Programs and Ministries

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Internal Ministries

Acolytes
The acolytes are the young people who assist during the service by caring for such duties at lighting and extinguishing the candles, receiving the offering plates, and assisting the celebrants ministering at the altar and in the sanctuary.  Currently we have 10 active acolytes who are performing their duties faithfully.  If you are interested in joining the acolyte group, please let Fr. Tom know.

Altar Guild
The altar guild is an essential ministry in every church.  The members are appointed by the rector, and their main purpose is to serve the rector by assisting him and help prepare all those things necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist.  They are the back stage crews, so to speak, for all the church services.  At St. Philip's we are fortunate to have 13 such loyal, dedicated and caring members who work diligently every week for the glory of God.

Choir
Although we are currently few in number, we do our best to support the congregation in the hymns and service music.  We are eager to welcome anyone who would like to join us.  Rehearsals are usually on Thursday evenings, and if you play an instrument please let us know so we can include your talents in our plans.

Green Thumbs
The green thumb group meets the twice a month from March to October and gives it talents to keeping the grounds of St. Philip's looking their best.  This year we accomplished many projects, including the following:  building 2 compressed pebbled meditation areas near the park benches, added plantings in the meditation garden to supplement the Serenity Walk and Meditation Garden, kept all the bushes and trees pruned, planted seasonal flowers in the pots and near the Wood St. entrance portico.  Any parish members who would like to contribute time and talent for the beautification of St. Philip's grounds are welcome to join us.

Greeters and Ushers
The greeters and ushers are responsible for greeting our members at the entrance of the church, handing out the program for the service, and passing the collection plates during collection.  We have had a very successful year, thanks to those who have volunteered their services for this program.  We welcome any newcomers who would like to serve on this program, and could always use more greeters for the 8:00 am service!

Lay Readers
The lay readers are those volunteers who serve our Lord weekly during the service by reading the Scripture Readings for each service, the intercessory prayer for each service, and assisting during communion by acting as chalice bearers.  We have a variety of vested lectors, first and second chalice bearers, first and second readers, youth readers and intercessors.  Our services could not go on without their assistance!