Clean-up Day
Now that we are open, and beginning to receive visitors, it's time to start working together regularly to keep our building and grounds looking pleasant and well cared-for. We who are able will meet on the first Saturday of each month, to clean the church, and to tidy up the grounds.
Saturday, June 5th, at 10:00 am will be our first clean-up day of this new season. We gather to sweep and wash floors, empty trash, clean sills and other surfaces in the church and downstairs in the kitchen and Fellowship Room.
We also need to clean up all the trash that has accumulated around our fence and in our parking lot. Those who can tell weeds from desirable plants may help us get the overgrowth under control, as well.
Since we work at a distance from one another indoors, anyone who is fully vaccinated may come to help out without the need to wear a mask. Outdoors, masks are not needed by anyone, unless they choose to wear one, as we work.
|
Altar Guild
Members of the Altar Guild are responsible for the care of the altar and its space, and the physical objects used in worship. They work behind the scenes, but their ministry is vital to making our worship run smoothly.
At one time, this was exclusively a ministry of women, but in these more egalitarian times, membership is open to anyone physically able to perform the duties, willing to be trained, and committed to completing their work appropriately and on time.
Not every member necessarily performs every duty, but the full work includes setting up the altar and credence table for each service, seeing that the candles are in good condition, filling the oil candles with fuel, seeing that there are sufficient hosts and wine for each Mass, keeping the vestments clean and in good condition, washing, ironing, and folding or rolling altar linens, cleaning and polishing brass and silver, and alerting the priest when any supplies need to be ordered.
Anyone interested in serving as a member of the Altar Guild should contact Mother Ellen, who will arrange for training.
|
|
Acolytes' Corps
Acolytes, sometimes referred to as altar servers, assist during each Mass or other worship service. Well trained acolytes make the difference between a Mass that runs smoothly, and one that is fraught with glitches.
Service as an acolyte is often the first official ministry of children and young people, but there is no age limit, and adults, men and women alike, frequently serve as acolytes. Here at St. Andrew’s, membership in the Acolytes’ Corps is open to anyone physically capable of performing the necessary functions, willing to be trained, and committed to serving faithfully and reverently.
Acolytes are responsible for lighting and extinguishing the candles, for receiving the gifts of bread and wine and the monetary offerings, and placing them on the altar, for assisting the priest in preparing the altar and the gifts during Mass, and for quietly fetching any needed items. Acolytes trained as crucifers carry the processional cross at the beginning and end of the Mass; this duty requires some physical strength, so very young acolytes might not perform this duty right away. Acolytes trained as thurifers carry the thurible (the vessel in which the incense is burned) and swing it during processions.
Acolytes are normally vested in cassock and surplice or cassock and cotta. We have plenty of these, and we can fit most people. We are also willing to acquire other sizes if necessary.
Anyone interested in serving as a member of the Acolytes’ Corps should contact Mother Ellen, who will arrange for training.
|
Pictured: Move-in team from our participation in Home Again, September 2019
Refugee Ministry
Once again we have the opportunity to equip a home for a newly arrived refugee family. Throughout the spring and summer, we will gather the items needed. Move-in day will occur this fall.
A couple of other parishes are willing to team with us to help this happen, so with their efforts and ours, we should be able to provide all that is needed.
An updated list of necessary and suggested items is posted on the bulletin board in the ambulatory.
|
|
