Worship Ministries

Acolytes – Youth from 4th grade through 12th grade who assist priests during services. Acolytes serve many essential roles during the service. Acolytes bear the cross, torches, and the Gospel Book, as well as other items at times, during the processions in and out. Acolytes also light and extinguish candles before and after the service. Senior acolytes also assist the deacon in preparation of the table for Holy Communion. They also serve in numerous other ways during the services as needed. Acolyting is a great way to involve the youth of the church in the leadership of worship and to integrate them into the church. If you are interested in becoming an acolyte or in your child becoming an acolyte, please contact one of our wonderful Acolyte Masters: Mike Medley or Lillian Howell.

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Altar Guild – The altar guild is an absolutely vital ministry in the church. These lay people prepare the sanctuary for the service. They hang the appropriate linens for the season or day, they put out, clean up, and store the elements (bread, wine, and chalices). Altar guild is a time honored and wonderful way to give back to the church and take a leadership role. Our leadership will be happy to train you fully. Please contact Jeanne Murphree if you are interested in joining the Altar Guild.

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Choir – The choir at St. Stephens is a completely volunteer choir, led by our very own Sara McElroy. The choir is a vital part of our worship here at St. Stephens. We use a four part choir, and are always on the lookout for people who would like to share the joy of song with the congregation of St. Stephens. The choir rehearses every Wednesday evening. If you are interested in joining the St. Stephens choir, please contact Sara McElroy.

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Contemporary Service – The contemporary service is held on the third Sunday of each month. It features largely contemporary Christian praise music accompanied by a guitar and piano. The service is followed on apowerpoint presentation rather than by using the prayer book to give a more laid-back feel to the service. The Holy Eucharist (Lord’s Supper, Communion) is a central part of every service. Volunteers are needed to usher, read the lessons and prayers, and serve as an acolyte. If you are interested in participating in the Contemporary Service, please contact Melanie Heartfield.

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Greeters – Greeters arrive at least 20 minutes before each service. Their job is to greet people coming to the service with a smile and a welcoming nature. Also, they direct people to our nametags so that we might more easily feel a part of the church. After the service, the greeters help direct people to Broce Hall for coffee and fellowship time. If you are interested in becoming a greeter, please contact Judy Johnson.

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Lay Eucharistic Ministers – Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM’s) assist in the administration of Holy Communion to the congregation, usually as a chalice bearer (offering the blood of Christ, aka the wine) for the people after the priest or deacon has given them the body of Christ (aka the bread). Some LEM’s also take on the role of bringing communion to those who are homebound or hospital bound. There is a mandatory training session before being licensed as an LEM. If you are interested in becoming an LEM, please contact The Rev. Nancy DeForest.

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Lectors – Lectors are licensed to read aloud from scripture during the worship service. They are put on the schedule in a rotating basis. Reading is a very meaningful and important way for the congregation to participate in the leadership of the worship service. There is a mandatory training session before being licensed as a lector. If you are interested in becoming a lector, please contact The Rev. Nancy DeForest.

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Music Ministry – Adult and children’s choirs, and handbells. The music ministry at St. Stephens is led by Sally Wilson, our music director. Music is an integral part of the main worship services here at St. Stephens,and we take the preparation of good music very seriously. Sally Wilson oversees the music ministry in all its forms and helps to schedule other musicians for special services. If you have a musical gift you would like to share, please contact Sally Wilson. If you are interested in joining the choir, please contact Sara McElroy.

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Ushers – Ushers greet and help seat people coming to the service, as well as hand out service bulletins. They are also available to answer questions. During the service, ushers have several duties, including: getting an accurate count of the congregation so that the deacon can prepare the proper amount of bread and wine for the Eucharist; indentifying people in the congregation who have limited mobility and might prefer that the priest brings communion to them; taking up the offertory and bringing it up to the altar. If you are interested in serving as an usher, please contact Dennis Crabtree.