Worship Guilds and Committees

Each Sunday, our worship services rely on volunteers who serve our parish to prepare it for worship, sacraments, services, and prayer. We are always looking for more volunteers in the ministries listed below. If you feel called to serve at Emmanuel, please reach out to the rector to or contact any of the people listed in the individual ministries below. No experience is necessary; training is provided.

Acolytes

Any young person between the ages of 7 and 18 is invited to join “The God Squad” – our group of acolytes. Acolytes serve at Eucharists, and have also served at funerals and weddings. There are many roles for acolytes within the service, and the group also gets together for training and social time. Please contact Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth. Altar Guild. All members of the parish who are at least 16 years old are invited to be members of the Altar Guild. The stalwart members of our altar guild serve “behind the scenes” to prepare for each service of Holy Eucharist, setting the altar with the elements for Communion, as well as for special services. They also care for the altar linens, vestments, and vessels, and altar linens. Please contact Elizabeth Riedel.

Broadcasters and Communication

The team manages the livestream and sound engineering for services, providing a vital technological bridge to homebound parishioners and the wider digital community. Beyond broadcasting, all members are welcome to help keep our website and Facebook page current. Please contact Andrew Field if you would like to participate.

Building and Grounds, Garth

All adult members of the parish are invited to join our Buildings and Grounds Committee. This committee works in tandem with our Junior Warden on the upkeep of our building. A subset of this committee is responsible for our Garth – the inner courtyard and memorial garden. Please contact Frank Durkee if you can assist.

Choir

All members of the parish are invited to join the choir. Our choir helps us to pray with music, and they prepare psalms and anthems for each Sunday from Labor Day through Trinity Sunday. Choir members rehearse on Tuesday nights and on Sunday mornings between services. Please see the tab “Music/Choir” under the Worship and Spirituality tab for more information. If interested in participating, please contact Stephanie LaMotte.

Eucharistic Ministers

Lay members of the parish may be licensed by the bishop to serve as Eucharistic Ministers assisting the priest in the distribution of Communion at any Eucharistic service including funerals and weddings. Members of the parish who are sixteen years of age or older who are interested in this ministry should talk to Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth and take the training course offered by the diocese.

Eucharistic Visitors

Our parish includes lay members who have been licensed by the bishop to assist the clergy in taking Communion from the Sunday service to parishioners who are homebound or hospitalized. If you can help, please contact Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth and take the appropriate training course offered by the diocese.

Flower Guild

All adult members of the parish are invited to join our Flower Guild who Prepares fresh floral arrangements and greenery to beautify the sacred space for Sunday services, weddings, funerals, and holy days. They also plan and decorate the parish hall for receptions and special events. If you do not have flower arranging experience, guild members are happy to provide guidance. To learn more about the flower guild and becoming a member, please contact Susan Flanigan or Jane Malone.

Kitchen Crew

All adult members of the parish are invited to join our Kitchen Crew. Members coordinate, cook, and serve delicious food for concerts, meetings, receptions, funerals, weddings, and other events held at Emmanuel Church. Members of other churches sometimes join the Kitchen Krew to help with special community-wide events. Please contact Barbara Belden.

Knitting and Crafting Group

Anyone in the community is invited to join our “;In Stitches” group to make beautiful hand-crafted items to sell at our Christmas Bazaar or personal projects for friends and familes. Note that, despite the name, all types of crafters are welcome to join the group which meets on Monday afternoons. Helen Tyson leads the group.

Lectors

All members of the parish, regardless of age, are invited to serve as lectors to proclaim the Scripture. Lectors receive their readings in advance to allow for preparation. Please contact Jeff Scott in the parish office.

Pastoral Care Team

All adult members of the parish are invited to join our Pastoral Care Team. Members visit our shut-ins and those who are hospitalized, write cards for various holidays, provide rides for those members who cannot drive to church or other events, and in many other ways, take care of our members during times when a little extra help is needed. Please contact Jenifer Emley if you can help.

Ushers

All members of the parish, regardless of age, are invited to serve as an usher or greeter for our services. Ushers greet people at the door, hand out bulletins, help with the Offertory, regulate traffic flow during Communion and maintain order and security of services. All are welcome to usher, as well as families with children. Please contact Richard LaMotte if you would like to participate.

Worship Leaders

Worship Leaders are lay members who are trained to lead worship services such as Morning and Evening Prayer. Members of the parish who are interested in either of these ministries should contact Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth and take the appropriate training course offered by the diocese.