Serving the Parish
Volunteering opportunities at Epiphany
The expression of God’s love through service happens in many ways at Epiphany. We feed and house the homeless; we fill and fund food banks, and we help people find homes. We also teach, and we create opportunities for the shared worship of God. The genesis for all service at Epiphany Parish comes through the energy of individuals seeking to live into God’s vision for creation. Learn more about our liturgical ministries in a video series called “Worship: How it Works.”
Worship is central to life at Epiphany Parish. We call worship “liturgy,” which means, in Greek, “the work of the people.” And so we work together, to worship God, by each taking on a particular role in worship. Roles include:
Lectors
Lectors are lay people who participate in the reading of the lessons at the Sunday morning services and at other special services. A lector can be anyone high school age and older who can read in a clear manner that can be understood by the congregation, who has a desire to participate in this ministry, and who has the approval of the clergy.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic ministers are lay people authorized to administer the consecrated bread and wine at a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Confirmed communicants 18 years and older are licensed by the Diocese to serve as Eucharistic ministers. At Epiphany, they participate in leading the prayers of the people and serving communion. They serve at the Sunday morning services and at other special services during the year.
Eucharistic Visitors
Licensed by the Diocese, these lay people take communion directly from the service to parishioners who are confined to home or hospitalized and who are unable to attend church.
Acolytes
Acolyting is open to anyone in fifth grade or up. Acolytes assist the clergy during worship services in a variety of ways: bearing torches, carrying a processional cross, carrying the Gospel, and assisting during communion.
Ushers
Ushers welcome all who attend services, assist with the offertory, and manage the logistics of the communion lines.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is primarily responsible for preparing the table for the celebration of Holy Eucharist. These lay people work behind the scenes setting up for the Eucharist and taking care of the linens, the vessels, and all the other sacred objects used during our worship services. In addition, the beautiful flowers on our altar are prepared weekly by members of the Altar Guild. You can give to the Flower Fund at this link.
If you are interested in participating in any of these ministries or want more information, please contact Diane Carlisle at verger@epiphanyseattle.com.
Teaching and formation at Epiphany Parish are about understanding the fundamental framework for how to live as taught to the world by Jesus Christ. Our teachers are priests, parishioners, guest lecturers, and others — those with expertise and those seeking to deepen their own understanding of Christianity by studying, preparing, and teaching some facet of it. The following list includes opportunities to volunteer in teaching and formation:
Sunday Forum Facilitators
Our Sunday morning Everybody Hour Forums for adults are very often facilitated by parishioners who have knowledge of certain topics, theological training, or a passion for an issue. Your ideas for formation series are always welcome. Contact The Rev. Ruth Anne Garcia at rgarcia@epiphanyseattle.org
Teach Children at Sunday School
The core charism needed to be a Sunday school teacher at Epiphany is the willingness to give energy and passion to teaching young people about Jesus. Teacher training is offered and curriculum and materials are supplied for class preparation. Teachers are asked to commit to as much time as they can give, spanning from a few times a month, to a several week unit, to a more expansive period of time. Contact Naomi Woodrum at nwoodrum@epiphanyseattle.org
Hang Out with The Youth Group
Youth Group has two groups, middle-school and high-school. One of the most important relationships teenagers can have is with an adult that is not their parent, so consider showing up to youth group on Sunday nights a couple times a month. Contact Naomi Woodrum at nwoodrum@epiphanyseattle.org.