Our worship services offer many opportunities for members of the congregation to participate and get involved.
Each service is served by both clergy (ordained) and lay (not ordained) people alike.
Each service uses lay members of the congregation for Altar Guild, Acolytes, Lay Readers, Chalice Bearers, Greeters, Ushers, and Lay Eucharistic Ministers. More information about each of these roles is below. If you are interested in serving, please send us a note through our Contact Us form.
St. Mary’s Altar Guild
The many dedicated members of St. Mary’s Altar Guild assist the clergy and prepare St. Luke’s for services, weddings, funerals and baptisms. Guild members also prepare the beautiful floral arrangements for Christmas, Easter and Holy Days. St. Mary’s Altar Guild is open to anyone who would like to serve in this capacity.
Acolytes
Acolytes have been a minor order since 252 CE. Acolytes are members of the worship team serving as torch bearers, lighters of candles, crucifers (acolyte carrying the cross during processions), thurifers (acolytes carrying an incense censer) and banner bearers. They also assist the deacon or priest at the preparation of the table for communion.
Lay Readers
Lay Readers read the scripture lessons and Psalms and also lead the Prayers of the People during the service. Occasionally they lead Morning or Evening Prayer.
Chalice Bearers
Administering the chalice (the cup of wine during Communion) offers an opportunity to participate directly and assist in the celebration of Holy Eucharist, by serving wine to those who come forward to the altar rail.
Greeters & Ushers
Greeters and ushers are usually the first people who welcome you to our community. They can help with seating and answer any questions about the service to support your worship experience. During the service, they collect the offering from the congregation, and help to identify members of the congregation who are not able to come to the altar to share in the Eucharist.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Lay Eucharistic Ministers take communion to those who are unable to attend services at the church. Eucharistic visits are scheduled for the fourth Sunday of each month. Our LEMs carry the parish with them as a sign of the whole community’s care, support, and concern for absent members.