St. Philip’s is blessed to have both adults and youth in active service at the altar. Acolytes assist the priest in carrying out the liturgies of the church. Acolytes are essential to conducting the ceremony of Episcopal liturgy and duties may range from serving as crucifer (processional cross bearer) to thurifer (person who carries the thurible of incense) to ringing altar bells during the Eucharistic prayer. Duties also vary according to the service time. Acolyte duties at the 8:15 a.m. Rite I Eucharist differ greatly from those of the 10:30 a.m. Rite II Eucharist. We are always recruiting new acolytes! If you are interested, please speak with David Williams, the clergy, or one of the acolytes.

The altar guild is comprised of men and women who assist the priest in preparing the altar for worship. Their ministry is one of service. They care for the sacred vessels used to celebrate the Holy Eucharist including care of metal ware and mass linens. They also oversee the ordering of flowers and supplies. They carry out their duties in the sanctuary, “the Holy of Holies,” with great reverence. Service in the altar guild is open to all interested people, for further information please see altar guild director, Susan Parker, or speak with one of the clergy.

We have a wooden box outside the church doors for those who are in need of food items. Parishioners donate the items, and they are placed in the box for those in need.

We have an experienced team of individuals who provide Christian education with an Episcopal curriculum to children from grades K-12. The classes are held during the 10:30 Eucharist and the youth rejoin the congregation at The Peace.  Adults enjoy forums and various study groups which usually meet seasonally. The bulletin board in the Parish Hall is the best place to find out what types of opportunities are available. Please see Mother Rowena or Fr. Michael for further information.

The ECW is comprised of the women of the parish. They meet monthly throughout the year and are the backbone of many of the church’s ministries. They staff and fund several projects both within the church and those serving the greater community. You may begin to notice a pattern of food and hospitality: the group also oversees many elegant receptions following the 10:30 Eucharist and the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper. They also contribute to many renovation projects throughout the physical plant.

We have a variety of people who assist the priest in the distribution of the bread and wine during the service.  If you are interested in assisting with this ministry during the service, please speak with one of the clergy and we will get you trained.

Lectors, or “Lay Readers,” read assigned scripture or lessons during worship. Lectors also lead the Prayers of the People. St. Philip’s boasts a multi-generational assembly of Lay Readers! If you are interested in becoming a lector, please speak with Dan Hugus or one of the clergy.

Members of the parish are trained to take communion to sick and homebound individuals who cannot be present at the Eucharist. Training is offered at the parish, please speak with Fr. Michael or Mother Rowena if you feel called to this ministry.

The ushers welcome people at the front doors of the church-even through rain, sleet and snow! You’ll always find a friendly smile greeting you when you visit our parish. The ushers will also happily assist you in finding a seat or providing whatever type of assistance you may need to help you enjoy your worship experience. The ushers also bring the gifts of bread and wine forward at the offertory and help direct communicants to the altar rail. Everyone is invited to take part in this ministry of hospitality. You may sign up for duty as an individual, couple or family. Please contact the parish secretary, Pam Smith, to sign up.