Ministries

St Andrew’s Pentecost join in serving at the homeless shelter in Evanston serving food once every other month. The food items served are donated by the members and they make out time to go and serve members of our larger community who are facing a tough times, homelessness or hunger. It is often a rewarding and refreshing experience to be able to extend a helping hand to those in need for the sake of Christ Jesus whom we serve. In serving such people we serve Christ.

The Church women have a support group where they help a member in need or such that are facing bereavement.In the past they have supplied backpacks and back to school supplies to indigent families and other families who find it difficult to afford school supplies to their wards. It is through such humble, kind and humane services that  the love of God is manifested to a sinful world.

The Ministries of St. Andrew’s
Acolytes
An acolyte assist in worship by carrying a processional cross, lighting candles, holding the Gospel book, holding candles or “torches”, assisting a deacon or priest set up and clean up at the altar, swing incense or carry the incense boat, hand the offering plates to ushers, and many other tasks as seen fit by the priest or acolyte warden.

The acolytes wear robes that differentiate them from the clergy, the lay Eucharistic ministers, or the choir, although they may appear quite similarly dressed. These robes can be called albs, cassocks, cottas or a combination of those items. The robe belt worn by many is called a cincture, and frequently reflects the color of the liturgical seasons. It is generally a twisted rope with knots on the ends and is secured around the waist.

The acolytes are ranked as they develop their abilities to serve – Trainees, Junior Acolytes, Senior Acolytes and Acolyte of Merit. In others, the functions of acolytes are performed by St. Andrew’s – Pentecost members between the ages of 9 years and 18 years. If you feel called to this ministry please contact Mikkeala Palmer.

Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is that special church committee, established to maintain the cleanliness of the Altar Vessels, Communion vessels and Supplies. The vessels used during each church Service are cleaned after all services. Periodically supplies are replenished so that all Altar Supplies are available and ready for use.

The group works delicately and painstakingly to ensure that the altar is always set-up properly. This would include not just the weekly Sunday service, but also for special services, memorial and funeral services, weddings and baptism. Throughout the church year, the colors of white, green, red and purple are used depending on the occasion and season. Flowers are purchased weekly by the Altar Guild to beautify the Church throughout the year.

Ushers/Greeters
In addition, the Guild is in charge of the housekeeping for the altar area as well as the entire meeting area.

The two Oblation Bearers (with bread and wine) will walk behind you.
At the end of the anthem or whenever you see the Acolyte standing to receive the plates from you, start walking down the aisle and give the plates to the Acolyte. Remain standing there until after the doxology (‘raise God from whom…) and then return to your pews.

At the end of the service, again greet any newcomers, ask them to sign the guestbook, and invite them to coffee hour. Pick up bulletins left in the pews or between book pages. New comers to the parish are often welcomed not just by the entire congregation, they are they are accompanied by the greeters who do their best to make them comfortable. The greeters guide them through the service if they are unfamiliar with our liturgy and show them places of interest in the church.