Lay Worship Leadership
“Liturgy” literally means “work of the people,” and parishioners take a variety of roles in leading worship in The Episcopal Church and at All Saints. These include:
Readers
Volunteer members of the congregation are scheduled each week to read the appointed scriptures for the day’s services. The readings are sent to scheduled readers ahead of time so they have time to read over, reflect, and prepare.
Intercessors
Just as some are called to read the lessons, others are called to lead The Prayers of the People. As disciples of Jesus Christ we join weekly in prayer for the sake of the world, not just ourselves. The Book of Common Prayer guides us in these prayers, and a variety of forms are used seasonally at All Saints. A parish prayer list, updated and published weekly, comes from the names and concerns given by our congregation for family and friends. Names from this list are included by intercessors in the Prayers.
Acolytes
Often, younger members of the congregation will be called upon to lead processions into worship and back out into the world, carrying the cross and candles, as well as assisting elsewhere in the ceremonies.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers & Servers
Usually standing at the Holy Table with the celebrant is at least one Lay Eucharistic Minister, and perhaps a Server, who remind the congregation that the priest (or bishop) does not worship alone, but that what we do is truly the “work of all God’s people.”
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