Worship Ministries
Usher Ministry
The Usher ministry is a vital part of the worship service. The purpose of the Usher on Sunday mornings is to greet EVERYONE with a smile and a warm "Good morning". People serving in this role help everyone feel welcome when they enter the church by assisting them in finding seats, and ensuring that everyone is informed of what is expected during the service through the distribution of the bulletin.
The Usher represents the entire congregation in the collection and offering of monetary oblations to the altar. After the service, they make sure that guests are welcomed to the coffee hour. Being a Usher, while not overly difficult, is an extremely important ministry that is available to everyone. Joining the Usher Ministry Team is a wonderful way to meet members of St. Monica and St. James. Please contact the Parish Office if you are interested in learning more.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Lay Eucharistic Visitors are laypersons licensed by the bishop to administer the consecrated elements of the Eucharist. Eucharistic visitors may be licensed to administer the consecrated bread and wine at any celebration of the Eucharist in the absence of a sufficient number of priests and deacons to assist the celebrant. They may also be licensed to go from a Sunday Eucharist or other principal celebrations of the Eucharist to share the sacrament with members of the congregation who were unable to be present at the celebration because of illness or infirmity.
At St. Monica and St. James, if you are unable to come to church and are in need of having the consecrated bread and wine brought to you, please contact the Parish Office.
Lector Ministry
A lay person trained in reading scripture who is appointed by the clergy person in charge of the congregation to read lessons or lead the prayers of the people. The term is from the Latin, "to read." There is no license required for this lay ministry. A Lector may also be known as a reader.
It is important for us in the Episcopal Church to have lay participation in the Mass. At St. Monica and St. James, we seek those who would like to read the lessons for the Sunday Mass. If you are interested in reading, please contact the Parish Office. We would love to have you consider becoming a Lector at St. Monica and St. James. Please contact the Parish Office if you are interested in serving as a Lector.
Mass Servers
Master of Ceremony: An MC, alongside clergy, coordinate the ceremonial aspects of the Mass.
Server: A server is a lay person who assists a deacon or a priest in preparing the table for the Eucharist.
Thurifer: A lay person who carries/swings the thurible during the service and censes the priests and congregation during the Mass.
Crucifer: A lay person who carries the crucifix during the procession in and procession out of the Mass.
Torch Bearer: A lay person who carries the lighted candles for the processions.
Banner Bearer: A lay person who carries the church's banners for the processions.
We are always delighted to welcome new servers to the altar team at St. Monica and St. James. Please contact the Parish Office if you are interested.
Music Ministry
We have a sweet organ and choir and all are welcome to be a part of the choir! Our music is from the tradition of the Episcopal Church with hymn selections from the Hymnal 1982, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and Wonder, Love, and Praise. We welcome all who would like to "make a joyful noise to the Lord" (Psalm 98). Please contact the Music Director at music@smjec.org if you are interested.
Hospitality Ministry
Fellowship is an essential part of who we are as a community of faith. We gather after each service for coffee and conversation. After the 11 a.m. service we offer snacks and on the second Sunday of the month, we host Potluck Sunday where we bring a favorite dish to share.
Do you have the gift of hospitality and service? Please consider signing up to host fellowship after the 11 a.m. service. Hosts are responsible for bringing snacks, setting up for fellowship, serving, and cleaning up. Have questions? Talk to Mildred Engram or Debbie Sonderman.