2018 Ministry Report: LEM
Submitted by: John Nystrom, Ministry Head
LEM’s (Lay Eucharistic Ministers) in the Episcopal Church are licensed by the bishop to administer the
consecrated elements of the eucharist. In short, our primary responsibility is to assist the priest in
serving communion. Our ministry is blessed to have dedicated people who have studied and trained to
allow our parishioners to receive the blood of Christ in a loving, caring and correct manner.
LEM’s also have further responsibilities. We are blessed at St. Edward’s to have dedicated Eucharistic
Visitors who are LEM’s that take the Holy Sacrament to members who cannot attend service.
Additionally, LEM’s are on call to administer the Holy Sacrament and even Last Rights in urgent
situations.
In addition to serving at regular services, LEM’s also serve whenever the Eucharist is presented. This
includes weddings, funerals, and other special services.
St. Edward’s currently has close to thirty LEM’s. Our LEM’s are as follows:
8:00 service 12:30 service
Etta Cole Paula Pleitez
George Herrin Rafael Pleitez
Pat Bush Jackeline Gomez
Marilynn Emmons William Gomez
Nicole Harrison Yadira Hoguin
Ted Ruchalski
10:30 service Euchcaristic Visiting Ministers
Bernadette Mathews Hillary Saunders
Denise Robinson Vanya Davis
Valerie Curry Sarah West
Gabriele Mayes Marilynn Emmons
Jean Okunsanya Etta Cole
Michael Lyons Pam Herrin
Salena Staub Gabriele Mayes
Samantha Toomey Samantha Toomey
Sanya Simmons
Sarah West
John Nystrom
If you have an interest in exploring becoming an LEM, please tap me on the
shoulder and we can talk.
Eucharistic Visitor
Eucharistic Visitors or EV’s are parishioners who take communion to our members who are temporarily or permanently unable to attend church.
The EV’s are trained by the Priest and licensed by the Diocese for this ministry. Because St. Edward’s is “one body, we share one bread and one cup.” We currently have 9 parishioners serving as EV’s and we try to
visit 10 members at least once a month.
This is a very rewarding ministry, particularly for those who were very active in our parish. They enjoy getting communion as well as the bulletin and news of the church. If this ministry appeals to you, please contact Fr. Gordon or Marilynn Emmons.