Lay Ministry

Pastoral Lay Ministry at St. Stephen's

In the recent past, the Pastoral Lay Ministry Committee experienced renewed vigor. We have engaged in Homecoming Eucharists for old friends; Sock Ministry for people who are homeless and in transition; Pennies for Peace for schools in Afghanistan; a deepened commitment to the Millennium Development Goals and an Alternative Gifts Bazaar.  We have new parishioners from the Lodge at Otter Creek, in part due to services and visits there.  The Fourth Sunday ministry at Helen Porter Healthcare is in its fourth decade, and the monthly Communion nourishes many there.  We have also hosted a Safer Church training, and Diocesan Diaconal Retreats. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact our deacon Lucy Pellegrini through the Parish Office.

Other Lay Ministries

There are a variety of roles parishioners can play to support worship at St. Stephen's. Please contact any of the ministry coordinators to see how you can become involved in the following areas:

• Greeters/Ushers - Greeting and welcoming the congregation, their guests, and newcomers, and assisting with seating
• Acolytes and Crucifers - Candle-bearers and crucifix-bearers during the procession and assisting at the altar as needed
• Lectors - Reading the Old Testament and New Testament lessons during church services.
• Intercessors - Leading The Prayers of the People during Eucharist
• Eucharistic Ministers - Administers wine during Communion

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild is comprised of volunteers who prepare for a minimum of three services per week. We clean the chancel, prepare the Eucharist, wash and iron linens and obtain and arrange flowers. We are also responsible for special services such as Baptisms, Weddings, and Memorial Services and decorate the church for Christmas and Easter. We meet twice a year to polish silver and brass, exchange ideas, consume goodies, laugh and socialize. Please see our contact list to speak with someone for more information.