Lay Participation

St. Paul’s offers the following many ways by which we can participate in our Sunday services:

Acolytes
Serving as an acolyte is an
important opportunity for our youth to participant in worship. Their responsibilities include acting as crucifers, torch bearers and servers, assisting the clergy during services. Children may be invited to become acolytes in 6th grade. Many continue to serve through high school.

Altar Guild
This group of parishioners is
responsible for preparing the altar for services, clearing the chancel and washing vessels after services. They are also responsible for (a) the maintenance of vestments,
frontals and fair linens, and (b)
the arranging and caring for the
flowers, plants and floral decorations for services on Sunday and festival days.

Chalice Bearers
Chalice Bearers are licensed by the Diocese to administer the chalice at the Eucharist and are invited to serve by the rector.

Lectors and Intercessors
Lectors read the Old and New
Testament lessons at Sunday
and weekday services. Intercessors read the Prayers of the People. Good readers of all ages are welcome to serve.

Ushers
Ushers welcome those attending the service, distribute bulletins, organize the offering and assist during communion. Afterwards, they straighten up the sanctuary and count the offering.

Parish Life

Fellowship

St. Paul’s offers many opportunities for informal social time together.

Coffee Hour. After the 10am Sunday service, parishioners gather to socialize in Selleck Hall. Volunteers sign up in advance to provide refreshments. We try to remember to wear our pre-printed name tags.
Foyer Groups. For the past two decades, many parishioners have participated in Foyer Groups, which comprise groups of 10-12 people who meet in each others’ homes or other venues to share a meal .
Parish Meals. During the year, there are numerous opportunities for members to gather and share a meal after either worship service or on a special evening. There are some great cooks, male and female, at St. Paul’s!
New Member Ministry. While a member of the vestry has titular responsibility for this, we recognize that newcomer ministry belongs to all parishioners. On Sundays, a member of the vestry greets newcomers at coffee hour. Newcomers are invited to complete a Welcome Card so that one of our clergy can tell them more about St. Paul’s and to answer their questions. Semi-annually, newcomers are invited to a social gathering with current members. We all endeavor to make new members feel welcome and invite them into the life and activities of the parish. A new member orientation is offered by the clergy several times a year in the Waterman Library.

Events

Every 2 years we hold a fabulous gala auction. The next one will take place on May 1, 2010 at the Riverside Yacht Club. The theme is Una Bella Serata (“A Beautiful Evening”) and it is sure to be a great evening.

On odd numbered years, we hold a lower key fellowship event, such as a picnic or clambake in our beautiful meadow, adjacent to our parking lot.

One of the highlights of our year is our “Fair for All”, a St. Paul’s tradition for over fifty years. The fair features carnival rides, a book fair, bake table, plant sale and great food. There are special activities for kids as well. All of Riverside and the surrounding area meets at the fair! Please join us this year on Friday evening June 4 or on Saturday June 5.

Pastoral Care

St. Paul’s provides pastoral care to all who seek help – formally and informally, one-on-one or in groups. Pastoral care may be provided by a member of the clergy or trained lay people. Visits can be made to those who are house-bound or in hospital or assistance to individuals in times of family illness or distress.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers. Four parishioners are licensed to take theSacraments to home-bound individuals.
Prayer Chain. The prayer chain comprises a group of parishioners who pray for parishioners in times of particular need.
Practical Assistance in Times of Need. St. Paul’s has a long tradition of providing meals and other practical assistance to fellow parishioners in times of family illness or care-giver disability. If you would to have one of the clergy visit when hospitalized, you need to tell the hospital staff to notify St. Paul’s.