There is a substantial need for “good” ushering, that is for people who are friendly and helpful to other people at worship services. Most parishes and mission churches have ushering covered but in many cases this activity could be improved. The primary need is for a chairman or Coordinator who is willing to work at it and who is dependable. This activity can be a “stepping stone to get men involved in other work. Using new men is not done very often because it involves more work and it is much easier to depend on a few faithful men.

We recommend that men normally be used as ushers, although it is usually helpful to use boys and girls occasionally.

The first step, as intimated above, is the selection of a capable and dependable chairman or coordinator. He should be willing to work at getting new men involved.

We suggest that a list of men, preferably men not already highly involved who will usher one Sunday a month be lined up. Normally two men are enough for the early service although four may be needed for later services. Two could stand at the entrance arid hand Out Sunday bulletins while two others could stand at the head of aisles to assist people find seats if needed. All ushers should give everyone a friendly greeting and a smile. If people are recognized as newcomers they should be asked to sign the guest register or fill out a card in the pew racks. (See Other Resources).

An annual meeting of ushers is recommended (perhaps a break­fast or dinner) to honor those who have served and to review procedures and indoctrinate new men. Such meetings should be inspirational with a witness perhaps given by someone who has been attracted by the friendly ushers or atmosphere of the parish.

A list of procedures should be prepared and a copy given to every man and boy who serves. Items to be covered are time to report, location of various items, ventilation responsibilities, open-up and close-up duties and ways to greet people. A copy of the monthly schedule should be prepared with several “back up” men who can be called if someone cannot be present.

One experienced man should be designated as the Head usher for each Sunday.

You might even want to assign him the responsibility of contacting the other ushers prior to Sunday morning to remind them of their job and to make sure he will have enough men. The schedule should be posted near the church main entrance.

In order to identify those who serve, we suggest white carnations (plastic is OK) be provided.

There are a number of special things ushers could and should know in order to be most helpful. For example they should know the schedule and names of teachers (or have a list) and places of Church School Classes. They might ask new youngsters if they would like to attend Church School and see that they are introduced ‘to the teacher or someone who will look after them. It is obvious that they ought to know the location of the “Coffee Hour” and invite new people to attend. This Committee, or group, should work closely with the rector and Membership Committee to be especially helpful to newcomers.

We do not know of any booklets on ushering and we do not have a sample set of procedures. If anyone who reads this does have any additional information we will be happy to receive it for a future revision of this “HOW TO”.

As mentioned above, we suggest that if some other group does not provide the following items that it might be appropriate for the Ushers Committee to do so (check the rector).

A Guest Resister: See that someone does something about using names that are signed. Be sure to ask for addresses. Place this £n a prominent place at the entrance to the church and provide a pen. It would be good to have a note in the Sunday Bulletin reminding new people to sign the book.

Visitor Cards: These cards often help the rector obtain good information and encourages people to give names and ask for prayers, counseling, etc. Pencils should be provided and the racks need to be checked regularly for pencil sharpening need and new cards. An example of an inexpensive visitor card is the “Voice From the Pew” available from Episcopal Parish Services, 815 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017.

A Prayer Box at the Church Entrance: A box for prayer request cards could be provided with either plain or printed cards. The rector should be sure to check the box for prayer requests just before each service.

Greeters: Some parishes have a couple or family at the church entrance to greet each person as they enter the church. A different couple or family should be used each week. The task of scheduling these people could be handled by the Usher Chairman.