Worship: Connecting with God
Email the ministry leader at: worship@allsaintsmd.org
Worship is one of the fundamental parts of a church. It is the time we take out of our week to rejuvenate and invigorate our relationship with God. Our Worship ministries come together to create and enhance the worship experience here at All Saints'. These little details are what give the worship here its identity —its uniqueness. Come, join us in making the worship here an enriching, wonderful experience for all.
Not just on Sunday
It takes many hands and many hearts to hold a worship service. Altar Guild and Flower Guild prepare our worships spaces by adorning altars, arranging flowers, and more. Chalice bearers, lectors, and ushers share in communion duties, read Bible lessons, and welcome parishoners.
Acolyte Corps
Acolytes provide a wonderful opportunity to be directly involved in our worship here at All Saints'. While mostly youth, any age can be involved in our Acolyte Corps. They assist in worship by bearing the cross, lighting candles, participating in the procession and recession, and more. If you are looking for a way to become more deeply involved in Sunday worship, this may be the ministry for you!
Altar Guild
In all of our worship spaces, the altar serves as an important focal point for our worship. Our Altar Guild provides the invaluable service of preparing the sanctuaries for service. They maintain and change the adorning linen with the season, prepare and set the altar, and help to make the sanctuaries beautiful and ready for worship. The Guild performs these duties for regular worship services, in addition to special services such as burials, weddings, or baptisms.
Chalice Bearers
Chalicists, also called Eucharistic Ministers, are licensed to bear the chalice during the Eucharist, and to assist the Celebrant during the celebration of the Eucharist. They are particularly visible and important ministers in our worship and at all of our special liturgies, such as Holy Week and other holidays. The role of Chalicist is a special and intimate ministry: helping to feed the people of God with the Body and Blood of Christ.
Flower Guild
Part of the team that helps prepare our spaces for worship, the Flower Guild is by far the most fragrant! The Guild members work with the coordinator(s) to purchase and arrange flowers to adorn our spaces, for both regular services and special services. They also fill our spaces to the brim with gorgeous arrangements for Easter and Christmas.
Lectors
The Word of God is a gift to all--that's the main mission of the Lector ministry. The lectors read the biblical lessons in front of the congregation each week, in addition to the Prayers of the People. This ministry is ideal for those who enjoy reading, public speaking, or the beauty of the Word.
Ushers
If you've ever been to a new church for the first time, you know that it isn't always easy to find your way, or to know where to go or what to do. Our Ushers help our worship services flow smoothly, by helping parishioners find seats, take communion, answer questions, or give directions.
The Worship Committee
The Worship Committee makes decisions and recommendations about our worship services here at All Saints'. Everything from liturgy, music, schedule, mood and tone are discussed and considered by our Worship Team. If you are interested in having a direct impact on the weekly worship here, please consider joining this important ministry.
Music can lift us up
While not every service has music, song has been an important part of worship for decades at All Saints'. We have choirs for all ages, ranging from third grade to adult. We also have a hand bell choir called the "All Saints' Ringers." In addition to weekend worship, the vocal choirs and handbell choir perform at special services and concerts throughout the year.
Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir leads worship at our 11:00 a.m. Historic Church service on Sundays, on feast days, and at special services throughout the year. The Sanctuary choir, however, does not sing on the fourth Sunday of the month when one of our children's choirs sings. Singing in this choir requires a good sense of pitch and rhythm, but does not necessarily require the ability to read music. They rehearse every Thursday night in preparation for weekend service. Please contact Carroll Howe if you are interested in learning more about the Sanctuary Choir.
Great Hall Choir
The Great Hall Choir leads worship at our 9:00 a.m. Great Hall worship services, and at special services throughout the year. Weekly rehearsals are held Thursday evenings in the Great Hall. Although an ability to read music is a plus, it's not required. Please contact the church office if you are interested in learning more about the Great Hall Choir.
All Saints' Ringers
The All Saints' Ringers is an eleven member, 3 octave bell choir which plays special services throughout the year. Handbell choir members need to be able to read music, and attendance at rehearsals is essential to the success of this group. Please contact Carroll Howe if you are interested in learning more about the Handbell Choir.
Youth Choir
Children in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in the Youth Choir. Rehearsals are held Wednesday afternoons from 5:15-6:05 PM in the Choir room. The Youth Choir helps lead worship in the Historic Church and Great Hall once or twice a month.
Junior Choir
Children in grades 3-5 are invited to participate in the Junior Choir. They rehearse on Wednesdays from 4:15-5:05 PM in the Choir room. The Junior choir alternates with the Youth choir and sings once or twice a month in the Historic Church or Great Hall. They also lead the music for our Christmas pageant.