Liturgical Ministries

Liturgy is literally “the work of the people,” and it takes a number of people to make our worship each Sunday.

Acolytes

Youth in grade four and up serve as acolytes each Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service. Acolytes lead the processions into and out of the church, carrying a processional cross, torches, and flags. Training and ongoing mentoring are provided, and a highlight of the year for many acolytes is the spring Diocesan Acolyte Festival at St. Andrew’s-by-the-Sea in Nags Head. Contact Xena Markine-Morrison at xmorrison@ststephenschurch.com or (919) 734-4263.

Altar Guild

Members of the Altar Guild prepare the altar for the Eucharist and any additional services, setting out the vessels and linens, the bread, wine, and water. They keep the silver and brass polished and the candles ready to light. Members serve on a team for a month usually twice during the year. New members are always welcome. Contact Susan Brown at sparrottbrown@gmail.com or 919-920-1317 (c), 919-722-6105 (w); Tom Brown at jtbrown39@gmail.com or 919-922-9146 (c).

Choirs

Adult Choir

Music is an important part of our worship at St. Stephen’s and is led by Marshall Foster, our organist and choirmaster. The Adult Choir regularly sings at the 10:30 am. service between Labor Day and Memorial Day, and at other times such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Maundy Thursday. Choir rehearsal is Wednesday evenings from 7–8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Marshall Foster, marshallfoster@gmail.com or 919-722-9167.

Children’s Choir

Children K–5th grade are invited to join our children’s choir. The children learn about rhythm and harmony, and sing a variety of hymns. Our children’s choir sings frequently at the 10:30 a.m. service. Meets Sundays at 5:30 p.m. Children’s Choir is currently on hiatus.

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers assist with the administration of the Eucharist, usually by bearing a chalice. They also help lead the service by reading lessons and by leading the Prayers of the People. Eucharistic Ministers must be confirmed members of the parish, age 16 and older, and licensed by the bishop. Contact Xena Markine-Morrison at xmorrison@ststephenschurch.com.

Eucharistic Visitors

Eucharistic Visitors take the Eucharist to parishioners who are unable to attend worship. They are called forward during a Eucharist and the congregation joins in a prayer sending them out. Eucharistic Visitors must be confirmed members of the parish, age 16 and older, and licensed by the bishop. Contact Bob Cagle at bcagle75@gmail.com or 919-920-9169.

Lectors and Intercessors – Lectors help lead our worship by reading the assigned lessons from the Bible and by leading the congregation in praying the psalm. Intercessors lead the Prayers of the People. The only requirement is the ability to read public; youth are welcome to participate in this ministry. Training and mentoring is provided. Contact Xena Markine-Morrison at xmorrison@ststephenschurch.com .

Ushers

Ushers serve at both Sunday services by greeting and welcoming worshippers, distributing worship bulletins, providing a count of the number in the congregation, and helping with the offertory. This ministry is open to all; children are welcome to help a participating parent. Contact Mike Saylors @ mcsaylors@hotmail.com or 919-222-9119.