Thoughts on:  PASTORAL AIDES AND COMMUNION ASSISTANTS

Worship is a weekly explosion of joy commanded by God. It is designed to help the whole body grow and celebrate, praise and pray, learn and teach. Worship is not only an obligation. It is also the response of God's people. We gather to: sing and give thanks, receive instructions, get forgiveness in Word and Sacrament, and refuel for the task of life. Someone once said; "When the WORSHIP is over, the SERVICE begins." We believe that at Community!

Every Worship celebration at Community is designed to be a unique, life-changing, awe-inspiring, experience. However, it isn't a performance by the Pastor designed to entertain a bunch of spectators.

Worship is the work of all of God's people. Therefore, to represent all of us (and to illustrate our philosophy that we are all ministers, willing to assist with the details of each celebration), and to "aid the Pastor" as he leads the worship, we use a PASTORAL AIDE and COMMUNION ASSISTANTS.

These men are ambassadors and representatives of our Community. Together with the ushers, they may be the first person to greet a visitor. And because of their visibility, they provide a specific person to talk to. I know it's a heavy responsibility, but it's also a wonderful way to use God's gifts, to serve the Body, and to help make each Worship experience great.

Instructions & Helpful Hints for PASTORAL AIDES:

1.         You should receive a call from the Worship Contact about any changes in those serving, or possible gaps in a service area. If you haven't heard from the Worship Contact, call them. You need to be assured that every area is covered so that last-minute alternates do not have to be arranged and so that worship goes smoothly.

2.         A copy of the worship folder will be placed in your mailbox approximately a week and a half prior to your scheduled service. (Please practice reading the lessons prior to coming to church.)

3.         Arrive at church at least 25 minutes early.  Check with the Pastor for last-minute instructions. Pin on a “Pastoral Aide “ pin.

4.         Consult the House Manager and use the printed sheet in the front of the worship folder or on the bulletin board in the sacristy to check off scheduled people as they arrive.

5.         Meet with other worship leaders for prayer in the sacristy 5 minutes before service.

6.         Greet visitors and members before and after the service, make them feel needed, wanted and loved as the Pastor tries to do. Remember, you are the Pastor's Aide. 

7.         Read the lesson(s). (See #2.)

8.         Be prepared to commune the Pastor and assist in the distribution of Holy Communion.

9.         Remind the ushers to count Worship attenders and communicants. (Don't forget the nursery). Make sure the numbers are recorded properly and in the right places (book in Sacristy).

10.       Be available at the altar after the service to answer any questions or concerns from members and visitors.