On the night when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, he took off his robe, wrapped himself in a towel, and washed his disciples feet. Then he said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:14-15). Assisting in these ministries of the gospel is a wonderful way to follow Jesus’ example in serving one another. The Church of the Advent’s Eucharist service is made up of three parts: Gathering in the Name of the Lord, The Word of the Lord and The Table of the Lord. Each part involves a number of Lay Ministers (persons who are not in the clergy). During each portion of the service a different part of the gospel is acted out, therefore, each role is vitally important.
Gathering in the Name of the Lord
Greeters & Ushers
Greeters and Ushers serve the Advent community by being an inviting presence as people come to worship. Greeters do this by welcoming people as they arrive and by connecting with newcomers. Ushers serve by passing the plates during Tithes & Offerings and by directing the congregation during the Eucharist. Both Greeters and Ushers are available and look out for the needs of the congregation before, during and after the service.
The Word of the Lord
Lay Readers
Lay Readers support the ministry of Advent through the reading of the scripture lessons. The Word is meant to be read aloud and heard by the congregation as it was originally experienced in the early church. This continues in our worship today.
Prayers of the People
The Prayers of the People is designed to be a time of corporate prayer where the leader represents the church body in prayer. It is a time of response to God’s Word, and also a time of intercession for the church, the community and the world. The Prayers of the People is a time that invites the church body to join in prayer by actively, yet silently praying with the leader as well as by praying aloud during the appropriate times.
The Table of the Lord
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the Lord’s table for celebration of Holy Communion. During the giving of Tithes & Offerings the acting member of the Altar Guild carries the bread and the wine to the celebrant. This is a representation of that all of these gifts are given from the people.
Chalice Bearers
Chalice Bearers administer the cup of wine during Holy Communion.
Eucharistic Prayer
The Eucharistic Prayer minister plays a vital role in the service, praying with anyone having need from the beginning of our celebration of the Lord’s Supper through the end of the service. The Eucharistic Prayer minister’s role is to facilitate an encounter with Christ through prayer.
Notes
All roles require various amounts of training. Some are by invitation only (i.e. those involving the Table of the Lord) and require prerequisites such as membership and spiritual maturity. This is not to suggest that you cannot communicate interest in serving in a particular role, but it does not guarantee that you will be asked to serve. If you are interested participating please email Blake.
Sound, Slides & Music
We are always in need of additional help with sound, slides, and sometimes with music. Particularly, if you have training, experience, or even just willingness to learn about live sound/audio engineering, please contact us. Likewise, musicians, and folks who can setup and run the slide show are essential to our corporate worship services. If you are interested in serving in any of these areas, please email Wendell.