Westbury-on-Trym Parish Church has a group of people who act as servers at the church services. Usually there are two servers at each service and they are responsible for:

• preparing the altars for each service
• making sure all the candles are lit
• participating in a service – usually by leading a procession of Clergy and Choir

While we have a group of adult servers, and more are always welcome, we are always wanting to increase the number of children serving at Westbury. As well as being a ministry itself, it is a great way to give children a role within the church, develop responsibility and make new friends.

If you are between the ages of 8 and 18, and would like to know more about what’s involved, please contact us through the Parish Office on 0117 950 8644.

What do we do?

You will be required to serve on average once a month on a Sunday morning. A rota exists so that the responsibility to cover all Sunday morning services is shared. The parish Eucharist commences at 10am and we request that servers arrive at 9.30am to prepare the church for the morning service.

Occasionally during the year there are additional services at the time of the church’s major festivals, such as Easter and Christmas.

In addition, servers can be invited to serve at weddings during the year. These are usually on Saturdays and a rota exists so each server gets the opportunity to serve if they wish to.

What else do we do?

Occasionally the servers will have a social event. This may be a joint activity with the choir such as ice skating, 10 pin bowling or a trip to the cinema.

Do we get paid?

Obviously serving is about more than the financial incentive but Westbury does pay its young servers a nominal amount for each Sunday service. Servers are also paid for weddings, reflecting the fact that they are giving up an hour or so of their time on a Saturday. For the younger children especially, it is about being given responsibility to perform a very important role within the church’s life. It is about creating friendships that often last for many years, and being a valued member of the church.

If you would like to know more about being a server, please call the Parish Office on 0117 950 8644 or email office@westbury-parish-church.org.uk.