Worship is led by our clergy and lay leaders, including our verger, music director and choir. The word “liturgy” comes from the ancient Greek term leitourgia, meaning “the work of the people.” As members of the Body of Christ, all members of the congregation are encouraged to participate, as they are able. We are called to worship by our beautiful carillon.
Opportunities to serve and be served include the following liturgical ministries:
- Altar Guild – Prepare for celebrations of the Eucharist and other sacraments of the church
- Acolytes – Crucifer, Torch Bearer, Altar Server
- Choir – Lead congregational singing and offer special anthems
- Eucharistic Ministers – Serve as Chalice Bearers
- Intercessor – Offer Prayers of the People
- Lectors – Read lessons from the Old and New Testament
- Ushers – Greet worshipers and present Offerings
Sunday Services
- At the 8:00 a.m. Rite I spoken service, adult lay leaders serve as lectors and assist the priest at the altar.
- At the 10:00 a.m. Rite II service, adults and youth sing in the choir, serve as ushers, crucifers, torch bearers, lectors, chalice bearers along with our verger, deacon and priest. On the Third Sunday of the month members of the youth group serve as lectors and assist the priest at the altar.
Saturday Evening Taizé
On Saturday evenings at 7pm, clergy and lay leaders offer a Taizé inspired service that includes mediative chants, Scripture readings, prayer, silent meditation, lighting prayer candles, and celebrating the Eucharist. Lay leaders help set up and take down candles, icons & signage, and serve as lectors. The service draws worshippers from St. Andrew’s and other faith traditions in the wider community.
Weekday Services
Laity and clergy also lead weekday services, including Morning Prayer on Fridays at 9am; Contemplative Worship on Wednesdays at 10:30am; and the cooperatively led 10am Thursday Co-op Eucharist, an outgrowth of a workshop with Phyllis Tickle on Emergence Christianity. A bi-weekly Monday afternoon ecumenical Centering Prayer group is led by lay leaders from St. Andrew’s and other churches in Sedona (2nd & 4th Mondays).
