Worship Support Ministries
Lay Readers
At the Church of the Good Shepherd, the team of Lay Readers shares the responsibility of reading the prescribed scriptural readings from the Lectionary for the Sunday morning worship services. These readings may include an Old Testament passage or a Psalm, and will always include the Epistle reading from the New Testament. The ordained Clergy read the Gospel. Lay Readers join in the ancient tradition of proclaiming God’s word to the congregation and it is a great privilege to serve God in this capacity.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is comprised mainly of women who seek to serve the Lord by literally setting the table, doing the laundry and the dishes. It is a quiet but sacred responsibility that requires commitment and dedication, not to mention, attention to detail. Members of the Altar Guild commit to serving before and after each service, including weekday services, weddings and funerals. They set the altar with the fair linen, the candlesticks, the patent and chalice, among other sacred vessels and utensils. They are also responsible for taking away these items, cleaning them, and storing them properly. Although the Lord is the Host of the table at each Eucharist, it is a blessing to serve at His side in these simple but important tasks.
Acolytes
Ushers/Greeters
The Altar Guild is comprised mainly of women who seek to serve the Lord by literally setting the table, doing the laundry and the dishes. It is a quiet but sacred responsibility that requires commitment and dedication, not to mention, attention to detail. Members of the Altar Guild commit to serving before and after each service, including weekday services, weddings and funerals. They set the altar with the fair linen, the candlesticks, the patent and chalice, among other sacred vessels and utensils. They are also responsible for taking away these items, cleaning them, and storing them properly. Although the Lord is the Host of the table at each Eucharist, it is a blessing to serve at His side in these simple but important tasks.
Lay Eucharist Ministers
Lay Eucharistic Ministers serve in a beautiful and selfless way. They are trained and charged with taking the blessed Eucharistic elements, the wine and the bread, to those that are unable to attend the Eucharist at Church. If an individual is sick, hospitalized or home-bound, the Lay Eucharistic Minister is trained to read the Holy Eucharist service in the Book of Common Prayer and administer blessed elements to them. They read prayers and share any announcements that may have taken place during the service at the church. Serving as a Lay Eucharistic Minister is a great calling and a blessing, as we seek to administer the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If you feel called to serve God through any of our Worship Support Ministries, or if you know of someone who would benefit from having a Lay Eucharistic Minister visit them, please call the Church Office at 361-882-1735.