The Altar Guild - A Labor of Love

The ministry of the Altar Guild is vital to the life of St. Paul's, as these people are some of the most essential workers "behind the scenes" in the church. The Altar Guild is involved in every service in some way, from the regular Sunday morning services to weddings, funerals, and the Wednesday morning healing service. Simply put, the Altar Guild members prepare the church and therefore its members for worship.

The Guild is responsible for dressing the altar in accordance with the colors of the church season and placing the paraments on the two lecterns. They set up the credence table for Holy Communion, make sure brass and silver is polished, order all communion materials, candles and new linen, and direct the Flower Guild. One member, Gay Shephard, has adopted care of the linens as her ministry. Each week, Gay picks up the linen, washes and irons these materials, and returns them ready for any service.

Chair Carol Fullerton notes, "I feel my work on the Altar Guild allows me to prepare the Lord's dining room table and it must be clean for His guests. This is a most meaningful ministry and I feel very close to God as I serve in this way."

The Altar Guild is divided into four to six member teams that serve for a 2-week term approximately every three months. Each member generally sets up for one service during a duty period, so the time commitment is limited. "It is a wonderful opportunity to learn a great deal about the Episcopal Church and its marvelous traditions. This is a dedicated group of men and women who do this for the love of St. Paul's Church."

If any parishioner is interested in serving with the Altar Guild, please contact Carol Fullerton.