ways to serve within the church

Acolytes assist in various ways during worship.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist in administering Communion. They also read Scripture and lead prayers.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors take the reserved Sacrament to parishioners who, for various reasons, are prevented from joining our worship on Sunday morning. LEVs may be asked to make hospital or home visits.

 Altar Guild duties are simple and rewarding. We prepare the altar for communion using the silks, linens and vessels that have been donated to the church over the years. After the service, we wash and put away the communion ware. Dedicated members also serve by washing and ironing the linens and polishing the silver.  In addition to preparing normal Sunday services, we assist for weddings, funerals and additional services during Lent and special feast days. 

Caring for the community and for parishioners has been a hallmark of St. Peter's for many years. Sunday coffee hour is an excellent example of that community outreach. For most of the year, a group of dedicated volunteers host a true extension of our weekly service. St. Peter's celebrates these hospitality helpers and thanks fhem for their service.

 The Flower Guild arranges flowers each week for the main altar and any others that have been purchased by parishioners as memorials or celebrations. We buy seasonal flowers or flowers appropriate to the liturgical calendar and usually arrange them on Friday mornings at church.

 Lectors read passages of Scripture during Sunday and other worship services from the lectern or the aisle.

The reading and hearing of God's holy word is a prominent part of our worship in the Episcopal tradition.

 Our Ushers meet and greet people of our community, visitors to the Albany area and the members of our parish family. They also hand out leaflets, collect offerings, and answer questions visitors may have.