Worship Ministries

Whether our worship is formal or informal, our politics or theology liberal or conservative, there is one thing that unifies all Episcopalians and Anglicans throughout the world: The Book of Common Prayer. Last revised by our General Convention in 1979 the American Prayer Book provides the framework for the administration of the Sacraments and other rites and ceremonies of the Episcopal Church in the USA, ancient forms of worship brought current for today's world, including the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion, Eucharist, or Mass) shared by all Christians everywhere.

Liturgy - "the work of the people" - being central to our spiritual lives as human beings, those ministries which facilitate and enhance our worship are indispensable for us.

Altar Guild. The work of the Altar Guild is caring for the vessels and fine linens of the altar, setting up for the Eucharist, or special services decoration. Men or women are welcome to help in this important and on going service. For more information about the Altar Guild please contact Nancy Brown by phone at 509-455-9214 or by email at nnb720@msn.com More Information.

Servers (Acolytes). Assisting the clergy and people in celebrating the liturgy are the Servers (Acolytes) who lead processions and assist the priests and deacons at the altar. The Servers program is open to those 4th grade and older willing to attend training sessions, meetings and rehearsals and serve as scheduled. Contact Susan Miller at the Cathedral Office, 838-4277.

Lectors. Lectors read the Old Testament Lesson and the Epistle during worship. Lay people reading the lessons is an important symbol of the active participation of all present, not just ordained people, in the Liturgy. Lectors receive training and practice with the sound enhancement system in the Cathedral and are assigned to read lessons at the various liturgies on a rotating basis. Contact Peggy Johnson through the Cathedral Office, 838-4277.

Labyrinth. The Labyrinth Committee teaches about and makes available this traditional spiritual tool which enhances meditation and prayer. In partnership with Spiritus, the Diocesan Center for Spirituality, the Labyrinth Committee hosts Women's Dream Quest, an overnight event in the Cathedral including singing, body movement, crafts, journaling and meditation, and hosts the New Year's Eve Labyrinth Walk. The labyrinth is available in the North Transept during Lent, in July and most of November.

Music Ministries:

The Cathedral Choir. The Cathedral Choir of men and women sings at the 11:00 service on Sundays and at other special services, often with instrumental accompaniment in addition to the great Cathedral Organ. For more information about the Cathedral Choir click here [make link]. To join contact Dr. Janet Ahrend, 838-4277.

The Junior Choir sings at the 9:00 service on Sundays and on special occasions with the Cathedral Choir, and is open to all children from kindergarten through 12th grade [make link]. Contact Dr. Billie Severtsen, 624-5469 or 324-7286.

The Handbell Choir, directed by Dr. Janet Ahrend, our Music Director, rings for services approximately once a month, and at special festive occasions. They also present concerts, either along with the Cathedral Choir, or by themselves. Contact Dr. Ahrend at 838-4277.

The Carillon. The 49-bell carillon in Cross Tower is played weekly before the Sunday 11:00 a.m. Eucharist and on other special occasions. During the month of July a concert series by guest artists is presented on the Fourth of July and on Thursday evenings. A practice clavier is housed in the Crypt.