Worship assistants
The Lutheran concept of the priesthood of all believers means that we understand the mission of the church to be the responsibility of all the baptized. All the children of God are given the privilege and responsibility to participate in worship. While our worship services are led and facilitated by a pastor, lay persons are always involved as worship assistants. These worship assistants are members of the congregation who serve, after appropriate training, as lectors (scripture readers), assisting ministers, communion assistants, ushers, and on Altar Guild. Participation in these roles is open to all members of the congregation. We take these duties seriously and treat them as liturgical ministries, providing regular training, support, and public recognition.
Lectors (Scripture readers)
The lector reads the lessons assigned for the day, one from the Old Testament and usually one from the letters in the New Testament. More than just a mere reading, the lector presents an oral proclamation of God’s Word to God’s people.
Assisting ministers
The assisting ministers have a number of duties, all of which are to assist the presiding minister (usually the pastor) in conducting the worship service. This person also helps with the distribution of the elements during Holy Communion.
Communion assistants
The communion assistants help with the distribution of the elements during Holy Communion.
Ushers
Ushers oversee a variety of details during Sunday or weekday services, adding a personal touch of concern and welcome to the worship experience. Any member of the congregation may volunteer for the usher corps, and we encourage families to usher together for one or two months during the year. Ushering is an easy but important part of our worship practice, and we gladly train newcomers who want to get involved. So join us.
Altar Guild
The ministry of worship preparation is as important to the church as is the pastor’s sermon preparation time. The congregation relies on the Altar Guild’s faithful service to keep the worship space beautiful and in good order, a responsibility which glorifies God and provides a setting that enables the congregation to worship in a meaningful way.
The Altar Guild is entrusted with the privilege of preparing the chancel and its furnishings for worship, as well as the care and placement of appointments and all worship supplies. The Guild is responsible for seeing that the chancel and its paraments and vestments are regularly cleaned and pressed in readiness for worship, and that adequate supplies of candles, bread, and wine are secured and properly stored.
The Altar Guild, which meets one evening a month, is open to all members (both male and female).