Reflection on Altar Guild Service

Diana Robinson

When Stephen invited me to become a member of the Altar Guild, I said yes without understanding what I was committing to. I did not have any idea what I would be doing as an Altar Guild member. I had been a member of the Episcopal Church for a very short time and was still learning what it meant to be an Episcopalian.

Living and working in a 'hurry, hurry' society, I soon volunteered for tasks where I would be alone, such as setting up the altar for the week-day services and the 5:15 Sunday service. Although through the years I have done many others things, I am most comfortable doing the tasks and services where I am alone and it is quiet. Before a service begins I am able just to sit and think or kneel and pray.

At a 12:00 noon Easter week-day service there were only two people present, the priest and me. Standing at the altar, the priest did the complete service with just me. For me that will always be a very special service.

I cannot put into words the privilege I feel in making the church or chapel ready for a service regardless of what the individual task may be. As Stephen reminded us in a recent sermon, the book of Luke says it all, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty."

If you are interested in joining the Altar Guild, please contact the parish office at 919-929-2193 or e-mail info@thechapelofthecross.org.

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