| There are many ways for you to get involved in Worship Ministry at St. Stephen's. Simply review the information below and if you have questions or are interested in learning more, contact the person listed with each ministry. For general information about Worship Ministry, please call the Worship Office of St. Stephen's at 952-920-0595, ext. 109, or email lreynolds@ststephens.com. |
Acolytes. St. Stephen’s Acolytes serve at Sunday morning worship (and on special feast days and holy days) by leading processions with the processional cross and torches, by carrying the gospel book and an occasional banner, and by serving at the Altar. Acolytes are drawn from youth in grades 3-12. Fun social events are planned through the year, including taking part in the Diocesan Acolyte Festival at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Minneapolis.
Altar Guild. Altar Guild members are amongst the hardest working ‘worker bee’ members of any worship ministry. Founded nearly 75 years ago, the St. Therese’s Altar Guild of St. Stephen’s was named after the patron saint of those who adorn and accessorize the altar and surrounding worship spaces. Altar Guild members regularly prepare the church and chapel every week (and on special feast days), laying out fair linens, colorful hangings, chalices and patens, wine and bread, and so much more. Training is done by the tried and true apprenticeship method, making the learning of procedures a cin ch.
Elaine Schweitzer, Director of St. Therese’s Altar Guild. Email - 1234@q.comelaine
Eucharistic Ministers. Formerly known as chalice bearers, specially trained and licensed non-ordained Eucharistic Ministers have served bread and wine at communion in The Episcopal Church for well over fifty years. In addition to training and licensing, a Eucharistic Minister must be a confirmed or received member of The Episcopal Church through the laying on of hands by an Episcopal bishop. Eucharistic Ministers may take further training to become licensed Eucharistic Visitors. Eucharistic Visitors take communion out to those who are unable to leave their places of residence
5-O Ministry Teams. Each of the four weekly ministry teams at the 5 O’Clock Service include -- one Verger, one Lector, one Prayer Leader, two Eucharistic Ministers, and one or two Hospitality Ministers. At the 5-O, there are no vestments, no processions, and very little ceremonial to be concerned with…just the joy of serving. In fact, doing worship ministry at the 5-O is way cool.
Hospitality Ministers. Formerly known as Ushers, we are redeveloping this important ministry into a Ministry of Hospitality. Hospitality Ministers do more than just hand out service bulletins and seat people. They give a friendly greeting to everyone at the church entrances and are available to provide all sorts of information to visitors and guests.
Lectors. Reading scripture during worship is an ancient tradition in the Christian faith. The public proclamation of God’s Word is a great privilege as well as an important responsibility. Lectors at St. Stephen’s are required to go through a special training and orientation before being placed on the roster. Call now to inquire about our next training session(s).
Jane Parry, Head Verger. Email – jparry@minn.net
Prayer Leaders. Leading the congregation in prayer on Sundays is done by lay persons who are trained in public petitional prayer. Prayer leaders at St. Stephen’s are required to go through a special training and orientation before being placed on the roster. Call now to inquire about our next training session(s).
Vergers. Vergers are the ‘masters of ceremony’ of the church. They lead processions and manage the myriad of details which surround a typical church liturgy. There are limited openings for new vergers. Advanced training by the Head Verger is required. Eucharistic ministers who have had experience as lectors and prayer leaders, and who have exhibited a special ability for detail and liturgical leadership are encouraged to register their intent with the Head Verger.
Jane Parry, Head Verger. Email – jparry@minn.net
Worship Environment Team. The church’s worship spaces are decorated at special festival times throughout the year, most notably Advent, Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, and All Saints. The Worship Environment Team works together to place flowers, plants, decorations, hangings, and other adornments for special occasions.
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