Get Involved at Holy Cross
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” — Isaiah 6:8
For Sunday Readings, click here | For our quarterly Ministry Schedule. click here
Acolytes
Acolytes carry the processional cross and candles, and assist the Priest during Eucharist. Fellowship outings and parties are planned throughout the year. Young people, 5th grade and older, are invited to join this ministry and new members are always welcome. A short training is required. Help is also appreciated in event and party planning.
Altar Guild
The beautiful liturgies of the Episcopal Church are designed to provide meaningful worship. The Altar Guild ministry helps provide a “worship-full” environment for those who participate in each service - including ourselves. We are a group of women and men who do the “holy housework” of the altar and church before and after each service. Each member is trained and works with others until s/he is comfortable to work alone.
Flower Guild
The philosophy of the Flower Guild is to give honor and glory to God and bring joy and beauty to our worship service through our creative efforts. Individual guild members prepare the weekly floral arrangements for the altar and we all work together to decorate the church at Easter and Christmas. New members are welcome and mentoring is available.
Ushers
Ushers have the important role of creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all those who attend on Sunday morning. Duties include seating latecomers, handing out bulletins, carrying the offering and elements of the Eucharist forward, and preparation of the altar rail for communion. Some families use this ministry as a way to serve and worship as a family.
Weddings
A Wedding Leader serves as a liaison to the church administrator, the Altar Guild, the Organist and the Flower Guild, to work out details of the ceremony. A separate Wedding Hostess is present at the rehearsal and wedding to assist with preparations. If you are interested in this fun ministry contact Laurie.
Lay Eucharistic Ministries
Lay Eucharistic Visitors
Trained and licensed Eucharistic visitors take the sacrament to those who are ill, home-bound, or in the hospital. When visiting, a team member brings the Eucharist, prays and shares the service of that day. Visits are usually one hour every other week and can be adjusted to meet members’ schedules. This ministry requires training and a Diocesan license.
Worship Leaders, Lectors, and Chalice Bearers
Worship leaders and lectors assist the Priest during the Sunday worship services. They read the lessons from Scripture and lead the Prayers of the People at the services. Training and licensing is required for worship leaders. A short training is required for lectors. Chalice/Paten Bearers assist the Priest in administering the chalice during the Sunday worship services. A short training and diocesan license is required.
Music Ministries
“Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song.” — Psalm 100:1-2
Adult Choir
The adult choir leads congregational singing at the 10:00am service from September through mid-June. They also sing an anthem on most Sundays and for special services including Christmas and Easter. Everyone is invited to join the choir! Rehearsals are held at the church on Thursday evenings from 7:00pm to approximately 8:30pm with Sunday morning warm-ups starting at 9:15am. In addition to sight-singing and interpretation of text and music, choral techniques are taught. Through these skills we experience the joy of corporate worship and that delightful thought, “He (she) who sings, prays twice!”
Handbell Choir
Handbell choir is open to new and experienced ringers who want to “make a joyful noise.” This group is a lot of fun! Bell techniques and music reading skills are taught to beginners. Pieces are chosen to provide opportunities for the whole group to play together and to offer challenges to more advanced ringers. Rehearsals are held after the 10:00am service on most Sundays.
Holy Cross Handbells recording during COVID-19!
Vocalists and Instrumentalists
There are occasional opportunities for other vocalists and instrumentalists to participate in our worship services. Such music may be traditional or contemporary, folk or classical. They are plenty of opportunities “special music” in the summer months, If you would like to sing or play to the Glory of God in this way, please contact Beth.