1900 Altar Table, 2007 © Jonathan LaChance
Acknowledgments
Lord, make my soul mirror Thee;
Thyself alone, to shine in me,
That men may see Thy love, Thy grace,
Nor note the glass that shows Thy face.
Blanche Mary KellyDeepest thanks to all members of St. David’s Altar Guild, past and present, who serve their Lord faithfully day after day, week after week, year after year, and to all those who contributed to this version of the Altar Guild Manual by submitting instructions, by proofreading, by offering suggestions, and by making corrections. Special thanks to our rector, the Rev. David Boyd, who teaches us, guides us, and supports us in our service.
Excerpt from the Altar Guild Manual:
The National Altar Guild Association Prayer
Most gracious Father, Who has called me, Your child, to serve in the preparation of
Your Altar, so that it may be a suitable place for the offering of Your Body and Blood;
Sanctify my life and consecrate my hands so that I may worthily handle those Sacred
Gifts which are being offered to You.
As I handle holy things, grant that my whole life may be illuminated and blessed by
You, in whose honor I prepare them, and grant the people who shall be blessed by
their use, may find their lives drawn closer to Him Whose Body and Blood is our
hope and our strength, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Rt. Rev. E. Don Taylor
Vicar Bishop of New York City
All Saints’ Day, 2002
Imagine that you are preparing for a very special party - - a feast. You set the table with the very best you have to offer, and because different meals are celebrated with greater or lesser formality you choose fine linen or “easy care,” candles or oil lights, silver or pottery vessels to express your individuality. Hold this image in your mind as you approach your Altar Guild service.
But before you start these physical preparations, prepare your heart and attitude with prayer: not only for your Sunday service, but every day. Make the Altar Guild part of your daily prayer life: include your team members, your team captain, the Altar Guild co-chairs, your clergy, and your church, even as you pray for your own participation. Allow the Altar Guild to be not an end in itself, but a means to deepen your spiritual life.
Who we are and what we do. . . .
The Altar Guild has the privilege of preparing the altar for any service held in the church, and assisting the clergy whenever necessary. The members are also responsible for cleaning the altars, caring for the sacred vessels, and securing the necessary articles to be used at any service.
As you are called to serve our Lord, and if you possess qualities of tact, composure, tolerance and adaptability, you may find the Altar Guild to be a place where you can serve and grow spiritually. Membership in the Altar Guild is open to men and women of any age. If you are interested in serving on the Altar Guild, make your desire known to the rector or one of the co-chairs.
For more information, please contact or .
