Sunday Service | Other Service Ministries | Committees | Outreach/Fellowship
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At St. Christopher's, we understand that service to others and fellowship with one another is central to spiritual growth. Service on Sunday mornings is only one aspect of the many ministries in which you may participate, for while Sunday is the day when the largest group of parishioners gathers together, the life and work of the parish continues throughout the week, individually or in small groups or committees. This work involves service to the church, service to the community, and fellowship among parishioners. For information on Nursery workers, see Other Service Ministries;
Sunday ServiceAcolytes: Children from second grade as well as adults are trained to take a leadership role in the service and assist as the clergy prepare the altar for the Eucharist. The word acolyte means attendant or helper. Acolytes have been assisting in the celebration of the Eucharist since the early days of the church. The earliest record of acolytes we have tells us that in A.D. 251, there were forty-two of them helping in churches in the city of Rome! There are four types of acolytes at St. Christopher's: |
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Boat carriers: Our youngest school-age children (kindergarten, first graders and new second-grade acolytes) carry the incense boat during some of our services when a thurifer is present.
Torchbearers:Children from second grade through adult. The first level of full-time acolyte. Torchbearers work in pairs. They light and extinguish the candles and accompany and give honor to the cross during the beginning and ending processions.
Crucifers:Children from sixth grade through adult. The primary function of the crucifer is to carry the cross during processions and assists in preparing the altar.
Thurifer:Children from eight grade through adult. The thurifer carries the thurible and incense boat dur-ing processions when incense is used in the service.
Acolytes serve on a rotating basis, generally once every 5-6 weeks. Acolytes are needed at all levels. If you are interested please contact Linda Bolte.
Altar Guild: These adults prepare the altar linens, hangings, vessels and clergy's vestments before each service and decorate the church for Easter and Christmas. They are responsible for polishing silver and brass and for care and maintenance of all vestments and other linens. They generally serve one weekend a month, committing two hours on Saturday plus one on Sunday. Over the years, members of the parish have donated materials for or crafted full sets of memorial vestments, including frontals for the altar.
Chalice Bearers: Chalice bearers assist the clergy each Sunday in distributing the wine at Communion. The chalice bearers lead the people’s intercession and stand with the celebrant as a sign that the Eucharist is a corporate act, drawing from all the various orders of Christ’s church.
Lectors: Lectors read the Old and New Testament Lessons as well as scriptures unique to services such as Palm Sunday and Good Friday. Visit Information for Lectors for some good website hints and helps.
Teachers: There are many gifted teachers at St. Christopher’s and we’re always
looking for more: (See also Christian Education.)
Those in the nursery teach through love and being the presence of Christ to the infants.
The catechist is trained in ways to call forth the children's responses in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd..
Assistants in the Atrium (the Catechesis room) support the catechist and help the children
as they choose activities.
Journey to Adulthood (J2A) leaders utlize materials from Rite 13 for students in grades 6 and 7, from Sojourners for those in grades 8 and 9, and from Young Adults in the Church (YAC) for those in grades 10 through 12. They also lead J2A groups on a mission trip and a pilgrimage, planned with the assistance of Journal to Adulthood coordinators.
A rich variety of individuals assist in leading adult education programs.
Usher/Greeters: These representatives of the congregation extend hospitality to visitors and members, they are the faces of God at St. Christopher's. They hand out bulletins, collect the offering, and assist anyone who needs help at communion. They minister to newcomers by answering questions, encouraging signing of the guest book, and providing introductions in the coffee hours. Since churches are required to keep lots of records, the ushers also perform the important duty of taking count of the number at worship and reporting it for the service register.