" . . . the duty of the altar guild is to prepare all the things necessary for the celebration of the Eucharist or other sacraments and offices of the church. The preparations are done in a manner so that any service may be conducted in decency, order and beauty for the worship of Almighty God and his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
From The Complete Training Course for Altar Guilds
by B. Don Taylor

"Altar Guild members prepare a place for the coming of our Lord in the celebration of Holy Eucharist and other services. These preparations make us ready for holy time in holy space. Our Lord invited his disciple to join him for the Eucharist and other times of reading of the scriptures. The Altar Guild members, prepare and invite us into worship."
The Rev. J. Philip Purser

PREPARING THE TABLE

Altar Guild work is a gift to God. It is your unique ministry to His church; your gift of your time and talent to His altar. You serve the altar in the same vein as the priest serves Him. You are making preparation for Christ's presence among us in the bread and wine. Just as we carefully prepare our homes for an important visitor, we are doing the same diligent and careful preparation for Christ at His altar.

As a member of the Altar Guild, you will be performing one of the most important functions of the church. Without your efforts, the services on Sunday and during the week could not take place, at least not as the people are accustomed to seeing them.

Altar Guild Members Say:

"Being on Altar Guild is such a small but special way of being of service to our Church and to God." Edna Carter

"I happen to be the only man on Altar Guild, and I can't understand why! If you "men" think it's only for women, maybe heaven is too. I feel good about myself after our turn at Altar Guild. Try it. I'm sure you'll get as much out of it as I do.:" Gene Nash

"My serving on Altar guild for twenty-some years has certainly been a rewarding part of my experience as a communicant of All Saints'. It has enabled me to learn more readily about symbolism in the worship service of the Episcopal Church." Jane Copenhaver

"One day as I was walking into Church, I noticed the altar and it seemed to have a meaning. Mom and I signed up to help." Megan Bledsoe, Junior Altar Guild

"The altar always looked beautiful but I never considered how it got that way. Now I really enjoy being part of a group that respects the beauty and meaning of the altar items and still has fun." Mary Bledsoe

"My goal in joining Altar Guild was to give back to God a part of me in gratitude for my blessings. It turns out that I gained much more than I gave." Linda Nash

"There is a spiritual blessing to be received as you quietly and carefully prepare the sanctuary for worship." Nancy Holder

" I sincerely feel that the spiritual rewards far surpass the time spent. I strongly encourage you to join." Jewell Nichols


Is Altar Guild for you?

Altar Guild may be for you if:

• You would like to serve in a very quiet yet important way.
  
• You don't mind performing a function that is rarely noticed except when it is not done!
  
• You only have a few hours each month available to serve.
  
• You want to be involved, but don't feel comfortable "up front."
  
• You like to set the stage for important events.
  
• You would enjoy the opportunity to learn more about the elements and symbolism of our liturgy.