Worship Ministries

The word “liturgy” comes from a Greek phrase meaning “work of the people”–and that is certainly the case at Christ Church, where worship, rightly, is a team effort. Many people assist with worship before, during, and after the services, and many lend extra hands during special seasons, like Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. If, to borrow another phrase, “many hands make light work”, we find it equally true that coming together to worship is beautiful, joyful, and life-changing.

If you are interested in any of the roles below, please contact our priest Emily, who will be glad to give you more information and offer training.

Acolytes

A group of older children and teens are trained to assist in worship as acolytes, crucifers, Gospel servers, and banner bearers; they also assist at the altar as servers.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild enhances our worship by setting up the altars according to the liturgical season. They clean, change, and maintain the liturgical vestments and altar linens, lecterns, chalices, and other liturgical objects, as well as order flowers.

Flower Guild

Under the direction of floral designer and master gardener Richard Thomas, members of the newly-forming Flower Guild study upcoming liturgical seasons and scriptures, and employ natural materials to express their collective prayers. Richard calls this approach “floral iconography”. It is a highly creative and joyful group, and new members always are welcome!

Greeters

Greeters are the public face of Christ Church for both members and visitors. They offer a welcoming presence on Sunday mornings before and after services to all newcomers, and encourage them to sign the guest books, take part in the services, and join our church family for conversation during the breakfast and coffee hours.

Lay Healing Ministers

Christ commanded his disciples both to preach the Good News and also to heal the sick. Accordingly, each second Sunday of the month, healing prayer is offered at both services at Christ Church. During the Eucharist, anyone may come forward to the side chapel to request healing prayer in mind, body, and spirit for themselves or for others. This ministry is offered by lay healing ministers who have been called to, and trained for, this important mission.

Lectors (Lay Readers)

Lectors read the scripture lessons during worship.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) lead the Prayers of the People, and assist the priest in the handling and distribution of the elements at the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors

Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs) are specially trained to take the communion elements to parishioners who are homebound. This important ministry reminds us that our congregation and worship extend beyond our walls.

Music

Christ Church Detroit has a long tradition of excellence in music. For more information, please click here.

Ushers

Ushers collect and take up the offering at worship and guide parishioners through communion, as well as assist any newcomers with questions.