Most of the teams are under hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on Sunday mornings, visit the worship page or be in touch with a member of the staff.
Church on Sunday morning is a team effort. The clergy and Altar Guild, Lay Minister and Acolytes, Ushers and Greeters, Hospitality and Choir, Sunday School volunteers and Nursery workers: all of them give time and talent to give thanks and praise to God, and to grow in faith and in the knowledge and love of God in Christ. Below find basic information about some of those ministries. Contact us to join or learn more.
Acolytes
Acolytes are young people who assist clergy and lay ministers in conducting the liturgy. Carrying sacred items in procession, and assisting with Holy Communion, Acolytes are young people who assist clergy and lay ministers in conducting the liturgy.
Altar Guild
The St. Stephen’s Altar Guild is a group of dedicated parishioners that is responsible for preparing the altar and sanctuary for worship, and for the care and maintenance of the worship vessels and vestments of the parish. It is a ministry that is prayerful, careful, and joyful. The Altar Guild helps all of us to worship God, “in the beauty of holiness.”
Flower Guild & Bouquet Ministry
Members of the St. Stephen’s community have been engaged in a new ministry of flowers. Some members work together to create the altar flowers that are displayed in front of the altar for Sunday morning worship, and others dismantle the flowers after the service into separate bouquets which are then delivered by individuals to members of the community.
Choir
The choir sings at our 10am service on Sundays from September to June, leading the congregation in hymns and canticles, and singing anthems and other music to glorify the Lord in worship. The choir includes both trained section leaders and community volunteers, and rehearses every Thursday evening during choir season. Throughout the year, the choir also leads music at special services and feast days.
Greeter
Greeters are the welcoming face of the congregation. They help newcomers who may not be familiar with our campus, and welcome old friends who come every Sunday. Greeters usually serve in pairs, and also help direct newcomers to coffee hour after the service.
Lay Minister
Teams of lay ministers serve alongside clergy and acolytes to lead the congregation in worship. Lay ministers read the lessons and prayers in church, and help administer the sacramental bread and wine.
Hospitality
Our Hospitality teams serve every Sunday and make sure that our coffee hour is a welcome place for guests and regulars alike: making sure there’s coffee and cream, and providing more than the usual coffee hour fare.
Usher
Teams of ushers serve at either the 8am or 10am service every Sunday, and enable the congregation to better experience the worship service, offering hospitality and taking care of a few essential tasks. Ushers are also a resource, helping get people what they need (a seat, a bulletin, directions to the bathroom, etc.) and to orient and welcome newcomers.