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Home // Worship // Worship - Mission, Ministries, & Ministers
Worship - Mission, Ministries, & Ministers
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come into God's presence with singing.
Psalm 101:1-2
Our Mission
Worship is the heart and soul of our faith community
Believing that corporate worship is the heart and soul of Christian faith and that “all who seek God and are drawn to Christ are welcome at Christ’s Table,” our vision is to foster a worship environment that is joyful, warm, and relaxed, yet reverent, inspiring, and uplifting; appreciative of Anglican liturgical and musical traditions, yet open to learn from other tradition and forms. we strive for a worship experience that is inviting to the newcomer and the stranger, and accessible to people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and traditions. We seek the active involvement in liturgy and music by clergy and laity, young and old.
Our Ministries
Worship Services
Meeting at the Seneca Academy next to our building site, we currently offer several different Sunday services, each of which has its own unique character:
9:00-9:45am – Holy Eucharist. Great for families with younger children, this warm and informal service is open to people of all ages. The service is followed by a time of fellowship until 10:00am, when Sunday School, Youth Program, and Adult Forum begin.
2:30-3:00pm – Nursing Home Service (Shady Grove Rehabilitation Center). A dedicated group of parishioners bring Communion from Reserve Sacrament to our Aother congregation@ at a local nursing home. A rewarding and well-loved experience.
5:00-6:00pm – Evening Prayer with Communion. If you prefer a more meditative worship experience, this service may be for you. The liturgy and music combine to evoke the majesty and mystery of God and a friendly, informal, interpersonal sense of community. Healing prayer is offered at this service, which is followed at 6:00pm by Fellowship Time.
Worship Server Ministries
There are many opportunities to serve during our worship services. Not only do you get to serve God and God's people, but you get to experience fun and fellowship at the same time. To find out more about any of these ministries, contact the clergy.
Acolytes. A great way for young people to get involved in the service. Carry the cross, carry the Gospel book, help the priest at the altar. As acolytes grow in experience and composure, they can graduate to special acolyte ministries, such as Torch Bearers, Banner Bearers, and even Thurifers (swingers of incense C on those extra-special occasions when we use it). 4th grade and up.
 Altar Guild. A very important behind-the-scenes ministry. Set up the altar for the service and put it away afterward. Stocks supply of wine and bread. For men and women. Adults and mature teens.
Lectors. Read the appointed Scripture lessons during the service and leads the Prayers of the People. Training is available. Adults and high school students.
Chalicists. Serve the wine at communion. Adults and mature teens, by appointment.
Choirs. Make a joyful noise to the Lord. Adult Choir is for adults and mature teens. Children's Choir is for Kindergarten through sixth grade. Handbell Choir is for adults and teens. Contact: Music Director.
Intercessors. During the communion, Intercessors anoint with oil and pray for those who need healing. Adults, by appointment.
Ushers. Hand out bulletins and other publications to people as they arrive for the service. Take up the offering. Direct traffic at communion. Open to all ages. An excellent ministry for families to do together.
Vergers. A special name for a master of ceremonies. Coordinates the assigned server team. Arrives early, makes sure all servers are present and the service runs smoothly. Adults, by appointment.
Worship Activities 2009-2010
August
- Blessings of the Backpacks (and Brief Cases). Bring your kids for a blessing on their backpacks and prayers for a great year at school. Bring yourself and receive a blessing on your briefcase, notebook, Blackberry, or other tool of your trade, and prayers for your coming work year.
September
- Kick Off Sunday. Join us as we kick-off another great new program year at St. Nick’s. Meet new people. Find out about our programs. Sign the younger kids up for Sunday school and the older ones for youth group.
October
- St. Francis Sunday – Blessing of the Animals (1st Sunday in Oct). Bring yourself, your family, and your animals for a blessing. Donate a warm coat for a human, snack at the bake sale to support The Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County and look at the cats available for adoption.
November
- All Saint’s Sunday – Baptisms & Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (1st Sunday in Nov). Join us as we celebrate the saints, past and present, including ourselves. This is a traditional day for baptizing new saints and for remembering loved ones who have died in the past year.
December
- St. Nicholas Sunday – Fabulous Celebration & Visit from “Bishop Nicholas” (1st Sunday in Dec). Fun, food, and fellowship on the feast day of the Saint for which our church is named: Nicholas of Myra.
- 9:00am - Holy Eucharist
- 5:00pm - Evening Prayer with Communion from Reserved Sacrament
- Christmas Eve Services (Dec 24). Special services for all ages.
- 5:00pm - Children's service.
- 7:00pm - Candles, Carols, and Choir. Slightly less formal. Great for families.
- 9:00pm - Candles, Carols, and Celtic Harp. Somewhat more traditional.
- Lessons and Carols Services (Sun. after Christmas). The traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, with the reading of the Christmas story and the singing of Christmas carols.
- 9:00am - Holy Eucharist. Slightly less formal.
- 5:00pm - Evening Prayer. Somewhat more traditional.
January
- Epiphany Pageant (Sun. after Jan. 6). A pageant extravaganza with a part for every child. Bring out those Magi! (9:00am service only).
Future Plans for Worship at St. Nick’s
Coming in 2010 – A “Late Morning” Service.
As our congregation continues to grow, we plan to add a second morning service, around 11:00am or 11:15am. We will be seeking congregational input as we begin to plan for this service. So let us know if you are interested in a service at this time.
Our LeadersClick on the Our Leaders button at left to contact the leaders listed below:
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Worship Committee Chair: Terri Murphy
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Vestry Ministry Liaison: Mark Brown
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Rector: The Rev. Ken Howard
- Music Director: Steven Carman
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Lay Pastoral & Liturgical Assistant: Terri Murphy
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Seminarians: Meghan Holland & Tracey Kelly
- Altar Guild Coordinator: Mark Brown
- Flower Guild Coordinator: Lisa Ruf
- Liturgical Furnishings Coordinator: Roberta Mller
To volunteer, contact Fr. Ken (Contact Ken via Email)
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