Church of the Ascension

Worship Commission

The Worship Commission meets on a quarterly basis to coordinate resources and plan for the worship experiences at Ascension. This Commission is comprised of representatives from various Commissions and Guilds that serve our congregation: Altar Guild, Lectors and Chalicists, Acolytes, Ushers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, and the Music Ministry are all represented at the Worship meetings.

Eucharistic Visitors and Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers are the folks who assist with the administration of Holy Communion at many of the services of the Holy Eucharist. They are the people you see with chalices standing to either side of the clergy at Great Hall services, or at the communion rail in the Stone Church.

Eucharistic Visitors assist the clergy in taking Holy Communion to ill or confined parishioners following our third Sunday services. They are "commissioned" each time in receiving a communion kit containing consecrated bread and wine with the words, "In the name of this congregation, we send you forth bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the communion of Christ's Body and Blood."

PARISH MINITRIES

ACOLYTES: Serving as an Acolyte is a privilege and an important ministry. Acolytes are young people of our church from 6th grade through high school who actively assist in leading our worship of God. The commitment to be an acolyte is often the first mature response a young person makes in service to our church. This is a real and meaningful way for our young people to give of their time and talent. Every Sunday they light the altar candles, carry the Cross and candles in the procession, and assist with the setting of the Altar and other liturgical duties. If you are interested in being an Acolyte contact their adult leader, Robert Griesmyer at 410-848-4388.

ALTAR GUILD: A number of women of the Church of the Ascension serve faithfully as members of the Altar Guild (although men would be welcome as well). They care for the Altar hangings and linens and work closely with the Rector to prepare the sanctuary for worship services. Members assist with baptisms, weddings, and funerals. The guild is divided into 5 teams that serve a month at a time. If you are interested in joining the Altar Guild, please contact our Directress Kim Tompkins at 410-549-0359.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS: This committee oversees the upkeep of the church grounds and buildings, either by performing the repairs and maintenance around the church themselves or by contracting professionals to do the work. Twice a year they organize work days for outdoor work or minor inside maintenance. One big project at the moment is the upgrading of all the lights in and outside the buildings with energy efficient bulbs, which will save on utility costs. This dedicated committee is headed up by Bill Sears, with Buck Lyon-Vaiden, Jr. serving as Vestry liaison. Bill’s number is 410-857-1845.

EMC/STEWARDSHIP: “We are working together to do God’s work.” Members are encouraged to support the work that Christ has given us to do through the giving of time, talent and financial resources. Stewardship campaigns encourage parishioners to ask themselves: “What is my relationship to God?” and “What does stewardship mean to me?” Nancy Griesmyer is the Committee Chair and works together with the Finance Committee. Her number is 410-840-9881.

FELLOWSHIP: Parish social events during the year include Coffee Hour each Sunday following the 9 am service (lemonade on the lawn during the summer months); parish picnics every June, our Seder Dinner on Maundy Thursday and our bi-annual Boar’s Head Feast the first Sunday in January, to name a few. Other social events are planned as opportunities arise. This dedicated committee is headed by Lynn Kirby. If you are interested in joining please contact her at 410-875-9136.

LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY (LEM): In our diocese, Lay Eucharistic Ministry has become the term for both chalicists at services and for those who take communion to our shut-ins and sick. Coordinated by Father Samuel Edleman, Bill Sears, and Greg Forster, they rely on all members of the church to be aware of those around them, particularly anyone whose needs should be addressed by this ministry.

LECTORS: Members of this group read the lessons at Sunday services and lead the congregation in the Prayers of the People. These folks serve at all three of our Sunday services and at other special services during the year. There are two coordinators of this ministry: Bill Sears for the 8 am and 11:15 am service calendars and Greg Forster for the 9 am service.

MEN’S BLUE CAP CLUB: As a complement to the Red Hat Ladies, Ascension’s men, not to be left out, meet regularly, usually for breakfast and Bible study. Occasionally they take day trips to area historical places and sponsor other social activities. Lead by Bob Jackle and Buck Lyon-Vaiden, Jr. they are always welcoming to new members. Watch the Sunday bulletin for announcements.

MISTLETOE MART: Mistletoe Mart is a 3 day juried artisan and craft event featuring approximately 50 vendors. It has developed a well deserved reputation for quality and value, and many people start their holiday gift buying here. This year we will be celebrating our 36th year with lots of new surprises. Come start the season off with us and get in the holiday spirit. The Mart is held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the second full weekend in November.

NEW MEMBERS: The New Members Committee focuses on welcoming visitors to Ascension as Greeters, introducing them into our fellowship, and working to incorporate them into our congregation as new members. A couple of times a year a New Members reception is held to introduce the new members to other new and older members and to officially welcome them to the church.

OUTREACH/MISSION: Please be generous with your donations to this committee. The work of this Committee/Ministry makes a big difference in the lives of many needy families all around Westminster, Carroll County and beyond. This committee sponsors our Sunday soup kitchen, called Manna Ministries; helps regularly at New Life for Girls, a faith based addiction rehab program; coordinates our local collection for Carroll County Food Sunday (a food bank); and supports Shepherd’s Staff, a cooperative ministry of our area churches to the needy. Habitat for Humanity falls under this committee and they help sponsor members to go on these week long mission trips across the nation and even to other countries.

ST. JAMES GUILD: This is a ministry to our own members during time of grief or illness. Committee Chairs Sandy White and Jill Horn are quick to move into action when there is a special need in the family, helping to coordinate luncheons or receptions after a funeral, or getting meals prepared and delivered to families and/or individuals during times of illness, new parenting, or temporary disability.

ST. LUKE’S GUILD: Members of this guild share in the healing ministry of the church. A few participate in hands on prayer ministry at most of our 9:00 services, while a much larger number quietly pursue a ministry of intercession according to requests made through the clergy or the church office. Confidentiality is kept by the members. They also routinely intercede for those who have requested to be on the Sunday prayer list in the bulletin.

USHERS/GREETERS: Ushers tend to the handing out bulletins and prayer books and making sure the song selections are correct on the boards. They also help people find seats, and direct people during the distribution of Communion. Greeters welcome every worshipper with a wide smile and “Good Morning” and a cheery “Welcome” to visitors to our parish. Visitors are asked to sign our registry and are given a loaf of sweet bread baked by the ladies of the parish. Ted Neil (410-795-0638) heads up our Ushers and Jeanne and Ron Cox (410-848-6944) organize our Greeters.