Our Ministries
Lay Ministries
Christians are baptized into the life, death, and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ and given gifts for ministry in service of His mission. All baptized people are called to minister in the world in Christ’s Name and to identify their gifts for His ministry with the help of the Church. Gifts developed and directed towards the spread of God’s kingdom serve Christ’s mission at all times and in all places. All baptized Christians are ministers every moment of their lives in all their endeavors.
While there is a range of ministries in which individuals may engage, there are some ministries within the church that require specific formational training. It is an honor and solemn responsibility to present the sacred readings and distribute the wine in the context of worship.The Episcopal Church requires that the diocese license, at the discretion of the Bishop, those who engage in these specific ministries:
Worship Leader:
A Worship Leader is a lay person who regularly leads public worship under the direction of a Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith. A Worship Leader may publicly and regularly lead the Daily Offices of Morning Prayer, Order of Service for Noonday, Evening Prayer, and Compline.
Chalice Bearer/Eucharistic Minister:
A Chalice Bearer/Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. A Chalice Bearer/Eucharistic Minister should normally act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith.
Eucharistic Visitor:
A Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation, who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration. A Eucharistic Visitor should normally act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith
Lay Reader:
A lay reader is a member of the congregation who reads one of two passages from Holy Scripture, typically one Old Testament reading and one New Testament reading, during a service.