Assist with Worship

We're currently gathering for online worship as we continue to take precautions to prevent COVID-19 infection and spread. Though the roles are somewhat different for online worship, volunteers are still needed. We seek GSLC members and those who call Good Shepherd their church home to help with worship in a variety of ways:


Signup to be an assisting minister, reader or Zoom host.


Choir members have been recording hymns. If you’re interested in offering musical gifts, sharing a children’s message or helping to plan worship, please contact Pastor Wendy.


Once we begin gathering in person again, we anticipate the additional activities below will resume.

  • Acolytes 

    Children who’ve received first communion instruction, youth and adults are welcome to serve as acolytes at the 8:30, 9:45 or 11 AM worship services, lighting the altar candles and assisting with communion. For more information, view the Acolyte Handbook (pdf).


    Typical schedule: Occasionally

    Sign-up to acolyte

    Contact: Denise Steene, education ministry coordinator

  • Altar Guild

    The Altar Guild cares for the chancel (the area of the worship space where the altar is located) and prepares the altar for worship each week. Teams work on a revolving schedule. Special projects, such as decorating the church for holidays, polishing the silver and spring cleaning provide periodic opportunities for those who can’t commit to a regular schedule.


    Typical schedule: About once a month

    Contact: Christine Redon

  • Assisting Ministers

    Assisting ministers (liturgists) work in partnership with the presiding minister to lead the worship services. In addition to leading the prayers, the creed and other portions of the service, assisting ministers distribute the wine during communion.


    Typical schedule: Occasionally for 8:30 or 11 AM worship

    Signup to be an assisting minister

    Contact: Marlene Koenig

  • Chamber Choir

    Weekly Choir Meet-up

    Join the 7 PM meet-up online

    Meeting ID: 561 561 808

    Passcode: 588003

    Join by phone: 301-715-8592

    Find your local number


    The Chamber Choir sings an array of musical styles from traditional to contemporary at the 11 AM service and once per month at the 8:30 AM service. Practices are held from 7:30 to 8:45 PM on Wednesdays. Choir members also provide choral music for evening worship services and at other special services during the year.


    Typical schedule: Weekly rehearsal and worship, Sept. through June

    Contact: Daniel Jackson, choir director

  • Children’s Message

    Volunteers sometimes provide a short children’s message between the gospel reading and the sermon during the worship services.


    Typical schedule: Occasionally

    Contact: Pastor Wendy

  • Communion Presenters

    Communion presenters bring the bread and wine to the altar during the offering at the 8:30 and 11 AM services. Children and families are encouraged to assist as presenters.


    Typical schedule: Occasionally

    Contact: Elise Lewis

  • Flower Committee

    Members of the flower committee create floral arrangements for the sanctuary (altar and baptismal font) and entry/lobby. Committee members alternate weeks arranging flowers for Sunday worship year-round except during Lent. Training is provided.


    Typical schedule: About once a month

    Contact: Janet Miller

  • Greeters 

    Greeters welcome worshipers and answer questions or provide assistance as needed before each Sunday service (a bit before 8:30, 9:45 and 11 AM September through June or 8:30 and 10 AM in July and August). They may also greet folks as they leave the church after worship.


    Typical schedule: Occasionally

    Contact: Elise Lewis

  • Instrumentalists 

    Guitars, woodwinds, keyboards, brass and other instruments enhance the worship liturgy and congregational songs and provide prelude and communion music.


    Typical schedule: Occasionally

    Contact: Rhonda Rose, organist

  • Readers/Lectors 

    Volunteers (sometimes called lectors) read the first and second scripture lessons and the psalm during worship. Information on what scriptures will be read and any specific details are emailed to readers a few days in advance of the scheduled service.


    Typical schedule: Occasionally for 8:30 or 11 AM worship

    Signup to be a reader/lector

    Contact: Marlene Koenig

  • Solos & Ensemble Music at 8:30 Worship

    Vocal solos, duets and other ensembles enhance the 8:30 AM worship services on a periodic basis. A rehearsal(s) are scheduled as mutually convenient.


    Typical schedule: Occasionally

    Contact: Rhonda Rose, organist

  • Ushers 

    The ushers distribute worship bulletins, receive the congregation’s offering, guide worshippers during the communion, and set up the microphones for the 8:30 and 11 AM services.


    Typical schedule: Varies, usher teams work out schedules

    Contact: Paul Lund

  • Worship & Music Ministry

    This ministry team plans and oversees Good Shepherd’s worship services in conjunction with Pastor Jen and the music staff.


    Typical schedule: Monthly meeting

    Contact: Theresa Szkromiuk, worship & music ministry chair

  • Youth Choir

    The youth choir welcomes children in 3rd grade and older. The group sings during worship services and at special events on a periodic basis. Rehearsals are scheduled in advance, typically Wednesdays at 7 PM in the worship space or Sundays at 10:45 AM, downstairs in the dining room/Sunday School area.


    Typical schedule: Occasionally

    Contact: Nancy Lopez