Procedure for the Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) Role - DRAFT

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church | Austin, TX Procedure for the Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) Role - DRAFT

Document Date – November 16, 2019

Audience – LEMs, ACs, and Clergy

Summary – LEMs are both Lay and Ordained persons that administer Communion (consecrated bread and wine) to communicants during the Eucharist.

Roles defined –

Altar Coordinator (AC)

• Group leader for all LEMs and Lay Readers (LR) for a given service. • Aligns processional order in and out of Sanctuary. • Fills vacancies as needed with the LEMALT or LEM volunteer from the congregation. • Assists Celebrant, Clergy, and LEMs around the Altar during Eucharist.

Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM, BB, & BLEM)

• LEM: Lay Eucharistic Minister who serves Bread (Bread Bearer) and Wine (Chalice Bearer). • BB & BLEM: LEMs denoted as Balcony Bread (BB) and Balcony LEM (wine) (BLEM). • Serves Communion (Bread/Wine) to communicants.

Lay Eucharistic Minister Alternate (LEMALT)

• LEM assigned to step in for last minute vacancies. • DO NOT assume coverage by LEMALT if you know, in advance, you cannot make your assignment. LEMs are to seek their own substitutes in advance, time permitting.

Other Definitions

• Porridge Bowl – small pewter bowl filled with wafers used by the Bread Bearer when serving Bread to communicants. • Paten – small metal plate filled with wafers used by the Bread Bearer when serving Bread to communicants. • Dual Porridge Bowl – glass dish with a divider that separates standard wafers from gluten free (GF) wafers used by the Bread Bearer when serving communicants. Do not touch the GF wafers. • Chalice – silver “cup” filled with wine used by the Wine Bearer when serving Wine to communicants. • Narthex – often referred to as the Commons is the area outside the back doors of the Sanctuary to the external doors.

• Colatorium – a small strainer device used to retrieve Bread/Wafers unintentionally dropped into the Chalice. The Colatorium is generally located atop a small crystal dish on the right-most credence table. • Piscina – a covered, stainless sink in the Altar Guild Sacristy used to properly dispose of consecrated wine.

Procedure –

A. Check-in with AC “before” vesting

• Check-in with AC “before” vesting. o Important so the AC knows you are present. o AC’s name is on Monthly Schedule & Weekly Reminder. o AC is generally vested and in Narthex 15-20 mins prior to start of service. • Confirm your assignment with AC. • AC will aggressively attempt to fill vacancies (LEMs and Lay Readers) 5-10 mins prior to service start. o AC’s first choice will be LEMALT who should stay near to AC until he / she releases you. o If LEMALT is already called into action or not present, AC will seek LEM or LR volunteers from the congregation.

B. Vesting

• Check-in with AC “before” vesting. • Use restroom, if needed, before vesting. • Vestments can be found in Men's and Women's Vesting rooms. o Located in basement of Sanctuary building across from Men's restroom. o Do not use Choir vestments. o Avoid using vestments in garment bags or with name tags as these are personal vestments – unless you have permission from owner. • Once vested, select and wear the appropriately colored lanyard with Cross. o See Monthly Schedule or Weekly Reminder for Liturgical Color. • Clean hands with sanitizer (liquid or wipes) located on table in vesting room. • Return to the Narthex and remain visible by AC.

C. Assemble in Narthex

• Be vested and in Narthex no later than 10 minutes prior to start of service and remain visible by the AC. • Become familiar with who will be serving communion with you at your communion station (Clergy or LEM). • About 5 mins prior to service start, Clergy, Deacon, Seminarians, and LEMs will circle the Baptismal Font to review assignments and a prayer led by the Celebrant.

• AC will begin to line up LEMs in pairs just outside the main door to the Sanctuary – order is dependent on LEM seating location: o LEMs seated “Right of Altar”: 1-2, 3-4, BB-BLEM, AC. (Figure A) o LEMs seated in “Seating Section 4”: BB-BLEM, 3-4, 1-2, AC. (Figure B) o Order may change slightly if more or fewer LEMs are required. Please be flexible. • Be sure to have an Order of Service and a Hymnal with you if service music is not printed in Order of Service. • Sing or remain silent and in-line until released by the AC to process into Sanctuary.

D. Process In | Seating

• At the appropriate time, the AC will release LEMs, processing in pairs. • LEMs walk in pairs, unrushed, with generous spacing, up center aisle toward Altar, stopping just before the red, carpeted platform, bow reverently toward Altar, then turn right and walk in single-file. • LEMs seated to the “Right of Altar” (Figure A) o Walk single-file in front of first row of seats – proceed to wall leaving one seat open at the wall for AC. AC will advise in advance if more than one vacant seat is required. • LEMs seated in front row of “Seating Section 4” (Figure B) o Walk single-file to the far end of right-most section (closest to windows) then into the first row. Move as close to the aisle as possible. • Remaining LEMs and AC will follow – remain standing until congregation is seated.

Figure A - Process In | Seating – “Right of Altar”

Figure B - Process In | Seating – “Seating Section 4”

E. Receive Communion Elements

• At the Offertory, immediately following the announcements, the Ushers will bring the unblessed Elements (Bread & Wine) forward. • The Balcony LEMs (BLEM & BB) will stand and remaining on the tile floor, walk to the center aisle, close to the red carpeted platform, and standing side by side, face the Altar and bow reverently. • The BLEMs will then step up on the first step and turn to face the ushers. • If BLEMs are not assigned, the AC will assign this task to another pair of LEMs prior to the start of the service. Please be flexible. • Receive the Elements from the ushers, bowing reverently toward ushers. • Place the Elements on the back-left corner (choir side) of the Altar – or hand to the Celebrant / Clergy. See Figures C & D.

Figure C – Retrieving Elements from Ushers

Figure D – Retrieving Elements from Ushers

• Step down and stand beside the ushers (window side) who are receiving collection plates from the Acolyte. Facing the Altar, bow reverently along with the ushers, and return to your seat. If ushers have left, step to the tile floor in front of the Altar and facing the Altar, bow reverently, then be seated.

Note: There may be occasions when the unblessed Elements are already present on the Credence Table prior to the beginning of the service. The AC will advise if this is the case and if so, Elements do not need to be received by the BLEMs.

F. LEMs Receiving Communion

• At the appropriate time, the AC will stand and lead the LEMs to the Altar area to receive communion. See Figures E & F • At the corner of the red-carpeted platform, LEMs serving Wine will take a Purificator from the small credence table. • Proceed, single file, inside the #4 communion rail toward the congregation, stopping at the end of the 2nd step then turn toward the Altar. Remain standing. • Ensure there is plenty of room at the right end for all LEMs and Acolytes. • The AC and any LEM serving Bread (with the exception of BB) will walk with the AC to the Altar to take Communion alongside the Clergy. • Clergy and / or AC will serve LEMs Communion from left to right as you face the Altar.

Figure E – LEMs Receiving Communion

Figure F – LEMs Receiving Communion

G. LEMs Commence Serving Communion

• After LEMs have received their Communion, the AC or an Acolyte will provide the Chalice Bearer a filled Chalice and the Bread Bearer a Porridge Bowl. • The Bread Bearer at station 4 will receive a Dual Porridge Bowl (DPB) that will have both standard and gluten-free (GF) wafers. Please keep them separated and do not touch the GF wafers. • Balcony Bread Bearer (BB), if assigned, will receive a DPB that will have both standard and GF wafers. Please keep them separated and do not touch the GF wafers. • Move to your assigned Communion station to begin serving. Refer to § H; BLEMs, skip to § K.

H. Serving Wine Around the Altar (Communion Stations 1-4)

• As a LEM serving the Chalice (Wine), you will follow the Clergy, Deacon, Seminarian, or LEM serving Bread at your assigned communion station. There are four Communion Stations around the Altar – 1, 2, 3, and 4. Refer to Figure G below. Each station is labelled 1-4 and the location of the station number in Figure G denotes where service begins and the direction of movement when serving that Communion station. For example, Communion Station 2 begins in front of the Altar and progresses to the right as facing the congregation.

Figure G – Order for Serving Communion Around the Altar

• Once you move in front of the communicant, wipe the chalice lip with the Purificator then rotate – even if the previous communicant intincted (dipped wafer in wine vs sipped). o As you serve the communicant, you will say, “The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation” or “The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in Everlasting Life.” (BCP pp. 365) o Remain focused on serving that communicant – do not look elsewhere.

o If the communicant is sipping, help guide the Chalice to their lips while retaining a firm hold on the knuckle of the Chalice. o If the communicant is intincting, tilt the Chalice toward them, at a reasonable height and angle, to make it easier to reach the wine. o When serving a child, and if you are able, kneel or squat to their level. o If the person serving Bread ahead of you begins at the wrong place, don’t worry. Simply follow him or her. • If a communicant at station 4 wishes to receive wine from the GF Chalice, the LEM should step away and request assistance from the AC. The AC should be monitoring this and react accordingly. o The AC will serve the communicant GF wine as needed while the LEM at station 4 continues with the next communicant. • A communicant crossing their arms across their chest generally indicates they have received a blessing, or they do not wish to receive wine. Simply pass by them. • Once you finish your line of communicants, return to where you started and begin serving the next set of communicants, and so on. • Acolytes are located at either side of the Altar to replenish your chalice as needed.

I. Serving Bread Around the Altar (Communion Stations 1-4)

• As a LEM serving Bread, begin serving at the assigned Communion station. Refer to § H for starting location and direction. If serving at station 4, use the DPB rather than the Porridge Bowl. Keep the GF and standard wafers separated and do not touch the GF wafers. • The communicant will hold his or her hands together to form a cup. • Place a wafer into the cup of their hands and say, “The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in Everlasting Life” or “The Body of Christ, the Bread of Heaven.” (BCP pp. 365) o Remain focused on serving that communicant – do not look elsewhere. • Move to the next communicant and repeat. • If low on bread (wafers), see the AC behind the Altar for more. The AC should be monitoring this and react accordingly. • If a communicant requests a “blessing” for themselves (generally by crossing their arms across their chest) or an infant/child, step away and seek the assistance of an Ordained Clergy or ask the AC for help. It is not appropriate for a lay person (non-Ordained) to administer a blessing.

J. Communion Wrap Up (Communion Stations 1-4)

• When finished serving, hand the Chalice, Porridge Bowl, DPB, or Paten to the AC in front of the Credence table behind the Altar. o Do not attempt to place items on the Credence table as this can cause accidents. Please be patient. • Once your Elements have been handed to the AC, walk behind the Altar to the place on the platform where you first entered and step off onto the tile floor.

• Turn to the Altar, bow reverently, and return to your seat.

K. Serving Communion – Balcony Bread and Balcony Wine

• For most services in the main Sanctuary, one set of BLEMs are assigned. There will be services when due to the expected attendance, two sets of BLEMs will be assigned. The specific duties of each pair of BLEMs will be communicated in advance of the service and reiterated at the time of the service by the AC. • Once served communion, proceed to the aisle between congregational seating sections 3 & 4 to meet an usher. • The usher will lead you to those communicants seated in the congregation who are unable to come to the Altar for communion. • If the communicant requests a GF wafer, simply ask them to take a wafer from the DPB and address them as outlined in § I. Do not touch the GF wafer. • If the communicant does not request a GF wafer, hand them a standard wafer and address them as outlined in § I. • The BLEM then offers the Chalice, addressing them as outlined in § H – the GF communicant should be made aware the Chalice is not a GF Chalice, meaning communicants receiving standard, non GF wafers may have sipped from or intincted into from that Chalice. • The usher will lead the BLEMs to the next communicant or will be released. • After being released, proceed to the cry room – upstairs in the Sanctuary building. Be aware of your robe while climbing stairs. • Offer communion to those in the cry room. • If adults or adults of infants request a Blessing for themselves or the child, you may simply place your hand on an adult’s shoulder or on an infant’s head and say, “The Peace of the Lord be with [you or this child].” o It is not appropriate for a lay person (non-Ordained) to give a “Blessing.” o If a proper Blessing is requested, please inform the individual that they should proceed to the Communion Rail (time permitting) or seek out one of the Clergy following the service. • Once finished in cry room, move to the center-most aisle of the balcony, standing side by side, facing those in the balcony. • The communicants will come to you and you will serve them Communion as previously outlined. • Once finished in the Balcony, proceed to Huffman Hall. • Once in Huffman Hall, take notice of any workers that may be setting up for an event – or perhaps the Holy Smokers cooking outside the kitchen. • Focus on the area behind the screen toward kitchen as Family Service folks may likely be socializing on the opposite side. • Ask anyone if they would like to have communion and if so, serve them. • Move to the infant / toddler nursery and offer / provide communion to the nursery workers. • Return to the Sanctuary building.

• Return the remaining Elements to the Altar Guild Sacristy, placing them on the counter to the right of the piscina (covered, stainless sink) – drape the Purificator over the Chalice and place the DPB of remaining bread beside it. • Time permitting, return to your original seats (from the back of the sanctuary) – if Eucharist is finished, you may remain in Narthex until service is finished.

L. Processing Out | Dismissal

• Be sure to have a) Order of Service or b) Hymnal so you can sing the closing hymn while processing out of the Sanctuary. • At the appropriate time, the AC will rise and walk to the corner of the red carpeted platform between stations #3 and #4. • If seated to the right of the Altar, the LEM seated closest to the congregation will follow the AC then others will file in behind. See Figure H. • If seated in the right-most section (4), the LEM seated closest to the windows will follow the AC then others will file in behind. See Figure I. • The AC will release LEMs, in pairs (order is irrelevant), walking single file to the front of the Altar. • Remain standing on the tile floor, turn toward Altar and side by side, bow reverently. • Turn and walk, side by side, down the center aisle and exit the Sanctuary.

Figure H – Processing Out of Sanctuary

Figure I – Processing Out of Sanctuary

• Wait in Narthex until after the final blessing then you are free to return to vesting room to change.

M. De-Vesting

• After the final blessing, you are free to return to the vesting room to change. • Remove lanyard and place on appropriate hook. • Remove vestments and hang neatly in the appropriate closet. • Consult with AC to advise him or her of any concerns or observations of note. • You are now released from your day’s LEM duties – Thank you!

N. LEM Duties in the Family Service (Huffman Hall)

Serving communion in the Family Service is very similar to that in the main Sanctuary Service – however, the setting and activities before and after are different.

• Family Service LEMs do not vest. They remain seated with their families until communion begins. • Generally, three LEMs are assigned – one Bread and two Wine. There are no Balcony LEMs in the Family Service. The Celebrant will likely be the first Bread Bearer. • Check in with Celebrant ~10 mins prior to service start for any last minute instructions. • Elements will be on Credence table so LEMs will not be required to receive Elements prior to Eucharist.

• At the appropriate time, move to the Altar to take communion from Celebrant ahead of the congregation. • Serving Communion- o Bread bearers will retrieve the DPB, one each, and stand side by side in front of Altar facing congregation. Do not touch the GF wafers. o Chalice bearers will retrieve the Chalice, one each, standing far enough either side of their respective Bread bearer to minimize congestion. o Serve Bread or Wine as previously outlined in § H and § I while remaining stationary. Communicants will come to you. o A GF chalice is available on the Altar for communicants requesting GF wine. Please use a purificator designated for the GF chalice. • Once finished, return Elements to Credence table and return to your seats. • The designated LEM will assist with securing the day’s offerings. See § O below.

O. LEM Duties Following the Family Service

• A designated LEM (see Weekly Reminder) will be assigned to assist with securing the day’s offerings. • The designated LEM will meet up with the designated Vestry person of the Month (VoM) assigned to the service (see Weekly Reminder). • Together, ensure all the monetary collections from the Family Service are placed into the designated collection bag, appropriately labelled, and placed into the safe in the Church office. • Once the bag is deposited into the safe in the Church office, your duties are finished.

Appendix

A1. Additional Notes

• If a communicant drops a wafer into the chalice, DO NOT fish it out with your fingers. o Move to the credence table at the right of the Altar and with the Colatorium (small, silver strainer), extract the wafer and place it into the crystal dish. o Return to that communicant and ask the Bread Server to provide another wafer to the communicant – then serve them the Wine. • When serving Communion, do not address the communicant by name. • Occasionally, there may be a misstep (ie extra priest to serve, not enough / too many LEMs, etc.). The AC will coordinate with the Celebrant on any and all last-minute needs and will communicate to the LEMs as needed. Please be flexible. • Take your time and do not be rushed. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your AC. • Vestments (Cassocks and Surplices) hanging in garment bags or with a name tag are generally personal vestments and should be used only with the permission of the owner. • Personal vestments can be attained at the Seminary or Catholic bookstores on Burnet Rd. or at www.almy.com. Anglican or Roman style vestments are acceptable.

A2. LEM & Lay Reader Scheduling

• Using email, our availability to serve the following month is requested the preceding month by Scott and Don for their respective teams. o Each LEM and LR are assigned to one of two teams, Team A or Team B. Team A serves the 1st and 3rd Sundays while Team B serves the 2nd and 4th Sundays. The teams alternate serving the 5th Sunday. o Availability may be requested to serve outside the normal assigned Sundays, and for services that may fall during the week, for example Ash Wednesday. • PLEASE respond to this request when received to communicate any dates you are not available to serve. Not responding by the requested date will indicate you have no conflicts and you may be scheduled as needed. • Monthly schedules are distributed via email the 2nd Wednesday prior to the first Sunday of each month. • Schedules are also available on the St. Matthew’s web site at http://www.stmattsaustin.org/About/lem-lector-and-evening-prayer.html. Bookmark this link in your browser. • Updates are published as needed and designated by Rev A, B, etc. • Weekly reminders are sent via email the week prior to the assigned service date to only those scheduled to serve. • If you are unable to serve your assignment, please attempt to seek your own substitute. Simply open the original email with the monthly schedule, reply all, and request a substitute. Then inform Scott, Don, and the AC assigned to your service once a substitute is identified. • The LEMALT is reserved for last-minute needs that arise at the time of the service. Please do not assume the LEMALT will cover for you.

A3. Contact Information

• Team A (Serves 1st & 3rd Sundays) & Family Service. o Leader: Scott Murphy (also serves as overall LEM, Lay Reader, and Evening Prayer Ministry leader). o Email: [email protected] o Phone: (512) 963-5403 • Team B – Serves 2nd & 4th Sundays. o Leader: Don Neely o Email: [email protected] o Phone: (512) 507-5023

A4. Special / Other Services

• Teams A & B alternate serving the 5th Sunday – your availability will be requested by your team leader. • Teams A & B may be jointly assigned to services such as Holy Week services, multiple services on Holy Days such as Easter, Advent, Funerals, Weddings, etc.