According to our Catechism, the ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.  The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and according to the gifts given the, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship and governance of the Church.  (Book of Common Prayer, pg. 855)  The following is a very brief description of ministries in which St. John’s parishioners are involved.  Please look these over and feel free to contact the person in charge if you discern a call and would like further information.

Ministries related to worship services:

Acolytes participate in the processional and recessional and assist priests at the altar during worship services, after completing training.  Click Here to contact Rusty Russell.

Crucifers carry the cross in processionals and recessionals, and provide leadership for all acolytes and the thurifer participating in a given service.    Click Here to Contact Rusty Russell.

Vergers attend at the altar during worship services, escort lay readers, and carry the symbol of the Bishop, if he is present.  Click Here to contact Matthew McClellan.

Thurifers tend to and bear the incense burner during Church services.  Click Here to contact Ed Faulkner.

Chalice Bearers assist in the distribution of wine during Holy Communion services.

Lay Readers and Lectors undergo training and serve during Church services.  Lay Readers lead the recitation of the Creed and the Prayers of the People.  Lectors read one of the lessons of the day (either a New or Old Testament reading).  Both Lay Readers and Lectors serve as officiants at Morning Prayer services.  Click Here to contact Bethany Dumas.

Choir members learn music appropriate to the seasons of the church and sing during  services.  Click Here to contact Rick Sidey.

Sacristans keep records of attendance at services and prepare the readings for lay readers and priests.  Click Here to contact Charles Craven.

Altar Guild members prepare the altar and maintain the linens and supplies for worship services. Click Here to contact Candy Brownlow, Willene Chalmers, Linda Morris, and Nancy Stiefel.

Flower Guild members procure and arrange flowers for the altars.  Click Here to contact Mary Hugh Bedinger, Rick Boyd, Karen Gilbertso, and Kathy Lasater.

Greeters greet parishioners and visitors as they enter the church for Sunday services, and distribute gift bags for visitors.  Click Here to contact David Gohn.

Ushers distribute service leaflets to parishioners as they enter the church for services, and guide people from the pews to the altar for communion.  Click Here to contact John Felton.

Video Crew members video tape services and other events.  Sunday services taped are broadcast on the Community television Chanel twice weekly.  Click Here to contact Michael Van Vuuren.

Ministries within the parish:

Children’s Ministry develops and provides worship experiences for children and youth such as “SKIP” church and vacation bible school.   Click Here to contact Kerry Ruff.

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is a ministry for spreading the Word of Christ’s Kingdom among men and boys in the Church, and engages in numerous service projects.   Click Here to contact Matt Carr.

Mary /Martha is a fellowship of women who meet one evening monthly for devotion, education and a dinner.   Click Here to contact Nancy Stiefel.

St. Margaret’s Chapter is a fellowship of women who meet for leisurely lunches, devotions, and inspirational programs.  These women send birthday greetings to all St. John’s parishioners.   Click Here to contact Bette Sanders.

Chapter members constitute the governing body of St. John’s parish.  Click Here to contact The Very Rev. John Ross.

Wedding directors assist and guide those preparing to be married at St. John’s Cathedral.  Click Here to contact Sally Gouffon.

Wedding flower ministers consult with brides, procure and make special floral arrangements for marriage services.  Click Here to contact Julia Huster.

Funeral flower ministers create floral arrangements for memorial services.  Click Here to contact Ginny Rogers.

Library volunteers maintain St. John’s Library and serve as librarians on Sundays for parishioners who borrow library items.  Click Here to contact Rick Boyd.

Breakfast Chefs prepare and serve breakfast for Sunday services.  They serve once every 6 – 8 weeks from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.  Click Here to contact Brad Coburn.

Daughters of the King is a religious order for women who contribute regular offerings of intentional prayers for parishioners, remember parishioners with greeting cards, and provide comfort to grieving parishioners by hosting gracious receptions following memorial services.  Click Here to contact Janet Lawson and Linda Morris.

Coffee & Cookie Crew members provide refreshment and fellowhip to parishioners and visitors after the Christian Education hour and the final service each Sunday.  Click Here to contact Patsy Boyce.

Labyrinth ministers coordinate with visiting groups to help them learn about and experience walking the labyrinth.  Click Here to contact The Rev. Thom Rasnick.

*Eucharistic Visitors are trained and licensed by the Diocese and provide communion for parishioners who are homebound so they may be spiritually fed and remain bonded with the Cathedral family.  Click Here to contact Elsbeth Freeman.

*Prayer Shawl ministers knit or crochet prayer shawls that are blessed and provided to St. John’s family and friends who are in need of comfort and prayer.  Click Here to contact Janet Murray.

*Newborn Ministry members provide gifts for parents and grandparents of babies born and baptized within the St. John’s family.  Click Here to contact Pattie Thiele.

*Meals ministers prepare and deliver meals to St. John’s parishioners who are experiencing life events during which meals would be welcome.  Click Here to contact Annette Anderson.

*St. John’s Care Team members are trained to serve as chaplains visiting St. John’s parishioners who are hospitalized.  Click Here to contact The Very Rev. John Ross.

*Phone Call ministers make frequent telephone contact with members of St. John’s  family who are homebound.  Click Here to contact Nancy Tanner.

Ministries beyond St. John’s parish:

*YWCA volunteers build relationships with women who are in the transitional housing program.  They meet with the women quarterly to share food and offer encouragement, friendship and support as they seek to accomplish life goals.  Click Here to contact Zulette Melnick.

Habitat for Humanity builds new homes for  qualified, needy families. Click Here to contact Steve Brewington.

Volunteer Ministry Center Breakfast Team members prepare and serve breakfast for clients at the Volunteer Ministry Center.  Click Here to contact Andy Hampson.

The Volunteer Ministry Center facilitates placement in permanent supportive housing for those who are homeless and provides services to prevent homelessness.  Click Here to visit the VMC website.

St. Ann’s Church in New York City is a destination for both adult and youth mission trips made by St. John’s members each year.  Click Here to contact Youth Coordinator Paul Ruff.



*  Team leaders of these ministries coordinate their work under the umbrella of  “St. John’s Friends”  


The diocesan office of Ministry and Congregational Development, in conjunction with the Commission on Ministry, will host a regional conversation in our area about the Church’s “Call to Ministry.”  This conversational meeting will provide discussion and exploration of any number of topics relevant to the laity in our Church .  The meeting will be held on May 19, 2012, at the Diocesan House from 9:30 a.m. to noon.  No registration is required, and for more information you may contact Rick Govan  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   423-698-1222.