The Ministry of the Laity

Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. (Romans 12:11)

On a regular Sunday, there are as many as 20 people (not counting the priest) who are scheduled to be there to help with the service. When Godly Play resumes in September, that number will increase. Most of these are listed on the bulletins: our acolytes, readers, technology operators, organist / MIDI players, altar and flower guild, oblationers, hosts, and bishop’s committee members of the day.

Some are unsung heroes – those who have signed up to bring donuts and make coffee and the tellers who organize the offering and deposit it at the bank. It takes many hands to serve in the different roles needed for a welcoming, organized, and reverent Episcopal liturgy.

We currently have about 85 people who serve in a scheduled role on Sunday mornings. This is fantastic – it truly is. And… it doesn’t take complicated math to see that 20 roles each Sunday over a given month uses up 85 people pretty quickly. In months with five Sundays (like this one) several people will serve more than once.

We need your help.

There is space in every position, and especially among lay eucharistic ministers, livestream operators, and MIDI operators. If you are willing to serve in a scheduled position, please let Betsy Kumbalek know (ekktex@gmail.com).

By the middle of August, Betsy will be at work on the September schedule and would LOVE to have more names to include. If you have questions about a role or are interested in training, please reach out to me or to anyone already serving in that position.

I recognize that not everyone is comfortable in an active role during the service. Bringing the donuts and making the coffee is also very important! Ginger Faught provides the signup sheet for that ministry and helps with reminders.

In the Episcopal Church, our liturgy is not something “put on” by worship leaders and observed by everyone else. It is the work of the people – all the people, lay and ordained.

Your participation, scheduled or unscheduled, blesses everyone present and enhances our worship.

The next time you are sitting in a pew, watch those who are in a scheduled role and consider if there is a role you would be willing to try. Thank you for your service to our church.