Advent Church

MINISTRIES OF WORSHIP

Altar Guild

It is an honor and pleasure to serve Advent Episcopal Church as a member of the Altar Guild, a service that often becomes a lifetime commitment. By so doing, we feel a part of each service and are attuned to changing liturgical seasons. What better way to serve God in His church than to set a perfect table where communion wine and wafers are consecrated.

Eighteen members of the Altar Guild work in four teams to prepare for celebration of the Eucharist and other sacraments and offices of the church, so that they may be carried on in reverence, order and dignity to the worship of God. Members sign up for services and duties which best meet their personal schedules. Special jobs are taken on by the directress, secretary, treasurer, supply chairman, and flower chairman.

We care for and maintain all altar vessels and linens. Our responsibility extends to candles, oil, and flowers. The Guild plans and oversees the greening of the church at Christmastide and provides special flowers and plants at Eastertide. An important source of funding for these obligations is flower donations as memorials for loved ones or incelebration of special occasions. Another source of funding is the parish Christmas card, mailed to all members of the congregation, for which donations are accepted.

Regular meetings are planned four times a year at the beginning of major church seasons so that we may be prepared to meet the needs of the priest and congregation. Advent Altar Guild is a member of the Diocesan Altar Guild and is represented at semi-annual meetings. Our work behind the scenes is carried on quietly and prayerfully. We welcome church women who are interested in learning more about the Guild.

Eucharistic Ministers

At Advent Episcopal Church, Eucharistic Ministers perform the dual functions of chalice bearer and worship leader, also known as lay reader. Ministers serve once or twice a month, alternating between reading the lessons of the day and Prayers of the People.

This ministry allows the Eucharistic ministers to participate in an extremely important and fulfilling function in the administration of the sacrament.

Music Ministry

Advent’s Music Director, Shin Hwang, leads musicians in providing worship music at the 10:00 service. On most Sundays, our service provides a blend of traditional hymns accompanied by the organ, with contemporary praise music led by singers and backed up by piano, guitar and drums. In order to provide choral anthems a few times a year, the Advent choir collaborates with members of the group Cantate, an a capella group that resides at Advent.

Ushers

The ushers play a visible role during the church service at Advent, assisting the rector and congregation in making the service flow smoothly. Other duties range from welcoming visitors and answering questions that they may have concerning our Sunday programs to distributing the altar flowers, cleaning and locking up the Sanctuary after the service. Fifteen men and women of Advent are organized on four teams, each assisting one Sunday a month.

Annually, the ushers sponsor the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper at the church. In addition we offer assistance to the Altar Guild throughout the year especially during the greening of the church as Christmas time.

We welcome all members who may be interested in learning more and even participating in this ministry.

OTHER MINISTRIES

Healing Ministry

The Prayer Chain is activated by calling two prayer chain heads who call several others in the chain. Information is strictly confidential and limited to chain members.

The Pastoral Care Group, consisting of the rector and several parishioners, meets monthly to determine what they can do for parishioners needing help. This group makes the rector aware of issues and concerns parishioners have that might not be evident otherwise. What is discussed is of the highest confidentiality. The rector does not reveal anything of a confidential nature, nor do the prayer ministers discuss what has been confided to them. Assistance and visitations from the rector and/or pastoral care group members often come from these meetings.

Healing/Prayer Ministers. These people are available to pray for healing for congregation members who request prayer after receiving Holy Communion at the 10:00 a.m. service.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors are trained and licensed by the Diocese. Upon request, the Lay Eucharistic visitors take Holy Communion into homes or hospitals for those unable to receive communion at church. The priest is always made aware of this service.

Hospitality

The Hospitality Committee is comprised of twelve dedicated women who provide coffee hour refreshments to the parish after 10:a.m. service every Sunday. Working in three teams of four persons each, the weekly duties are divided up among the members to ensure a fair share of the workload and a variety of goodies. The Hospitality Committee also assists with any special events that occur at Advent.

Newcomer Greeters Committee

The people standing behind a table in the narthex near the main entrance of the sanctuary on Sunday morning are the newcomer greeters. Their job is to welcome all visitors to Advent. In addition to welcoming visitors, they are there to answer questions about our worship service, programs, and facilities. We encourage visitors to sign the guest register and invite them for coffee and fellowship in Sibley Hall. We follow up with a thank you note the week after their visit.

Even though you may not be an official member of the greeters committee, every Advent member should take note of new people and make a point to say hello. It is important to make newcomers feel welcome.

Outreach

The Outreach Committee is an active and integral part of the Advent community. The committee meets on the first Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Together we decide how best to serve God's people in the world. We believe in supporting ministries through both financial donations and volunteer work.