Ministries

The word liturgy means the work of the people and worship is the work of the people. Lay people of all ages and skills participate in worship at Grace Church. The following gives an introduction to each of the participants in making our Sunday gatherings holy and sacred.

Acolytes

Acolytes carry the cross, torches, and banners in procession and assist the ordained ministers at the altar. Training is required and is offered twice a year. Grace Church encourages aspiring members to be familiar with Episcopal liturgy or to reside in the congregation for at least one year.

For more information, e-mail the Acolyte Coordinator.

Lay Readers (Lectors)

Lay readers (or lectors) read the Old and New Testament lessons at the Sunday morning liturgies, and other special readings such as the Passion Gospel during Holy Week. A strong, articulate voice is required. Training is provided annually.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

Lay Eucharistic Ministers wear vestments, take part in the processional in the liturgy, and serve at the altar rail or other communion stations. Typically they administer the chalice while the rector and a deacon administer the bread.

For more information on Lay Readers and Eucharistic Ministers, e-mail the Rector or call the office at 918-687-5416.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild is a volunteer group of the parish whose ministry is to care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the parish. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary for services, and clean up afterwards. Altar Guild members also supervise the decoration of the altar with flowers.

For more information, e-mail the Head of the Altar Guild.

Choir

Our choir meets every Wednesday at 7:00 pm for rehearsals (no audition needed) and sings at the 10:30 service every Sunday, as well as at special liturgies and concerts. Read more about our music and listen to samples here.

For more information about joining the Grace Church Choir, contact the Choir Director.

Clergy

Priests and Deacons are ordained to serve congregations. Priests celebrate the Eucharist and other sacraments. Deacons proclaim the Gospel, lead the prayers of the people, and lead the congregation in pastoral care and outreach to the community. The rector of a congregation must be a priest or a bishop.

Bishops, priests, and deacons in the Episcopal Church may marry and they may be women. The freedom for clergy in the Episcopal Church to serve God and their congregations while living the way God created them is an enormous gift to the church.