Lay Ministries
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. Please click on those that interest you to learn more!
Ministries in Support of Worship Services and Internal Programs
- 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.
- Altar Guild - The Altar Guild is comprised of a group of trained men and women committed to maintaining our place of worship in a manner that glorifies God. Some of the duties of the Altar Guild include: changing the Altar hangings and wall banners for the various church seasons, preparation of the elements for Holy Eucharist, maintenance of the Altar candles and linens, as well as the silver and brass articles used during our worship service.
- Chalice Bearers and Lectors - Lectors and Chalice Bearers play an important role in our worship service. Lectors read the Lessons, as well as lead the Psalm and Prayers of the People. Chalice Bearers offer the Chalice during Holy Communion. Both Lectors and Chalice Bearers are trained in their respective ministries.
- Coffee Hour Hosts - 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.
- Hispanic Ministry - A team of lay ministers assist our clergy in the conduct of our Spanish services and special events in a variety of ways, including preaching and proclamation of the Gospel.
- Jail Ministry - A small team of volunteers who are involved in taking worship services to unsentenced women prisoners at the Estrella Jail .
- Prayer Chain - A team of dedicated parishioners prays on a daily basis for those on our parish prayer list, communicating the requests for intercessions by phone and e-mail.
- Prayer Ministers - A trained prayer minister is available in the Narthex at the end of our contemporary English service to pray one-on-one with those seeking intercessions.
- Puppet Ministry - The Puppet Ministry periodically provides "sermonettes" to which children and adults alike can relate, adding another means of expressing the Gospel message.
- Ushers and Greeters - Ushers and Greeters offer friendly greetings to newcomers and long term members alike. Their duties include handing out the service bulletins and announcements every Sunday, directing newcomers into the Sanctuary, assisting during the Offertory and Communion, and guiding newcomers to the parish hall for fellowship after the service.
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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. The following 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: *Contact the church office if you would like more information*
