Photo: Jay Mallin, jaymallinphotos.com
Worship is central to spiritual and community life at St. John’s. We welcome everyone, of all ages, to participate in making it a beautiful and enriching experience. There are many opportunities, listed below, to support worship at our 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:15 am, or 5:00 pm services.
ACOLYTE GUILD
At the 9:00 am Sunday Service, Acolyte Teams lead procession and recession, light and extinguish candles, assist the clergy to set the altar at communion, and assist during the offertory. Service as an Acolyte is open to parishioners 3rd grade and up, and is particularly well suited for youth and families. Training is provided; experience and comfort level guide role assignment. No weekday obligations. Four Acolyte teams rotate in service throughout the church year. Contact Christine Curto, parishioner.
ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild is an essential and sacred ministry, preparing all that is needed to set the table for the sacrament of Eucharist. It is perfect for those who like to serve behind the scenes on small friendly teams. The Altar Guild cares for the items that grace the altar – candles, linens, chalices, bread plates – before and after services. Hands-on training is provided, and volunteers serve with a partner for one hour once or twice each month, on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Contact Leslie Saltsman, parishioner.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) assist the clergy with the serving of wine, and occasionally bread, during communion, and read prayers or Scripture during the service. Depending on the service, they may also light the candles, carry the cross, and receive the offering. LEMs have the option to serve “vested” (wearing a white alb) or “unvested” and are generally scheduled for 1-2 services a month. Contact Richard Saltsman, parishioner.
EUCHARISTIC VISITORS
Eucharistic Visitors bring fellowship and communion once a month to St. John’s parishioners who are unable to attend services. Training is provided. Contact Penny Winder, parishioner.
FLOWER GUILD
The Flower Guild serves to bring the beauty of God’s creation to our worship. New members are always welcome, including one-time volunteers for special times such as Christmas and Easter. No experience is necessary – training is provided by our talented members, and the schedule is flexible. Contact Liz Luck, parishioner.
HEALING PRAYER MINISTRY
Healing prayer ministers listen, love, and pray with those who would like to receive healing prayer one-on-one laying on of hands and anointing with oil. Volunteers offer these prayers during communion in the quiet, private Tower Chapel next to the sanctuary. Clergy provide training. Contact Peter Plocki, Marny Helfrich, or Tom Hebert, parishioners.
LECTORS
Help illuminate the Scriptures for our community by reading the lessons during worship services. Volunteers who love sharing Scripture and reading aloud are invited to join the team! Scheduling is flexible, with volunteers typically reading once every month or so. Contact Andrew Ramsey-Moor, parishioner.
MUSIC MINISTRY
Inspire and guide our community in worship by joining one of St. John’s musical ensembles! Add your voice to the St. John’s choir (adults), the St. John’s Sinders (teens and adults) or the Choristers (age 8 – high school), learn to play handbells with the Norwood Ringers, or offer an instrumental or vocal solo during our services. (Read more on the Music Ministry page.) Contact Jason West, Interim Director of Music Ministries.
TECH TEAM
St. John’s Tech Team produces the live-stream of our weekly 11:15 am worship service and other educational opportunities to reach a broader audience. Our ministry touches those who are homebound and can’t come to the service in person, and many former St. John’s parishioners who have moved out of the area but still want to stay connected through our worship service each week. The team is anchored by one expert and supported by volunteers. It’s the perfect job for teens and young adult volunteers. Contact Johnna Story, parishioner.
WEDDING COORDINATORS
Help us serve members of the Parish and the local community by making our beautiful space available to couples who wish to marry in our church. Assist before, during, and after weddings – coordinating church space requirements, answering family requests, and directing ceremonial logistics. Contact Cathy O’Donnell, parishioner.
WELCOME MINISTRY
A warm welcome and friendly hospitality are hallmarks of St. John’s at all Sunday services! St. John’s Welcome Teams, including Ushers and Greeters, offer parishioners and guests their first welcome at the door, with a smile, handshake, and service bulletin. Youth and their families are especially encouraged to serve together as Welcome Teams. Teams usually serve for a month at a time on a rotational basis, but the schedule is flexible, and substitutions are easily accommodated. Contact Scott McNulty, parishioner, for the 9:00 am service, and Suzanne Welch or Cherri Espersen, parishioners, for the 11:15 service .
