Altar Guild
Have you ever wondered about the candles, the Eucharistic vessels, the altar linens, the wafers, the wine, and other objects used in worship at St. James? Who orders these things and cares for them? Who polishes the brass and silver? Who sees that the linens are washed and ironed? Who veils the Christus Rex and other crosses for Lent? Who does special holy housekeeping before Christmas and Easter celebrations? These preparations are all done by members of the St. James Altar Guild, a group of about thirty members who volunteer their time and talents.
Members are divided into four teams, who rotate service on a weekly basis. Each team is under the direction of an experienced team captain, who coordinates activities and serves as a mentor to new and less-experienced members. During its scheduled week, each team has a regular set-up time when the church is made ready for Sunday worship. The members of that team are responsible for various duties before and after each regular and special service taking place during that week. Members on duty arrive before the service to do final altar preparations, attend the service, and afterward, prepare the vessels and vestments for the next service. Normally, there are at least two members on duty for each service.
All Altar Guild work is done according to established procedures and in accordance with directives from the rector or other clergy. St. James has its own procedure manual to assist members. All members do what they can; some do more than others, but the contribution of each member is important to the worship of God at St. James Church. Service on the Altar Guild is not demanding or time-consuming (approximately 2-3 hours per month,) but is rather an important and rewarding combination of Mary and Martha ministries, blending the spiritual with the functional.
Any member of St. James is welcome and needed on the Altar Guild
If you are interested, please contact the church office or Barbara Burton, Altar Guild Directress, at barb-burton@juno.com.
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