Join Our Worship Ministries

These worship ministries are essential to our life together as a community of faith. Whether you’re called to serve at the altar, read Scripture, welcome visitors, or support our worship in other ways, there’s a place for you. Contact the church office to learn more about these meaningful opportunities to serve.

There are many ministry areas supporting our worship together. Points of contact are noted for each. Their contact information is available in our Realm Directory or from the church office – 828-884-3666 or getintouch@stphilipsbrevardnc.org

Acolytes – Youth and Adult

Acolytes assist the clergy in worship by carrying the cross, lighting candles, setting the table and preparing the rail for communion at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services and for special services.

Altar Guild

A dedicated team of volunteers who are responsible for the altar and sanctuary, preparing for worship services and caring for the sacred vessels, linens, and appointments used in worship. Members work behind the scenes to ensure everything is ready for the celebration of Holy Eucharist and all other services.

This quiet ministry of service requires attention to detail, reverence for sacred things, and a commitment to regular service. Training and mentorship is provided, as well as a detailed Altar Guild manual with instructions and pictures to help everyone with setting up for any service.

Altar Guild Brass

On a monthly basis, responsible for keeping the brass polished.

Altar Guild Flower Committee

Responsible for the flower arrangements for Sunday services and special services.

Altar Guild Linens

Responsible for the care and cleaning of the altar linens. New members work with a mentor during a training period.

Lay Eucharistic Ministry

Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist in distributing the consecrated bread and wine during services. An annual training session is required, and new LEMs are approved by the Rector and licensed through the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina.

Eucharistic Visitors

Eucharistic Visitors are lay people who bring the bread and wine consecrated during the Sunday services of Holy Eucharist to people who seek to be included in the Body of Christ but are unable to attend worship. Eucharistic Visitors provide a brief worship service from the Book of Common Prayer during the visit, and serve as a meaningful link that connects the homebound to the larger congregation. Eucharistic Visitors are trained by the clergy and lay leaders and licensed by the diocese.

Readers

Readers read the appointed scripture lessons for each service, and help lead the Prayers of the People during worship. Readers must attend an annual training session, usually offered in August, and new readers must be approved by the Rector.

Ushers

Critical to the efficient flow during services, ushers greet people arriving at the church, provide appropriate information and service leaflets, answer questions, guide visitors, and help people find seats within the nave and chapel. Responsibilities include enabling the collection of offerings, guiding parishioners during the Holy Eucharist, and ensuring that those with physical challenges have access to the Eucharist by communicating with the clergy.

Welcomers

An opportunity to welcome and answer questions for newcomers (or anyone else) after Sunday morning services year-round, as well as offer visitors a Welcome bag that contains church information and treats inside. This team is often the first experience for visitors to interact with a parish member.

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