Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers & Acolytes

Both these positions involve participation in the public worship of the Church and are considered as "worship leaders." 

Lectors can be anyone in the congregation and their job is to read the first two of the three Bible readings assigned for each service. Lessons are read aloud from the Lectionary Book on the lectern. All that's required is a loud speaking voice and the desire to share God's word. Lectors normally sit near the lectern at the beginning of the service, then rejoin the congregation after their readings.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (sometimes called EMs) have three roles in each service: they lead the responsive Psalm or Canticle assigned, they lead the Prayers of the People, and they serve as Chalice Bearers offering the wine during Holy Communion. Lay Eucharistic Visitors are trained as EMs but also carry communion to the sick or shut ins. EMs are normally licensed by the bishop for a period of 3 years, and licenses are renewable indefinitely. Training is provided for both jobs upon request. If you're interested, please contact Lanny Lancaster or Ken Rains.

The word "Acolyte" means follower, or one who helps. The acolyte helps the priest during the worship service by performing several very important functions: lighting the candles, bringing out the Gospel book, receiving the bread and wine along with the offerings at the offertory, helping set up the altar for communion, ringing the consecration bell during the prayers, and of course - carrying the cross, torches, or the Gospel book in processions. Acolytes wear a white robe, just like the Eucharistic Ministers, and they sit near the altar because they are important worship leaders. Anyone over 11 years old can be an acolyte -- we have a blend of adults and young folks who serve in this ministry. If you are interested in learning how to be an acolyte, we provide you with training plus allow you to "shadow" a veteran acolyte during a service to see exactly when to stand or sit and when to do each task. It requires attention to the service, and close attention to the priest, but being actively involved in our worship services makes the attention worthwhile. If you're interested in becoming an acolyte, please speak to either Ken Rains or Lanny Lancaster and we can arrange your training, or just answer any questions you might have. Consider what it means to help prepare and serve at communion and to lead the service with the cross each Sunday. It might just be what you are called to do.