Worship Ministries

Parishioners are invited to share their time and talent during worship services to benefit others in our church family and beyond. Each of these ministries offers a practical means to explore spiritual growth. Training is provided, but no previous experience is required. Come with an open heart and reap the rewards that deepening your connection to God's community of faith can bring.  If you are interested in learning more about any of the St. Thomas’ worship ministries outlined below, we encourage you to contact us.

Acolytes are boys and girls in grades five through high school who assist in the worship service by carrying the processional cross, the symbol of Christ's sacrifice for us, and the torches, which symbolize Christ's light in the world.

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The Altar Guild's primary duty is to prepare all things necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist and other Sacraments and Offices of the Church, preparing the Lord's table and tending the place of worship.

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The baptismal banner ministry serves the newest members of our Church by creating felt banners to celebrate each baptism. The personalized banners are displayed at the front of the Nave and are presented to newly baptized infants at the conclusion of the service.

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Children ages three-years through Kindergarten can be dropped-off prior to the 10 a.m. service for an age-appropriate story, snack and fun.  Children's Chapel meets in the Canterbury Kindergarten classroom (Ms. McBee's). Participants return to the sanctuary in time to rejoin their families for the Eucharist.

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Under the leadership of Louise Yardumian, Director of Music, the St. Thomas’ Chancel Choir leads worship at the Holy Eucharist each Sunday at 10 a.m.  Additional presentations include the Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in early December and seasonal voluntaries at two Festival Choral Eucharists at Christmas Eve and Easter, including the Easter Vigil.  In recent years, the music program has offered several chanted musical Compline services.                                     

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The family Christmas Pageant is presented in early December, providing opportunities for the children of the Parish to celebrate Christ's birth with costumes, narration and music.

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Coffee hosts offer hospitality to our guests and parishioners with refreshments and fellowship  following the 10 a.m. services.

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Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist at the Altar, assisting the clergy in administering the elements at celebrations of the Eucharist and taking the consecrated sacrament to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, are unable to be present at the celebration.

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Every Sunday morning we offer an informal 10 a.m. service in the Parish Hall. It follows the regular lectionary and uses simple language that is accessible to young people. Readings are told as stories, the prayers and creed are interactive and instructional, and music is fun and contemporary. This is a multigenerational worship service appropriate for the entire family.

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Flower Guild members prepare beautiful floral arrangements for the Sanctuary and Church Building and for delivery to those with special needs or celebrations. Offerings may be received in thanksgiving for or in memory of family members and other loved ones.

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Greeters welcome those who enter God's house for worship during the 10 a.m. service on Sunday. They may also help members find their nametags and provide assistance to visitors.

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Participants in our healing ministry are trained in prayer, the laying on of hands and anointing with oil. Healing is offered at the 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday Eucharists and at other appointed times.

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The Holy Folders meet for about an hour each Friday at 10 a.m. to assemble the Sunday service leaflets. They also help to prepare bulletins for holidays and feast days.

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Intercessors lead the congregation in the Prayers of the People during the 8 and 10 a.m. services. This is a multigenerational ministry in which youth of the parish are encouraged to participate.

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Lectors read the Old and New Testament lessons to the Congregation during the 8 and 10 a.m. services and on other occasions. This is a multigenerational ministry in which youth of the Parish are encouraged to participate.

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Nursery volunteers assist the paid nursery attendants in caring for our youngest members, from infancy until approximately age 2. Parents and other adults assist on a scheduled basis every Sunday during the 10 a.m. services.

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During the offertory, oblationists carry the sacramental elements - the bread and the wine - to the Altar to be consecrated for use in the Holy Eucharist. All parishioners are encouraged to consider this ministry in observances of special occasions in their lives. 

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Ushers help guide the logistics of the worship service by handing out bulletins, collecting the alms basins, directing parishioners to the Eucharist and tidying the church after the service.

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