Usher's Manual 062921

St. Paul’s Baptist Church Good Samaritan Usher Manual June, 2021

“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Psalm 84:10

Rev. Wayne E. Croft, Sr., D. Min., Ph.D. Senior Pastor

St. Paul’s Baptist Church Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza

One Hagerty Boulevard West Chester, PA 19382 Website: www.stpaulsbaptist.org [610.692.2446

Fax 610.692.7582]

Last Updated: June, 2021— Page 1

Table of Contents Page 

Usher List 2021 Officers………………………………..………….…………......

3

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Men’s Teams ……………………………………………………………..………….. .

4

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Woman’s Team/Emeritus………………………………..……………………...

5

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Youth Team/Youth Usher Advisors……………………..……………………

6

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Presidential History………………………………………………..………………..

7

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Mission Statement…………………………………………..……………

7

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Purpose of Manual…………………………………………………………………...

8

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Membership……………………………………………………………………………..

8

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Officers……………………………………………………………………………………..

8

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Duties of Officers……………………………………………………………………...

9

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Official Committee…………………………………………………………………….

12

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What is an Usher?........................................................................

16

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Responsibilities of Ushers………………………………………………………...

17

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An Usher’s Prayer……………………………………………………………………..

18

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Guiding Scripture…………………………………………………………..

18

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Ushers Covenant………..………………………………………………...

18

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Usher Attire……………………………………………………………………………...

19

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Functions of an Usher……………………………………………………………….

20

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Usher’s Standard of Excellence………………………………………………...

21

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Usher-In-Charge Checklist………………………………………………………….

23

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Usher Positions………………………………………………………………………….

24

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Collection…………………………………………………………………………………..

26

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Attendance Count……………………………………………………………………...

27

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Attendance Report Card……………………………………………………………

28

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Training Guide…………………………………………………………………………..

29

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Silent Ushering Signal Codes…………………………………………………………

30

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References...………………………………………………………………………………..

32

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Notes…………………………………………………………………………………………..

33 Last Updated: June, 2021— Page 2

Good Samaritan Usher Board 2021 Officers Ernestine Harris

President

Paul Woodburn

First Vice President

Ramona Lang

Second Vice President

Carolyn Chester

Recording Secretary

John Oates

Financial Secretary

Earl Richardson

Youth Advisor

Robert Herndon

Ministry Treasurer

Curtis Hammond

Correspondence Secretary

Diane Horsey

Ministry Chaplin

Andrea Newell

Assistant Chaplin

Wendell Sammons

Marshall

Rosa Collins

Sunshine Representative

Minister Louise Herndon

Assistant Youth Advisor

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Men’s Team Thomas Blackwell James Brown James Graham Robert Herndon

Curtis Hammond Dwayne Loper Ben Mitchell John Oates Darren Roberts Wendell Sammons James T. Thomas Leon Thomas Terrance Turman Joel Walton Paul Woodburn Ralph Worrell William Vanish Don Williams

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Women’s Team Terneice Brown-Berlin Carolyn Chester Rosa Collins Ernestine Harris

Louise Herndon Diane Horsey Loretta Howard Alia Hymes Beatrice Kallon Ramona Lang Joyce Murrell Andrea Newell Dalia Roberts Debra Roberts Linda Smith Tamica Tanksley Gloria Thornton Lucille Walker

Emeritus Carol Anderson

Helen Ringgold

Gertrude Barnes

Alice Thomas

Judith Harris

Lydia Worthington

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Youth Team Skylar Butcher Aaliyah Cherry Kay Dee Donovan Josie Hamilton William Hightower De De Howard Celine Jaikaran Indira Jaikaran Jordan Jones Curtis Kallon Danielle Kallon Kyla Morgan Nyla Morgan

Zionne Morgan Amari Ross Amiah Ross Alliyah Roane Grace Skeete Sabastian Skeete

Youth Usher Advisors Earl Richardson – Youth Advisor Min. Louise Herndon – Asst. Youth Advisor

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Good Samaritan Usher Board ESTABLISHED 1944

Presidential History Theodore Scott Thelma Fisher Naomi Lambert Evelyn Wilson Carrie Raymond Alice Watson Helen Bettie Ringgold Gertrude Barnes Gloria Saunders Ernestine Burks Benjamin Mitchell Ernestine Harris

Mission Statement The mission of the Good Samaritan Ushers is to create an atmosphere of orderliness and hospitality in the church that prepares the church to receive the Lord’s Word. The goal is to provide a friendly greeting to each person as they enter the church and to maintain order during the worship service.

Last Updated: June, 2021— Page 7

Purpose of the Manual This manual is an attempt to focus and address the specific needs that we have as ushers of St. Paul’s Baptist Church. The manual is used as an orientation document for new ushers as well as an informational/refresher document for current ushers.

Membership Membership shall be available to individuals who have expressed an interest in membership to the board and who are members of St. Paul’s Baptist Church. Junior Usher membership available to youth, ages 8-18 with permission from a parent/guardian church member.

Officers Officers of this organization consist of President, First Vice-President and Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Correspondence Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, Marshall, Junior Usher Advisor, Assistant Junior Usher Advisor(s) and the Sunshine Representative. An assistant to any officer may also be elected. These officers shall serve for a term of twenty-four [24] months [Calendar Year, January-December], and remain eligible for re-election at the end of his/her term.

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Duties of Officers President The duties of the President of the usher board shall be to preside at all meetings of the board, maintain order, discipline and decorum in its deliberation; to enforce the laws and rules of the board; to appoint all committees; to exercise general supervision, over all the business of the board; to supervise generally the performance and duty of all other officers, to exercise a vote only in the event of a tie; to perform such other duties as may be from time to time required to effectuate the purpose of the board.

Vice Presidents The first Vice President shall perform the duties of the president in the absence of the latter, and such other duties as the President may from time to time appoint. The first Vice President will act as advisor to assigned committees.

The second Vice President shall perform the same in the absence of both President and first Vice President, and such other duties as the president may from time to time appoint. The second Vice President will act as advisor to assigned committees.

Financial Secretary The Financial Secretary shall receive all money due to the board and shall immediately give it to the treasurer, taking a receipt. Responsibilities: Maintain accurate records of the financial condition of the Board and of the status of its members; permit inspection of the books by authorized persons, including officers, and members at any time; shall surrender the same, in good order, to qualified successor in office; shall accurately record and report a monthly account of receipts, disbursements and totals.

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Recording Secretary The Recording Secretary shall keep and report the minutes of all meetings of the usher board, and perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him/her by the president.

Shall be responsible for keeping a record of meeting attendance and reporting information at general meetings in the minutes of the previous meeting.

Corresponding Secretary The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct all correspondence between the Board and its members and or third persons, including prompt notice of all concerned as to the time and place of meetings, sermons and other activities.

Treasurer The Treasurer shall receive from the financial secretary all money pertaining to the board, giving receipts; shall pay out money only upon warrants signed by the President and Financial Secretary.

Chaplain The Chaplain shall provide the spiritual aspect of the board purposes, conduct devotional service at regular meetings, and officiate whenever so requested by the President.

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Marshall The Marshall shall maintain order at all association assemblages and is authorized to deputize ushers to assist at board functions whenever such assistance shall be required.

Youth Usher Advisor The Youth Usher Advisor has the duty of supervising the activities of Youth Ushers.

Assistant Youth Usher Advisor The Assistant Youth Usher Advisor has the duty of assisting the Youth Usher Advisor as deemed necessary.

Sunshine Representative Responsible for sending greeting cards to usher board members who are experiencing illness or bereavement due to the loss of a family member.

The representative can identify affected members by referring to the weekly Sunday bulletin, inquiring during monthly meetings, or by word of mouth from other usher board members or nonmembers.

During the monthly meetings, the representative is to provide status of cards mailed during the month, and budget updates.

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Official Committee Executive Committee The Executive Committee shall consist of seven members, among whom shall be the President, both Vice Presidents, the Recording Secretary, the Financial Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Youth Usher advisor. The tenure of the committee is annually. The membership changes according to new officer elections.

Duties of this Committee The Executive Committee shall direct the policy and activities of the usher board including the general supervision of all business. It considers all matters delegated to it by the President. The committee shall meet at the discretion of the President and the Vice Presidents.

Meetings General Usher Board meetings and Executive Committee meetings shall be at 1:00pm on the second Sunday of each month.

Training sessions and special meetings may be called by the President, upon due notice to the membership by the Team Leader

The place of meetings shall be at the church unless otherwise specified.

Procedure The President or Vice President or in their absence the ranking elected officer shall convene the regular business meeting at 1:00 p.m.

Robert’s Rules of Order shall control the conduct of the meeting.

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Quorum The President or Vice President, two other elected officers and twelve members shall constitute a quorum.

Installation Newly elected officers shall be installed by the Pastor of the church during regular service— date to be announced by Pastor.

Special Committees and Groups In addition to all committees herein named, the President may appoint such other committees as from time to time may seem appropriate.

Membership Committee The membership shall consist of a chairperson appointed annually by the President and at least three additional volunteer members, charged with the duty of recruiting new members, presenting new members to the general usher board, and disseminating initial training and orientation materials to the new members.

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Procedures / Training Committee The committee shall consist of a chairperson, appointed by the President and three [3] other members, representing each team. Members shall be responsible for organizing and implement two training sessions per year.

Annual Usher Day Committee The committee consist of a chairperson appointed by the President annually, and three [3] members charged with planning and coordinating the activities for Annual Usher Day.

Committee Chairpersons—2021 Executive Committee

Ernestine Harris

Training Procedures

Ramona Long

Annual Usher Day Committee

Paul Woodburn

New Membership

James Brown

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Dues and Fees Yearly dues shall be uniform to all adult members except emeritus members who are exempt.

Special assessments can be requested, by majority vote.

Nomination, Election and Installation of Officers The President shall appoint a Nominating committee at the October meeting each year, who shall receive application for nomination to each officer from or in behalf of members in good standing with the usher board. This will render a report to the usher board at the November General Meeting, at which time further nominations may be received from the floor.

Election The election shall be held at the regular December meeting and shall be by balloting or standing vote.

A majority of votes cast shall elect to office where a nominee is absent at election, in which case a two-thirds majority of votes cast shall be required.

The election shall be conducted by the Secretary, and two members appointed on the day of the election by the President.

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WHAT IS AN USHER? The modern church usher is a different usher from predecessors and the church usher have a wealth of biblical background. Initially, the church usher was a watchman or guard at doors of temples, responsible for collecting offerings of people as they came to worship.

During the 20th century, there was focus on improving the methodology of church ushering.

Now church ushering is a systematized art and technical training is available.

Ushering is more than wearing a uniform, gloves and a pin. An usher must know rules, procedures and practice. An usher is a personal representative of Jesus Christ, who meets people on a person-to-person basis when they arrive to church and escorts them to a seat.

The church usher helps the Pastor to make the service a success by putting the congregation in the right frame of mind to receive the Word. The usher meets the people with a pleasant smile, a warm welcome, and directs them to comfortable seats. The usher also sees to it that perfect order is kept in and around the church at all times during the service. [The Universal Church Ushers Manual, George T. Grier, G. & E. Press].

Last Updated: June, 2021— Page 16

RESPONSIBILITIES OF USHERS 

Arrive at church no later than 10:30 am

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Maintain an attractive appearance

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Dress in designated uniform (neat and pressed)

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Review the bulletin/program

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Help visitors to feel welcomed

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Be attentive to unplanned needs

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Ensure we are an asset to the service, not a distraction

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Signal and receive relief prior to leaving your assigned post

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Follow the direction of the usher in charge

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Keep aisles clear

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Adhere to the agreed seating protocol, only seat in alignment with program

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Avoid leaning against walls and pews

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As our focus is on service, reframe from unnecessary conversation with other ushers and worshipers

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When escorting worshipers to their seat, occasionally glance back to ensure they are following you

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If you are going to be absent please share that information with the President and Usher in Charge

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AN USHER’S PRAYER “May I, dear Lord in church today, fulfill my assignment in a Christ-like way. Make me efficient in what I do, effective in what I say, understanding by the way I feel about people, and helpful by the attitudes I have toward them. Make me a co-worker with the pastor, the church musicians, the teachers and most of all, Lord, with Thee.

Save me from hurtful words and harmful deeds. Make people glad they came to our church today because the Holy Spirit ministered to their needs through the sermons and prayers of the Pastor, through the music of the choir, through the explanations of teachers and through the ministry of ushers like me. In Christ’s Name, Amen”

Guiding Scripture: Psalms 84:10 “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Usher Covenant We promise before God and His congregation, to be faithful doorkeepers in His house. To maintain an attractive appearance, never publicly showing frustration, ready always to give a friendly greeting and smile to all who come in to worship. We will be gracious, dignified, and never show signs of displeasure.

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USHER ATTIRE Males: •

Black suit, tie (or other color as designated) socks, shoes, white shirt and gloves and usher pin.

Females: •

Black jacket and skirt, black shoes, black sheer stockings, white blouse (or other color as designated) gloves, small earrings and usher pin.

•

White jacket and skirt, purple blouse, white shoes white sheer stockings may be designated in spring/summer.

Youth Males: •

Black slack, socks, shoes, white shirt and gloves.

Youth Females: •

Black skirt, dark sheer stockings, white shirt and gloves.

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FUNCTIONS OF AN USHER

The gift of attention is a highly prized usher attribute. If signals are missed, communications not heard, the needs of worshipers not focused on, the quality of an usher’s effectiveness is negatively impacted. The Bible guides us in how we are to serve, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord…. for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24. Ushers are to wholeheartedly serve God and God’s people by our;

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Focus and concentration on the people

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Focus and concentration on the service

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Focus and concentration on how we graciously serve

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USHER’S STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

A – Must be a member of St. Paul’s Baptist Church

B – Convey a gracious countenance •

You are the first official representative of Jesus Christ people see when entering God’s house.

•

Your greeting, desire to help and service is a demonstration of your care and concern.

•

As the first official representative, you are the forerunning for all other ministries that will participate in the service.

C – Display attributes of courtesy •

Strive to make people comfortable

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Answer questions fully and promptly

•

Focus on each person as you interact with them

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USHER-IN-CHARGE CHECKLIST NOTE: CONTACT ALL TEAM MEMBERS SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE SCHEDULED USHERING DATE TO REMIND.

TIME

ACTIVITY

10:15

- Report to Church

- Check usher bulletin board for any new information - Meet with Pastor - Introduce self as Usher-in-charge - Ask if thee are any special needs-handouts, etc.

10:30

- Assemble all ushers in designated area-away from door - Check all uniforms for UNIFORMITY - Prayer with ushers

10:40

- Make assignments (Rotate your Team Members every month) - Door—Give Bulletins - Runner(s) - Take bulletins up to choir members - Floor - Designate KEY usher

10:45

- Give SIGNAL to all ushers to take floor positions at beginning of Devotion.

From this point on—Follow the Program Indicators () are on the bulletin to let your floor ushers know when to admit churchgoers.

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USHER POSITIONS TEAM LEAD/USHER IN CHARGE (Assigned Per Quarter) Responsibilities: •

Prior to Sunday service remind usher teams of schedule via email or phone call

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Report to church at 10:15 am

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Ensure collection plates are in appropriate position

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Place bulletins on chairs in choir loft

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Gather ushers together for prayer

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Make/agree to floor assignments

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Give signal to ushers to take floor positions at beginning of devotion

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Direct activities during service

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Gather and record attendance

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From this point on – follow the program

•

Indicators

are in the bulletin affirming when ushers may seat worshipers.

KEY USHER Responsibilities: •

Provide signals to floor ushers

DOORKEEPERS Responsibilities: •

Maintain the doors during service

•

Welcome worshipers

•

Provide programs and other literature

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FLOOR USHERS Responsibilities: •

Seat worshipers when given signal to do so

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Assist with count of congregation

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Be watchful for worshipers in distress and alert a Health and Wellness member

RUNNER Responsibilities: •

Provide assistance

•

Distribute literature to ushers and worshipers as requested

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Be watchful for worshipers in distress and alert a Health and Wellness member

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COLLECTION

Standard Collection: •

Key usher takes ushers off floor.

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Door ushers stay on door unless needed. Never leave the front door unguarded. Ask an usher in the congregation to help out if necessary.

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Usher-in-charge serve as plate holder.

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All other ushers (8) fall in line by height.

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Wait for signal from Pastor to go to the front.

•

WALK BRISKLY!!!

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Ushers assume prayer position during doxology.

•

After doxology—leave floor immediately (follow U-I-C).

Walk Around Collection:

1. Signal will be given by usher for congregation to stand.

2. Assign four ushers to hold two (2) plates and monitor two (2) offertory towers at front of church. One tower and one plate holder is to be located in front of each section that is walking around.

3. Assign an Usher to direct EACH section SIMULTANEOUSLY, down the aisle on the left side, and up the aisle on the right side.

4. The five ushers that collected the offering remain up front for the doxology.

5. Ushers leave floor after doxology.

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ATTENDANCE COUNT

Have ushers take count, before leaving the floor. The cards to record the information are located in the user cabinet. Place completed card in bulletin box.

Individual counts needed for: All Children an All Adults on Main Floor AND Upstairs (Nursery)

Responsible Usher: •

Usher in Aisle 1—Count Section 1

•

Usher in Aisle 2—Count Section 2

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Usher in Aisle 3—Count Section 3

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Usher in Aisle 4—Count Section 4

•

Usher on side door—Count Choir and Pulpit

•

Usher on rear door—Count Section 5 and Deacons

•

Usher in Charge—Count Nursery

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Attendance Report Card St. Paul’s Baptist Church Good Samaritan Ushers

Date:_______________________ Time:_____________________

Type of Service:_________________________________________

Total # of Adults:

_________________

Total # of Children:

_________________

Nursery:

_________________

Ushers:

_________________

Choir/Pulpit:

_________________

TOTAL ATTENDANE (UP & DOWNSTAIRS):

_________

Usher in Charge: _______________________________________________

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TRAINING GUIDE Ushers Expectations •

Review Manual

Doors (3) •

How to greet churchgoers

•

When to open doors

•

What to do at door

•

When to let guest be seated

•

Location of where guest are to wait until seated

•

How to stand on duty (service position/no sitting)

Floor •

When to take place on floor

•

Service Position

•

When to turn

•

How to turn

•

How to receive a message

•

Leaving the floor

•

Visitor Cards

•

Signals Programs, Fans, Face Rostrum Information, Relief, Take the Floor, Face the back of the Church

Collection •

Responsibility of plate holder

•

How to take up collection

•

March around collection

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SILENT USHERING - SIGNAL CODES

SERVICE POSITION

PRAYER POSITION

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Relief (1 Finger)

Bulletins (2 Fingers)

Envelopes (3 Fingers)

Please Note: Pictures of Usher Board Members displaying positions/finger codes will be forth coming after the church reopens.

Last Updated: June, 2021— Page 31

REFERENCES Grier, George T. THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH USHER’S INSTRUCTOR’S HANDBOOK. Chicago: Geo Lauterer Corp.

Garrison, Marlene G. AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO SILENT USHERING.

Johnson, Alvin D. THE WORK OF THE USHER Valley Forge; Judson Press, 1966.

Parrott, Leslie, THE USHER’S MANUAL. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1970.

PROGRESSIVE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION, INC. CHURCH

USHER HANDBOOK, 1992

THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH USHERS MANUAL. Chicago: The G&E Press, 1975

Williams, Arthur L. A GUIDE FOR CHURCH USHERING. North Carolina, 1989.

1st Printing, January 1993 2nd Printing, January 1994 3rd Printing, January 1995 4th Printing [Revised] March 1997 5th Printing [Revised] May 1999

6th Printing [Revised] October 2002 7th Printing [Revised] April 2006 8th Printing January 2010 9th Printing June 2014 10th Printing [Revised] October 2017 11th Printing [Revised] February 2020

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NOTES

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