Worship Support
Acolytes:
St. John‘s Church has a very active corps of dedicated acolytes. These young men and women, grades 6 through 12, have the honor and privilege of serving and assisting the clergy during the 8:45 and 11:15 services during the winter, and the 10:00 service during the summer. In addition, they may assist at additional special services during the year as necessary.
All acolytes, whether new or returning, are required to attend a training session held in late August of each year. Acolyte teams for the year are assigned from those attending this session. Additionally, adult men and women serve at the 7:30 a.m. service during the winter and the 8:00a.m. service during the summer.
Contact: Rick Johnson — 704-544-9382
rick4994@bellsouth.net
Altar Guild:
The Altar Guild is an organization whose purpose is preparing the worship areas for Sunday services, the Tuesday healing services, weddings, baptisms, and funerals as they occur. The Guild is divided into four weekly groups who gather in the Sacristy on Saturday mornings to clean and polish silver and brass for that Sunday‘s services. Laundry duties include each week‘s Purificators (linens used on chalices for communion) and other linen items, as needed.
With four services each Sunday from September through the end of May, each group has designated members to clean up and reset after the 7:30 and 8:45 services and clean up and return to storage cabinets all vessels used for communion after the last service. The processional Cross and torches are also returned to the Sacristy.
Flower arrangements designated for delivery are placed in the hallway outside of the Sacristy, where a member of the Flower Ministry will pick them up.
Contact: Anne Parker — 704-541-3194
anparker@tuckeradministrators.com
Chalice Bearers:
A chalice bearer is one who assists with distributing the wine during Holy Communion. Any older youth or adult may become a chalice bearer following training and licensing, and will be scheduled on a monthly rotation. It is an honor and solemn responsibility to distribute the wine in the context of worship.
Contact: Rev'd Amy Huacani — 704-366-3034
ahuacani@saintjohns-charlotte.org
Lay Readers and Intercessors:
Lectors assist during all four of the Sunday morning services by reading the Old and New Testament lessons.
Intercessors lead the congregation in reading the Prayers of the People. Training is available from one of St. John‘s vergers.
Contact: Kerry Johnson — 704-366-3034
Kerry@saintjohns-charlotte.org
Southminster:
Morning Prayer is led by lay people on the first and third Sundays of each month at Southminster Retirement Community, located at 8919 Park Road. This service of Morning Prayer is a short version from the Book of Common Prayer, printed in a booklet. The leader prepares a five to seven minute homily and robes in a cassock and surplice. The service lasts from 11 to 11:30 am; leaders should arrive at 10:30. This is a wonderful and enriching Spirit-filled service both for our teams and the residents of Southminster.
Contact: Mary Catherine Coon — 704-542-7801
Thirdorder@aol.com
Ushers:
Volunteer ushers direct and escort parishioners before, during, and after church services. Volunteers are assigned to a team; each team takes one service for a month, three times per year. Teams are happy to add to their ranks;
newcomers are welcome!
Contact: Bill Nuttall — 704-366-2493
wenuttall@earthlink.net
Vergers:
A verger is a person within the Church who assists the clergy in the conduct of public worship. The Verger serves the church in a ministry of welcome; the duties of the Verger vary from parish to parish. The Office of Verger dates back to the Middle Ages when the verger was the "Protector of the Procession." He led the procession into the church or cathedral, clearing the way for the procession and protecting it from vagabonds and animals that tried to attack it. Today, in many parishes and cathedrals you will see a verger ceremonially leading the procession. At St. John‘s, we have a team of vergers who share in this ministry. To inquire about becoming a verger, contact Fr. Paul.
Contact: Fr. Paul S. Winton — 704-366-3034
pwinton@saintjohns-charlotte.org
Worship Committee:
The Worship Committee critiques the various services held at the church. This group works with representatives
from the altar guild, ushers, acolytes, lay readers, choir, etc. A member of the clergy is present at all meetings, held bimonthly on Mondays at 6pm.
Contact: Bill Nuttall — 704-366-2493
wenuttall@earthlink.net
To get involved, complete our online Opportunities for Ministry Form.