WORSHIP

Altar Ministry

This ministry focuses on preparing the altar for Sunday worship.  Volunteers order flowers and coordinate the flower fund, launder communion cloths, polish silver, and during holiday seasons hang banners and special altar cloths.  Volunteers

also deliver flowers after the 11:15 AM service to ill or homebound members. 

One way to participate in this ministry is simply by signing up to donate flowers for a particular week.  Donations are often made in memory of loved ones or in honor of special dates, or simply in thanksgiving to God.  Sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board near the upper room. 

Praying with Pastors

Praying with the pastors before a worship service is a wonderful blessing for both the person praying and for the pastors. 

Prayer takes place in the vestry about 10 minutes before the beginning of the service.  The pastors and those offering prayer stand in a circle.  You pray to bless the service, the pastors, and those who will be attending.  You may certainly write

out the prayer and read it rather than speak extemporaneously, if that is more comfortable for you. 

Sign up for a particular Sunday on the bulletin board near the upper room. 

Reading Scripture

The reading of God’s Holy Word is perhaps the highest privilege of lay leadership, and is the centerpiece of Stanwich worship services.  Those who read scripture

are asked to prepare by practicing the two assigned scriptures and following the introductory “script” which is mailed to the reader early in the week.

The reader uses the NIV pulpit Bible and speaks reverently and in a loud, clear voice.  If you feel that the Lord has given you this special gift, please sign up for a particular service on the bulletin board near the upper room. 

Ushers

Ushering at Stanwich is a vitally important ministry, as our ushers truly set the tone for the service as they greet people and graciously help them to find a place to sit.  They also prepare the sanctuary prior to each service, including lighting the candles, making sure the collection plates are in place, monitoring the climate controls and ringing the bell. 

Ushers are part of a team, and each team serves approximately once every six weeks.  Usher training is available. 

Sermon CD/Tape Ministry

This ministry records sermons and makes them available on compact disc, cassette tape, and online in mp3 format.  Volunteers set up recording equipment, create CD’s and tapes, format sermons into mp3 files and transfer them to the web site.    

Tech Angel

This ministry supports the worship services by ensuring that all audio-visual equipment and electronics are set up and working properly.  

To volunteer or obtain more information, please contact the church office or one

of our ministry leaders.