ALL SAINTS’ ALTAR GUILD
The guild is always welcoming to new members; if you are interested, speak to anyone after the service. The “work” of the guild includes the care of the linen and vessels used in the Eucharist, the home communion boxes, the arranging of flowers for all church services including weddings, funerals and memorials. The guild works in teams of two but come together for the important festivals of the year. Along with Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving, the guild also decorates for the annual Flower Festival in August. The guild enjoys good times of fellowship and friendship, and also fun!
The guild relies on donations of money from weddings, funerals, memorials and special occasions. In the narthex of All Saints’, there is a Flower Chart and a book to record the names and dates for those who wish to have special flowers in memory of loved ones or in celebration of special events and anniversaries. All donations towards the altar flowers are most gratefully received and are essential for providing flowers, cleaning supplies and new linens, when needed.
ST. MARK’S ALTAR GUILD
St. Mark’s has about 12 active guild members who keep busy keeping up the brass, linens and flowers in their beautiful, old church.
In October 2008, the guild celebrated the birthday of 91-year-old Ron H, and also marked his retirement of being a server, a position he had held all his life!
In May 2008, the guild hosted an open house on St. Mark’s Day, it being 116 years since the church’s dedication in 1892. Visitors were given historial information, and refreshments and home baking were available along with “attic treasures”. All of this fun produced $1,000 for their coffers.
ST. MARY’S ALTAR GUILD
St. Mary’s Guild has seven members who look after about four services a year. June 8th, 2010 will mark the 116th Anniversary of St. Mary’s and the patronal festival is celebrated on August 15th (see Events Calendar for up-to-date information on festivities).
SERVERS’ GUILDS
Serving the altar is a very beautiful and different way to experience our liturgy and very dear to all who take part in its ministry. It is its own particular opportunity to serve God, our priests, and our fellow congregants, and is very special. If anyone feels they might like to be an altar server, please ask any of us and we will be happy to speak with you about it and organize training. We would love to have you join our numbers.
The altar servers (currently seven of us) participate at All Saint’s and St Mark’s Holy Eucharists. Two of our number are also licensed lay readers and are occassionaly called upon to lead Morning Prayer at St. Mark’s or Evening Prayer at All Saint’s.