Lyle Kirk Greenock Church of Scotland

Duty Roster

Due to the current Covid 19 pandemic, the roster is suspended. Watch this space for an updated roster at a later date”. If you have any queries, please contact Liz Howlett on (t) 07768 004351 or (e) lizhowlett1@btinternet.com

TASKS OF THE “DUTY ELDER”

(revised January 2018)

BEFORE THE 10.30 AM SERVICE

It would be helpful to be at the Church by 9.45 am using the “Duty Elder’s keys to enter by Bentinck Street opening the gates, if necessary, to permit vehicular access

The Vestibule

Open the main doors and open the glass doors outwards dropping the bolts into their slots
Open the gates in Newark Street if necessary to permit vehicular access
Switch on Vestibule lights from the switches in the North and South corners and on the North side of entrance

The Sanctuary and Side Chapel

Switch on Sanctuary lights from the panel at the top of stair from boiler room and the side chapel lights from the switch on the south side of the entrance
Put fresh glasses of water on the stands in the side aisles

Prepare hymn boards and hang up
Set the markers in the lectern Bible at the readings for the day

The Chancel

Switch on the pulpit lights from the pulpit and the reredos from the switch behind pillar on right hand side of the organ,
Switch on the microphone and loop system located at east end of rear choir stall (North)electric switch is underneath and on/off switches are on the two boxes an orange and green light indicate both systems are on but check that it is working
Light the candle in front of the Bible on the Communion Table (matches in the Prayer Desk)

Put fresh glasses of water at the Prayer Desk and in the Pulpit and one in each of the choir stalls

General

Have radio mike(s) available for the minister/preacher(s) (located in Vestry)
Make sure that you know where the First Aid Box, wheelchair, telephone and toilet are, in case of emergency
If there is a visiting preacher, welcome them and show him/her to the Vestry.

DURING THE SERVICE

At the start of the service carry the Bible (open) to the Communion Table
Go downstairs and check that the Bentinck Street door is locked.
Keep eyes and ears open for anything that might assist the smooth flow of worship eg microphone not switched on or microphone failure. In event of anyone becoming unwell, render whatever help is appropriate, if necessary calling for an ambulance. There are wheelchairs available in each building
Inform Sunday School of start of last hymn
After the Benediction carry the Bible out (open) from the Communion Table to the rear of the Church
Open main church door, and the glass door to allow the minister to retire to the main door

AFTER THE SERVICE

Take glasses of water to kitchen and put away
Extinguish the candle
Switch off the microphone system
Put the radio mike away
Take down the hymn boards and return numbers to box
Check that the sanctuary is tidy (orders of service, notices sheets not lying about)
Switch off the lights in pulpit, chancel. side chapel, Sanctuary and vestibule
Close the front door
Once everyone has left upstairs and having “closed down” the Sanctuary, check if the counting team is still downstairs and ensure that the Welcome Team Banker will lock up the Bentick Street entrance
Pass on the Duty elder’s keys to next week’s duty elder.

ADDITIONAL TASKS OF THE DUTY ELDER WHEN THERE IS A BAPTISM OR COMMUNION

Baptism

Ensure that there is warm water in the font
Put “Reserved” notices (from the hymn board numbers box) on front two or three rows for baptismal family
Put a white pulpit fall and lectern book-marks in place (from underneath the communion table in the side chapel)
Lead parents into church to the reserved row when they arrive
After the service, empty font and replace usual fall and book-marks

Communion

Check white pulpit fall and lectern book-marks are in place (from underneath the communion table in the side chapel)

ALL ELDERS, PLEASE FAMILIARISE YOURSELVES

WITH THE FIRE ALARM AND ESCAPE PLAN.

If you would like to download a copy of duties click here