I was looking for a simple way to serve God and my Saint Mark’s family. They were asking for vounteers so I signed up for Pew Guild. I’d noticed three drops of candle wax on the cushion in my pew and I looked forward to taking care of them. When I came to the meeting someone said “oh, this is altar guild.” So that’s where God led me.

I was unprepared for the joy it would bring. I love getting to church before it all begins, setting the table for Jesus. The quiet in the sacristy, the simple and necessary work of pouring the wine, counting the wafers, choosing the linens in the season’s colors–– Christians have been doing this over two thousand years, every Sunday around the world. There is something so everyday, yet so eternal about these preparations, something so human and so divine.

Sharing those moments with others on the Altar Guild is such a beautiful thing! The Richardsons so quietly take care of everything, but when they have gone to Tennessee we will need two or three people to fill in! Joan Billings, Sharon Keating and myself are currently onboard for the 8:00 service, we would like one more. Paula Green is flying solo for the 10:30 service. Ideally we would like three or four members for each service so we can work together and cover for each other whenever needed. The Altar Guild members serve at the service that they attend; it just takes a little extra time before or after to serve in this joyful and useful ritual.

Please contact me at lori.mcfadden@gmail.com if you’re interested in learning more!