St. Hilda's Altar Guild

Helen Corry, Altar Guild Chair

As the rector noted in his sermon on Sunday, August 29, Altar Guild service may be described as hospitality, as its members work quietly behind the scenes to prepare "God's House" for worship. In addition to preparing the altar and church for each service and cleaning up afterward, the Altar Guild makes or purchases linens, vestments, and hangings and keeps them clean and mended; manages flower funds and orders; arranges flowers for the altars, rearranges and delivers flower arrangements to parishioners as designated by the rector; maintains the supplies of bread, wine, and candles; and makes and cares for decorations such as Christmas wreaths.

To accomplish all this, Altar Guild members offer their considerable gifts of time and talent. Our Guild is divided into four teams, each team serving two-week intervals, starting Friday morning when the church and chapel are cleaned and prepared for Sunday services. The four Sunday services, Wednesday morning, and Thursday afternoon services are assigned to various team members. Each Monday, flowers are rearranged and delivered. If there is anything from Sunday that needs to be further cleaned, it is done at this time.

Members are trained in the customs particular to this parish, in addition to learning about the elements of the Eucharist. A very important quality for a member to possess is attention to detail. Knowing the meaning of the symbols and elements and making sure the linens and vessels are prepared properly is very important. Members need to be ready to learn what to do and be willing to be available to give the time necessary.

Two seasons that are especially busy are Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter as there are numerous extra services during these seasons as well as extra decorations for the church and chapel. Two other types of services that call for Altar Guild help are funerals and weddings. There are three wedding coordinators who assist with weddings, and they are very valuable and busy members of our Guild. Funerals are staffed by the team on duty at the time.

Traditionally, Altar Guild membership has been open only to women, but that is not the case at the Chapel of the Cross. We have several men who are very active members of our guild. We always welcome new members who would like to join us in this special service to our Lord and to the Chapel of the Cross family. Should you be interested in joining us in providing this type of hospitality, please notify the parish office. Many hands make light work!

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© 2004 The Chapel of the Cross