In the Episcopal Church, worship is not a spectator sport. We pray, all of us raising a common voice. We sing, lifting up our praise to the Most High. We listen for the voice of God in Scripture. We meet the risen Christ in bread and wine. And through that encounter with Christ, we are equipped to go out into the world to love and serve the Lord.

Worship is something we do, not something we watch. It is liturgy, which means the work of the people.

All of us are the ministers in the worship of God. Some lead prayer on behalf of others. Some offer special music. Some preach. Some attend to the work at the altar. Some lift up their prayers and song to create a community of holiness and blessing that we call “the congregation.” But everyone serves. Everyone is essential. Everyone helps to comprise the living Body of Christ in this place.

To make worship happen at Saint Andrew’s, we need the unique gifts that all the different members of the Body bring to the table. All of the following liturgical ministries are open to new volunteers anytime:

Acolytes

Acolytes serve in processions, bearing crosses, candles, and flags; and they serve at the altar, helping to prepare the table for Communion. All young people in grades 7 through 12 are welcome. Contact Ward Cook at 816-210-3276.

Click to view the August Acolyte schedule

Click to view the September Acolyte schedule

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild prepares the church for worship. Members lovingly care for the vestments, linens, and silver used at the altar. The also tend to the candles and flowers, and they manage the bread and wine needed for Communion. The guild gathers several times each year for fellowship and support. Members make a five-year commitment to this rewarding ministry. Contact Karen von der Bruegge or Melissa Rock.

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers assist the clergy by serving the chalice to parishioners during Communion. Contact for more information.

8am EMs

Click to view the 8 a.m. EM schedule for the third quarter (July - September)

10:15am EMs

Click to view the 10:15 a.m. EM schedule for August

Click to view the 10:15 a.m. EM schedule for September

What is a Eucharistic Minister?

Eucharistic Ministers (EMs) are lay persons who assist the clergy with the Eucharist. You have probably seen them at the regular Sunday services, wearing white robes and offering you the chalice. EMs also serve at special services and funerals as needed. At St. Andrew's, we have a group of 30 EMs who participate in this important liturgical ministry. 

Eucharistic Ministers are licensed by the bishop on recommendation of the rector. The basic requirements are that you are a member in good standing of the parish and confirmed. New EMs participate in a 1-2 hour training sesssion. Beyond that, the time commitment is fairly minimal for such a fulfilling experience. It is possible to be a EM - even if you are only available one Sunday a month. We arrive 15 minutes early for the service and leave immediately afterward. 

If you think you might be called to be a Eucharistic Minister, talk to Elizabeth McInnis or any member of the clergy.

Eucharistic Visitors

Eucharistic Visitors help care for ill and homebound parishioners by bringing them Communion after Sunday-morning worship. Visitors are trained by a deacon. Contact Sara or Charlie Johnson at 816-763-8663.

Greeters

Greeters are the face of the Body of Christ in this place because they are the people whom visitors meet first. Greeters are stationed at the church doors to offer a friendly “good morning” and help everyone fill out a nametag. Greeters also are responsible for helping visitors and newcomers find their way around the building, guiding parents and kids to the nursery and Sunday school rooms. Contact Priscilla Long at 816-941-8749.

• Greeter Guidelines
• Greeter Checklist

Lectors

Lectors proclaim the Word of God by reading Scripture during worship. Lectors need a good speaking voice and a desire to bring to life the stories of the Bible. Contact Allen Colfry for more information.

Click to view the Lector schedule for May 30 - September 5 *

Click to view the Lector schedule for September 12 - January 30 *

* changes in assignments are handled directly by the lectors and therefore the lectors assigned for each Sunday may have changed

Order of Saint Luke the Physician (OSL)

The Order of Saint Luke (www.orderofstluke.org) is a healing ministry whose members pray with and for parishioners during Communion. OSL members commit themselves to daily prayer and Scripture reading, regular worship, sharing the Gospel with others, and regular meetings for learning and growing together in Christ. Contact Deacon Michael Shaffer, Chaplain or Joel Nelson, Convener for more information.

Click to view the August OSL schedule

Click to view the September OSL schedule

Ushers

Ushers greet newcomers and old friends alike as they enter the nave for worship, handing out bulletins and answering questions. During worship, they collect the offering and present the bread and wine at the altar. After the liturgy, the ushers pick up the bulletins and rearrange the prayer books and hymnals in the pews. Ushers generally serve during one month of each year, usually for two or three Sundays of that month. Contact Richard Coulson at 913-831-4200.