We are particularly blessed in having a cadre of parishioners who have taken on the leadership of a wide variety of lay ministries. We understand that each of us is called to ministry in one form or another, and seek to enable and empower one another in the development of those ministries. Among our lay ministries are those listed below.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is comprised of a group of trained women and men committed to maintaining our place of worship in a manner that glorifies God. The primary purpose of the Altar Guild is to prepare and maintain the altar and all Eucharistic vessels, as well as chancel, and worship space for all usual and special services including weddings, memorials, ordinations, baptisms, confirmations, and funerals.
Additional responsibilities include placement of altar flowers and candles and caring for the Altar Linens. Persons desiring to sponsor flowers and/or the sanctuary candles are encouraged to do so, and their gifts are greatly appreciated. A sign up calendar and contribution envelopes can be found in the narthex of the church, adjacent to the front door.
Worship Team
Acolytes
The Acolyte ministry is for youth and adults alike. Acolytes play an important role in the Sunday morning worship service as well as on special occasions. Acolyte duties include carrying the cross and torches (candles) for the processional and recessional, lighting the altar candles, and helping with the preparation for Holy Eucharist.
Chalice Bearers
Our Chalice Bearers are a group of trained volunteers who assist the priest at the altar during the services. They administer the communion cup (chalice) during the Eucharist service.
Readers/Lectors
Our Readers / Lectors are a group a trained volunteers who read the scriptures to the congregation for all Sunday and Special services. They read the First Lesson from the Old Testament, Second Lesson from the New Testament and lead the congregation in the reading of the Psalm.
Ushers/Greeters
The Ushers and Greeters will meet you at the door as you enter the church building. Their duties are to distribute the service bulletins and assist the parishioners and guests to their pews. The Greeters will carry forward the elements to be consecrated for the Eucharist and the Ushers collect the offering.
Fellowship
Our coffee hour is hosted by a group of dedicated members who help make our visitors and longtime members feel welcome. They oversee the coffee and refreshments found in the parish hall between our two principal Sunday morning services.
Feed the Veterans
A group of volunteers comes together to Feed the Veterans on the third Friday of each month. The team prepares and feeds a warm lunch to approximately 75 Veterans each month.
Please see Faviola Espinoza for more information.
Opportunities for Ministry
“We have gifts that differ according to the grace given us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.”
Romans 12:6-8
The Bible encourages all of us to discover our God-given talents and to use them to serve others. These service ministries are just some of the ways you can use and develop the talents you have been given at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.