Called to Serve in Worship
Leading in worship is one way that we are called to serve as disciples. The opportunities for serving in worship are many and varied – from singing in a choir, to bringing forth the gifts that are distributed during the Meal, to the ministry of hospitality known as greeters and ushers. We invite you to read several stories about disciples from different generations who feel called to serve in worship.
Hailey Wreath was raised in a family that believes “giving back” is a priority. She said, “I’ve been doing service my whole life. It’s this foundation that has shaped the person I am today.” Attending this year’s ELCA National Youth Gathering, Hailey felt inspired when several speakers talked about their personal call to serve. “That night I realized my call was to do service and lead the way.”
When Hailey was asked to participate in leading Trinity’s early service in August she said, “I felt ready and called to step up and lead the opening exercise at the early service.” With her leadership, the congregation was asked to move to a place in the church that they wouldn’t normally sit. This simple exercise gave people the opportunity to physically change their perspective of the worship space and even their worship experience. Hailey concludes, “Giving back to others allows you to see life in a new perspective. I think people can get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to see the opportunities that God places in our lives every day – opportunities that can change our perspective.”
Linda Graeff, one of Trinity’s videographers, has been capturing precious moments of life and faith for the past nine years.
One of Linda’s first experiences with videography was when she worked as a Nurse Practitioner at Paul’s Run Retirement Community. Linda said, “I was privileged to provide care for older adults and their families through all the stages of aging. The residents were very special to me.” And, as Linda learned, she was very special to them. “As a wedding gift, one of my colleagues created video messages from the residents, full of advice and best wishes. It just melted my heart.” And so, the path was set.
Today, with her family and her church, Linda continues to use her talents to capture and preserve moments in time. Linda adds, “There’s nothing like hearing and seeing someone share their faith. I feel called to serve others by videotaping our sermons and the Gospel through storytelling. Our mission statement states: We are called to connect all generations to God’s family – what better way to share the many wonderful stories at Trinity than through videography!”
Eleven-year-old Violet Stewart has enthusiastically served as a Trinity acolyte for nearly three years. Violet said, “It means a lot to me to be at the altar during worship. I get to really feel God’s presence.” Last year Violet served at the Christmas Eve candlelight service. She remembers, “It was a really big moment for me to do this on the night before Jesus was born. The lighting of the candles down the aisle and seeing the congregation with their candles while singing Silent Night was really special. Not everybody has a chance to do this.”
Being an acolyte has given Violet a front row seat to worship. “Watching the ushers come to the altar with the offering, and sitting close to the choirs, feels almost magical. And, I get to sit next to the Pastor. I can see how many notes he takes on his sermon pages, and how much he cares about us.”
Our stories are an essential part of ourselves. When we share our stories, we strengthen our own spiritual lives while inspiring and transforming others at the same time. Many thanks to these three disciples who have invited us to learn how their unique stories have connected them to God’s family, and opened their hearts to answer a call to serve.