Worship Ministries
On any given Sunday morning, we need about 15 volunteers to make St. Paul’s worship experience rewarding. The clergy rely on a core of volunteers to perform these ministries each week. If you are interested in serving in any capacity, contact the Church office or call 202-726-2080.
ACOLYTES
Youth and adults—age 9 and up—assist the clergy as ministers around the altar during the service. If you would like to be a member of the acolyte team, contact the office for training sessions and fellowship activities.
“Be joyful in the Lord all you lands. Serve the Lord with gladness and come before His presence with a song.” (Psalm 100:1)
ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild is the service group for the altar and sanctuary. They prepare the altar for all services held in the church. Members clean and store the vessels, maintain altar linens and vestments, polish silver and brass items, and do general cleaning around the altar in teams of three. Each team serves once a month.
“Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.”(Roman 12:11)
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS/VISITORS
Licensed by the bishop, these lay ministers assist the priest in administering the chalice during Holy Communion at our services. Our Lay Eucharistic Visitors are authorized to take Communion after the service to sick or homebound parishioners.
“Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” (1 Corinthians 10:17)
LECTORS
The lectors are lay readers who volunteer to read the scripture lessons during the service. Training sessions are offered each year.
“Blessed is the one who reads the words . . . and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it.” (Revelation 1:3)
USHERS
The ushers perform many critical functions on Sunday morning. With the greeters, they welcome parishioners and newcomers, pass out bulletins, and direct traffic during communion.
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God.” (Psalm 84:10)
INTERCESSORS
Intercessors lead the congregation in the prayers of the people from the center aisle, offering our prayers, thanksgivings, and intercessions as part of our worship service each Sunday.
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone." (1 Timothy 2:1)
WORSHIP COMMITTEE
The worship committee works with the rector to plan and implement all music, worship, and fellowship events in the parish. The worship committee provides input to the rector about worship-related matters as well as feedback from the congregation.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)