The order of acolytes is one of the most ancient ministries in the church. All students in grades 2 through 12 are welcome to be an acolyte.

In this ministry, the role is to assist the priest in charge of the worship service and enhance the service to the glory of God. Duties include lighting and extinguishing altar candles, presenting the crucifer, flags, banners and other elements of the service.

Devotion, Peace and Loyalty: Three words that describe this faithful guild. The Altar Guild is selected by special invitation of the Rector and assists the Clergy in the care and preparation of the altar. Members must earnestly dedicate themselves to their work by placing love for Christ above all personal feelings and by working together with the Clergy and fellow members in peace, devotion and loyalty. The external manifestation of this spirit is the cleanliness, punctuality, care and reverence with which members carry out the duties that support worship in God’s house.

Lay Ministers are the people of the Church who have been baptized. The ministry of lay persons includes bearing witness to Christ wherever they may be. They often participate in services with readings from the Holy Scriptures. Chalice Bearers assist in communion by following the Priest, who has the bread, and offering each person at the altar a sip from the cup.

Do you enjoy greeting Parishioners and visitors to make them feel welcome? If so, St. Martin’s Greeters Guild is for you! This service greets worshipers before and after the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. As a greeter, you answer questions and encourage visitors to fill out a visitor card. Sign up today.

Serving as an usher is a wonderful way to get acquainted with The Church and your fellow Parishioners. Assist on a rotating basis at a time convenient for you. This service is open to all St. Martin’s men including older teens and young adults.

Funeral Ushers consists of a group of men who are ushers for funerals and memorial services at St. Martin’s. There are three teams of Ushers who serve for one month in each quarter of the year. Their duties include escorting family members to their seats in The Church, assisting those who need help opening the doors and entering The Church, serving as ushers, helping with any other assigned duties, and straightening the pew racks at the conclusion of the service.

Sing with our Parish Choir and play a significant role in The Church’s 9, 11:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday worship services.

The choir consists of 85 voices including professional singers, as well as parishioners who love to sing. New members are always welcome.

The Young Singers of St. Martin’s mission is to make joyful, beautiful music while teaching young children that they hold a special place at St. Martin’s. The Young Singers of St. Martin’s sing at the Family Table service.

For more information, contact Carole Nelson at yssm@stmartinsepiscopal.org or call 713-335-8677.

The Bells of St. Martin’s are Ringing!
St. Martin’s Bell Choir is welcoming new members. If you are a music lover and can read sheet music (or even if you can’t), join us in this artistic tradition grown from the great English cathedrals.