Sidesperson - Early Service *
Ministry Position
| Position Risk Assessment: | low |
| Term of Office: | 1 year, renewable - Co-ordinator is elected at Vestry |
| Supervision and Support: | Reports to: Churchwardens Staff Liaison (if different from above): Committee/Board responsible for this ministry: Advisory Board |
| Purpose: | To assist the Churchwardens in receiving and seating the congregation in the church, in taking up the offertory, and in maintaining order in and about the church during divine worship. |
| Population(s) served: | Churchwardens The congregation |
Skills & Qualifications:
- patience
- friendly and polite attitude
- be well organized
- punctual & dependable
- familiar with procedures regarding Newcomers, counting the offering
- the co-ordinator must have some administrative skills
- this position requires a Police Records Check
Spiritual Gifts Recommended:
- service
- organization
- hospitality
Training Provided:
- on-the-job training
Meeting Date & Time:
- no scheduled meetings, however the co-ordinator may call an occasional meeting as circumstances arise
Time Commitment Involved:
- must be available for duty 1 Sunday a month
- be willing to fill in any absences
- be willing be on duty for some special services
- the weekly duty starts 20 minutes before the start of the service.
Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
- working in teams of 2, the sidespersons greet people, hand out bulletins, books etc. as they arrive
- usher people to their seats if the church is crowded, or if they are late
- the offering is collected by the sidespersons at the designated time
- during the Eucharist, they regulate the flow of people to the communion rail, and make a count of those receiving communion, and those receiving a blessing
- a count is also made of all those attending the service.
- fill in the Vestry book regarding the attendance
- the co-ordinator schedules the sidespersons, fills in any gaps, and keeps procedures up to date
- the co-ordinator is responsible for interviewing candidates and completing the appropriate section on the Responsible Ministry: Screening in Faith Checklist
Limits of the Position:
- carry out the duties as dictated by the Churchwardens
Benefits & Opportunities:
- to greet Newcomers and make them feel welcome
- to get to know members of our parish
*a more detailed job description is available
Office Instructions: Provide a copy of this position description to the applicant. Place a copy in the applicant’s file in a locked filing cabinet. Record the completion of this step on the applicant’s Screening Checklist.
Rev. August 26, 2003