Calvary offers numerous ministries that support our worshipping life together. Whether you discern a call to reading scripture aloud, serving at the altar, welcoming guests, leading congregational prayers, or anything else, there is a place for you to exercise your gifts in worship.

Acolytes and Crucifers

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Altar Flowers

Text TK: Why this is important. There is a 12-month Flower Sign-Up Chart on the bulletin board in Brackenridge Hall. Simply go to the chart and see if the Sunday you would like to offer flowers is available. A box with yellow sign-up slips will be on the table during Coffee Hour. Fill out the slip with your information, put it in the box, and write your name on the flower chart. Away on a Sunday or no longer active at Calvary but still want flowers for a particular occasion? No problem! Simply call or email the parish office with your information and we will take care of the rest.

Calvary uses Renning’s Flowers, who will bill the donor directly. For further information or requests for special arrangements, please contact the church office at office@calvary-rochester.org.

Altar Guild

The altar guild was founded at Calvary Episcopal Church in 1912 by the Rev. Arthur H. Wurtele and has continued to the present day. The guild was renamed to St. Margaret’s Guild after St. Margaret of Scotland, a very pious Christian who founded churches and worked tirelessly among the poor.

It is said that “liturgy begins and ends with the work of the altar guild.” We care for the sacred vessels, the bread and wine, the fair linens and hangings, and the candles and torches. It is a solemn and sacred ministry. Dain Waters, director of St. Margaret’s Altar Guild, notes her gratitude to each of the members who have given their time and labor to the setting of our Lord’s table, and for creating a sacred beauty at every Eucharist. All Calvary parishioners are welcome to join the guild. Our work requires patience, attention to detail, flexibility, and reliable commitment.

Learn more by contacting Dain Waters.

Eucharistic Ministers

During Holy Communion, the Eucharistic minister assists the priest by offering wine to the worshipers. Volunteers in this ministry must be confirmed or received communicants in good standing in The Episcopal Church and active members of the parish. They should also be comfortable with the physical aspects of the job; steady hands and the ability to climb stairs and walk back and forth are needed. If you’re interested, contact Reverend Beth Royalty.

Read more about this ministry here.

Lector and Intercessor

The lector reads the Old Testament and Epistle pieces for each Sunday aloud to the congregation from the front of the church. They are given information on the Monday before the service about where to find that week’s readings. The intercessor reads the Prayers of the People to the congregation. Reverend Beth sends those prayers to the intercessor the week before the service. Sometimes, the lector and intercessor are the same person. Other times, the jobs are divided between two people. You can elect to volunteer for just one job or the other if you prefer. The readings will be available at the lectern, but you’re expected to practice ahead of time so you can read well during the service. You don’t need a professional voice, but you should be able to read clearly and at a good volume.
If you’re interested in taking on one or both of these ministries, contact Joan Rabe or Reverend Beth Royalty. Read more about these ministries here.

Ushers

Ushers are the friendly first face that a parishioner or visitor sees. They have a number of duties before, during and after the service, and stand ready to assist anyone in the congregation who might need help, to aid latecomers in finding a seat, and to inform those in the sanctuary of any urgent matters. Some services have two ushers and smaller services may have just one. Some ushers prefer to work with a spouse or another family member and sign up as a team, others sign up as a single and may be scheduled to work alone or with another single usher. New ushers normally work with a more experienced usher until they’re comfortable on their own.

If you’re interested, contact Joan Rabe or Reverend Beth Royalty. Read more about this ministry here.