ACOLYTES
Acolytes assist in the worship service with specific duties. Some bear the cross forward in procession to start our worship; they also escort the Gospel procession and the altar party out in recess at the close of service and other such occasions as funerals and weddings.
Acolytes may serve as torchbearers who carry candles in procession. Additionally, acolytes assist the deacon in helping to set the altar for the Eucharist.
Acolytes may be youth (nine years and older) or adult. If you have interest in this ministry, please contact Father Mark McGuire or call the church office at (816) 524-3651.
USHERS
Ushers provide an invaluable ministry in the service of the church. They assist worshipers in finding seating, distribute bulletins, provide the clergy with the number of those in attendance as an aid in preparation of the communion elements. If you are interested in ushering, please call the church office at (816) 524-3651.
LAY CHALICE BEARERS
Lay Chalice Bearers provide a significant ministry to the church. They help dispense the cup of wine at the Eucharist. Because of the special nature of this ministry, Lay Chalice Bearers are licensed by the Diocese of West Missouri. As such, special training is required. If you would like to pursue this wonderful ministry, contact the church office at (816) 524-3651.
LAY READERS
Lay Readers provide the vital ministry of bringing the words of the Holy Scripture to the worshiping body of Christ. Lay Readers deliver the Old Testament lesson, lead the congregation in recitation of the Psalm and read the Epistle lesson. This also is a ministry that is licensed by the Diocese of West Missouri. It is one that requires special training. If you would like to participate in this ministry, please speak with Father Mark McGuire or call the church office at (816) 524-3651.
LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS
Lay Eucharistic Visitors provide the invaluable ministry of taking communion to those in our worshiping community who, for reasons of health or otherwise, are unable to be communed with those worshiping in Saint Paul’s regular services. “We, who are many, are one body, for we all share one bread one cup.” Lay Eucharistic Visitors help to facilitate this by taking bread and wine that is consecrated in our regular Sunday services and distributing them to shut-ins. This is a tremendously rewarding ministry that reaps many blessings. It requires licensing by the Diocese of West Missouri and special training. If you would like to become a Lay Eucharistic Visitor, please call the church office at (816) 524-3651.
ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild is a special ministry to the church. Open to both women and men, Altar Guild members have special responsibilities for the care of the utensils of the altar. Cleaning linens, polishing brass, vacuuming, preparing the elements for consecration, replenishing holy water stoops, votive candles and altar candles, and setting the hymn board are among the duties of the Altar Guild. It is a dedicated, rewarding and invaluable ministry to the church. If you would like to become a member of one of the rotating teams of the Altar Guild, please contact the church office at (816) 524-3651.
CHOIR: ADULT AND YOUTH
If you enjoy singing the tremendous Anglican heritage of choral music that the Church offers, we invite you to join either our adult or youth choirs. Choral music richly enhances the worship experience by touching our souls in ways that mere words cannot. One who sings once, prays twice. If you would like to join either of Saint Paul’s Church choirs, contact organist/choirmaster David Gardner or call the church office at (816) 524-3651.
PRAYER GROUP
Saint Paul’s Church is blessed to have a dedicated group of individuals who set aside specific time to pray for the needs of the church and its members—in times of stress and in times of joy. The prayer group has its own calling tree by which it notifies one another of prayer requests. If you would like to participate in this indispensable ministry, please contact Father Mark McGuire or call the church office at (816) 524-3651.
PASTORAL CARE GROUP
The Pastoral Care Group ministers to those in our congregation who are need of temporary assistance with meals. Members of this group coordinate efforts to assist new mothers returning home from the hospital, those recovering from surgery or those recovering from injury or illness. If you would like to participate in the outreach, please call the church office at (816) 524-3651.
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Our faith instructs us that our lives should not be lived inwardly to ourselves. Rather, our faith and life as Christians is all about the other—those who live on the margins of life and those, who through no fault of their own, find themselves unable to meet life’s basic necessities. Through our outreach to others, we are able to help those who cannot help themselves. Through outreach, we help to fulfill our Lord’s command to care for the least among us. Prudence dictates that we cannot help all in need, but we can make a difference. Saint Paul’s Church outreach committee explores various outreach opportunities in which the entire congregation can participate. If you would like more information about the committee and its works, please contact the church office at (816) 524-3651.
BIBLE STUDY
Each Monday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., adult Bible study is offered in the Pastor’s Library. Sessions are led by Father Mark McGuire. If you would like to join in, please come by on Monday afternoons.
BELL CHOIR
Making a joyful noise to the Lord is something anyone can do. Likewise being
a member of the hand bell choir requires only the desire to praise the Lord.
Children and adults are invited to participate. No prior experience is necessary.
Contact bell choir director Amy Valmassei or the church office at 524-3651.
DINNER GROUPS
Our dinner groups at Saint Paul’s Church get together to have fun, get better acquainted and share a meal and fellowship in our Christian ministry. Each group is encouraged to meet monthly over a four month period. Each month a host volunteers to coordinate and host a group. Dates and times are determined by the group. The groups are formed based on sign-up sheets posted at Saint Paul’s Church. For further information call the church office at (816) 524-3651.
YOUNG ADULTS GROUP
On the second Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m., the young adults - married or single - of Saint Paul’s Church gather at the church to share food, drink, fun and fellowship. This is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with others. The group determines its own agenda. Childcare is provided free of charge for all get togethers.
LAWN CARE TEAMS
The grounds of Saint Paul’s Church are cared for by rotating teams of volunteers from the congregation. If you would like to participate in the maintenance of the church lawn, please contact the church office at (816) 524-3651.