FPCY Usher Commandments

If you are looking to get involved at the church but don’t have much time why not try USHERING on a Sunday morning. This is a very important part of the Church service.

It is also a good way to meet and greet new people or connect up with old friends.

Ushering is done during the worship service so if you are in Church what better way to help out than to usher.

There is a sign up sheet in the gather place for you to sign up for which Sunday is easier for you and also which service you attend 8:30 or 10:45. Signing up will save Deanna Collins and Pat Prauda from having to make phone calls.

Here are the "commandments" on how to usher:

Arrive on time, at least 15 minutes before the service, i.e. 8:15 or 10:30 a.m. Wear a nametag.
Escort people to their seats before you give them their bulletin. We have large print bulletins for the sight impaired.
Lead, do not follow, people to their seats.
Greeters remain in the narthex and at the side door until the singing of the “Act of Praise”.
Ushers must watch for late arrivals and assist them in finding seats. Best time is during the Choral Greeting or singing of a hymn.
A Head Count of all people present during the service must be taken.

During the sermon is a good time as people are still and latecomers have arrived.
Small goldenrod sheets for this purpose, and pencils, are stored in the Narthex on the left (west) side of the table. Put the tally sheet in the collection plate or in the collection box stored in the left front corner of the Sanctuary.

Processional after the Collection:

Line up in the aisle by each rear door until all ushers have returned with their plates.
The lead usher, of each group of ushers returning the collection plates to the front, carries all three plates, stacked.
All ushers come forward at the playing of the Doxology and line up across the front pew.
Bring your bulletin with you for the Prayer of Dedication.
Continue standing through the Prayer of Dedication.
Plates should be placed on the carpet next to the pulpit after the Prayer of Dedication.
Then return to the back. You may use the Passing of the Peace to greet people as you go.

Ushers greet people as they are leaving, after the service. One usher stands by the side door. The minister stands at the front doors as people leave.
Ushers remain after the service to clean up the pews and straighten up pew racks. Pencils, envelopes and literature are on a shelf in the right hand (east) closet of the Narthex.
Turn off lights:

Pulpit light: switch is on the light
Chandelier and balcony lights: switches and dimmers are on left side (west) of the Narthex by west closet.
Rear balcony light: switch is on the left side (west) of the Narthex by the west closet.
Narthex light: switch is to the left of the Narthex table by the west rear inner door.
Can lights (above the choir): switch is by the upstairs west door on the inside.
Porch light: switch is to the right (west) of the front double door.)
Rear wall light (downstairs): does not turn off--no switch. Stays on all the time.

11. Turn off manual heaters in the Narthex by each stair case, if they are on. Regular heat/air conditioning is on an automatic thermostat. Leave it alone.

updated 4/13/09, worship/usher commandments.doc