On Sunday mornings, a devoted group of women gathers in the sacristy—a small room just off the hallway between the chapel and the sanctuary. This space is a bevy of metalware, linens, altar hangings, and cleaning supplies. It is here that the work of St. John’s Altar Guild is centered.
The purposes and objectives of the Altar Guild are as follows:
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To prepare the altars of St. John’s Episcopal Church for scheduled religious services
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To preserve, protect, and beautify the altars and other areas entrusted to the Guild’s care, keeping them ready for use
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To provide, preserve, and maintain the dressings, furnishings, vestments, vessels, missals, and books used by clergy and ministers
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To provide and maintain a sufficient stock of consumable items used in worship, such as candles and the elements for Holy Communion
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To participate in the wider life of the parish, supporting activities, programs, and projects with the Guild’s resources and those of its members, as deemed worthy and approved by the membership
Members of the Altar Guild typically serve one Sunday per month, preparing the altars for the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services and assisting with cleanup afterward.
Some members take on additional responsibilities, such as:
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Preparing for weddings
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Re-stocking votive candles in the church and chapel
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Washing and ironing altar linens
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Arranging and maintaining poinsettias and lilies during Christmas and Easter
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Participating in special cleaning days to polish metalware
The Rector serves as President of the Altar Guild, and Sarah Babcock serves as Directress.
If you would like to join the Altar Guild, please contact Sarah Babcock or speak with any current member.
Among the many important contributions the Guild makes to parish life, polishing the brass is one of the most visible! Below are photos of members enjoying the fellowship of this shared work.
