Worship is the primary calling of all Christians. For many of us, that just means turning up, which is all any of us needs to do. However, there are many people in St Thomas’s who feel called to take a particular responsibility in helping to support the worship of the people of God. If you’d like to join in, we’d love to have you. Various roles are described below, or talk to one of the clergy who can tell you more about it all. Most roles in a service are done on a rota basis, so you are unlikely to be called on too often.
Read the lesson at a Sunday service
Would you like to read one of the lessons from Holy Scripture at a Sunday service? Readers are always needed for these services, which take place at 10:15am and 6pm (4pm in the darker months). Reading a lesson is a great way to be further involved without requiring a large investment of time. If you would like to be involved (even if you feel a little nervous!) speak to one of the clergy. For current readers click on the duty rota, then click the Readers tab at the bottom for the appropriate month.
Greet worshippers at Sunday services
Greeting worshippers arriving at our services is done by a sidesperson. Sidespeople are normally the first people our worshippers will see when they arrive, so it’s a very important role, and we are always looking for more people who are willing to give a small amount of their time and their friendliness to fulfil it! Please talk with one of the churchwardens if you are interested. The sidespeople rota is currently managed offline.
Serve at Sunday services
‘Server’ is a general term for the people who have particular roles in the liturgy, such as the crucifer (carries the processional cross) or the acolytes (they carry processional candles). If you think you might enjoy being up front of the congregation, but you’re not keen to have a speaking role, this might be just the thing for you. Contact one of the clergy to find out more. Servers may, in time, wish to become a lay deacon or lay sub-deacon. Training is given for all new servers.