FIND YOUR WAY

 

Come and See

We know there’s a lot to take in, so it might help to just come and see for yourself.

What to Expect

If this is your first time at an Episcopal service (or any church service at all), or if you are just someone who likes to have some context before you try something new, you can click here for a description of what you can expect when you visit. Not required reading—feel free to skim it!

 
 

Serve with Gladness

We are all finding our own ways to be in church together.

Some people want to be present, to listen, to partake of the liturgy: to take it all in.

Some people want to be moving, acting, serving: to create and provide liturgy.

Many of us want to find a good balance of both. It’s all valid, and it’s all church.

If you enjoy the kinds of liturgy we offer at St. Michael’s, and if you want to be a part of making the liturgy happen, there’s a ministry (or two) that could be a good fit for you.

Learn more about the ministries below and why they might appeal to you.

 

ACOLYTES

Assist the priest on the altar during the service. Traditionally a ministry for young people in middle school and high school. You might like this ministry if you want to learn about the details of the Eucharist or if you like participating in worship through movement.

ALTAR GUILD

Prepare the altar for services and restore it after services. Involves working with flowers, linens, candles, and the vessels used for the Eucharist. You might like this ministry if you enjoy visual arts or working with your hands, or if you want to serve but prefer to be in the pew during the liturgy.

CHOIR

Perform music from the choir loft for the liturgy during Sunday morning Eucharist at 10:00 am and during monthly Choral Evensong. You might like this ministry if you enjoy singing at any level, being part of a team, or if you want to learn about the history and traditions of the church.

HOSPITALITY

Host coffee hour (after Sunday services) or receptions (after Evensong or concerts). Involves providing and/or serving light refreshments for fellowship after services. Sunday coffee hour hosts also participate briefly in the liturgy by bringing the wine and water to the priest as an oblation (an offering from the congregation for the Eucharistic Feast). You might like this ministry if you enjoy hosting social events, spending time in the kitchen, or working in teams.

LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Assist the priest in administering Communion to the congregation and serve as a thurifer (person who swings the incense) or reader during the service. You might like this ministry if you want to learn about the details of the Eucharist or if you like participating in worship through movement.

LECTORS

Read an appointed passage from Scripture aloud to the congregation, and lead the congregation in spoken, responsive prayers. You might like this ministry if you enjoy or want to practice public speaking, or if you want to engage more deeply with the Bible.

SEXTONS

Unlock and lock the building before and after Sunday services and secure the offerings after services. Traditionally, sextons are recruited from among the ushers (see below). You might like this ministry if you prefer a behind-the-scenes role, or if you enjoy assisting with operations.

USHERS

Greet and hand out service booklets (bulletins) to congregants as they enter the sanctuary, collect offerings while the priest prepares the altar for the Eucharist, assist with the movement of the congregation through communion, help congregants find a seat or find their way around the building. You might like this ministry if you prefer to be moving actively throughout the liturgy or if you enjoy helping people.