Ushers are usually the first representatives of the church to meet people as they arrive for worship. This means you establish the mood that enables people to worship. Be friendly and respectful to every person—try to restore the dignity that society manages to trample each week. Be helpful in answering questions and in directing people to other areas of the church. You help establish a warm, welcome, friendly feeling for strangers.
YOU play an important role in outreach and mission of Mt. Zion.
THE USHERING TEAM
The Worship Committee and Worship Ministry Teams coordinate the ushering schedule. The team consists of a Head Usher and four persons for each service (early and late). The name of the Head Usher for each week is included in the Spirit. Please inform the Head Usher if you cannot be present and, if possible, get another person to usher in your place.
HEAD USHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Arrive at least 20 minutes before the service.
Turn on ALL lights in the sanctuary and choir lofts (except the candelabra). The switches to control these lights are located inside the sanctuary on the west wall (switches B & C). At the end of the scripture reading, when the pastor moves to the pulpit, turn off B and C.
NOTE: If the candelabra lights are on, please do not turn these off as there may be equipment that is being prepared or warming up for the service.
Light taper for acolyte. The taper and matches are found in the ushers' closet. The acolyte enters during the PRELUDE. Turn on candelabra when both candles are lit (inside wall switch A). If acolyte is having a problem lighting the candles, assist them! If there is no acolyte, find a substitute, light the candles yourself, or ask one of the ushers to do this.
Assist visitors and persons with handicaps. Be available to operate chair lift. Help with doors and finding seats when sanctuary is crowded. Offer to hang up coats. Be attentive. AND, be friendly.
Turn on the sound system. It is already set up—all you need to do is turn on the power strip. For the 10/10:30 Service only put the tape in the left side of the tape deck at the beginning of the service. Press the red RECORD button, then the right PLAY button. Tape should be moving left to right.
Check the comfort level of the church—adjust air conditioning (rear east wall), windows, and doors as necessary.
EARLY WORSHIP USHERS:
Turn on necessary lights in entrances, hallways and stairs. Turn on hanging lights in sanctuary and choir loft. Turn on the candelabra when both candles are lit (inside wall switch A.) Also, tidy up the church after early service by returning hymnals to their racks, picking up bulletins, etc.
USHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Arrive at least 20 minutes prior to beginning of worship.
Locate bulletins (regular, large print and children's) in cabinet in old narthex. Distribute bulletins at main sanctuary entrance and also side entrance.
Greet and Welcome people! A friendly greeting and warm smile is appreciated by everyone. Ask visitors to sign guest book. Help them feel comfortable by directing them to coat racks, restrooms, and childcare during the 10/10:30 service.
Count the number of people present at each service, including children, choir members, pastors, and organist. This can be done while passing the offering plates. Fill out a Worship Attendance Slip (found in Ushers’ Closet) and place in the offering plate. Don't forget to count the people in the nurseries.
Receive the offering. Ushers move back all three aisles, passing the plates back and forth. When the offering has been collected, two ushers will carry the plates to the front and hand them to the acolyte or pastor. The acolyte or pastor will place the offering on the altar. After the prayer of dedication, ushers may return to the rear of the sanctuary. Please note, on some Sundays there are two offerings: ushers should receive both of them.
There is a seating area reserved for ushers at the back of the church. From this area, you can continue to welcome people who may arrive late and be attentive to concerns during the service.
If a parent is needed in the nursery, a helper may ask you to assist in finding the parents. Also please try to be attentive to the telephone and answer, if possible. Monitor the congregation, seeking to be helpful whenever a need is indicated. (If someone becomes ill, get a nurse, etc.)
Open all doors out of the sanctuary following worship service.
DUTIES FOLLOWING SERVICES:
Tidy the church after the service – return the hymnals to their arcks, pick up bulletins, etc., and straighten all materials. The fliers and special envelopes in the pew racks are placed there and removed by members of the Missions Committee.
See that the tape is rewound, labeled, and placed in the rack and the sound system is turned off.
Turn off all lights in sanctuary and hallways. See that doors to the sanctuary are closed. Make sure that the windows in the sanctuary and narthex are closed.
THANK YOU for your willingness to help in this part of the life and ministry of Mt. Zion U.C.C.
IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Sincerely,
The Worship Committee
Rev. Sherry
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