Worship is the cornerstone of our Parish Life at St. Luke’s. Our worship is drawn from the Book Of Common Prayer (BCP). Eucharist is the primary form of worship in the Episcopal Church. It is also commonly known as Holy Communion or The Lord’s Supper. The service has four distinct elements: Gathering, Listening and responding to the Word of God, Sharing the Meal of Christ, and the Sending. This is the pattern of worship found in the ancient Christian Church, reflecting the pattern found in Jesus’ feeding of the thousands and in the Last Supper as recorded in the Gospels.
Jesus said to love the Lord, our God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds. In other words, with our whole selves. Traditionally then, Episcopal worship has sought to engage the whole body and all five senses in the act of worship. You will find that in Episcopal worship, there is a lot of movement: standing, sitting, kneeling and coming forward to receive communion. Though many people find these patterns of worship comforting, no one is required to participate in such a way as to make them uncomfortable. The Episcopal Church welcomes all baptized persons, of any age and from any Christian tradition at communion.
To make worship happen requires a team of dedicated people. Everyone is invited to join one of our worship ministry groups.
ALTAR GUILD
The Altar guild is a dedicated group of men and women who work behind the scenes to prepare for Communion and make the church ready for worship. The Altar Guild is divided into teams which take turns setting up about one week each month.
ACOLYTES
Acolytes carry the cross and assist the priest in worship. Typically acolytes are youth, but anyone of any age can become an acolyte.
LECTORS
Lectors share the word of God by reading the Bible lessons during worship.
USHERS
The ushers greet everyone coming to worship, ensure everyone has a good experience at St Luke’s and help with the collection and offering of gifts during worship. They also help tidy up after worship
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Eucharistic ministers assist the priest with the distribution of communion, usually by offering the cup of wine.
MUSIC
The Parish has a great professional musical staff; organist Rob Synakowski and Choir Director is Cheryl Lorenz. However, other opportunities exist for you to share your musical gifts for the glory of God. If you would like to sing or play an instrument, let one of our musical staff or Rector know.
EUCHARISTIC VISITORS
Eucharistic visitors visit home or hospital bound members of the church and share the communion with them.
HEALING MINISTER
The healing power of prayer is alive and well at St. Luke’s in Healing Prayer Ministry! In keeping with the tradition of St. Luke, the Beloved Physician, a healing prayer service is offered following Communion on the third Sunday of each month. Lay ministers offer anointing, laying on of hands, and prayers for healing. Anyone is welcome to come forward for prayer.
