Parish Ministries

Lay Eucharistic Ministry

The Atonement parish has a very dedicated Verger who leads and directs the duties of the Lay Eucharistic Ministers and the Acolytes. The Lay Ministers, who are licensed, assist with Sunday worship services by reading the Old and New Testament lessons, the Psalms and the Prayers of the People. They also serve as chalicers during communion. The Verger and Lay Ministers take communion to the sick and shut-in members of our parish following Sunday services and also during the week (depending on the distance to be traveled and times when it is convenient to visit). This enables the parish to worship with many of our members who are no longer able to travel to be with us.

Verger

Douglass Bowman, Jr.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

Charles Allen (LLEV, LLEM)

Benjamin Barnes (LLEV, LLEM)

Joseph Barr (LLEM)

Douglass Bowman, Jr. (LLEV, LLEM. LPL)

Mae Cundiff (LLEV, LPL)
Joyce McCannon (LLEV, LLEM)

Mary J. Hart (LLEV, LLEM)

Anna Marsh (LLEV, LLEM)

Keith Martin (LLEV, LLEM)

Paula Mays (LLEV, LLEM)

Veronica Norwood (LLEM)

David Warr (LLEV, LLEM)

Licensed Lay Eucharistic Visitor  (LLEV)

Licensed Lay Eucharistic Minister  (LLEM)

Lay Pastoral Leader  (LPL)

Acolyte Guild

The Acolyte Guild offers as its ministry to God a very special dedication and service that has been a tradition in the life of the church by performing assigned duties in the worship service that include carrying the processional cross or crucifix, lighting and extinguishing candles and helping with the presentation of the bread, wine and gifts of the people.

Brotherhood of St. Andrew

The mission of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is to bring men and boys to Christ through the three (3) disciplines of prayer, study and service. One of their major activities is the Annual Advent Breakfast.

Christian Education Committee

The Christian Education Committee seeks to support the Church’s mission by providing for the spiritual growth of its members by developing and offering instruction, activities and programs designed to meet the needs and interests of its parishioners. The Committee views Christian education as a vital part of the on-going human religious growth process and supports that growth, beginning in childhood, by offering opportunities for learning about and applying God’s Word to daily life experiences.

Hour of Power

Each Thursday at noon during the Lenten Season and on the third Thursday of each month throughout the year, our prayer warriors convene to pray for each other, our families and friends, our church, our leaders and for the whole world. A guided meditation is also used during which we spend some personal time with Christ. The group makes prayer beads for concentration and focus during prayer.

St. Agnes Altar Guild

St. Agnes Altar Guild is a ministry of lay persons, both male and female, who prepare all things required for the altar and sanctuary that are necessary for the celebration of The Eucharist and other sacraments of the church detailed in the Book of Common Prayer.

St. Clare’s Guild

St. Clare’s Guild, organized in 1951 as the Mothers’ Club, provided nursery care during the eleven o’clock service. Although this activity is no longer pursued, the Guild supports Atonement in other ways, most notably, the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and other charitable activities in the community.

St. Helene’s Guild

St. Helene’s Guild serves Atonement, the community and individuals in need who are sick, shut-in or mentally ill. In addition to raising money for the Atonement Scholarship Fund, Guild members share their love for all by annually sponsoring “Everybody’s Birthday Party,” at which time two of the oldest Atonement members are honored.

Senior Choir

The Atonement Senior Choir provides choral support for regularly scheduled services and special services or programs. The choir supports the worship experience and strives to reach the diverse musical tastes of the congregation by performing hymns, anthems, spirituals, and selected gospel renditions.

Sunday Adult Bible Class

The Sunday Adult Bible Class meets every Sunday of the year. The members read Bible scriptures and engage in lively discussions pertaining to the relationship between God’s Word and today’s experiences with emphasis on the meaning of passages to each member. The classes are conducted by lay persons .

Ushers’ Guild

The Ushers help set the tone for a meaningful and enjoyable worship experience by greeting parishioners and other worshippers with a pleasant smile and warm welcome. They encourage visitors to sign the guest book, distribute bulletins and other print materials, help with seating, collect the offering, select individuals to carry the gift offering and help direct worshippers during communion. The Ushers also help to prepare the church for services by assuring the hymnals and prayer books are in place and the pews are free of debris.

Wednesday Adult Bible Study

The Wednesday Adult Bible Study class meets each Wednesday throughout the year and provides an open discussion forum for studying the Word of God directly from the Bible. The group seeks to enlighten and augment the understanding of God’s purpose for His children.

Meals on Wheels

As part of the national effort to feed the hungry, parish members assemble and deliver meals to the infirmed on a weekly basis.