered by the ministry's co-leaders after which one may be invited to join one of the four healing prayer and anointing teams. Each team serves once a month.
Celtic Reflector: all are invited to share a story
Summary: "We want to know something about your experience of God."
Most Sunday evenings at the Celtic service people from the congregation offer a story about their personal experience with God. Reflectors follow a set of guidelines and work with a member of the clergy, especially when crafting their first reflection. All people have a story to share. When you feel called to do so or to wonder about a potential idea, please submit your interest using this form.
Serve: Crafting a reflection is an act of prayer that takes time. Reflectors offer one to two reflections a year. The schedule is drafted several times a year and reflectors are invited to choose from a list of available dates.