Worship Ministries

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8

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.

Avondale House

Holy Cross members lead a worship service on the 3rd Sunday of every month for the residents of Avondale House, a group home for mentally disabled adults. Help is needed with the worship service and music. All are welcome to come and provide singing and fellowship at these services.

Cascade Plaza

Holy Cross members lead a worship service on the 2nd Sunday of every month for the residents of the retirement community at Cascade Plaza. Help is needed with the worship service and music. All are welcome to come and provide singing and fellowship at these services.

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.

Lay 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 license is required.

Marionwood

Holy Cross members lead a worship service on the 4th Thursday of every month for the residents of the retirement community at Marionwood. Help is needed with the worship service and music. All are welcome to come and provide singing and fellowship at these services.

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.

Wedding Coordinator

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 Wedding Hostess is present at the rehearsal and wedding to assist with preparations. If you are interested in this fun ministry contact Laurie.

Music Ministries

“Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds - His name is Lord…” Psalm 68:4a

Dorothy Angwin, Director of Music

Adult Choir

The adult choir leads congregational singing at the 10:00am service. The choir is open to anyone who can sing “on pitch”! Choral experience is not required. In addition, the choir participates in special services as the clergy may schedule, including Christmas and Easter. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 7:00pm to approximately 8:30pm with Sunday morning warm-ups from 9:15am to 9:45am in the choir section of the church. 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!”

Bell Choir

The Holy Cross Bells is open to older teens and adults of any age! A time for regular rehearsals will be set at the convenience of the ringers. We ring on special occasions at Christmas and Easter. In addition to learning the techniques of hand bell ringing and of sight-reading music and rhythms we experience the joy of corporate worship through music - we have a marvelous time ringing to our Lord!

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. If you would like to sing or play to the Glory of God in this way or participate in a Recorder Consort, please let me know!