a ST. ALBAN S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ALTAR GUILD MANUAL St. Alban s Episcopal Church, 6800 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 Revised October 2013
Table of Contents I. History of the Altar Guild, Ministry of the Altar Guild, Prayers and Members II. III. Preparation for Services Guidance and Pictures A. Preparation for Sunday Services B. Set-up for Sunday 8:15AM Service C. Setup for Sunday 10:15AM Service D. Setup for Midweek Service E. Sleepy Hollow Nursing Home Eucharist F. Home Communion Kit Preparation Special Liturgies, Celebrations and Pictures A. Baptisms B. Funerals and Memorials C. Wedding Services D. Advent and Christmas E. The Feast of the Epiphany F. Baptism of Jesus G. Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple H. Lent I. Ash Wednesday J. Rose Sunday K. Palm Sunday L. Tenebrae M. Maundy Thursday N. Maundy Thursday Vigil O. Good Friday P. The Great Vigil of Easter Holy Saturday Q. Easter Sunday R. Ascension Day S. Pentecost T. Trinity Sunday U. All Souls Day V. All Stains Day W. Celebration of New Ministry X. Bishop s visit with Holy Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation and Reception IV. Care of Linens and Candles V. Liturgical Colors VI. Glossary VII. Attendance List for Holy Eucharist VIII. Historical Material A. Needlepoint Stitches B. 1968 Altar Guild Teams
SECTION I THE HISTORY OF THE ALTAR GUILDS THE MINISTRY OF SAINT ALBAN S ALTAR GUILD ALTAR GUILD PRAYERS ST. ALBANS ALTAR GUILD MEMBERS
History of the Altar Guilds Altar Guilds, as known to the Episcopal Church, did not become a formalized body until the nineteenth century. The history of its development goes back to the time of the apostles. In the early days of the Church, followers of Christ gathered in private homes to break bread together and to share their memories of Him. Presumably, the head of the household provided whatever was required for the meal. As the Christian population increased substantially, larger buildings in which to meet were required. Certain people were given the ministry of caring for these places, the worshipers themselves providing the food for the meal. Food was also being set aside to take to those in more remote areas and circumstances which did not allow them to be part of corporate worship, for example the shut ins and the poor. By the fourth century, parish ministry had been generally established, and for hundreds of years to follow the ordained clergy referred to as sacristans were responsible for maintaining all the paraphernalia of worship, for preparing for the services, and for doing the Church housekeeping as well. In the Church of England, beginning in the sixteenth century, altar care was also the task of ordained clergy such as the sacristan and the verger, who was not ordained, in the cathedral and the cleric in the parish. Years later, laymen became the sacristans and eventually, in the nineteenth century, women were included in this ministry as assistants to sacristans. By the turn of the twentieth century, women were beginning to organize into Altar Guilds, and in most parts of the United States they assumed the sacristan s duties themselves. Until the 1970s this channel was the only one through which they could serve God at the altar. Now, however, men are taking part in increasing numbers, as once again the decoration of the Church and preparation for worship is becoming a joint ministry of all the baptized. Reference: The Altar Guild Handbook The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Venice, Florida October 2013 Section I Page 1 of 1
October 2013 Section I Page 1 of 1
The Ministry of St. Alban s Altar Guild The Altar Guild serves the Church under the direction of the Rector. They serve an important ministry in the community worship life in the Anglican Tradition. As an Altar Guild member it is an honor to be in the sanctuary and prepare the Altar for the Lord s Table. The members of the Altar Guild are part of an unbroken tradition reaching back to the faithful women who provided for Jesus during his lifetime. (Mark 15: 40-41; Matthew 27:55). The ministry of Saint Alban s Altar Guild is to: Prepare for the worship services of the parish as directed by the Clergy Provide for suitable furnishings for the Altar and other liturgical appointments and to take due and reverent care of them Care for the vestments of the clergy and other ministers Keep the area around the Altar swept Protect and reverently provide for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist Check silver for fingerprints and polish when needed Check pew visitor cards Dust pews and put books in order. Your training will consist of hands-on instruction from experienced Altar Guild members, plus some background reading. You will be a member of a regularly rotating group responsible for the complete set up and take down of the Altar for your assigned service. We typically staff two (2) people per service, EXCEPT for special occasions, i.e., Easter, Christmas, etc. when many hands are needed. You will be assigned to one of four teams. Each team will serve for one week at a time. Laundry: Please take home soiled linens and prepare these for the next service. If you won't be attending the next service, you will need to return them to the church before the next week s service. Being on the Altar Guild is a labor of love and an important commitment; one that gives you the opportunity to be an integral part of the worship at St Alban s Church. October 2013 Section I Page 1 of 1
October 2013 Section I Page 1 of 1
Altar Guild Prayers St. Alban s Altar Guild Manual Because the work of the Guild is concerned with things set aside for the worship of God, and with the holy sacrament of the Eucharist, it is suitable to ask God s blessing on the work we do. Almighty God, grant that we may handle holy things with reverence, and perform our work with such faithfulness and devotion that it may be wholly acceptable to you and obtain your blessing through, Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord Jesus you accepted the ministry of faithful women during your earthly life. We pray you to accept and bless the work of this Altar Guild. Grant us a spirit of reverence for your church and the worship of this parish, and for your Word and Sacraments. Preserve in purity and holiness our own souls and bodies as living temples of your presence. To you, the Father, and the Holy Spirit we give praise and honor now and forever. Amen. October 2013 Section I Page 1` of 1
St. Alban s Altar Guild Co-Chairs Responsibilities Joyce Aument 534-4927 (joycekayta@aol.com) Dottie Ninde 256-0532 (dottiesn@yahoo.com Melinda Patterson 750-0445 (theluddites2@verizon.net) Scheduling Dottie Ninde 702-256-0532 Team I Co-Captain: Salome Metzger 475-7748 (smetzger@bbandt.com) 9AM-5 PM Sleepy Hollow Ministry salomemetzger@hotmail.com after 5PM Cathy Knowles Leneice Wu 256-8790 (lnelliewu@aol.com) Work: 703-699-1190 (7AM-6PM) Nell Dillard 536-2456 (nelldillard@hotmail.com) Mobil: 619-279-0524 (after 6PM) Ellen Gerdes 333-3142 (gerdesva1@verizon.net) email: csknowles@verizon.net Jane Gilbert 642-2205 (jagilbert3@verizon.net) work: catherine.knowles@osd.mil Marta Hyde 517-1131 (mhyde520@gmail.com) Virginia Jennings 578-7454 (bunkybasset@gmail.com) Supplies Gean Martin 842-3187 (jackgeanm@gmail.com) Melinda Patterson - 750-0445 Kate Wettstein 304-2622 (kdwettstein@gmail.com) Team II Weddings and Flowers Captain: Joyce Aument- 534-4927 Sally Hanlein 573-9171 (salhanlein@yahoo.com) Joyce Aument 534-4927 (joycekayta@aol.com) Delores Baisden 533-9532 (deloresab@verizon.net) Elissa Rosasco 642-8071 (asharonen@cox.net Melinda Patterson 7540-0445 (theluddites2@verizon.net_ Sally Sare 583-1855 (sallymac011@verizon.net) Team III Captain: Dottie Ninde Donna Archer Jo Hodgin April Kreller Jean Stonesifer Team IV Captain: Fay Froh Helen Cassidy Barbara Cook Gwen De Filippi Nancy Gamber Kay Lusk Martha Kelley Sarah Traum 256-0532 (dottiesn@yahoo.com 994-1674 (dlta_99@yahoo.com) 256-2795 (johodgin10@gmail.com 410-474-8292 (akreller@gmail.com) 534-1492 (jstonesifer@gmail.com) 534-9318 (fay.froh@verizon.net) 534-9318 (hmcassidy@aol.com) 941-1329 (barbaraccook@verizon.net) 597-1331 (gwen_defilippi@yahoo.com 941-5682 (nancyg1@msn.com) 750-2491 (malusk49@yahoo.com) 560-5469 (ralmarkel@cox.net) 571-265-6924(slgoode@hotmail.com Revised May 2015