Most of the work of the Altar Guild centers on preparing the area of worship, setting the table for the Eucharist and caring for vestments, linens and all the other "stuff" we use for Eucharist. It is usually a quiet and "behind the scenes" ministry.
In 2006 we have worked hard on straightening up the sacristy, and inventorying those things that we care for: communion pieces, chalice vestments and linens, as well as priest vestments. Most linens were found to be worn, and we have been replacing these with hand made pieces. Some vestment pieces should also be replaced or the remaining set pieces made. We will be addressing this in 2007.
We have tried to focus on enhancing the liturgy, particularly during special seasons. In Lent 2006, we substituted dried flowers for cut flowers, as well as replacing the Laudian frontal. This was to enhance the solemn nature of Lent. It was joyous to see the beautiful altar cloth with a golden "Alleluia" embroidered on the front, a gift from Joy Steele! A "recipe" was found in the National Altar Guild newsletter, which we adapted for our Advent wreath. We also prepared 4 new Advent banners, one for each Sunday of Advent. We began restoration of the crèche pieces as well as the crèche itself. This will take more time, but is coming along. We have begun to make little baptismal towels that will be gifts to those newly baptized.
The summer saw the reopening of our beautiful chapel for summer worship. Many hands went into the restoration, which included cleaning and painting, not to mention repairing the wooden communion rail. We set up a second sacristy and equipped it as best we could, though sharing one of a kind items between two churches. Beautiful garden flowers graced the altar in the chapel each week, and were added to the main church for the 10 am service.
We would like to thank Tina and Nancy for creating such lovely flower arrangements on the sconces each week. We would like to thank Bill and Rich for building a new shelf in the sacristy.
We have 4 members now, and would love to have more. If you are interested in joining us, please let any one of us know.
Carol Poplaski, Gale MacPeek, Nancy Hansen, and Elsie Sarini.
