Worship Ministries

Here is an overview of the various ways by which you can fulfill and nurture your Christian life before and during the services. If you are interested in any of these responsibilities, please contact the St. Paul's office at (613) 836-1001.

Altar Guild

Each week a small company of faithful parishioners offer their time and skill to help set up the church for worship. For Sunday services, members work as a team of two on Saturday mornings arranging the Altar flowers (if available), and preparing for Communion the next day. No previous experience is necessary and training is provided.

Pastoral Care Program

We're here for you. If you, a family member or a friend are in need of pastoral care at this time, please contact the Pastoral Care Coordinator through the Church office at (613) 836-1001.

What is Pastoral Care? Pastoral Care is the commitment of individuals to a team motivated by love of neighbour to minister confidentially to people in need. Those who are experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one, separation or divorce, are shut in, lonely or who are ill can benefit from Pastoral Care. Pastoral Care Team Members show helpful concern in the name of Jesus Christ. Their love is expressed through listening, affirmation, referral and prayer.

What kind of training do Pastoral Care Team Members receive? All team members must successfully complete a 10 week training course in Pastoral Care. Initial training course modules include:

• Introduction to Pastoral Care
• Listening Skills
• Spiritual Needs and Pastoral Identity
• Death and Dying, Grief
• Ministry with Hospitalized/Homebound
• Ministry with Families and the Elderly
• Caring for the Isolated and Depressed
• Care for the Caregiver and Building Community:
• Resources for Pastoral Care.

Pastoral Team members meet regularly for sharing, learning and mutual support. Members also have the opportunity to expand their skillset through attendance at continuing education seminars, sponsored by the Pastoral Care Section of the Christian Council of the Capital Area, and approved seminars or workshops.

Does being on the Pastoral Care Team interest you? Do you have what it takes to reach out to those in our community who need someone to listen, offer support and caring? We meet monthly, every 2nd Tuesday from September to June. If you feel called to this ministry and would like to join our team, please contact the Pastoral Care Team Coordinator or the church office.

Ministry During Services

Greeters

There are individuals standing at the north entrance or walking the parking lot. The greeters are the first in the line of many who will smile and guide you.

Congregational Representative

There is one rep at each of the 8:00 AM, 9:15 AM and 11:00 AM services; This person begins the service with the announcements. The representative will bring your concerns to parish council and parish council's thoughts to the congregation.

Crucifers and Servers

People of all ages are welcome to assist in the conduct of our worship as crucifers, torch bearers, and general servers. Training is given to those involved.

Music

The Chancel Choir - Under the direction of Ann Faurbo, St. Paul's Music Director, the Chancel Choir provides more traditional music (organ accompaniment) and anthems for the 9:15 am service each Sunday morning. They also provide the music for High and Holy days such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, etc. They are involved in many parish activities, most recently the production of “The Rock” a musical about the life of Peter the Apostle. The Chancel Choir is currently in the planning stages for another musical this year. The choir practices every Thursday evening at 7:00 pm. If God has blessed you with a singing voice and you are interested in joining the choir, the ability to read musical scores is not essential, please speak to Ann Faurbo, any member of the Chancel Choir or Father Craig.

The Worship and Praise Team - The Worship and Praise Team provides contemporary praise style music (keyboard, guitars and percussion instrumental accompaniment) for worship each Sunday at the 11:00 am service. The Team practices Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00. If God has gifted you with a good voice and/or the ability to play an instrument and you would like to consider joining the Team please speak to either Maureen Anderson or Father Craig. The ability to read music is not essential.

Healing Prayer

This team is active each week during Sunday worship, as well as during the evening 'Healing Services' held 2 -3 times throughout the year. In groups of 2 or 3, team members pray together with individuals who have requested prayer for specific needs for themselves or others known to them.

Team members have participated in various meetings with Clergy and one another to develop their skills of praying with one another. Team members commit to the knowledge they are praying with Gods guidance and encouragement, and privacy of all prayers is kept amongst those involved at prayer time only. Each member is supported and guided by the Clergy. Anyone interested in learning more about this Ministry is asked to speak to Fr. John or Fr. Craig, or contact the church office.

Sidespersons

At our main services, parishioners and visitors are greeted by this committed group of men and women who also distribute service bulletins and books, take up the collection and generally assist.

Readers and Intercessors

These people help in church by reading lessons and leading intercessions. Each participant is asked to attend a training session held annually on a Saturday.

Prayers of the People

The prayers are conducted by the lay intercessors (this means regular, non-ordained people) at all Sunday worship services.

Lay Assistants

These people help in church by administering the chalice at Sunday Eucharist celebrations. Each participant is asked to attend a training session held annually on a Saturday. Experience is not necessary to serve the Lord.

Telephone

At our main services, parishioners who are unable to attend the service in person can listen to the service through a telephone call.