Worship Ministries
Serve in Worship
Lector
Lectors read the Old Testament, New Testament, and prayers of the people, and in some services lead the people in the Psalm appointed for the day. Lectors rotate serving once or twice a month at the worship service of their choice.
Chalice Bearers
Chalice Bearers serve the wine, both to sip and to intinct, at all worship services. Members serve in a rotation once or twice a month at the service time they prefer. Members are trained by the clergy and then certified by the diocese.
Ushers & Greeters
Ushers serve in rotation once a month at the service of their choice to welcome congregants, distribute bulletins, pass the offering plate, and direct parishioners to the Eucharist.
Acolytes
Both youth and adults serve as acolytes for the 8:00 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday services and various other worship services. Acolytes vest and join the processional carrying the cross and torches and help at the altar.
Tower Bell Ringers
The Tower Bell Ringers are always looking for new members—adult or older youth—to join their group. No prior experience is needed as the bell captains are expert instructors of their craft. Bells are rung on Sunday mornings and other special occasions. To see the St. James Change Ringers in action, go to https://youtu.be/lFn-CqcULgE. For information about learning to ring, contact Dorothy Fantle (828-606-5501) or email Bob Aldinger.
Church Guilds
Altar Guild
Altar Guild members are responsible for setting and clearing the elements used during Eucharist at all worship services. Most members work in teams on Sundays once a month while others rotate weeks to cover the Wednesday noon service.
Flower Guild
Flower Guild members serve in teams once a month to provide arrangements for the Nave and Narthex for the weekend services. Members then rotate duties of watering and removing the spent arrangements the following week.
Anyone can contribute to the beauty of worship by dedicating flowers in thanksgiving, in honor of, or in memory of loved ones, or to commemorate special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Hospitality Guild
This group provides the coordination and support for hospitality at St. James. The Guild provides the coordination of the events and Auxiliary members are called upon to provide service and food offerings for the scheduled events. This group uses “SignUpGenius” allowing volunteers to choose the dates/tasks that interest them.