Music

Music has long been a strength of Gethsemane Lutheran Church. We invite musicians of all ages and experience levels to share their gifts in worship.

Music Ensembles

New Day – Contemporary Praise Band
Resurrection Ringers – Adult Handbell Choir
ROCKS Ringers – Children's Handbell Choir

Whether you sing or play an instrument, we'd love to have you join us. Contact the church office for more information.

Worship

The Worship & Music Committee works alongside the pastor and musicians to create meaningful worship experiences throughout the year. The committee helps coordinate worship services, music ministries, seasonal celebrations, communion preparation, and special services.

If you have a passion for worship, music, or planning meaningful worship experiences, we'd love to have you join us.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild prepares the sanctuary for worship by setting up Holy Communion, caring for altar linens and paraments, maintaining banners and candles, and decorating the sanctuary throughout the church year.

This ministry is a wonderful opportunity to serve behind the scenes and help create a welcoming and reverent worship space.

Ushers

Ushers help create a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors. They greet worshippers, distribute bulletins, assist during the offering and communion, count attendance, and help ensure worship runs smoothly.

Usher Responsibilities

Welcome worshippers and distribute bulletins.
Assist with the offering.
Guide worshippers during communion.
Count attendance.
Help prepare the sanctuary before and after worship.

Need a refresher?
View the complete Usher Instructions below.

Communion Servers

Communion servers assist the pastor in distributing Holy Communion and help ensure worship flows smoothly and reverently.

Communion Server Responsibilities

Receive communion before serving.
Assist with the distribution of bread or wine.
Help guide worshippers during communion.
Return communion elements following worship.

Need a refresher?
View the complete Communion Server Instructions below.

Worship Resources

Usher Instructions

Thank you for serving as an usher! Ushers play an important role in creating a welcoming, organized, and meaningful worship experience for everyone who attends.

Before Worship

Arrive at the church 20 minutes before the scheduled service.
Welcome worshippers as they arrive, hand out bulletins, answer questions, and help guests find seating if needed.

Offering

Offering plates are located on the shelf beneath the small table.
Two ushers carry two offering plates each down the center aisle.
Recruit two additional volunteers to help pass the plates from the side aisles if needed.
Have the side aisles pass their plates to the choir and side pews first before joining the main sanctuary.
Gather at the back of the sanctuary. When the offertory hymn begins, walk together up the center aisle and present the offering to the acolytes.
Return together to the back of the sanctuary.

Communion

After the communion assistants have received communion, two ushers move to the front pews and hold the communion cup trays.
Two ushers stand at the front of the sanctuary and invite each row forward to receive communion.
Generally, 7–8 people fit comfortably on each side of the communion rail.
Ushers receive communion after the last members of the congregation.

Attendance

During the sermon, go to the balcony and count everyone attending worship.
Include the pastor(s), acolytes, organist, pianist, choir or musicians, A/V technicians, and anyone seated in the balcony or front side aisles.

After Worship

Walk through the sanctuary and check the pews for personal belongings, bulletins, and other items.
Place any valuable or identifiable items in the Lost & Found.
Help leave the sanctuary neat and welcoming for the next service.

Thank you for serving and helping create a warm, welcoming worship experience for everyone at Gethsemane Lutheran Church!

Communion Server Instructions

Thank you for serving as a Communion Server. Your ministry helps provide a meaningful and reverent worship experience for our congregation.

During Offertory Hymn

Go to the front of the sanctuary during the offertory hymn.
Sanitize your hands using the hand sanitizer located on the table to the right of the altar.
Form a line in front of the altar and prepare to receive communion from the pastor.
The pastor will indicate whether you will be serving bread or wine.

Serving at the Communion Rail

Walk to the inside of the communion rail.
Serve each person by saying:
- Bread: "The body of Christ, given for you."
- Wine: "The blood of Christ, shed for you."
If space is limited, bread servers should return behind the communion trays, wait for the communicants to stand, and then return to the altar area.

Walk-Through Communion

Proceed to the front steps when directed.
Bread servers stand on the inside while serving those who receive communion without coming to the rail.

After Communion

If someone receives communion in the pews, one server may accompany the pastor.
Return any remaining bread and wine to the Lord's Table.
One communion assistant will then administer communion to the pastor.

Thank you for sharing your gifts in worship and helping serve Christ's table with reverence and care.

Interested in Serving?

There is a place for everyone in worship! Whether you can serve once a month or every week, we'd love to help you find a role that matches your gifts and interests. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the church office at office@glcdassel.com