Worship Ministries

The word Liturgy means “the work of the people.” Indeed, worship is not the work of the ordained few, but the work of the baptized many! All who are present participate in worship by joining in the responses, the prayers, the songs and Holy Communion. Some might desire to serve additionally as a worship leader. There are many ways for you to participate as a worship leader and all are welcome to do so. If you would like to participate in any of the ministries described below, please speak to Rev. Aimée or Deacon Kathie.  ^†

Altar Guild

Behind every great worship service, is a great altar guild member. The altar guild sets the stage for worship by setting up the vessels for communion, dressing the altar in fine cloth, keeping the candles fresh or filled with oil, preparing vestments for the clergy and keeping the chapel and chancel tidy. Altar Guild members wash, polish, iron, vacuum and clean. We even hum while doing our work! Altar Guild has no meetings except one on the Saturday prior to Palm Sunday to make palm crosses and share much laughter over our fumbling fingers. Contact Martha Garnett for more information about Altar Guild.  ^†

Greeters

Greeters are the first people you see when you worship at Holy Nativity! Greeters create a place of warmth and welcome for all who gather by greeting people as they arrive for services and answering questions of people worshiping at Holy Nativity for the first time. Greeters are friendly, welcoming and have a wonderful gift of hospitality. They let folks know they are genuinely welcome and at home.

Ushers

Ushers also greet people upon arrival. They are cordial and welcoming. An usher’s primary duties are to provide people with service bulletins and help people find seats if they are new or late, or if the church is crowded. They receive and present the money and food pantry offerings and direct people on their way to the altar to receive communion.

Acolytes

Acolytes give the worship service a sense of order and grace. They carry the processional cross and torches. They assist in the Gospel procession as God’s Word comes among us. They assist the deacon in setting the table for communion and they receive the people’s offering of bread, wine, food for the poor and treasure. Today at Holy Nativity, this servant ministry is largely a ministry of children and adolescents. However, it is appropriate that lay adults serve as acolytes in a variety of services as well. Contact Mimi Johnson to participate in this ministry.  ^†

Lay Readers

The office of lay reader is among the oldest of liturgical lay ministries. From the ambo (podium), Lay Readers read the scripture lessons and lead the psalms when the psalms are not being chanted or sung. Lay Readers normally read well and help God’s Word come alive for those who hear it. Lay Readers are assigned on a rotational basis and they have the opportunity to study and rehearse the passages they are to read. Youth and adults are welcome to be lay readers.

Prayer Leader

Each Sunday, prayers are offered by the community gathered on behalf of the world. We pray for just governance of nations, for the right use of God’s creation, for the ministry of all Christians, for the sick and those in need, for the poor and suffering and for those who have died. People are also invited to offer freeform prayers of concern and thanksgiving. Prayer Leaders lead the congregation in these written prayers from the midst of the assembly. Prayer Leaders are scheduled on a rotational basis. Youth and adults are welcome to be prayer leaders.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM)

Lay Eucharistic ministers are ministers at the Eucharist. With the priest and the deacon, they help the community share Holy Communion with one another. LEMs participate in the invitation to Communion, administer the chalice of wine and often assist the deacon clearing the table after communion.

Home Communion Ministry

Home Communion Ministers assist the deacon in sharing communion to the homebound. They are sent from our Eucharistic table to serve at the home or bedside of those unable to be present for the Holy Eucharist. It is desirable to take communion as soon as possible following the worship service, so that those who receive sense their unity with the gathered community. It is also desirable to pray with parishioners before communicating. Prayers are provided should you choose to use them. Deacon Kathie Tepavchevich coordinates this ministry and provides training for new ministers.  ^†

Hearing Impaired Ministry/CDs for the Homebound

Holy Nativity has a sound system that transmits the service to a hearing device for the hearing impaired. The sound system also allows Holy Nativity to record worship services. CDs of the services are produced for delivery to the homebound and for people who simply missed a service. People with a good ear and knowledge in computers are invited to assist with recording the services. Contact John Brackett to participate in this ministry.  ^†

Coffee Hour Hosts

Fellowship is an integral part of a community of faith. One of the ways we offer fellowship at Holy Nativity is through coffee hour following the 9:30 service. Coffee Hour Hosts brew organic, free-trade coffee and cut and set out the homemade coffee cakes delivered fresh each Sunday from Traveler’s Café in Westmont. Coffee Hour Hosts also make sure there are enough ceramic mugs for the community (so that we don’t create more paper waste) and set out fresh half and half, sugars and a selection of herbal teas. Finally, they clean up when coffee hour is complete. Every other week from September through May, Adult Forum meets during coffee hour. The Coffee Hour Hosts can feel free to wander the room, topping off people’s coffee mug.

Bulletin Boys

Each Friday morning a group gathers to assemble the bulletins used during Sunday worship. Fueled by coffee cake, coffee and good company, the bulletin boys ensure that the community has full-text bulletins to help all participate fully in worship. (Of course, women are welcome as well. We’ll simply adjust the name….) Contact Bettie Buday at the church office for more information.  ^†