In most Anglican churches and cathedrals the overall responsibility for supporting worship rests with the Verger. The Verger is the person responsible for the church building - not its fabric, but rather ensuring that it is in a fit state for worship, and for use by those who wish to visit and pray. The Verger is a pastoral minister, with a key ministry of welcome. He or she also has a very practical role in seeing that the building is in a fit state for each service or event. The Vergers of the Church of England are formed into a national Guild called the "Church of England Guild of Vergers". Our Verger is Christopher Golds. Our Verger's residence is 'The Gate House' beside the church, although the present Verger lives at The Rectory. The Verger is assisted in his work by 'Sidesmen' (essentially temporary assistant vergers) who are responsible for the ministry of welcome, and various teams who also support worship, usually on a rota basis, including the following.

	Church Cleaners The church cleaners (known in Canterbury Cathedral, and many other Anglican churches, as 'The Holy Dusters') play a vital role, working with the Verger to ensure that the building is clean, tidy, and well-ordered. They clean during the week, but also keep a keen eye out on Sundays. Working is small teams, they are always keen to recruit new members. The co-ordinator of the Church Cleaners is Rosemary Baldwin (020 8449 2910).
	Altar Guild This small guild is a group of church members who prayerfully and reverently prepare the altar for use at celebrations of the Holy Eucharist. This involves laying out linen, cleaning silverware and holy vessels, preparing cruets and containers of water, wine, and bread, and ensuring that everything is in the correct place on the altar or the credence table. They receive training for their work. The co-ordinator of the Altar Guild is Daphne Mellows (020 8449 2139).
	Altar Servers Altar Servers assist the clergy and other ministers is actually running the service. They are most often seen working in the roles of Acolyte (candle torch bearer), Crucifer (carrying the processional cross), or Book-Bearer (holding books of rubrics, prayers, or scriptures for the clergy). However, they can sometimes be seen in the roles of Thurifer, Vimper, or Banner-Bearer. Many of our young members (teenagers) serve as Altar Servers, although people of all ages are welcome. The co-ordinator of the Altar Servers is Janet Clarke (020 8441 6318).