Service Participation
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom" Colossians 3:16
As members of a Christian Community, we have wonderful opportunities to serve one another during our worship together each week. We always remember that "liturgy" literally means "the work of the people." All members of the parish are encouraged to take active roles in our worship services. Periodic training is held for all of these roles. Anyone interested in learning about these opportunities should contact the church office.
ROLES DURING SUNDAY SERVICES
Here are the many opportunities to serve in liturgical roles, presented in the order in which you might encounter them each Sunday:
Greeters - "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" is a phrase many of us have seen and heard before. At Prince of Peace it is the Greeters who extend that welcome to everyone who enters our doors.
Ushers - Ushers play an important leadership role during the service from the back of the church. They pass out bulletins, collect the offering and bring the gifts to the Altar during offertory.
The Altar Guild - This group of parishioners works to prepare the altar for every service held throughout the week and maintains the altar furnishings and vestments. Their work is always visible during Sunday services, mid-week services, weddings, baptisms, confirmations and funerals. Men and women are welcome to serve.
Acolytes - This ministry is fundamental to our worship and includes members from age 9 through 70+! We typically have one server at the 8:00 AM service and the 10:15 AM service includes one server/crucifer and two torch bearers. On festival days we include a thurifer (incense bearer), banner carriers and others.
Readers/Lectors - Lay persons may lead public worship under the direction of the Rector. At Prince of Peace lay readers lead Morning Prayer and read the scripture lessons during the Sunday worship. It is expected that these leaders will be confirmed communicants in good standing.
Eucharistic Ministers (Chalice Bearers) - Eucharistic Ministers are licensed by the Bishop to administer the consecrated elements of the Eucharist. The Eucharistic ministers also lead the Prayers of the People each week.
Eucharistic Visitors - We take Holy Communion on a regular basis to those members of the parish who are unable to get to church due to illness or family circumstances. Through the Eucharistic Visitors the parish community remembers those parishioners, thereby including them in our worship. Eucharistic Visitors receive special training and are licensed by the Bishop. They meet periodically with the Rector for coordination and support.
Music - There are many ways for children and adults to participate in the music programs at Prince of Peace, including the Adult Choir, the Children’s Choir, the Peace Ringers Bell Choir and as instrumentalists. Please see our separate section on musical programs for more information.
Healing Prayer Companions - At both Sunday services we provide an opportunity for anyone to pray and to receive prayers for themselves and others. This ministry is offered by members of the congregation who feel called to act as Christ's servants in the healing process.
OTHER SUNDAY ROLES
Christian Education and Faith Formation - Nursery, Sunday School and Youth Classes are all available every Sunday and on other special occasions. A regular series of adult formation opportunities is also offered. Please see our Christian Education page. Children are always welcome to attend worship with their parents.
Hospitality Committee - This ministry helps create a welcoming atmosphere in the church by providing food and decorations for receptions and other fellowship times. The volunteers on this committee are often called upon to assist during funerals and memorial services as well.
Health Ministry - Maintaining physical health is part of a person’s spiritual life. With this in mind, the health ministry offers a free monthly blood pressure screening administered by a healthcare professional in our congregation. Periodic informational programs about health-related topics and congregational training for use of the defibrillator on premises are provided. We also have a telephone-activated prayer chain for those in need of the support of our prayers.
Decorating Committee - This ministry has the joyful responsibility for decorating the church for the Easter and Christmas seasons. The committee members transform our sanctuary to help us fully recognize the spiritual importance of these blessed seasons.
