Ushers are part of the hospitality team for our services. They greet those attending the service and provide them with a bulletin as well as any kind of information or help the guest might need. That ranges from where are the bathrooms, to where are the classrooms for my children, or do you have enhanced listening devices?
Ushers arrive approximately 15 minutes before the service and make sure there are bulletins for the service and that the name tag board is set up in the greeter area. Before the services, the ushers’ job is primarily welcoming and informational.
As the service proceeds, the ushers are responsible for making sure temperature in the church is appropriate (not too hot or too cold), they collect the offering and assist in presenting it to the priest as the congregation’s offering.
During the communion, ushers are responsible directing people to the communion line. After the service, the ushers place the offering in the church safe, and prepare the sanctuary for the next service (pick up loose bulletins, put books back in the bookracks, etc.) The ushers also return the name tag rack, tables and other materials which have been taken outside of the church. Early service ushers generally take things out and late service ushers put those things away.
The work of the ushers is not strenuous, nor overtaxing, but it is an important function to make our services run smoothly. The ushers, while being warm and friendly, should not stand out, but blend in so the focus is on the worship service. It is our objective that the service runs smoothly and efficiently. Ushers are generally called upon to serve once or twice a month.
If you think this is a way that you could serve, please let Jim and Barbara Manson or one of the ushers know of your interest and we will be glad to get you involved.