Sidespersons Instructions

Before the service begins:

·         Arrive at the church ½ hour before the service and turn on the lights.

·         Familiarize yourself with the locations of the fire extinguishers in case you need to use them. In the event of fire open both doors of the church building.

·         If steps have snow or ice on them, remove it.

·         Ensure that the correct hymns are posted on the hymn board at the front of the nave; Altar Guild should have put them up. Check the bulletin for hymns.

·         If it is a Eucharist service, ensure that the bread and wine are on the small wall shelf at the back of the nave.

·         Ensure that the book for Prayers of the People is open at the correct page.

·         Show visiting clergy to the vestry room and assist them as may be required; review Service Preparations poster on Vestry wall.

·         Hand out the service bulletin and welcome people as they arrive:
q      invite people to coffee hour after service;
q      for families with children, tell them about: Sunday School, changing diapers; and
q      invite visitors to sign the guest book.

·         People using wheelchairs may require direction to find a place to be for the service. 

·         Be aware of the location of the large print BAS, BCP and hymnbooks in case someone has need of one.

·         If there is a mailing, hand out as much as possible. During announcements you can ask people to pick up their envelope.

·         5 minutes prior to the service starting invite a youngster to ring the bell. The bell can be rung approximately 6 times.

Parish Information, For People New to the Parish, this pamphlet found in the cupboard in the narthex, has information about St. Stephen’s and a response form that can be used for a family to have their name put on the parish list, to request offering envelopes or join parish activities.

During the Service:

·         Prior to the offertory, count the congregation (include children and clergy) and display the number using the cards at the back of the nave.

·         At the offertory, bring the bread and wine to the sanctuary rail and pass to the server. 
q       On the 3^rd Sunday place the food hamper in front of the altar.
q       After bread and wine is received, bow, then pick up the offertory plates, bow and turn towards the center and proceed to collect the offering down the nave, including the choir and organist; envelope will be on top of the organ.

·         At the beginning of the last verse of the offertory hymn the server will start walking to the chancel steps with the alms basin:
q       Walk slowly down and place and the collection plates onto the alms basin;
q       Bow;
q       Close the sanctuary rail and put the kneeler in place; and
q       Bow, turn toward the center and walk back to your seat.

·         At the “Our Father”, a sides-person goes downstairs and invites the Sunday School teachers to bring the children upstairs. Return to the nave without waiting for them.

·         As the choir proceeds to the rail to receive communion, 
q       Go to the front of the seating and let the communicants out of the pews in an orderly manner, ensuring that there are few delays; 
q       Follow the last communicant up to the sanctuary rail;
q       Open the rail and move the kneeler over; and
q       If anyone can’t come to the rail for communion, advise the priest so that communion can be brought to him or her. 

·         About halfway through the recessional hymn, open the doors.

At all times, keep an eye open for people needing assistance.

After the service