Licensed Eucharistic Minister (LEM)

A Eucharistic Minister is a lay person authorized to administer the Consecrated Elements at a Celebration of Holy Eucharist. A Eucharistic Minister should normally act under the direction of a Deacon, if any, or otherwise, the Member of the Clergy or other leader overseeing the congregation or other community of faith.

A Eucharistic Visitor is a lay person authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist  to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration.

We welcome any one from the congregation who feel called to be a part of this ministry.

Acolytes

The acolyte ministry stems from Old Testament times. The Holy Scriptures tells of the Prophet Samuei assisting Eli the priest, and of Elijah being assisted by Elisha.

The New Testament illustrates early Christian adoption of this custom, retained to the present day as the honored office of acolyte. The acolyte assists priests and deacons in order that the Holy Eucharist  and other rites of the church may be celebrated with simple dignity and permit full participation by believers.

Ushers

Good Shepherd provides ushers and greeters to welcome all members as well as visitors. The ushers hand out the church bullettins, while the greeters handout name tags. Visitors are asked to sign the Register, and then presented with a temporary name tag along with a welcome brochure. Special effort is made to introduce all visitors to the celebrant. Ushers display the numbers of attendees, select the gift bearers and collect the offering as well as ushering communicants.