Acolytes
Acolytes are part of a venerable tradition of ministry within the church spanning 17 centuries. At St. Paul’s young people (Grades 4 – 12) are invited to participate, serving at the altar and assisting the Bishops and priests. They serve as crucifers (carrying the cross in procession), torch bearers (carrying the candles), and banner bearers. Occasionally there is a Gospel bearer and Bishop’s chaplain.
Acolytes assist in worship as part of a larger worship team. This team includes the Altar Chapter, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters, Lectors, musicians, members of the choir, and more. When we all come together and work as a team we are able to lead the congregation in a worship service that brings glory to God.
If you are interested in participating as an acolyte, please contact the Rector or speak with any of our acolytes, who would be happy to tell you about their experiences.
Contact: Reverend Melanie McCarley
Altar Chapter
The Altar Chapter of St. Paul’s is a ministry of prayer and service. The Altar Chapter prepares the altar for all services and occasions (weddings, funerals, and baptisms), including polishing and maintaining the brass and silver, cleansing and ironing the linens and vestments, setting out the wine and the bread, and preparing the candles and special decorations. Members of the Altar Chapter perform a silent or “behind the scenes” ministry to our Parish so that we may worship and glorify Christ.
The Altar Chapter is composed of faithful women, men, and young people who work closely with the Rector and serve with reverence, devotion, and attention to detail and often possess qualities of tact, composure, tolerance, and adaptability. There are extra duties during the Christmas season, Lent/Easter season, and for special occasions.
Membership in the Altar Chapter is open to anyone in the church who is willing to be trained and wishes to serve the Lord in this quiet but meaningful way.
Contact: Polly Pierce (trillium6@comcast.net) or Lee Bliss (leebliss@comcast.net)
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs)
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) assist at the altar, read prayers, and administer the chalice at our 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Sunday Services, and at other special services during the Church Year. Some of the LEMs have received additional training to take Communion to members of the parish who cannot attend regular services. This activity follows the practice of the earliest years of our Christian faith, in which members of the fellowship brought bread from the shared table to those who could not be present at the service. LEMs are trained by the Rector and meet occasionally for discussion of our mission and prayer.
If you are interested in joining the Lay Eucharistic Ministers, please speak with the Rector. We ask that individuals who serve at LEMs be willing to serve at both the 8:00 a.m. as well as the 10:00 a.m. services.
Contact: Ian Mackenzie (imac.boston@yahoo.com)
Lectors (Scripture Readers)
Lectors read the scripture lessons on Sunday mornings at the 10:00 a.m. service and at other special services. These readings are taken from the Lectionary. The “lectionary” is a schedule of readings appointed for each Sunday (as well as feast days). We use the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) at St. Paul’s. The readings for upcoming Sundays are found in our weekly e-mails. They can also be found at the Lectionary Page (make certain to choose the “RCL” link for the given Sunday).
Lectors are people of all ages! Training is happily provided. If you would like to be included, please contact Tim Duncan and ask to have your name added to the list.
Contact: Tim Duncan (tduncan@psnw.com)
Greeters Guild
The role of Greeters at St. Paul’s is to offer all those who come through our doors a warm welcome, and to assist in guiding the flow of movement during worship. We manage surprises, count attendees, pass the offering plates, tidy up pews, and count the money offering following worship. When time allows, greeters follow up with guests, newcomers, and members during our fellowship hour.
Contact: Rick & Betsy Edie (rick11762@aol.com)
Flower Guild
St. Paul’s is blessed with a talented cadre of volunteers who craft floral arrangements for our worship. The Flower Guild supplies and arranges flowers for the altar and the Jane Clark table (located by the front entrance) each week from September through June for Sunday services and occasionally for special services throughout the year. Flowers at St. Paul’s do not go to waste. Following worship bouquets are made of the arrangements and given to those who could not be present at worship. Anyone who is interested, even a novice arranger, is welcome to participate. The commitment is bimonthly at most.
Contact: Nancy Grogan (nhgrogan@comcast.net) and Marmee Taylor (marmee2@aol.com)