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WORSHIP
   

St. John's parishioners participate in worship services in a variety of ways. Expand your worship service experience by getting involved today.

 
           
 

MINISTRY

DESCRIPTION

CONTACT

Acolytes
 
An acolyte is a server on the altar and must be aware that the purpose in assisting at the altar is "that God may be glorified". Lay persons (adults and/or children) as acolytes assist the celebrant and deacons during the liturgy of the Mass. They assist in worship by performing such functions as carrying the processional cross, lighting and extinguishing candles, and other duties as directed by the Clergy.

While St. John's has not establish an age criteria for acolytes, an acolyte must be able to carry any of the items used on the altar; understand and follow the parts of the Mass; respond for the people during the Mass; and must be able to perform the duties respectfully and prayerfully.

We encourage parent/child teams; sibling teams; teen teams; adult teams.

The Book of Common Prayer states: At all celebrations of the Liturgy, it is fitting that the principal celebrants, whether bishop or priest, be assisted by other priests, and by deacons and lay persons. (BCP, 322 & 354). .
 

Fr. Frank
Deacon Chuck

           
Altar Flowers   Altar flowers are arranged by Wolz's Florist in Glendale.  
Wolz
           
Altar Guild  
The purpose of the Altar Guild is to assist the clergy. The Altar Guild members work directly under the orders and authority of the priest in accordance with his instructions. The Altar Guild members are organized for the purpose of preparing the altar for celebrations of the Eucharist. This work includes setting the credence table with the sacred vessels (lavabo bowl, towel, cruets of water and wine, and additional hosts); prepare the chalice with purificator, patten, burse and corporal; place the lectionary and book of the gospel in their proper place; ensure the altar is dressed in the proper color of the day (frontal hanging, burse, etc.). The Altar Guild members also clean up after services.

The Altar Guild members are a valuable resource for the parish, both for the work they do and because they always have the best techniques for getting wine and lipstick stains out of fabric.  Since they know where all the hangings, flower containers, and similar church furnishings are stored, they also are the ones who prepare the Church for weddings, funerals, readings of the Daily Offices, and other ceremonies.  The Altar Guild members have a special obligation to attend services and to make the responses audibly.

“The altar is the center of the Christian Church. Around it the people of God gather to celebrate the mysteries of Christ’s body and blood. That sacrament, the Eucharist, along with our baptism, is what binds us to Christ. Whatever we do in the world to live out the Christian life -whether it be prayer, study, work for social justice, ministry to the sick, care of the dying, tending the needs of the poor, and the hungry — all Christian activities arise from the presence of Christ within us and that presence begins at a baptismal font, and gets renewed, and nourished at an altar.”

The above material was printed in EPISTLE, a publication of the National Altar Guild Association (NAGA.) There is also a web site listed: www.episcopalchurch.org/altarguild

  Fr. Frank
Deacon Chuck
           
Chalice Bearers  
Trained lay persons who administer the chalice at the Eucharist, assist with lessons and prayers, and perform other duties as directed by the Clergy.
  Deacon Chuck
           
Greeters Greeters  
Members of the Parish volunteer to be available on Sundays at the beginning and end of each service to welcome visitors to St. John’s, and to help include them in our Coffee Hour after services. All you need is a warm smile, and a willingness to make people feel welcome at our Church home.
  Church Office
623.582.5449
           
Lay Readers / Lectors  
Trained persons who read lessons from the lectern at services.
  Deacon Chuck
           
Library  
Trained persons who donate their expertise to provide us with a fully referenced Library. Books, DVD’s, CD’s, are donated by persons to the Library. These items are then catalogued, entered into our computer system, then shelved for use by our Parish. Volunteers are always welcome to assist in the Library.
  Dorothy Houdek, Louise Bubel
623.582.5449
           
Music:
Chancel Choir
 
Consists of 10-15 members. Most of the members can read music, some better than others. This, however, is not a requirement to join. Our only requirements are a desire to sing and a commitment to attending weekly rehearsals and Sunday services.

Our rehearsals are on Wednesday nights from 7:15 - 9:00 p.m. and we are expected to be at church for a pre-service rehearsal at 9:15 a.m.

We have a lot of fun: Post-rehearsal get-togethers for drinks and snacks, plus a number of parties at members' homes during the year.

Many of us have been members for years, but we're always eager to have new people join. Choose your part: soprano, alto, tenor or bass.
  Alan Glover, Organist / Choirmaster 623.582.5449
           
Music:
Joyful Noise Choir
 
Variety of music focusing on Traditional and Contemporary styles with an acoustic flair. The choir leads the music during the 10 a.m service on the First Sunday of each month.

Practices are Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. New members are always WELCOME! All you need to do is to talk to one of the members and start coming to rehearsal.
  Jimmy Diaz
           
Music: Youth Group Band  
The Youth Band is made up of members of the St. John’s Youth Group, MILC, and plays a variety of contemporary Christian music. We welcome junior high and senior high school youth that are interested in playing or singing. [more]
  Jimmy Diaz,
Lynne Gardner
           
Oblationers  
After the offering has been collected followed by a brief period of announcements, the bread and wine is walked to the altar by the oblationers. You're given the opportunity to start the process of the celebrant preparing our belief of receiving the body and blood of Christ.
  Mick Hand
           
Ushers  
Who might consider being an usher?
This ministry provides some personal interaction with everyone who attends the service. We greet our fellow parishioners at the sanctuary door and welcome them to join us in worship. Ushers assist in gathering the offering and presenting it to the celebrant. Any baptized attendees of the service, are directed by the ushers to receive communion at the alter. The usher ministry provides one a way of feeling part of the service.
  Mick Hand