Kris Nordstrom
Weekly Post #2
01-30-07
This week I served as an usher for the Sunday morning service. In actuality, I am the head usher, and had to fill in for an usher that was home ill. Anyhow, My responsibilities included ensuring the acolytes were present, prepared, and robed. I also was charged with making a head count during collection of the offering. (We Methodists are funny about keeping track of all sort of stats!)
Other usher duties include greeting people and passing out bulletins, as well as helping some people to their seats. That might also include letting the pastor know if someone will not be able to come to the rail for Communion.
Some things that most people don't think about while in church are also the usher's reality. For instance, who does what if there is a fire of tornado? Who calls 911 in case of an emergency? (heart attack, stroke, fall, etc.) Are there any qualified health care professionals in the congregation and who arethey? Where are the first aid supplies and fire extinguishers? (and how do they work, and are they full?)
What is the evacuation plan in case of emergency, and is there an alternate plan in case the primary is for some reason not plausible?
Getting the idea?
Weekly Post #2
01-30-07
This week I served as an usher for the Sunday morning service. In actuality, I am the head usher, and had to fill in for an usher that was home ill. Anyhow, My responsibilities included ensuring the acolytes were present, prepared, and robed. I also was charged with making a head count during collection of the offering. (We Methodists are funny about keeping track of all sort of stats!)
Other usher duties include greeting people and passing out bulletins, as well as helping some people to their seats. That might also include letting the pastor know if someone will not be able to come to the rail for Communion.
Some things that most people don't think about while in church are also the usher's reality. For instance, who does what if there is a fire of tornado? Who calls 911 in case of an emergency? (heart attack, stroke, fall, etc.) Are there any qualified health care professionals in the congregation and who arethey? Where are the first aid supplies and fire extinguishers? (and how do they work, and are they full?)
What is the evacuation plan in case of emergency, and is there an alternate plan in case the primary is for some reason not plausible?
Getting the idea?
5 comments:
Wow. I didn't realize that the ushers had that many responsibilities at all. You are right that I never really thought about any of those things while at church. I'm just there, never really think of anything happening.
"...letting the pastor know if someone will not be able to come to the rail for Communion." - I'm not Methodist...just wondering, what does the pastor do? Does he go to the person? Or...? Sorry, just wondering. :)
~Josiah
Hey Kris:
I also had no idea that ushers had that much responsibility. It sounds like you really have your hands full especially acting as head usher. My hat goes off to you. Sometimes dealing with people can be a little difficult at times, but it sure is important especially in the ministry. I guess I knew what ushers did, but coming from a non-methodist background I didn't realize the added responsibilities that they had to do. I found that real interesting. Thanks for the comments.
It really is amazing to find out all of the work that is involved in the church. Especially the tasks that seem so small, can be some of the biggest and have the most effect in the long run.
It's sad how we really dont acknowledge the things that people do in church. But it is reality. Im glad you had the chance to be apart of that. GOd bless
very very nice
very detailed, very good to realize the little details of the service, and how important they are. god bless
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