“When you count acolytes, Chalice bearers, ushers, greeters, nursery people, altar guild, choir, and so on, there are more people involved in an Episcopal service than in any other. And there are more opportunities to be involved.”

Donna H. Barthle, Diocese of Central Pennsylvania
from 101 Reasons to be an Episcopalian

Acolytes
The acolytes of St. Andrew’s serve God in the Church and in this parish by preparing for, assisting and participating with the clergy and people in the celebration of public worship on Sundays and Holy Days. Acolytes play an instrumental role in Sunday and Holy Day worship with the parish throughout the year.

Altar Guild
” . . . the duty of the altar guild is to prepare all the things necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist or other sacraments and offices of the church. The preparations are done in a manner so that any service may be conducted in decency, order and beauty for the worship of Almighty God and his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

From The Complete Training Course for Altar Guilds
by B. Don Taylor

The Altar Guild completes all the behind the scenes work necessary to prepare the church for each service, as well as housekeeping duties (candles, linens, holy water, brass followers, and so on).

Childcare
Nursery for infants through age 4 is provided each Sunday.  Summer Sundays for children will begin June 1, 2008.

Choir
Under the direction of choirmaster Timothy J. Krueger, The St. Andrew’s Choir leads the congregational music, enhancing the liturgy and ennobling our collective praise. Members of the choir have been very committed to weekly rehearsals and services as well as times such as Advent, Christmas, and Holy Week. More…

Eucharistic Visitors
A Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner immediately following the Sunday celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the St. Andrew’s congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, are unable to be present at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on any given Sunday. The role of Eucharistic Visitor is defined by the national canons of the Episcopal Church, and each Eucharistic Visitor is trained and licensed by the Diocese of Colorado and serves under the direction of the clergy. This ministry involves a significant commitment of time on any given Sunday. Our Eucharistic Visitors can be visiting anywhere from 2 to 6 persons in home, hospital or care facility settings as they engage in a relational ministry of presence as well as carrying the sacrament.

E-Z Ministry
E-Z Ministry is dedicated to providing rides for those without transportation, enabling them to attend church services. Rides are rotated amongst volunteers so no one person is burdened, an E-Z way to help.

St. Benedict’s Guild
Members of St. Benedict’s Guild read the Old and New Testament lessons for each Sunday and holy day service. In addition, Guild members greet visitors at the door, distribute bulletins, assist with seating of members and guests and represent the congregation in presenting the offering of gifts for each service.

Visitor Welcoming Committee
The Welcoming Committee sends a letter of greeting and information about the church to those who sign our visitor register in the narthex. We offer to answer questions, meet with visitors and introduce guests to the congregation. On Sundays we are also on the alert to greet people who are new faces to us, invite them to coffee hour and engage them in conversation.