THE WORK OF THE ALTAR GUILD by JUDY KRAEMER
The purpose of the Altar Guild is to serve God. Its service requires spiritual commitment. And its service has a spiritual goal. It serves by making sure that the place of worship is maintained and set up for the times and season of the year.
It serves by making certain that all preparations are made for each service and that whatever needs to be done after the service is taken care of. The preparation of Holy Communion, is only one example of activities performed by the Altar Guild.
In most Lutheran churches this service is rendered by some of the women of the congregation. But in centuries past most of the duties performed by today’s altar guilds were done by men. Did you know Gerardo Hernandez hangs the dossals on the wall behind the altar and the swags over your head? Likewise, there are no barriers of age. Young and old alike may serve the church in this area.
Currently, a group of four prepare weekly communion and communion for special services.
I set up for the 5PM service on a Friday or early Saturday. Mary Petit who attends the 5PM service, resets for the 8AM service.
Aina Eglite, who attends the 8AM service, resets for the 10:30AM service.
Ernie and I attend the 10:30AM service and after this service we clear the altar, clean vessels and store linens and communion trays.
Maree Garchow sets up at our off site locations and for special services, and in addition, pinch-hits for each of us in our absence.
The team is looking to grow this ministry with a few additional “pinch-hitters” for each service when one of us is unable to serve.
We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about serving. Also, you could shadow one of us, at your worship service to learn the process.
We hope you will prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve our Lord.
Your sister in Christ,
Judy Kraemer