While everyone in the congregation is an active participant in worship through common prayers, songs, and sharing in communion and healing, there are many opportunities to be leaders in worship here.

 

Liturgical Assistants
Acolytes, liturgical assistants, and lay eucharistic visitors are volunteers-members of the parish-who serve at the altar and facilitate the celebration of the parish Eucharist. They lead processions, share in the reading of Holy Scripture and prayers of the people, assist in setting the table and in administering Holy Communion and Unction. Lay eucharistic visitors call on those who are homebound or hospitalized and administer communion to them, thus linking them to the worship of the parish. Parish clergy and seminarians provide training for new volunteers.

 

Lectors
Lectors are members of the congregation who are gifted in the public proclamation of Holy Scripture. Their ministry is to proclaim the appointed reading so that the congregation can hear clearly the Word of God. St. Thomas's relies on a regular rotation of lectors.

 

Usher Guild
Ushers are often the "first line of welcome" to those who visit St. Thomas's and to those who may be seeking a parish home. They are often asked for information about the parish and worship. Volunteers serve monthly in teams of three. Their ministry is to greet parishioners as they arrive, collect and present the offering, and guide communicants to communion, among other duties that help services go smoothly.

 

Sacristans
Members of the Sacristan's Guild or Altar Guild are responsible for "the care of holy things" used in the worship life of the parish. They attend to the vessels, linens, brass appointments, and vestments used in liturgy. Teams of volunteers are assigned to prepare the altar and its appointments for the celebration of the Eucharist, baptisms, weddings, and funerals and to clear away articles afterward. Symbolic actions accompany the laundry of items and the care of silver vessels. Much of the Sacristans' work is done quietly and behind the scenes, enabling liturgies to unfold smoothly.

 

Vestry and Committees
Church leadership at St. Thomas's is made up of both clergy and an elected body of parishoners who serve as the Church Council (Vestry.) The Vestry meets monthly to discuss the needs and wishes of the parish and to make decisions for the St. Thomas's community. Anyone who wishes to serve on the Vestry should talk to the Rector or Chaplain. Vestry elections are held yearly and any member of St. Thomas's can submit their name for consideration. Vestry appointments are typically 3-year commitments.

 

Additionally, there are various committees formed by the membership of St. Thomas's. Whether it be Stewardship, Marketing, Discernment or another, parishoners who wish to give of their time can find a committee to participate in. Committees can be ongoing or of finite duration.

 

For more information, contact the church office.