Lay Ministries
St. Luke's choir dedicates itself to singing church music that inspires our hearts and minds to join the heavenly host in praising our God. Under the capable and dedicated leadership of Jim Schatzman, choirmaster, the choir brings musical leadership to the congregation in many ways. Marilyn Stulken, our organist, brings years of experience as teacher and musician to support the choir and congregation in singing hymns and service music, and organ music that inspires the soul to begin and continue to worship God throughout the service. Music has always played an important role in the life and ministry of St. Luke's, and is supported by endowment funds from long-ago and current benefactors.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church supports other musical endeavors in the community by offering rehearsal and concert space to the Choral Arts Society, directed by Jim Schatzman; welcoming the Prairie School chorus for their annual Christmas concert; and hosting visiting organists and choirs in concert. In August, 1999, the church bought a well cared for Mason and Hamlin grand piano, placed in the Chancel of the church, to support and enhance the music on Sundays, and for others to use at rehearsals and concerts. St. Luke's continues to look for ways to inspire the congregation and community through sacred music and other types of concerts, and is open to suggestions and ideas for future events.
Jim Schatzman and the choir welcome new members at anytime during the year. The choir rehearses at 8:30 am on Sunday morning, September through May.
St. Monica's Guild is a Christian fellowship group for the women of the parish. It meets on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00 am in the parish library. St. Monica's sponsors the coffee hour on the second Sunday of each month, gives Christmas gifts to needy children, and promotes programs and study groups for their members. All women of the church are invited to participate in this Guild. They also collect toiletries for women in homeless shelters & will be collecting school supplies, toiletries and clothing for children in need that are attending school in the Racine Unified School District during the year.
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is a Christian fellowship for men of the parish. They meet on the Fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 pm from September through May. The Brotherhood holds study sessions, brings in guest lecturers and sponsors various service projects throughout the year. The Brotherhood has implemented a scholarship program for graduating seniors that attend St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Three scholarships from the Carl Tidwell Memorial Scholarship fund were awarded the first year the program was implemented.
The Altar Guild
The members of the Altar Guild provide an important ministry to the congregation and clergy as they prepare the church and chapel Sanctuary for Mass on Sundays and weekdays. Their duties include setup and cleanup of sacred vessels and vestments for each service, polishing brass and silver Altar appointments, keeping the Sanctuary and Sacristy neat and tidy. It is a wonderful ministry opportunity that supports spiritual growth and friendship through active service to the church. The Altar Guild welcomes new members, both women and men.
Lay Liturgical Ministry
The Acolyte program is open to youth and adults who are trained to assist the clergy and congregation in all areas of the liturgy.
Chalice bearers are trained and licensed by the Bishop to assist the clergy with the administration of the chalice at Mass. This ministry is open to adults and older youth.
Lectors are trained to read the Lessons at Mass and lead the Prayers of the People. The ministry of Lector, like that of chalice bearer, is open to adults and older youth.
Ushers provide a ministry of hospitality to all who enter our church for worship. Ushers greet people as they arrive, assist with seating, collect and present the offering, direct the Congregation during Holy Communion, say goodbye as people leave the church, and make sure the church is neatly tidy before leaving. Training is provided to adults and older youth interested in participating.
Email us at stlukesracine@sbcglobal.net
Page last modified on 12/11/2006