Volunteer Groups
We have over 150 people who do voluntary work for us for which we are extremely grateful but we could always do with more.
Information on some of the many groups of volunteers is given below. If you are interested in joining one or more of the groups, contact information can be found on our Contacts Page.
Help at Services
Servers
The Church has a team of servers to assist the clergy at the Parish Communion on Sundays and at special services, especially at Easter and Christmas. A full team is a Crucifer (cross bearer), a Server, two Acolytes (candle bearers) – either children or adults and an MC. When incense is required, usually on feast days, a Thurifer is added to the team.
The dress is black cassock for preparation duties, with a traditional white alb and apparel worn during the service. Some members of the team are also licensed to administer the chalice at Holy Communion.
New members both young and old are always welcome. Please speak to a member of the clergy if you are interested in this role.
Intercessors
Each Sunday at the 9.30 Eucharist Service it is usual for a member of our community to lead us in Prayers (Intercessions).
Readers
Usually members of the congregation read the bible readings during the service.
Sidespeople
Sidespeople welcome the congregation to services. They may hand out Pew Sheets, take the collection during the service and usher people up to take communion or receive a blessing.
At the end of the service they do a general tidy up.
Children and Young People
Children in Services.
Diddy Disciples
Serving Refreshments
Following the 9:30 Eucharist Service each Sunday we usually serve Coffee, Tea and Biscuits while members of the congregation have a chat, welcome visitors etc. This important role involves setting up before the service begins, making the coffee and tea and serving the refreshments following the service. There is a rota so that each person is only usually involved about once a month.
Welcomers
In 2023 we had 62,000 people who visited St Laurence’s from all over the world. The first point of contact when they enter the church are the Welcome Stewards who do a fantastic job in speaking to visitors, answering questions and informing them on the wonders of the building. Many stewards have a regular two hour slot during the week and there are a number of reserve stewards to fill any gaps.
Flower Arrangers
For such a large church, St Laurence’s has a very small and dedicated team of flowers arrangers. None of the team is professionally trained, we just like flowers and all they mean to people. We have lost a few of our team to ill health in the last couple of years, and now in fairly desperate need some new recruits. The team are all very friendly and will welcome new members with open arms. Please do think about joining our team, if we have enough members, it will mean only doing a pedestal every 5-6 weeks.
Event Stewards
A team of Event Stewards is required at each of the many concerts, recitals and other events that take place in the church.
Ludlow Tower Magazine
Our award winning Parish Magazine is produced each month. Contributions are always required for each edition. Help is also required for the distribution of the magazine.
St Laurence’s Bell Ringers
We have a strong band of ringers who ring every Sunday (10.45-11.30 am) and for other special services, weddings (on request, fees payable) etc. Practices are on Monday evenings (7.30-9.00 pm). Meet by the ringers’ door, in the Garden of Remembrance, off Church Walk. New ringers of all abilities are welcome. Training is available for learners and improvers.
Holy Dusters
The Volunteer Cleaning Team come into Church at 8.30am on a rota basis to vac, sweep and polish for about one and a half hours. This is usually on a Monday about once a fortnight.
Office Receptionists
Currently the Parish Office is not open while refurbishment of 2 College Street is underway. When it is open again in July There may be an opportunity to have a Receptionist in the Office and tasks may include greeting visitors, answering the telephone and dealing with emails.
Please speak to one of the Churchwardens if you might be interested in this role.
