Worship Ministries
At All Saints, we believe that worship is a participatory experience where everyone can contribute their time and talents to help prepare for or lead the service. We encourage all worshippers to get involved and make our worship services a truly inspiring and uplifting experience. If you are interested to learn more about our worship, email the church office at AllStsLakewood@optonline.net 

Acolytes
At All Saints, acolytes play a vital role in assisting with the smooth execution of worship services. These dedicated individuals serve alongside clergy in various capacities. Their responsibilities typically include lighting and extinguishing candles, carrying processional crosses or banners, assisting with the preparation of the altar, and serving as general aides to the clergy during the liturgy. Beyond their practical duties, acolytes symbolize the servant ministry of all Christians, embodying reverence, diligence, and attentiveness throughout the worship experience. Through their participation, acolytes contribute to the seamless flow of the liturgy and help create a sacred atmosphere conducive to spiritual reflection and worship for the congregation. If you are interested in becoming an acolyte, please contact Rev. Nicole Kurkowski at rectorallstslakewood@gmail.com.

Altar Guild
All Saints Altar Guild is dedicated to the care and preparation of the altar and sanctuary for worship services. Comprising volunteers, the Altar Guild ensures that the elements of the Holy Eucharist are properly prepared and arranged. They also maintain the altar linens, candles, and other ceremonial items, ensuring they are clean and in good condition. Beyond the practical tasks, the Altar Guild plays a significant role in preserving the sacred atmosphere of the church sanctuary, contributing to the spiritual experience of worshippers. Members of the Altar Guild often work quietly behind the scenes, embodying a sense of reverence and devotion to their service in facilitating meaningful worship experiences for the congregation. If you are interested in joining the Altar Guild, please contact Rev. Nicole Kurkowski at rectorallstslakewood@gmail.com.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors
A Eucharistic Minister is a layperson authorized to administer the consecrated elements during a Holy Eucharist celebration. Typically, a Eucharistic Minister operates under the guidance of a deacon, if present, or alternatively, a member of the clergy or another leader responsible for the congregation or faith community. This definition is outlined in Title III, Canon 4, Section 6.

A Eucharistic Visitor is a layperson who is authorized to take the consecrated elements to members of the congregation who are unable to attend the Holy Eucharist due to illness or infirmity. This person usually acts under the guidance of a deacon, a member of the clergy, or another leader who is responsible for overseeing the congregation or community of faith. This is in accordance with Title III, Canon 4, Section 7.

A confirmed communicant in good standing may be licensed by the Ecclesiastical Authority to serve as Eucharistic Minister or Eucharistic Visitor. Requirements and guidelines for the selection, training, continuing education, and deployment of such persons, and the duration of licenses shall be established by the Bishop in consultation with the Commission on Ministry. – Title III, Canon 4, Section 1(a)

If you are interested in becoming a Licensed Minister, please contact the Rev. Nicole Kurkowski at  rectorallstslakewood@gmail.com.

Lectors
At All Saints, a Lector is entrusted with the solemn duty of reading passages from the Bible during our worship services. Serving as a vital component of the liturgy, the Lector carefully selects and shares scripture readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, and New Testament with the congregation. Their pivotal role enriches the worship experience by offering profound insights into the sacred texts and facilitating a more profound connection with the Word of God among our faith community. Lectors diligently fulfill their responsibilities on a rotational basis, ensuring every Sunday service benefits from their dedicated service and the spiritual nourishment they provide through the scriptures. If you are interested in becoming a Lector, please contact Kathy Schott at AllStsLakewood@optonline.net

Vestry
All Saint’s vestry plays a crucial role in the governance and administration of our parish. The vestry refers to the group of elected lay leaders who work alongside clergy to manage the affairs of the congregation. Members of the vestry are typically elected by the congregation during the annual parish meeting. The vestry of All Saints’ Episcopal Church consists of 13 members: the Priest-in-Charge, Priest Associate, two wardens and nine vestry members. Responsibilities of the vestry include the following:

• Financial Oversight: One of the primary responsibilities of the vestry is financial management. This includes developing and overseeing the parish budget, reviewing financial reports, and ensuring that the church’s resources are used wisely and responsibly. The vestry may also be involved in fundraising efforts and stewardship campaigns to support the financial health of the parish.
• Property and Facilities: The vestry is responsible for the care and maintenance of the All-Saint’s Church property and facilities. This includes overseeing repairs and renovations, managing contracts with vendors, and ensuring that the church buildings are safe and accessible for worship and other activities.
• Strategic Planning: The vestry is involved in setting long-term goals and priorities for the parish. This includes strategic planning initiatives, discerning the parish’s mission and vision, and identifying areas for growth and development.
• Representation and Communication: Vestry members serve as representatives of the congregation and are responsible for communicating with parishioners about important decisions and developments within the church. They may also serve as liaisons to various committees and ministries within the parish.

Overall, the vestry plays a vital role in the life of All Saints Church, providing leadership, governance, and stewardship to support the mission and ministry of the congregation. By working collaboratively with clergy and lay leaders, the vestry helps to ensure the vitality and sustainability of the parish for generations to come.