St. Luke's of Monrovia

Altar Guilds, as the Episcopal Church has known them, developed in the late nineteenth century. In the early days of the Church of England, altar care was the task of clerics. It was not until many years later that laymen and eventually women were included in this ministry.

Altar guilds today are groups of women and men who are called to serve God by preparing and tending the places where Episcopalians worship. The altar guild has a special role as the priest's liturgical partner in making the worship life of the parish run smoothly. Selection of members is a thoughtful process and by invitation of the rector. The work members do together is an offering of time and talents. It is a ministry of love undertaken in the name of Christ.                    

The Altar Guild of St. Luke's is an organization whose primary function revolves around the Eucharist. Jeannett Armstrong serves as Chairwoman with Mary Helen Teague acting as her assistant.

Duties 

• Eucharist 
  
  • Putting out the necessary vessels: wine, water, chalices
  • Placing the communion wafers and the priest's wafer on the paten
  • Assembling the Eucharistic ensemble
  • After the service, collecting all the vessels, linens, candles and other items and returning them to the sacristy.
• Linens 
  
  • Placing the appropriate linens on the altars
  • Putting linens on the tables at the rear of the sanctuary and the chapel
  • Placing linens on the credence tables
  • Putting corporals on the altars
  • Laundry of used linens

Responsibilities 

• Replacing the candle over the ambry
• Replacing individual votive candles
• Placing the candles in the narthex
• Filling the pace and altar candles with oil
• Ordering supplies as needed
• Light dusting and sweeping in the sanctuary and chapel

St. Luke's Altar Guild is seeking new members. These faithful teams of ladies (gentlemen also welcome), working according to a well-organized schedule, are responsible for preparing the altar for the Sunday Eucharist and insuring that all necessary vessels and linens are present as needed. Guild members also help set up for other church rites. Decorating the church at Christmas and Easter is another rewarding task.

Serving in the Altar Guild is both a privilege and a pleasure. If you would like to become a part of this group, please speak to Father Gary.