Worship ministries at St. John's Episcopal Church, Norman, Oklahoma

Our worship ministries make the services happen at St. John's Episcopal Church, Norman, Oklahoma, USA.

Worship Ministries

Worship Services - Worship Ministries

Many people and groups make our worship services happen, including greeters, ushers, acolytes, Layreaders and Eucharistic Ministers, the adult choir, the Handbell Choir, and the Altar Guild.

Greeters

Greeters are an important part of what makes St. John's a friendly, attractive place to worship. This ministry provides a friendly welcome to visitors and new members as well as those familiar faces of long-time church members. Greeters rotate schedules, serving in pairs at all of the Sunday Eucharist services, with one person in the foyer and the other at the new entrance from the parking lot. To join this friendly group, contact the church office at 321-3020.

Ushers

Anyone wishing to join the ushers has an open, year-round invitation to participate in this special ministry. Volunteers serve on two-person teams at the Sunday 10:30 a.m. service, and the teams rotate throughout the year.

These teams facilitate parish worship by greeting and seating parishioners, new members, and visitors; distributing worship bulletins; physically assisting worshipers when needed; collecting the offering; and assisting with communion.

An usher orientation is scheduled each fall and is announced in The Evangel. To participate in this vital ministry, contact the church office at 321-3020.

Acolytes

The acolytes assist the clergy and congregation during services. They meet during the year as a group to study and train, so that they can better serve the Church.

Acolyte teams are made up of 9 to 11 servers. They perform duties as torch bearers, flag bearers, and crucifers. During special services when bells and incense are used, the acolytes will administer them as well.

The acolytes serve at approximately 104 Sunday services each year: three Christmas Eve services, Confirmation, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Holy Saturday services. There are currently about 70 acolytes.

Training may begin in the fourth grade (age 9) for those interested in becoming an acolyte, and youth may begin at any age above this.

Please contact the church office at 321-3020 if you are interested in joining an acolyte team.

Layreaders & Eucharistic Ministers

St. John's Corps of Lectors and Layreaders consists of layreaders who read the Old Testament lesson and the Psalms, and Eucharistic Ministers or Chalicers, who read the Epistle and serve the chalice.

In addition to serving at three Sunday services each week, some of St. John's "Ministers of the Word" also serve at services on special days, the chapel Eucharist every Tuesday morning, monthly memorial services in the columbarium chapel, and monthly services at two nursing homes. They also participate in funerals.

The group usually meets quarterly to practice and sharpen reading skills. These people are truly committed to their calling and contribute a large measure of dignity and understanding to the Word of God at St. John's.

For more information, contact Betty Ruth Jackson via the church office at 321-3020.

Adult Choir

The adult choir provides music for the 10:30 a.m. Sunday services from mid-September until early June. The choir offers varying styles of music for the worship services, including: Classical, Anglican chant, contemporary folk, and 16th century with Latin text.

Rehearsals are held Wednesdays, 7:15 - 8:30 p.m., and new members are always welcome. Child care is available with prior arrangement.

There are also opportunities to join the choir for just Christmas Eve and Easter services. Music for these special services is rehearsed the first 45 minutes of regular rehearsal time (7:15 - 8 pm) for three to four weeks in advance.

No experience is required to sing in the choir, but your voice should be able to blend into the choir ensemble. The ability to read music is recommended.

For more information about the choir, please contact Dr. Linda Kelly through the church office at (405)321-3020.

Handbells

The Handbell Choir is a fun and enthusiastic group. They offer hymn-based selections during the 10:30 am worship service, periodically. We seek to improve basic techniques while learning new ones.

The Handbell Choir is open to all, whether or not you read music. In addition, any young person may ring as long as a parent rings also. Please contact Linda Kelly first if you are interested in this arrangement.

The Handbell Choir meets on Monday evenings, 6:00 - 6:45 pm, in the choir room, from September to April each year. No child care is currently provided, but contact Linda Kelly if this is helpful for you.

The Handbell Trio also performs for the 10:30 am worship service. This group works on more advanced techniques including ringing many bells per person.

If you are interested in joining the Handbell Choir, please contact Dr. Linda Kelly through the church office at (405)321-3020.

Altar Guild

The altar guild is responsible for the preparation of all worship services. This includes the care of the sacred vessels and sanctuary appointments, the altar linens, candles, wafers, wine, priests' vestments, and all things necessary to set the Lord's Table.

The altar guild is organized into teams that rotate weeks of service.

Membership in the altar guild is a most gratifying ministry and privilege, as members serve God through regular work and worship. Anyone who is a confirmed communicant in good standing and who desires to find a greater growth in grace and a deeper understanding of God's presence, is welcome as a prospective member and should contact Carol Upchurch through the church office, at 321-3020.