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| WORSHIP | ||||
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St. John's parishioners participate in worship services in a variety of ways. Expand your worship service experience by getting involved today. |
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MINISTRY |
DESCRIPTION |
CONTACT |
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Acolytes |
An acolyte is a server on the altar and must be aware that the purpose in assisting at the altar is "that God may be glorified". Lay persons (adults and/or children) as acolytes assist the celebrant and deacons during the liturgy of the Mass. They assist in worship by performing such functions as carrying the processional cross, lighting and extinguishing candles, and other duties as directed by the Clergy. While St. John's has not establish an age criteria for acolytes, an acolyte must be able to carry any of the items used on the altar; understand and follow the parts of the Mass; respond for the people during the Mass; and must be able to perform the duties respectfully and prayerfully. I encourage parent/child teams; sibling teams; teen teams; adult teams. The Book of Common Prayer states: At all celebrations of the Liturgy, it is fitting that the principal celebrants, whether bishop or priest, be assisted by other priests, and by deacons and lay persons. (BCP, 322 & 354). . |
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Altar Flowers | Altar flowers are arranged by Wolz's Florist in Glendale. | ||||
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Altar Guild |
The purpose of the Altar Guild is to assist the clergy. The Altar Guild members work directly under the orders and authority of the priest in accordance with his instructions. The Altar Guild members are organized for the purpose of preparing the altar for celebrations of the Eucharist. This work includes setting the credence table with the sacred vessels (lavabo bowl, towel, cruets of water and wine, and additional hosts); prepare the chalice with purificator, patten, burse and corporal; place the lectionary and book of the gospel in their proper place; ensure the altar is dressed in the proper color of the day (frontal hanging, burse, etc.). The Altar Guild members also clean up after services. The Altar Guild members are a valuable resource for the parish, both for the work they do and because they always have the best techniques for getting wine and lipstick stains out of fabric. Since they know where all the hangings, flower containers, and similar church furnishings are stored, they also are the ones who prepare the Church for weddings, funerals, readings of the Daily Offices, and other ceremonies. The Altar Guild members have a special obligation to attend services and to make the responses audibly. “The altar is the center of the Christian Church. Around it the people of God gather to celebrate the mysteries of Christ’s body and blood. That sacrament, the Eucharist, along with our baptism, is what binds us to Christ. Whatever we do in the world to live out the Christian life -whether it be prayer, study, work for social justice, ministry to the sick, care of the dying, tending the needs of the poor, and the hungry — all Christian activities arise from the presence of Christ within us and that presence begins at a baptismal font, and gets renewed, and nourished at an altar.” The above material was printed in EPISTLE, a publication of the National Altar Guild Association (NAGA.) There is also a web site listed: www.episcopalchurch.org/altarguild |
Joan Adair, Altar Guild Directress 623.582.5449 |
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Chalice Bearers |
Trained lay persons who administer the chalice at the Eucharist, assist with lessons and prayers, and perform other duties as directed by the Clergy. |
Deacon Chuck | |||
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Greeters | Members of the Parish volunteer to be available on Sundays at the beginning and end of each service to welcome visitors to St. John’s, and to help include them in our Coffee Hour after services. All you need is a warm smile, and a willingness to make people feel welcome at our Church home. |
Church Office 623.582.5449 |
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Lay Readers / Lectors |
Trained persons who read lessons from the lectern at services. |
Deacon Chuck | |||
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Library |
Trained persons who donate their expertise to provide us with a fully referenced Library. Books, DVD’s, CD’s, are donated by persons to the Library. These items are then catalogued, entered into our computer system, then shelved for use by our Parish. Volunteers are always welcome to assist in the Library.
| Dorothy Houdek, Louise Bubel 623.582.5449 |
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Music: Chancel Choir |
Consists of 20-25 members. Most of the members can read music, some better than others. This, however, is not a requirement to join. Our only requirements are a desire to sing and a commitment to attending weekly rehearsals and Sunday services.
Our rehearsals are on Wednesday nights from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. and we are expected to be at church for a pre-service rehearsal at 9:15 a.m. We have a lot of fun: Post-rehearsal get-togethers for drinks and snacks, plus a number of parties at members' homes during the year. Many of us have been members for years, but we're always eager to have new people join. Choose your part: soprano, alto, tenor or bass. | Michael Heap, Organist / Choirmaster 623.582.5449 | |||
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Music: Joyful Noise Choir |
Variety of music focusing on Traditional and Contemporary styles with an acoustic flair. The choir leads the music during the 10:30 a.m service on the First Sunday of each month. Practices are Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. New members are always WELCOME! All you need to do is to talk to one of the members and start coming to rehearsal. |
Jimmy Diaz | |||
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Music: Youth Group Band | The Youth Band is made up of members of the St. John’s Youth Group, MILC, and plays a variety of contemporary Christian music. We welcome middle high and senior high school youth that are interested in playing or singing.
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Jimmy Diaz, Lynne Gardner |
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Oblationers |
Carry the wine and bread to the Altar during the time of the Offertory. |
Mick Hand | |||
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Ushers | Who should consider being an usher? If one takes a moment to think about it, this ministry has the most direct interaction and personal service to the congregation. We greet our fellow parishioners at the sanctuary door and welcome them to the service. Our greeting alone can enrich their experience through projecting a friendly environment for worship. An usher also has the privilege of participating in the service by assisting the celebrant and deacon during the service. We not only assist in the gathering of the offering and directing parishioners to the altar to receive communion, but also in a variety of ways. We provide a weekly count of service attendees, assist during the reading of prayers to the people, hand out bulletins to people entering the church, provide church information to any newcomers and make them feel welcome, etc. As you probably see, the usher ministry can have a profound impression on both our parishioners and anyone visiting our church for the first time. We are always looking for people to participate in this ministry and all are welcome to join! |
Mick Hand | |||
