Readers read the Old Testament lesson, the Psalm and the Prayers of the People.

At the appropriate time for the Old Testament lesson, the reader approaches the altar down the center aisle, pausing to reverence the altar, (that is stop and bow briefly), proceed to the lectern and read the selections. And the end of the reading is said, "The Word of the Lord," and the congregation will answer, "Thanks be to God."

After the Old Testament lesson, the reader announces the number of the Psalm. The Psalm may be read in one of three ways: in unison, responsively by whole verse or responsively by half-verse.

Readers usually read once or twice a quarter.

Reader Coordinator: Daphne Kasteel

Ushers help ensure a smoothly run church service and minister to people in a variety of practical ways. The specific responsibilities include greeting people as they arrive for the service, assisting people with special needs, collecting the offering and ushering during communion.

Head Usher: Ed Ramsay

The Hymnody as well as other music, whether instrumental or sung, is an amazing conduit for bringing body and soul into communion with our Creator. Often the congregation is called upon to be the “choir” and gifts of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses in the pews can be heard weaving all of our voices together into beautiful harmony.

If you are interested in sharing your musical talent through voice or instrument, please talk to our organist, Glenn Courtney.

The Altar Guild is a parish group organized for the purpose of preparing the altar for worship at the eucharist, weddings, funerals and other ceremonies. They take turns setting up for each service and make sure the altar vessels are cleaned and maintained. Many hands make light the work. An introduction and training are available If you would like to participate.

Altar Guild members: Sue Ramsay, Connie Horne, Jane Henley

After the service, we often gather in the parish hall for coffee and snacks. On the 1st Sunday of the month we gather together for a hearty luncheon. Anyone can volunteer to bring donuts on simple Sunday’s or organize a team to host the monthly luncheon. The Sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the parish hall.

Additionally, for special events such as funerals, volunteers help coordinate receptions or refreshments with the family.

Team leaders: Beth Blair and Anne Clewell

The Vestry is the governing and decision-making body of the church, consisting of the rector and elected lay representatives. Its duties include calling the rector, approving the budget, making policy, and approving expenditures. Each vestry member serves a 3-year term. The election for vestry is held during the Annual Meeting each January.

Senior Warden for 2023: Anne Clewell

SMWC offers educational grants for local high school seniors, current community college or vocational school students, and undergraduate college students who are either residents of Lancaster County or a child or grandchild of a parishioner. This committee advertises, reviews and awards the grants each year.

Scholarship Committee Chair: Will Towles

We are continually looking for ways to serve the community. The Pandemic gave us the opportunity to think outside the box. Literally. People love to stop by St. Mary’s and walk around the historic buildings and through the graveyard looking for family. With the vision of a vestry person we envisioned making walking trails through the woods for meditation and health and offering the nature path to the broader community. Trail A has been cleared with the help of Line Dancing and Chair Yoga neighbors, local master naturalists and parishioners. We are creating a second trail, Trail B, and will complete it after the bugs die back. Look for Trail Work Days posted in the church bulletin or in an email.

Trail leaders: Connie Horne, Anne Clewell

Phone: 804-462-5908

Email: stmarys.whitechapel@gmail.com

Parish Office:
5920 White Chapel Road
Lancaster, VA 22503

Office Hours:
Wednesday’s, 10:30 am -3:00 pm