At St Augustine’s, parish liturgy really is “the work of the people,” using the rich variety of talents of clergy and lay liturgical ministers to lead the people in active celebrations. Leading the liturgy together, they help create the space and environment that makes for joyful worship.

Young people are especially welcome in many of these ministries. Children and youth who take an active role in the service enjoy coming to church and grow spiritually while learning about the beautiful traditions of The Episcopal Church. Training is provided for anyone who takes on a new role, and new people are always paired up with experienced ones until the duties become familiar.

A rotational schedule for most of these ministries is set up each quarter, so you can generally serve when you are able and willing. If you would like to become more involved in the spiritual life of this community, talk with a member of the Clergy or Staff.

Altar Guild members care for the altar vessels, linens, and vestments for each service and clean up the vessels and altar area after the service. The Altar Guild works in teams that rotate Sunday responsibilities, so being able to work with a small group and to follow established patterns is important. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary for services and clean up afterwards.

Acolytes serve at the altar, assisting the priest by helping prepare the table for the celebration of the Eucharist. They take part in the entrance and exiting processions, assist with the offering, and lead our youngest children from the Children’s Chapel to the church. Acolytes at St A’s are all ages, from those in the primary grades through retirement age. Acolytes who are age 16 and over may also administer the consecrated wine at the eucharist, as needed.

Chalice Bearers administer the consecrated wine during the celebration of the eucharist in the absence of a sufficient number of priests and deacons to assist the celebrant.

Greeters are members of the congregation who work with the clergy and the ushers to help visitors feel welcome. Greeters will introduce themselves, offer to take visitors to coffee hour, and introduce them to the clergy and other parishioners.

Leaders of Prayers lead the congregation in the Prayers of the People by reading the intercessions aloud. Being comfortable speaking (and being silent) in public is necessary for this ministry.

Lectors read the Old Testament or New Testament lesson during the Ministry of the Word. Adults, youth, and older children who are comfortable speaking clearly in public are invited to be Lectors.

Ushers On Sundays and the major holy days, the first person a visitor meets is the usher who distributes the service bulletin. Ushers also collect the congregation’s offering and bring the bread and wine to the altar. They should be ready to assist those who have difficulty or who have questions. Adults and older youth are welcome to serve as ushers; it is also a good ministry for couples, partners, or parent and child to do together.

Choirs and Instrumentalists For information on the music ministries at St. Augustine’s, please see the Music page on this website.

Children’s Chapel Leaders participate in the Ministry of the Word in the weekly Children’s Chapel, including greeting children, storytelling, leading songs. Chapel leaders generally work in teams with other leaders. Adults and older youth who have been at St. A’s for over a year and who would enjoy praying with children and joining them in feeling God’s presence are welcome in this ministry.