Assist with Worship
At Good Shepherd, worship isn’t a spectator sport, whether you’re in the pews, with us online or assisting with the service. We seek GSLC members and those who call Good Shepherd their church home to help with worship in a variety of ways.
Acolytes
Children who’ve received first communion instruction, youth and adults are welcome to serve as acolytes at worship services, lighting the altar candles and assisting with communion. For more information, view the Acolyte Handbook (pdf).
Typical schedule: Occasionally
Contact: Denise Steene, education ministry coordinator
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild cares for the chancel (the area of the worship space where the altar is located) and prepares the altar for worship each week. Teams work on a revolving schedule. Special projects, such as decorating the church for holidays, polishing the silver and spring cleaning provide periodic opportunities for those who can’t commit to a regular schedule.
Typical schedule: About once a month
Signup to help with Altar Guild
Contact: Christine Redon
Assisting Ministers
Assisting ministers (liturgists) work in partnership with the presiding minister to lead the worship services. In addition to leading the prayers, the creed and other portions of the service, assisting ministers distribute the wine during communion.
Typical schedule: Occasionally for 9:30 or 10:45 AM worship
Signup to be an assisting minister
Contact: Marlene Koenig
Chamber Choir
The Chamber Choir sings an array of musical styles from traditional to contemporary at the 9:30 AM service. Practices are held from 7:30 to 8:45 PM on Wednesdays. Choir members also provide choral music for evening worship services and at other special services during the year.
Typical schedule: Weekly rehearsal and worship, Sept. through June
Contact: Liz Waterbury, choir director
Children’s Message
Volunteers sometimes provide a short children’s message between the gospel reading and the sermon during the worship services.
Typical schedule: Occasionally
Contact: Denise Steene, education ministry coordinator
Communion Presenters
Communion presenters bring the bread and wine to the altar during the offering at worship services. Children and families are encouraged to assist as presenters.
Typical schedule: Occasionally
Signup to be a communion presenter
Contact: Church office
Flower Committee
Members of the flower committee create floral arrangements for the worship space altar and entry/lobby for Sunday worship except during Lent. Training is provided.
Typical schedule: About once a month
Contact: Denise Elfes
Greeters
Greeters welcome worshipers at the church entryways about 15 minutes before a worship service begins. They may also greet folks as they leave the church after worship.
Typical schedule: Occasionally
Contact: Church office
Instrumentalists
Guitars, woodwinds, keyboards, brass and other instruments enhance the worship liturgy and congregational songs and provide prelude and communion music.
Typical schedule: Occasionally
Contact: Alex Gray, organist
Readers/Lectors
Volunteers (sometimes called lectors) read the first and second scripture lessons and the psalm during worship. Information on what scriptures will be read and any specific details are emailed to readers a few days in advance of the scheduled service.
Typical schedule: Occasionally for 9:30 or 10:45 AM worship
Contact: Marlene Koenig
Solos & Small Ensembles
Vocal solos, duets and other small ensembles enhance the worship services on a periodic basis. A rehearsal(s) are scheduled as mutually convenient.
Typical schedule: Occasionally
Contact: Alex Gray, organist
Ushers
The ushers distribute worship bulletins, collect the congregation’s offering, guide worshippers during the communion, and set up the microphones for the services.
Typical schedule: About once a month
Contact: Paul Lund
Virtual Tech Team
A virtual tech person manages the online aspects of a worship service including operating the cameras and YouTube, greeting online worshippers and answering questions via online chat.
Typical schedule: About once a month
Signup to help with virtual tech
Contact: Jon McCall
Worship & Music Committee
With Pastor Kate and the music staff, this ministry team plans and oversees Good Shepherd's worship services.
Typical schedule: Monthly meeting
Contact: Anette Andersson, worship & music ministry chair
Youth Choir
The youth choir welcomes children in 3rd grade and older. The group sings during worship services and at special events on an occasional basis. Rehearsals are scheduled in advance.
Typical schedule: Occasionally
Contact: Nancy Lopez
Sunday Worship 9:30 AM and 10:45 AM || Sunday School 10:45 AM
Braddock & Luray, 3 blocks from the Braddock Metro
100 W. Luray Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
facebook.com/GSluth || instagram.com/goodShepLuth
703-548-8608 || Contact Pastor Kate || Contact the church office
Contact || Directions || Child Protection Policy
Affiliations: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America || ELCA Metro DC Synod
© 2025 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Alexandria, VA. All rights reserved.