There are many ways for you to get involved in Worship Ministries at St. Stephen’s. Simply review the information below, and if you have questions or are interested in learning more, contact Larry Reynolds, Minister of Worship.
Acolytes serve at Sunday morning worship (and on special feast days and holy days) by leading processions with the processional cross and torches, by carrying the gospel book and an occasional banner, and by serving at the Altar. Acolytes are drawn from youth in grades 3-12. Fun social events are planned through the year, including taking part in the Diocesan Acolyte Festival at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Minneapolis.
Altar Guild members are amongst the hardest working ‘worker bee’ members of any worship ministry. Founded nearly 75 years ago, the St. Therese’s Altar Guild of St. Stephen’s was named after the patron saint of those who adorn and accessorize the altar and surrounding worship spaces.
Eucharistic Ministers are specially trained and licensed non-ordained Ministers who serve bread and wine at communion Eucharistic Ministers may take further training to become licensed Eucharistic Visitors. Eucharistic Visitors take communion out to those who are unable to leave their places of residence.
5-O Ministry Teams. Each of the four weekly ministry teams at the 5 O’Clock Service include — one Verger, one Lector, one Prayer Leader, two Eucharistic Ministers, and one or two Hospitality Ministers. At the 5-O, there are no vestments, no processions, and very little ceremonial to be concerned with…just the joy of serving.Hospitality Ministers do more than just hand out service bulletins and seat people. They give a friendly greeting to everyone at the church entrances and are available to provide all sorts of information to visitors and guests.
Lectors. Reading scripture during worship is an ancient tradition in the Christian faith. The public proclamation of God’s Word is a great privilege as well as an important responsibility. Lectors at St. Stephen’s are required to go through a special training and orientation before being placed on the roster.
Prayer Leaders. Leading the congregation in prayer on Sundays is done by lay persons who are trained in public petitional prayer.
Vergers. Vergers are the ‘masters of ceremony’ of the church. They lead processions and manage the myriad of details which surround a typical church liturgy. Eucharistic ministers who have had experience as lectors and prayer leaders, and who have exhibited a special ability for detail and liturgical leadership are encouraged to register their intent with the Head Verger.
Worship Environment Team. The church’s worship spaces are decorated at special festival times throughout the year, most notably Advent, Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, and All Saints. The Worship Environment Team works together to place flowers, plants, decorations, hangings, and other adornments for special occasions.