There are many ways to volunteer to serve Christ in the ministry of worship. These opportunities include:
AcolytesAcolytes assist in the worship service by carrying the processional cross and flags, lighting candles, holding candles or "torches", assisting a deacon or priest to set up and clean up at the altar, accepting the offering plates from the ushers, and many other tasks as may be required. Acolytes wear robes that differentiate them from the clergy, the lay Eucharistic ministers, or the choir, although they may appear quite similarly dressed. At Holy Comforter, Acolytes are typically youth from age 10 through high school. Acolyte Schedule.
Altar GuildThe Altar Guild’s responsibility is to have ready those things necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist and observance of the other sacraments and offices of the church. The Altar Guild members work diligently behind the scenes to make sure that everything is in place for those celebrations. They launder and care for the altar linens, polish the silver and brass, set out the wine and the bread, prepare the candles and set up for Sunday and weekday services. They also make sure that there is a good supply of bread, wine, candles and linens. Altar Guild Schedule.
Chalice Bearers
Chalice Bearers are parishioners who have been chosen by the Rector to administer the wine to the congregation during the Eucharist. Chalice Bearers are licensed by the Bishop for a three year period. Holy Comforter has a total of six Chalice Bearers on a three year rotation. Each year two members rotate off and two members are licensed to replace them. New Chalice Bearers are typically announced at the end of May.
ChoirsThe choirs of the Church of the Holy Comforter exist to lead people in worship, to provide a medium in which those with musical gifts may approach God, to provide for the musical and liturgical training of children, and to enhance the cultural life of the community. Learn more about music at Holy Comforter here.
Children's Chapel Leaders
During the school year from September to May, a Children’s Chapel is conducted during the first half hour or so of the 10:30 AM Sunday service. This provides an opportunity for the younger children to be in a more conducive setting to learn about the scripture lessons that are at the same time being read and taught in the main church service. Once the Children’s Chapel portion is completed, the children return to the sanctuary to participate with their parents in the Holy Eucharist. Children's Chapel Leaders Schedule.
Decorations
Prior to the services at Easter and Christmas, the Decoration committee works to transform the Sanctuary so it represents the beauty, wonder and reverence of the season.
Flower Guild
Floral arrangements at Holy Comforter are provided by volunteers in the parish Flower Guild. The work of the guild is a partnership between the donors who make contributions for flower memorials and thanksgivings, and members of the Guild who give their time and talent to obtain the materials and create the arrangements. Current members.
GreetersPrior to each Sunday service, Greeters are stationed at the entrance of the church and welcome all those who have come to worship with us. Though they welcome all, their primary task is to welcome visitors and assist them into the worship service, providing directions to other facilities as needed. Greeters Schedule.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Lay Eucharistic Ministers are parishoners who have volunteered to take Holy Communion out those who are homebound or otherwise unable to attend regular Sunday services. They are licensed by the Bishop to perform this very important ministry. Lay Eucharistic Ministers Schedule.
Layreaders
Layreaders read the Old and New Testament scripture lessons from the reader’s lectern at the front of the church during both Sunday services. The Layreader is responsible for leading the congregation in reciting the Psalm when the choir is not doing so. Lay Reader Schedule.
UshersUshers are responsible for organizing the behind the scenes activity which occurs at the back of the church on Sunday mornings. This includes assisting Greeters in welcoming people arriving at the church, handing out service order bulletins, counting the attendance, taking up the offering, ringing the tower bell and assisting people as they approach the altar for Holy Communion. Ushers Schedule.
The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter, a parish of The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina
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