Ushers
Ushers ensure that
worshipers are provided a bulletin as they enter and are seated
comfortably, especially if there are any special needs. They
normally collect the offering, distribute Communion cups, make
sure the sanctuary is neat after the close of a service, and may
occasionally have additional special duties. Contact the
church office with questions.
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Acolytes and Crucifer
Acolytes light the
altar candles before the service and extinguish them afterwards.
They present the offering plates to the ushers and retrieve them
after the offering has been taken. If Communion cups are used,
the acolytes collect them from communicants. The crucifer
carries the cross in the procession and recession during
festival services. All confirmed high school youth are invited
to participate in this manner; consultation with the pastor and
training is required.
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Lectors
Lectors read the
Old Testament and Epistle lessons and may lead the chanting or
responsive reading of the Psalm. This post is open to anyone who
can read smoothly, clearly and confidently before a group.
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Assisting
Ministers
These are
non-ordained members of the congregation who serve at the altar,
leading parts of the liturgy and offering prayers. They also
assist in distribution of the communion elements. Any adult
member may be an assisting minister; the ability to chant is
appreciated but not required. Contact the pastor for
more information.
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Communion Assistants
During Communion,
it is usual to employ two additional people besides the pastor
and the Assisting Minister for the distribution of the
elements. Any adult member of the congregation may serve in
this capacity. Contact the pastor or the office
staff if you are interested in participating in this way.
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Damascus
Road
contemporary worship ensemble
Damascus Road, our
mostly electronic contemporary music ensemble, takes full
responsibility for musical support of two services a month year
round. The group interprets everything from well-known
contemporary Christian standards to original compositions by the
members. Contact the director, Donna Jarvi, for more information.
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Adult
Choir
St. James is known
for the high quality of its music program, of which the Adult
Choir is a very active part. It is open to anyone of high-school
age or older and is directed by
Tim Haskett. The Adult Choir normally participates in one
worship service on each of at least three Sundays every month
during the program year. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings
from September through May.
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Festival
Choir
The Festival Choir
is an expansion of the Adult Choir. It provides an opportunity
for those members of the congregation who do not have the time
available to participate for the whole year to sing during the
special festival seasons of Advent, Christmas, Holy Week and
Easter. Members are invited to join the Adult Choir rehearsals
beginning the week before Thanksgiving or in mid Lent.
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Children’s
Choir
The Children’s
Choir is open to young people from Kindergarten age through
eighth grade. It rehearses on Sunday mornings between the
services from September though Mothers’ Day and participates in
worship at least once a month during that period. It is
directed by Wendy Wiegers.
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Handbell
Choir
The Handbell Choir
participates in the worship service once a month and on special
festival days and may occasionally share a piece with the Adult
or Children’s choir. The group is open to anyone experienced in
playing bells or who can read music and is interested in
learning the necessary skills. It is directed by Gretchen
Haskett and rehearses on Wednesday mornings from September
through May.
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Brass
Ensemble
The joyful and
celebratory nature of our worship services is emphasized by the
participation once a month of the St. James Brass Ensemble,
which joins the organist in providing support for the hymn
singing and adding special musical interludes. It is directed by
Daniel Heiman. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings from
September through May, though meetings may occur irregularly
during the Summer months. The Brass Ensemble is open to players
of any brass instrument who are of at least high-school age and
who play confidently enough to perform without a conductor
beating time.
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Special
Music
There are
opportunities once or twice a month for special offerings of
song or instrumental music. These are open to any individual or
group willing to provide appropriate music, whether otherwise
participating in one of St James’ organized musical ensembles or
not. Contact Music Director
Tim Haskett for more information and scheduling. If piano or
organ accompaniment is required, you may provide your own
accompanist or arrange for the assistance of our organist, Wendy
Unrath Young.
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