How to
GET INVOLVED
Altar Guild
That I may go to the altar of God, to the God of my joy and gladness... Psalm 43:4
Members of the Altar Guild arrive are responsible for preparing the altar and church for the liturgy and other services on Sundays and Holy Days. Prior to each service, they reverently prepare and set out the vessels, linens, and other objects and then help with post-Eucharistic clean-up. Additional tasks include care and laundering of the linensand polishing the brass and silver.
Involvement on the part of individual altar guild members varies, depending on theother obligations we have in our lives. Because we plan our schedule tailored to the needs of each member, serving on the Altar Guild can be the perfect job for a busy person who wishes to contribute directly to our worship. It is a privilege to do so, and a very flexible commitment.
Those interested in serving Christ & Saint Stephen's as Altar Guild members should contact Peggy Thomson.
Acolyte Corps
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. 2 Corinthians 2:14
The CSS Acolyte Corps consists of adult and teen acolytes who assist at the altar by acting as crucifers, torch bearers, thurifers and chalice bearers. Through individual and group trainings, and by following instructions in the CSS Acolyte Corps Customary, the worship of Christ & Saint Stephen’s Church is made beautiful, orderly – and fun! The careful attention, sober presence and joyful attitudes of CSS Acolyte Corps bring great dignity and good order to our worship.
If any adult or teen (7th graders and up) are interested in learning more about this essential (and interesting) ministry, please contact Thomas Henry.
Lectors Guild
Make your ways known to me, Lord; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me… Psalm 25: 4-5
Lectors are assigned scriptural passages and intercessions to be read at the Sunday Eucharist, special liturgies such as Christmas and Holy Week, and certain weekday services. The Lectors Guild welcomes new members to share in this important ministry. Those of strong voice, clear diction, and with a desire to share the Scriptures with God’s people in worship should contact Kathleen Swan at kswan50@gmail.com.
Ushers
“I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10b, NRSV)
Ushers offer you a pleasant welcome, hand you a service leaflet, check about any special needs, offer directions to pews or bathrooms or children’s programs, and give you a chance to get on the email list. But there’s a liturgical function too, when taking up the offerings of the congregation and presenting them at the altar, assisting with an orderly receiving of Communion. Then there’s checking the space afterwards for stray papers and lost belongings. Throughout the service watching the walkway and door is an important security task. A quarterly responsibility is to send the parish administrator information regarding availability to usher to allow convenient scheduling which is about. once a month. Ushering is a gift of welcome, order, and security. If you would like to be a part of this good work, call or email, June Hagen, at (917) 671-1676, or email junestefhagen1@gmail.com.
"The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar." Psalm 118:27
The Flower Guild's mission is to beautify our parish by arranging and caring for the flowers, plants and floral decorations. The members of the Flower Guild offer their dedication and creativity to the beauty of the worship at Christ & Saint Stephen’s by arranging flowers for Sunday services – and by decorating the church for Easter and Christmas.
During most of the year, Flower Guild members arrange flowers in our antique Victorian brass vases for Sunday services. Classes in flower arranging for new Guild members are held throughout the year.
Flower Guild members pull out all the stops on Easter and Christmas when our church is filled with greenery, lilies, and other beautiful flowers. These special feast days require many hands – for those with busy schedules, being a twice-yearly Flower Guild member might be just right. Please consider helping make our worship beautiful by joining the CSS Flower Guild.
Contact the office for more information at 212-787-2755 ext 0 or email Kristin Hardwick, Parish Administrator.
Flower Guild
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee seeks to support the financial needs of the Church by engaging every parishioner through thoughtful pledging. The church cannot plan its budget – or fulfill its mission - without pledges of financial commitment. Just as our own living expenses increase each year, so do parish expenses, so we encourage consistent giving at a level that is comfortable and to consider increasing that amount, when possible, each year. Pledging starts early in the fall and each year we ask participants to share their personal stories and reasons for giving. Hearing from our fellow worshippers is a way to share our love for this community, to learn about each other, and to bring us closer together. Those who would like to volunteer to share their story please let us know. Likewise, if you have fundraising ideas, feel free to send them to Stewardship Chair, Hedy O’Hara at hedy.ohara@gmail.com.