Lay Servants Continue as Leaders in Worship

Brighton First has been blessed by our Certified Lay Servants who have been serving as worship hosts since July 2015. Members of our Lay Servant team, including Carol Kapustka, Greg Guise, Bruce Stark, Suzanne Everett, Sue Sanderson and Bob Fuchs, have assisted in worship leadership. Their gift to the congregation has included welcoming, offering announcements and composing and delivering a congregational prayer.

I have been personally blessed by the thoughtful and powerful prayers that the Lay Servants offer on behalf of the congregation.

How does one become a Lay Servant? The Lay Servant program is an official educational program of the United Methodist Church. Lay Servants are recommended by the pastor and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (human resources committee) to take part in the program.

Lay Servant courses are designed to strengthen the leadership skills and faith practices of active lay persons in the church. The courses are held at area United Methodist Churches twice per year over two Friday/Saturday time periods.

Lay Servants all begin with a basic introductory class and are commissioned as Lay Servants. When they take additional classes they become Certified Lay Servants. When certified, they not only are called to serve in their churches, but can assist in worship leadership and offer a sermon in other United Methodist Churches.

Our Lay Servants are not only leaders in worship, but provide leadership in a number of area in the church, including teaching classes, leading and participating in programs and events, and chairing boards and committees. We are blessed that these Lay Servants follow Jesus by offering their spiritual gifts and skills for God's glory.