WORSHIP MINISTRIES
THE ALTAR GUILD- is a special
ministry whose mission is to care for everything that relates to the
Altar. It is their privilege to prepare the Altar for the services and to
care for the vestments, silver, brass, linens, etc. that are used in the
services. They serve as sacristans for all the services of the Eucharist as
well as baptism, weddings, funerals and special services. Their work is a
devotional one and is open to everyone who wishes to join. They are always glad
to welcome and train new members. If you are interested in joining the Altar
Guild please contact the church office at (810) 659-9716 or email trinityec@usol.com.
- Altar Guilds as the Episcopal Church
has known them developed in the late nineteenth century, a natural outgrowth of
what had been from the beginning an exclusively male world. In the early days
of the Church, when followers of Christ gathered in private homes to break
bread together and share their memories of Him, presumably the head of the
household provided whatever was required for the meal. As Christians multiplied
and needed larger buildings in which to meet, certain people were given the
ministry of caring for these places, and the worshipers themselves provided the
food for the meal (and for their leaders and the poor besides). By the fourth
century, parish ministry as known today had been generally established, and for
hundreds of years the lesser clergy (later called sacristans) were responsible
for everything that is now considered "Altar Guild work." A sacristan
supervised the sacristy and all the paraphernalia of worship, prepared for
services, and did the Church housekeeping as well.
In the early Church of England altar
care was also the task of lesser priests such as the sacristan and verger in
the cathedral and the clerk (cleric) in the parish. Years later laymen became
the sacristans and eventually, in the nineteenth century, women were included
in this ministry as assistants to sacristans. By the turn of the twentieth
century, women were beginning to organize into "Altar Guilds," and in
most parts of the United
States they assumed the sacristan's duties
themselves under the guidance of their priests. Throughout this century women
have predominated in Altar Guild membership. Until the 1970s this channel was
the only one through which they could serve God at the altar. Now, however, men
are taking part in increasing numbers, as once again the decoration of the
Church and preparation for worship is becoming a joint ministry of all the
baptized.
ACOLYTES
– Acolytes provide support to the clergy with worship and serving at the Altar. Though not a necessity, this position is
typically held by the youth of the congregation. Anyone interested in serving in the role of
an Acolyte is asked to contact the Reverend Lori Johnson by calling the church
office at (810) 659-9716 or by e-mail at trinityec@usol.com .
LECTOR is the name given
to those who read the assigned Scriptures for the day. The Ministry of the Lector is to proclaim the
Word of God by reading from both the Old and New Testament at church services
throughout the year. He/she also reads the Prayers of the People. Lectors
do not require a license and anyone can be a Lector after a short training
session. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact the
church office at (810) 659-9716 or email trinityec@usol.com and you be
put in touch with the leader of this group.
- The
Licensed Lay Ministry is formed of people who feel a call to a more active role
in the proclamation of the Word of God and to assist in the distribution of the
Holy Eucharist. Those who would like to receive the Eucharist at home, or
wish to be involved in this ministry, should contact Reverend Lori Johnson at (810)659-9716
or email trinityec@usol.com .
These individuals serve as Lay
Eucharistic Ministers and the
Bishop has licensed Trinity parishioners, in accordance with church canons, to
carry the Eucharist to shut-ins and those hospitalized. Additional training may be required concerning
pastoral care guidelines.
GREETERS
– Greeters welcome everyone to Trinity and should take
a particular interest in newcomers/visitors to assure they are given the
appropriate attention to make them feel comfortable and aware of their
surroundings. Visitors are to be offered
an invitation to sign our “guest book” as well as any provided with any informational
pamphlets as desired. To become a part of this very
important ministry, contact the church office
at (810) 659-9716 or email trinityec@usol.com.
USHERS - Ushers hand out the Sunday service
leaflet, help late arrivals locate seats, and provide additional seating when
the Church is full. Those who participate as Greeters/Ushers serve about
once a month and arrive 15 minutes prior to the church service. To become a
part of this ministry, contact the church
office at (810) 659-9716 or email trinityec@usol.com.
KIDS WORD is the name given to the religious education of our youth at
Trinity. Typically Kids Word takes place
during the sermon time of our Sunday service and the youth are led out prior to
the sermon by the Kids Word leader assigned for a particular Sunday. Once the lesson for the day is complete, the
youth are led back to the sanctuary in time to receive communion with their
families. If you are interested in teaching or helping out with this ministry
please contact the church office at (810) 659-9716 or email trinityec@usol.com .
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