Altar Guild
Liturgy begins and ends with the work of the Altar Guild. To care for the sacred vessels, the bread and the wine, the fair linens and hangings and the candles used for worship in the Sanctuary is far more thana task, it is a true ministry.
We are told that all things must be done "properly and in good order." It is the work of the Altar Guild that makes it possible to do so. The contribution of each Altar Guild member is important; together those contributions are a devotion to the greater glory of God. General Duties The duty of the altar guild is to prepare all the things necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist or any of the other sacraments and offices of the church. These services are included in the Book of Common Prayer and the Book of Occasional Services. The altar guild is a ministry - a gift of time and talent to serve God in His house. It is a privilege to serve God in this way. The housekeeping and decoration of God’s house should be done with sincere devotion and dignity. The rector is the head of the guild, but he or she cannot do all that must be done in preparation for all of the services. The altar guild plays an important role. The rector sets the rules, the style, and the tone of the services by his or her preference for placement of the vessels used in the services. The rector appoints the head of the altar guild to organize and schedule work assignments. |