Children of all ages are welcome at all services. By virtue of their Baptism, children are part of the Body of Christ. As full members of our congregation, they are welcome to worship and to receive the sacrament of Communion as soon as their parents or guardians feel they can on some level appreciate its significance.
If you prefer that your children not receive Communion, they may still come forward and receive a blessing. They should cross their arms to show that they will not be receiving Communion. This is true for adults, as well. If you feel you are not ready to receive communion, we encourage you to come forward for a blessing by the clergy. If you would like to receive communion in your seat, please signal to an usher and the clergy or Eucharistic minister will bring the consecrated element(s) to you. If you prefer a gluten-free wafer, please indicate this as you come up for Communion.
Liturgical ministers are lay members who have been trained to assist the clergy during the service. Listed below are the various duties assigned to lay members. If you are interested in volunteering in one of these areas, please talk to an usher on Sundays or contact the parish office. New members are always welcomed to learn and volunteer.
- Altar Guild – Directed by the clergy, members of the Altar Guild care for the Altar vessels and linens and prepare the Altar and the Eucharistic Elements for each service.
- Acolytes – Acolytes assist the clergy during the services. Duties of the acolytes include carrying the candles during the service and handing the elements to the clergy during the preparation of the Eucharist. Adults and children participate in this ministry.
- Lay Eucharistic Ministers (formerly known as Chalice Bearers) join the clergy in serving the wine or the bread to the members of the congregation.
- Crucifers carry the cross during the service.
- Lectors read the scripture lessons and lead the Prayers of the People.
Our services are taken from The Book of Common Prayer and are printed in the bulletin for your convenience, along with the music. The primary service on Sunday is the Holy Eucharist. Occasionally, a service of Morning Prayer is offered. Our congregational hymns are drawn from The Hymnal (1982), Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal, and Wonder, Love, and Praise.
Healing prayers, with optional laying-on-of-hands, are offered in our small chapel during Communion each Sunday.
