Gathering many as one. We are members of one body.

For more information on any of the Lay Ministries, please e-mail us at standbythesea@earthlink.net or call (252) 441-5382

Acolytes are young people of the church, grade 4 through senior high, who are ready to be trained to serve at the altar. Acolytes carry the processional cross, lead the Gospel procession, and assist the clergy in preparing for the Eucharist and the Offertory. Acolytes can become eligible to receive the distinctive Master Acolytes Cross. This ministry provides leadership experience for our youth - experienced acolytes aspire to become "Master Acolytes" and help to train the newer Acolytes. Several Acolytes will go each year to the National Cathedral in DC for the National Acolyte Festival.

Altar Guild is responsible for seeing that the altar of the church is prepared for every worship service. Members are assigned to specific Sundays and Wednesdays and others are responsible for special occasions such as funerals and weddings. The proper care of linens, candles and metal ware in addition to the preparation of flowers, hymn boards, and chancel is a labor of love. Email Pam Matthews for more information.

The Saint Andrew's Music Program • We are blessed with fine instrumentalists and have enjoyed the gifts of talented musicians this year at most of our services. It is our goal to have four active musical offerings: The Contemporary Music Ensemble, a Youth Choir, an Adult Choir and a Hand Bell Choir. [BACK TO TOP]

Greeters are people who offer the hospitality of a first welcome as newcomers arrive for worship. They encourage all to wear name tags so that new and long timers alike will become acquainted. Greeters are helpful in being sure that guests sign the guest register and prospective members are helped in filling out and returning a newcomers card. [BACK TO TOP]

Fellowship Committee assures our church family that whenever there is a special need for a reception (funeral, bishop's visit, dedication, etc.) there will be a coordinated effort made among our Neighbors in Christ and membership. [BACK TO TOP]

Coffee Hour • What would a service be like if we never had the opportunity to catch up with one another and chat a spell? The fellowship found at Coffee Hours is significant family time. Each month, a Neighbors in Christ team assures that these gatherings are held after every 11:00 service. [BACK TO TOP]

Community Suppers • Are held every other Monday night from Thanksgiving through March be ginning at 6 PM. We offer the community a hot, free meal. Members are encouraged to bring someone in need of fellowship or a hot meal and sit with them at table as a meal is enjoyed. Often, guest musicians are on hand for entertainment. The suppers are worked by a number of generous souls among us of all ages.

Newcomers' Ministry • Welcoming those who desire to find a church home is the goal of our Newcomers' Ministry. Through Neighbors in Christ, a team of visitors is being developed to see that

• All are visited
• A newcomers' bulletin board is up-to-date
• Quarterly Newcomers gatherings are held
• Connections are made that welcome and encourage

Lay Eucharistic Visitors • LEVs are appointed by the Rector and are licensed by the Bishop to administer the chalice and the paten at the Holy Eucharist. They also lead the congregation in the Prayers of the People and some are also trained to take the Holy Communion to those who are home bound immediately after services of the Holy Eucharist in the church. Email Pat Rusk for more information.  [BACK TO TOP]

Lectors include youth and adults and are those who are assigned to read the lessons from the Old and or New Testaments at each service. Lectors are trained t o read with understanding, good diction and voice.  [BACK TO TOP]

Prayers of the People • Each service the Prayers of the People are offered publicly. A "Prayers of the People" notebook is kept in the narthex (both church and at chapel) so that all can enter the name(s) of those as appropriate... and enjoy the use of the same in private prayer at the altar (the church doors to the Chapel are always open). A Prayer Box in the Narthex is brought forward every Sunday at the 9:30 service in witness to the prayers offered therein on behalf of others. [BACK TO TOP]

Ushers • The Ushers at Saint Andrew's By-the-Sea include men, women and children of appropriate age. There are several usher teams, each led by a team captain. The Ushers assist the congregation. [BACK TO TOP] Teachers • Sunday School Teachers for children, adult teachers of Enquirers' Classes and Bible Study, planning and directing pageants, Vacation Bible School, and special events requires a dedicated group of lay members . Choirs • An Adult Choir sings at 11:00 a.m. and brings a beautiful gift of music and worship. A Hand-Bell Choir will play frequently at the 9:30 a.m. service. An ensemble of instruments (guitars, etc.,) and voice leads our Evening Praise every 2nd .Sunday. [BACK TO TOP]