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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Server Responsibilities
Revised December 2, 2008
Arrival
• 9:55, Appropriate attire: white alb, cincture, black shoes with toes and heels.
• 10:05 Server lights candles at altar--Epistle side first then Gospel side. (It is an old tradition that the Gospel candle never stands lighted alone.)
• 10:10 Priest prays. All participants in the procession move to Narthex door. Follow directions of the choir director. Instructions vary depending on the weather.
Prelude
• Crucifer and torch bearers move into place in center aisle behind verger.
• 10:15 Bell rings.
• Server processes behind choir, in front of the chalice bearers and sits in the alcove to the right of the altar.
Eucharist
• Get the offering plate from the bottom shelf of the credence table and give the offering pouches to the ushers when they come forward. Return the plate to the bottom shelf.
• Give the breadbox to the deacon and replace it on the credence table when the deacon returns it to you.
• There are 100 wafers in the ciborium with a note from the ushers indicating how many people are in attendance.
• Give the wine cruet to the deacon. This cruet will remain on the altar.
• Give the water cruet to the deacon. Replace it on the credence table.
• Be attentive to the deacon and respond to any requests. It is okay to talk quietly with the deacon and ask questions.
• Take the offering plate to the center when the ushers come forward. The congregation will be singing the doxology. The ushers will put the pouches on the offering plate. Turn and hand the offering to the presiding priest. Bow and return to the alcove.
• Remain standing as long as you are serving the deacon and turn toward him. At other times, i.e. Prayers of the People, Confession, etc., it is appropriate to kneel when the rest of the congregation is kneeling. When the deacon and priests are in motion around the altar please make room for them.
• Server is among the first to receive communion.
• Deacon remains behind altar and provides additional bread and wine to clergy and chalice bearers as needed.
End of Service
• Extinguish candles with candlesnuffer by the alcove, Gospel side first then Epistle side (because of that old tradition).
• Prepare to leave altar area immediately following the choir.
Seasonal changes:
• Advent 1, 2, 3 and 4 - light 1, 2, 3 and 4 Advent candles respectively. Light 4 candles on Christmas Eve.
• Paschal Candle - light on Easter Day, every Sunday through the Easter season (which ends the Sunday before Penecost), and for all Baptisms and Funerals.
Server, Crucifer, Banner Bearer, Torch Bearer Schedule
