Assist with Worship
At Good Shepherd, worship isn’t a spectator sport, whether you’re in the pews, with us online or assisting with the service. We seek GSLC members and those who call Good Shepherd their church home to help with worship in a variety of ways.
Many of these activities are occasional; those that are on a regularly scheduled basis are noted as such.
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
Contact: Denise Steene, education ministry coordinator
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 (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
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: Church office
Volunteers sometimes provide a short children’s message between the gospel reading and the sermon during the worship services.
Typical schedule: Occasionally
Contact: Denise Steene, education ministry coordinator
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: Christine Redon
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: Church office
Guitars, woodwinds, keyboards, brass and other instruments enhance the worship liturgy and congregational songs and provide prelude and communion music.
Typical schedule: Occasionally
Contact: Alex Gray, organist
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
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: Alex Gray, organist
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
This ministry team plans and oversees Good Shepherd’s worship services in conjunction with Pastor Kate and the music staff.
Typical schedule: Monthly meeting
Contact: Bruce Purdy, worship & music ministry chair
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
