Ways to Serve in Worship Ministry
Be a part of something sacred. Serving on the worship team is a meaningful way to grow in faith and help create the beautiful, reverent worship we share each Sunday at Saint Stephen’s. Whether you’re drawn to reading Scripture, carrying the cross, setting the table, or offering prayers, there’s a role for you. No experience is needed—just a willing heart and a love for our liturgy.
Please take a look at the opportunities below and reach out to Gretchen Lerner, our Minister of Welcome and Pastoral Care, to learn more and find out about upcoming trainings.
Come discover the joy of serving in worship—we’d love to have you with us!
Acolytes
All young people have a place in ministry at Saint Stephen’s. Acolytes serve in a variety of crucial roles in during Sunday services, and they are the leaders of worship. The crucifer carries the cross in and out of the Nave, leading the procession each way. Torch bearers carry candles representing the light of Christ. The server carries the Gospel book – the Good News of God through Jesus. The children’s crucifer carries a smaller cross, leading children in 4K through second grade to Children’s Chapel. There are even special occasions that an acolyte carries the Saint Stephen’s banner.
Eucharistic
Ministers
These confirmed members of the parish are often referred to as “Chalice Bearers.” They are responsible for administering the Cup with the blood of Christ (wine) during Holy Eucharist on Sundays, as well as other special observances, such as funerals and holidays. Shifts are scheduled well in advance, and preference can be given to service times and dates. To serve in this role in the church, confirmation by a bishop and training with clergy in this parish are required
Lectors &
Intercessors
Lectors and Intercessors play a large role in Sunday worship as ministers of the Word. Lectors read Holy Scripture from the Old Testament, Psalms, and New Testament selections. Intercessors read the prayers appointed each week, as we pray for the church and the world. Training is provided to help prepare for these roles and have fulfilling experiences in ministry. Shifts are scheduled well in advance, and preference can be given to service times and dates. Readers may also be asked to serve at other services, such as funerals.
Ushers
Ushers have an important role in worship. They greet those who arrive at Saint Stephen’s to attend worship and help direct people to where they need to go. They distribute bulletins, count attendees, pass offering plates through the congregation, and following the service, they help with depositing the collection and picking up bulletins. Ushers remain aware of their surroundings during worship and are part of the team that can respond if there are emergencies or problems. Training is provided. Shifts are scheduled well in advance, and preference can be given to service times and dates. Ushers may be invited to serve at other services, such as funerals or special events.
Greeters
Greeters serve as ambassadors and offer a welcoming presence as people arrive at Saint Stephen’s. They help show people where to go around the campus for childcare, worship, Christian formation, handicap-accessible routes, and other parts of our facility. Greeters introduce themselves to people – whether new to our parish or long-time attendees. Shifts are scheduled well in advance, and preference can be given to service times and dates.
Sound &
Video Team
The sound and video ministry is a vital component of our Sunday morning team, as worship is now broadcast via livestream to reach parishioners in their homes. A production booth at the back of the church has computers to control video cameras and insert pre-recorded material into worship. Volunteers test and turn microphones on and off, depending on who is speaking, adjust volumes, and make sure that the sound in the Nave enhances the worship experience. Shifts are scheduled well in advance. No prior experience is needed, and training is provided.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a ministry that happens behind-the-scenes. It is both solemn and joyous, and it is a great way to build relationships with others at church. The Altar Guild is responsible for fixtures on and around the altar during worship, including linens, changing the liturgical color of hangings, polishing silver, setting up bread and wine for Holy Eucharist, and preparing for weddings and funerals. They work in teams, generally one Sunday a month, and people of all ages are welcome. Training is provided throughout the year.
Flower Guild
The Flower Guild works in teams, choosing and arranging flowers for Sunday worship and other events at the church. Arrangements are set up behind the altar, and sometimes in the Parish Hall or Gathering Space. If you have a love of flowers, have worked with floral arrangements before, or want to learn how to do this ministry of creativity and beauty, please let us know.
Funeral Guild
Saint Stephen’s meets our parishioners in their time of need. Melding worship and pastoral care ministries, the Funeral Guild attends to hospitality during and following a memorial service. These volunteers are so very appreciated by the family and friends of those who are grieving. The Funeral Guild arranges for snacks and beverages to be provided at Saint Stephen’s, collaborating with clergy and staff on particulars that arise. Volunteers serve on an irregular basis and are notified via email when there is a need. It is an accessible way to support worship and pastoral care, while also working as a team.
Healing Intercessors
There are those in our midst who have a deep willingness to pray with us in our times of need. At Saint Stephen’s, we call these dedicated people Healing Intercessors, who serve as physical and tangible witnesses to healing in our community. They ask for what a person would like prayers, offer a brief prayer, and make the sign of the cross with oil on the person’s palm or forehead in conclusion. Healing intercessors are asked to serve most frequently at the Celtic service on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m., and there are other services during the year where it is appropriate and beautiful to have their presence.
5 p.m. Celtic
Set-up Team
Worship in a quiet place is restorative on a different level. At Saint Stephen’s, we welcome volunteers to help set up and support the Celtic Eucharist service on Sunday evenings. Serving in a team environment one time per month, parishioners pray together, set out and light candles, serve as readers and Eucharistic ministers, and greeters for the slower-paced reflective service.