Altar Guild

The Altar Guild in the Episcopal church is a group who are called to serve God by attending to the areas of our worship. Their work is done quietly, behind the scenes. Its purpose is to care for the service equipment and to prepare the church for worship. 

Their work is done for all of our services, for funerals and weddings, and for all seasons of the church.  The members are in teams, which rotate monthly in performing their duties of the ministry.

Before the worship service, the activities include:

Preparing the Eucharistic vessels and linens for the Eucharist service,

Preparing the bread and the wine,

hanging the appropriate hangings for the season or the service,

changing the ambry candle, and

preparing the clergy vestments.

One or more experienced members launders and irons the linens.  One or more members prepares for services like Maundy Thursday, by stripping the altar, and for the Easter and Christmas services.

Inventories of bread and wine, candles, and oil are monitored and restocked.

After the service, the Eucharistic vessels are reverently cleaned and stored. Brass equipment is handled with gloves.  Flowers are taken for use by the St Theresa's Flower Guild. Vestments are returned to their areas of storage. 

We have 6 members of the Daughters serving on the Altar Guild.

   Acolytes

I serve as an Acolyte, but in association with my primary ministry as a Chalice Bearer.  This is a sacramental ministry.  It is a privilege to be allowed to participate in this aspect of our Holy worship. 

Brenda Irwin

   Bread Upon The Water

One of the ways I have chosen to serve God and my church family is through being a member of  the "Bread Upon The Water" committee.  Under the able leadership of Michael Trank, we endeavor to make our newcomers feel welcome and hopefully, to become members of our family.

Newcomers are greeted and before they leave, info like address, phone no., etc is taken.  Within 48 hours, a bag with fresh bread and packets of info about our church are delivered to their home by their "friendly face. "

Follow up phone calls and conversation at church are done to get to know them better, to answer any questions they have and to introduce them to  others.  Personally, I want them to feel the warmth and caring that Russ and I felt when we came here - the life of Christ shining thru the people of St . Stephens.

Mariann Cathey

   Healing Ministry

We, as Daughters of the King, undertake a Rule of Life, which includes the Rule of Service.  In fulfilling my vows, I serve as a Chalice Bearer and in the healing ministry on Wednesday nights.  As a foundation for my life of devoted prayer, I call to mind:

"Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.  Is any cheerful?  Let him sing praise.  Is any among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another that you may be healed. 

The prayer of a righteous man has great power in it effects,"

James 5: 13 - 16

We have a healing service on Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m.

We do not claim to heal anyone.  We just pray and ask the Lord to take care of whatever needs are requested.  Many times just asking for prayer will bring peace of mind to the one asking.  You may come for yourself or somebody else.  One may ask for anything; i.e., safe travel, etc.  There is not anything you cannot ask the Lord to fix.  All of those there want to be there and believe in the power of prayer. The resultsis a very moving experience for all. 

Please come and try it.  You will like it!

Doreen Graf 

**

I seek to serve in many ways, and one of the areas of ministry that I feel called to is to pray with others at the Wednesday Healing Service.

Mary Ellen Klots

I also minister to those who are not able to attend corporate worship by taking the sacraments to them, as a Lay Eucharistic Minister.  To me, the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ is precious beyond compare. Taking the sacraments to those who are infirm, shut -ins and recovering from surgery is a ministry that fills the vow of the Daughters to have a rule of service in their lives.

Brenda Irwin

Serving as a Lay Eucharistic Minister is both challenging and rewarding.  It is a ministry that I feel called to.  Taking the Holy Eucharist to "all sorts, and conditions of men" (and women) has deepened my own faith, and has helped me to acknowledge my own mortality and dependence upon Jesus.

Mary Ellen Klots