Lay Ministries

Acolytes

Acolytes assist the priest at all services and may be any person, male or female, from fifth grade though adulthood.  Acolytes will generally serve once a month, and more frequently during special seasons.  Training will be provided.   Acolyte duties provide a close connection with the service and a unique opportunity for participation in the worship life of the church community. 

Altar Guild

The members of the Altar Guild prepare for the worship service, under the direction of the clergy.  They provide suitable furnishings and decorations for the altar and care for the altar appointments. A new member would train with an experienced person and study the manual.  The group has additional duties during special services. At least one member is needed for approximately one hour for each service.

Eucharistic Ministers

A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person, trained to administer and distribute the consecrated host (Eucharist) to other parishioners during the service. 

Eucharistic Visitors

The Eucharistic bread and wine is delivered to the homebound or those in a medical facility by the Eucharistic Visitor.  Special training and instruction is a prerequisite to becoming a Eucharistic Visitor. 

Lectors

Lectors assist at the service by reading lessons and leading the Prayers of the People.  Training is provided. 

Greeters

Greeters welcome parishioners and visitors attending each service, answer any questions they may have and direct them to an usher for a service leaflet and an offer to seat them if they choose. 

Good Shepherd

Each Sunday, the blessed altar flowers are delivered to members or friends of St. David’s by the Good Shepherd volunteers.  Some recipients are ill at home or in a medical facility; some are simply being recognized, as a friendly gesture, or for a special occasion.   

Hospitality Ministers

Visitors are met and welcomed by the Hospitality Minister.  The newcomers are shepherded through their initial period at St. David’s, guided to programs available, introduced to members, invited to special events, until such time as they become incorporated into the life of the parish. 

Ushers

Ushers greet people, distribute service bulletins, guide visitors, offer to seat parishioners, pass the offering plate and direct parishioners to the altar rail for Holy Communion. 

Coffee Hour Hospitality

Hosting the weekly coffee hour, following the Sunday late service, is an important part of the hospitality and fellowship at St. David’s Church.  Members rotate responsibility for serving coffee, tea, juice and light snacks. 

Pastoral Care

An important component of life at St. David's is Pastoral Care.  The members of the Vestry and the Pastoral Care Team are committed to communication with the parishioners for whatever care may be needed.  There are both short-term and long-term prayer lists, as well as a  prayer chain for confidential concerns.  The Good Samaritans stand ready to help with a variety of practical needs. The Pastoral Care team meets monthly with the rector to review the needs of the community.  

Prayer Lists and Prayer Chain

The Prayer Lists, both short and long-term, appear each week in the service bulletins.  The names submitted for the prayer lists are not only members of the parish, but may include friends and family.  We are asked to pray for these individuals for a variety of reasons and concerns.   

The Prayer Chain provides a direct  response when parishioners ask that others pray for them or for someone closed to them at a time of special need or crisis.  The Prayer Chain consists of a group of individuals committed to setting aside some time daily to pray for individuals with specific concerns.  The confidentiality of these individuals and their concerns is assured. 

The Good Samaritans