Altar Guild

This dedicated group is responsible for preparing the altar and church for worship on Sundays and Holy days with the appropriate hangings and vestments and vessels. They care for the silver and brass ornaments and vessels as well as the vestments, hanging, and linens used in our services. Ken Rains, our Sacristan, directs the Altar Guild, which works in small groups, each assigned to a particular week, to handle the Guild's responsibilities. Pay attention to the linens used during a service: a large "fair linen" which covers the top of the altar is always in place as directed in the Book of Common Prayer. On it is placed a linen corporal, representing the burial cloth of Christ, on which the sacrifice of the Eucharist is offered. The silver chalice is draped with a linen purificator, also representing burial cloths, and topped by the silver patten (plate) holding the large wafer (the host) which is offered by the priest. This is topped with a square of stiffened linen called a "pall" (same as the cloth that covers a coffin) and all of this is topped with a chalice veil which matches the hangings for the season. Guild members are trained in placing all these elements as well as caring for them, and for marking the altar book and lectionary book for each service. Serving on the Guild doesn't require a lot of time, and it is holy work to reverently care for and prepare the altar. If you think you'd like to be a part of this necessary but usually behind-the-scenes ministry, please contact Ken Rains for more information.