Altar Guild

COTHF MD Altar Guild photo July 2014The Altar Guild consists of four teams, each of which commits to one week per month and shares responsibilities in preparing the worship space with the furnishings, appointments, vessels, elements, linens and paraments used in the liturgy. Whether it is preparing the altar, polishing vessels, removing wax from linens, or pressing vestments, the work is never a burden but always a privilege. Because the altar is the place “where heaven and earth meet” it is this place where we have the opportunity to serve God in a very intimate and prayerful way. If you are interested in serving on the altar guild, please contact Mark Childers at (505) 982-4447 x 102 or medw.childers@gmail.com.

Acolytes

Acolytes assist at the altar during all regular Sunday services and at special services throughout the year. They contribute to our worship as crucifers, servers and torchbearers, and at the same time they learn more about the liturgy and why we worship the way we do. We have over twenty trained acolytes and more are always welcome. This ministry is open to all ages. If you are interested in becoming an acolyte, please contact Mark Childers at medw.childers@gmail.com.

Lectors

Lay Readers or Lectors are parishioners who are trained to read the Old Testament lesson, the Psalm and the Epistle as part of the Ministry of the Word during each worship service. If you are interested in serving as a Lay Reader please contact Mark Childers at (505)982-4447 x 102 or medw.childers@gmail.com.

Ushers

Ushers play a vital role in the smooth orchestration of our worship services each Sunday and at many other services throughout the year. The four person teams prepare the church for services, greet parishioners, distribute the service bulletins, take the census, bring the offering of elements to the altar and facilitate collection of the offering. They also seat worshipers during services and assist the disabled who are wheelchair bound or in need of any assistance. They help clear the pews and reset the books used in worship after each service. Ushers serve for one month on a quarterly rotation at the 8:30 am or 11:00 am services. If you are interested in becoming a part of this ministry of hospitality please contact Mark Childers at (505) 982-4447 x102 or medw.childers@gmail.com.

Greeters

We are blessed of have a fantastic group of enthusiastic Greeters who are the “first face” of the Church of the Holy Faith. Santa Fe is not only a vacation destination for many visitors, but a city that attracts those seeking a wonderful place to retire. As such, Holy Faith has a large number of “new faces” crossing our threshold every week. We also have many part-timers in our Parish – those who own a second home here and spend part of the year as active members of our community. And of course, there is our Parish Family for who a friendly greeting is just one way we acknowledge each other. For many of us, the warm welcome at the foot of the steps of our beautiful church is just the beginning of our worship on Sundays and other holy days. While this ministry has not yet resumed post-reopening, if you are interested in joining this group, please contact Cathy Gronquist at (505) 989-9167 or cathy@gronquist.org.

Welcome Ministry

The Welcome Ministry assists visitors and new parishioners in becoming acquainted with our church and its members. We keep track of all Welcome Ministry pew cards and new member registration forms and make at least two contacts with every person who completes one of these two forms.  The team also plans and implements get-acquainted events and provides any necessary information to new people. Contact Sally Ritch at sritch36@gmail.com for more information.

Flower Ministry

A dedicated group of volunteers works every Saturday morning to provide floral arrangements for the altar and for the chapel on Sundays. The arrangements are created to mark the days and occasions of the Christian year. The group also produces special flower arrangements for Christmas and Easter as well as for receptions, weddings, funerals and other services. Special requests to honor a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion should be directed to Mark Childers at (505) 982-4447 ext 102 or medwchilders@gmail.com. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Flower Ministry please call Shelby Green at (505) 983-9683.