~ March, 2007 ~

Nine lay liturgists named

for new Mt. Rogers Parish
 

Nine lay liturgists have been appointed to administer com­munion and preach in the new Mt. Rogers Parish—comprised of St. James, Chilhowie, Faith, Whitetop, and St. Matthew, Konnarock. Bishop Jim Mauney, who ap­pointed the liturgists at an Ash Wednesday service at St. Matthew, Konnarock, said this is a first for the Virginia Synod and hopefully a model for other parishes.

The three-point parish has a call committee seeking a pastor. Interim Pastor Joe Shumate gave the liturgists instruction in liturgy and preaching. All nine have been enrolled in the ACTS program.

The three congregations have committed to participation in the pilot program for five years and the pastoral call will be for five years. Shumate said the nine are “a very enthusiastic group.”  Their ap­pointment ensures that the sacrament will be administered and a sermon will be preached at all three churches every Sunday. The called pastor will meet with the liturgists regularly.

The new liturgists are Cindy Anders, Pam Badin, Barbara Jones-Butcher, Sharon Compton and May Hill, from Faith, Whitetop; Kristine Leafgreen, St. Matthew, Konnarock, and Mark Merz, Sara Ke­gley and Angela Dunn, St. James, Chilhowie.  

The laity team has studied the worship service and gained a better understanding of the meaning behind communion and how to help make worship special, Sara Kegley said. The group is “committed to continuing our growth in learning through the ACTS program and in monthly meetings to share ideas and assign duties. We have a lot to learn, but something magical is happening to make all of this possible - and I am glad to be part of it.”