| Introduction to Ushering | Session 1 "Before Service Duties" | Session 2 "During Service Duties" | Session 3 "After Service Duties" | "What do I do Now? |
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Collecting the offering begins normally after the passing of the peace. During this time the ushers collect the plates from the table in the central narthex. When the organist or the special music begins to play this is the signal for the ushers to come forward with the plates and begin with the first row. As you collect the offering, face the altar and step backwards. Collecting Offering with a center aisle: Bring the plates forward to the first row. Begin passing them toward each end, motioning for the person on the end to pass the plate to the person behind them. Click here for a diagram of collecting the offering with a center aisle Collecting the offering without a center aisle: Often we will have four aisles to negotiate. The usher on the pulpit side, will manage his or her side section and the rows in the back. The usher on the window side will manage the center section. He or she will have to motion for the people on the end to pass the plate to the next aisle. Both ushers will have to motion for people to pass the plate between the side aisles. Click here for a diagram of collecting the offering with no center aisle and 4 aisles Click here for a diagram of collecting the offering with no center Wait until the offertory begins to bring the offering forward. (The offertory music is often “Let the Vineyards..” or “Create in Me” or “What shall I render", or another selection as listed in the bulletin. On some occasions, there will be no offertory, and you will simply bring the gifts forward when you have completed receiving the gifts. Always check your bulletin or check with the cantor about this. At the altar, the offering plates are carefully handed to the acolyte. Step to the side, so that the gift bearers can present the bread and wine. Then step back to the center, bow your heads toward the altar and return to back down the aisle. Click here for a short quiz on your "Collecting the Offering Duties" Remember to return to this page using the back buttonsClick here for more "During Service Duties"
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