Altar guild is a ministry with responsibility to prepare the Church for all services. Members work under the guidance of Fr Scott to assist and enhance worship at St Matthew’s. Weekly duties include setting the altar for each service, cleaning up after services, tending candles and flowers, posting hymns, ensuring proper color of hangings, checking supplies, and caring for linens. As many members as possible meet monthly on a Saturday morning to clean brass, polish sliver, and oil wood. Altar guild also helps to decorate the Church for Easter and Christmas.
Altar guild at St Matthew’s continues to work in three teams to cover the weekly duties and services. The teams rotate weeks so altar guild members generally work one out of three weeks. Members also serve as chair of their group 2-3 times each year. This seems to be an effective way to share duties without overburdening any one member.
Some significant changes in membership occurred during the past year. Marty Thomas resigned as Altar Guild Chair after serving for 20 years in that position. Thankfully, she continues to serve as an altar guild member. Mary Johnston and Cathy Giacomazzi volunteered to become the new Co-Chairs. Also this year, Mary Ann Gallagher became inactive after more than 50 years of service to altar guild at St Matthew’s. And Joan Wilcox resigned. We are grateful for their ministry and our opportunities to learn from them.
Active members include Lori Gorsline, Pauline Wilson, Karen Kiss, Helen Burrell, Cathy Giacomazzi, Teresa Moore, Dee Daniels, Laura Bender, Betsy Sharp, Marty Thomas, Julia Cockerille, Maggie Castellini, Betsy Smith, Ann Fleenor, Diana Childs, Linda Mullen, Virginia MacDonald, and Mary Johnston. Thank you to each of you for sharing your gifts and for your service to the Church. A special thanks also to Angie Geraghty who launders and irons our linens during the Summer months.
Several individuals have expressed interest in participating in altar guild activities. We welcome you to join us. Please contact Mary Johnston, telephone 455-7245, or Cathy Giacomazzi, telephone 479-7736, for more information.
