Liturgical Guilds
The liturgy is central to life at St. Mark's and everyone prays together at our Sunday service. There are also many opportunities to make contributions of time and talent to our worship. The liturgical guilds listed on this page offer additional ways to participate in our liturgical celebration.
Flower Guild
The Flower Guild is a group of parishioners who enjoy working with flowers. Working individually or in teams, members obtain and arrange flowers for the Sunday services. Members may also assist with special services such as weddings and funerals. With help from other parishioners they decorate the whole church for the great festivals of Christmas and Easter. Anyone interested is welcome to share in this creative and satisfying experience.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild assists in the Eucharist by taking care of the bread and wine, the candles, and the linens for the altar. Each member is on one of four teams responsible for preparing the alter and sanctuary area one weekend of the month. Teams “set up” on Saturday and “set out” and “cleanse” on Sunday. The Altar Guild is also responsible for the care of linens and vestments, and for polishing the silver and brass. Their treasurer registers memorial and commemorative gifts of flowers for the Altar. The Altar Guild always welcomes new members.
Acolytes
Acolytes enhance our more formal worship services, highlighting the liturgy in the Chancel and in processions by assisting the clergy and lay liturgical ministers. Those interested in this ministry (ages 10 through adult) should contact the Rector or the Director of Acolytes.
Greeters
Greeters attend the main Sunday morning services (and special services as well) and are responsible for greeting newcomers to St. Mark's and welcoming them to the parish, answering any questions they have, and inviting them to join in coffee hour.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Lay Eucharistic Ministers are specially trained and licensed by the diocese to assist the clergy in administering communion in church services. Those with additional training become Lay Eucharistic Visitors and may take communion to the house-bound.
Lectors
Lectors are lay persons who read Scripture and lead congregational prayer at 10 AM services on Sundays and at major Holy Day services. Workshops are held periodically to refresh skills and provide orientation and training for those newcomers who desire to serve in this ministry, which is open to children, youth, and adults.
Oblationers
Oblationers are children and adults from the congregation who take the bread, wine, and offerings to the Altar at the 10 a.m. Sunday service. Serving as an oblation bearer is a good way to mark a special occasion such as an anniversary or birthday. Anyone who would like to be an Oblationer should speak to the Rector or the Chairperson.
Ushers
At the main Sunday morning service (and at special services as well), the ushers are responsible for greeting people as they enter the church, for seeing that all have service bulletins, and for assisting in other ways during the offering, Eucharist, and so on. The group includes both women and men in a wide age spectrum and welcomes additional members.
Worship Committee
This committee includes the heads of all the worship-related guilds and others interested in planning and reflecting on liturgy and worship. The committee works to plan, coordinate, and review the conduct of public worship at St. Mark's, and undertakes special projects to enhance our common worship.