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Worship Ministries

At First United Methodist Church, Conway, we welcome individuals to assist and lead in worship.

At First United Methodist Church, Conway, we welcome individuals to assist and lead in worship. We read in 1 Chronicles 9:26-32 that the Israelites charged specific persons with keeping the worship space to ensure that all was ready for the sabbath observance:
 
“For the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were in charge of the chambers and the treasures of the house of God. And they would spend the night near the house of God; for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had charge of opening it every morning. Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense, and the spices. Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices, and Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was in charge of making the flat cakes. Also some of their kindred of the Kohathites had charge of the rows of bread, to prepare them for each sabbath.” 
 
And so, First United Methodist Conway follows this ancient tradition with a robust program of lay liturgical ministry opportunities. 
 

Opportunities to be in service through worship

Here are a variety of ways to get involved in the worship ministries of Conway First UMC. At FUMC, Conway, we offer the following lay liturgical ministries:

Communion Ministers – Those who administer the Communion Elements (Any age)

The College of Acolytes – (Grades 3 – Adult) – individuals who assist clergy in the liturgical duties at the altar like lighting the altar candles, assisting in the reading of Scripture and more.

Lectors – Readers of Holy Scripture and assigned Liturgical texts on a given Sunday.

The Altar Guild – Caretakers of the altar and the chancel.

The Altar Arts Team – Those who create seasonal displays and banners that go along with sermon themes and/or the liturgical calendar.

The Baking Guild – Those who prepare the loaves for Holy Communion.

Ushers and Greeters – The persons who greet and see to the needs of the worshiping assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baking Guild

Yes. If you’ve never baked bread before, members of the Guild will teach you. The recipe is easy both for long-time bakers and for beginners.
No. The Baking Guild prepares bread for all three service times at Conway First.
No. Bakers are scheduled through the year on rotation. Typically, each baker bakes quarterly on a team of four.
The Guild provides 12 six-inch loaves of bread for three Sunday Services with Holy Communion each month.

Communion Ministers

Communion ministers are sacramental ministers. Therefore, those who serve in this way ideally have received the Rite of Confirmation and have been properly trained by clergy or ministry coordinators in the procedures for administration of Holy Communion.

Lectors

To become a lector, contact one of the lector coordinators to be scheduled to read the lessons and lead various congregational readings in the service. The lector coordinator trains each reader in the procedures and techniques of proclaiming Scripture.

Acolytes

In most instances, persons may begin to serve as acolytes in the 3rd grade.
No. Anyone 3rd grade to adult may serve at the altar of God. There is no age limit to service in the Church.
Yes. Conway First owns and provides acolyte vesture for persons 3rd grade to adult, because there is no age limit to service in the Church.
No. Acolytes are important servers at God’s altar during worship services. They assist clergy in the celebration and help ministers and clergy during the administration of the Sacraments: Holy Communion and Holy Baptism. Acolytes learn responsibility, , leadership, and problem solving. And, through their work alongside ministers and clergy, they come to know more intimately how the Church worships through sound liturgical practice. Serving as an acolyte is part of Christian formation, and remaining in service as an acolyte through the 12th grade demonstrates a continued willingness to serve within the worshiping community, a dedication to worship, a witness to ones faith, and a love for the Sacraments.

Altar Guild

No. Members are scheduled quarterly in teams.
Altar Guild members see to the needs of the altar. They prepare the appointments unique to it for worship services, ensuring the candle oil has been replenished, that the altar Bible is set to the appointed lessons, and that the altar cloths are of the proper color for the day or season. They also prepare the sacred vessels for the celebration of Holy Communion and prepare the font whenever it is required for the celebration of Holy Baptism.

Altar Arts

No. The Altar Arts team provides displays and thematic banners for a particular season or special celebration. They are a unique team of creatives who use their talents for art, design, and craft to present intangible ideas, concepts, and topics in a physically visible way. Their work complements that of the Altar Guild.

To begin taking part in any or several of these ministries, please contact Jason A. Saugey, Director of Worship Ministries  at jason@conwayfumc.org. He will connect you with the liturgical ministry coordinators in charge of training and scheduling in our various ministerial areas.

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Service Times

8:30 a.m. | In-person worship
Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
9:05 a.m. | In-person worship
Good News Celebration Worship in the Great Hall
11:00 a.m. | In-person worship
Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
9:05 & 11 a.m. | Online worship

Watch here, www.facebook.com/conwayfirstumc or on our YouTube Channel

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