SUPPORTS Worship preparations
Caring for the altar vestments, vessels, and linens of the parish.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the altar for each worship service. The Guild serves under the auspices of the Worship Committee and holds committee meetings as needed each year. The Altar Guild is responsible for all sacred vessels, sanctuary appointments, altar linens, candles, hosts (gluten-free wafers are provided), wine and all necessary support services such as the upkeep of the Sacristy, cleaning the brass and linens and preparing the linens each week. Responsibilities include all weekly services, all holiday services, baptisms, weddings, funerals and any other special services. In addition to preparing for the worship services, the Altar Guild holds workdays which are designed for polishing the brass and silver and decorating for Advent, Christmas, Lent and Holy Week.
GOALS & BELIEFS
To keep five rotating teams to service the altar for all weekly and special services (ie. funerals, wedding and baptisms).
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Altar Guild consists of five volunteer teams, each team serving one week each month. Please contact the Ministry Chair below if interested.
Ministry Chair: Michelann Scheetz
A reflection on Advent
Advent is always a time of reflection and expectation at St. Luke's. Many of the members of our parish contribute in multiple ways to create a special worship environment.
The sanctuary looked especially beautiful thanks to the work of the Altar Guild and its members who participated in the hanging of the greens. When it was time to hang the greens, Father John Kauffman, Sue and Jack Bushman, Josh and Robin Whittington and Gwyn and Ellis, Dagny Gelormo, Karen Goodall and Nona Hunter, Ginny Sharkey, Sally McClaskey and Mike Fisher all pitched in to help. In addition, Sandy Boffa, Meg Ginther, Karen Dowdy-Fullin, Dave Proctor, and Michelann Scheetz all went above and beyond their roles as members of the Altar Guild. The beautiful Christmas tree in the northeast corner of the sanctuary was provided by Robin and Josh, Lydia Strohmeyer and Ginny crafted the ornaments. It was a wonderful reminder of all who are a part of our parish family.
The joy that is St. Luke's cannot be contained inside four walls, especially at Christmas. Michelann and Dave hung the roping and lights on the fence while Karen created the bows for all the wreaths and windowsills. Sue designed the greens for the porch urns and Jim Morehead added the white lights for the illuminated cedar in our Mediation Garden. We greatly appreciate the many donations that we received. Poinsettias were donated by Bruce and Lisa Westall, sexton Patty Hartley and Michelann. Wayne Piper and Dave donated the wreaths for the doors and the roping.
There are undoubtedly many other members unnamed or anonymous who made special contributions. We apologize to anyone we have forgotten to include. We appreciate every act of support. We are also blessed with a wonderful group of paid and volunteer staff, including Dagny, Stephen Trumbull, the college singers, John and Ginny, who took on a host of additional tasks before and throughout Advent. What may be most important is to know that we are a parish which cares, shares and which supports each other as we move forward together.
Submitted by: Dave Proctor, Christmas 2022