At St. James's servers wear a long white tunic (alb), a stiff decorated collar attached to a rectangular piece of white linen (amice) and a white cord round the waist (girdle). See the picture on the right.

A server carries out a variety of duties, including preparing the sanctuary and altar table for the Service, ensuring there are enough communion wafers available and checking that the cruets hold sufficient water and wine. They carry the processional cross (being a crucifer) and you have probably noticed the servers (duly robed) receiving the offertory and administering the wine at the communion services.

They even open the lectern Bible at the appropriate readings and check that the sound system is working. A server is sometimes called on to read a lesson. Some servers are licensed by the bishop to administer the chalice during communion.

After the service they dismantle the altar and wash the chalices and paten so that they are ready for further use.

Servers are required each Sunday at the 8 am Holy Communion and at the 9.30 am Parish and All-age Communion. This duty is undertaken on a rota basis by a small band of people from the congregation.