Altar Guild

ELECTED OR APPOINTED COMMITTEE

Altar Guild

C13.07.J01 Altar Guild is a committee of twelve members of Evangelical United Lutheran Church, elected by the congregation at its annual meeting in January of each year. Altar Guild members serve for a three-year term and no member may be elected for more than two consecutive terms. Terms of service are staggered, so that the terms of four members expire each January. Nominations to serve on the Altar Guild are made by the nominating committee. Nominations may also be made at the annual meeting of the congregation, if the nominee has given approval. Any time an Altar Guild member is unable to continue with her/his duties, has moved or for any reason removes their name from the committee, the vacancy will be filled until the next annual meeting of the congregation, by agreement of the altar guild and the Congregation Council.

a. The President of the Altar Guild is elected from among its twelve members. The President is responsible for the functioning of the Altar Guild for a one year period.

b. The Altar Guild shall be accountable to the Pastors and the Worship Committee in areas of mutual concern and responsibility. The Altar Guild responsibilities include:

Care and cleaning of all paraments and liturgical vestments
Care for and changing all sanctuary and chapel paraments as the liturgical calendar may dictate.
Preparation of the elements for the celebration of Holy Communion, and cleaning up after Holy Communion
Changing and maintaining candles on the altar of the sanctuary and chapel, as necessary.
Contacting volunteers who have signed up to provide flowers, and notifying the church office as to how the bulletin should read.
Caring for and maintaining all chrismons and other special seasonal decorations.
Taking part in the "Hanging of the Greens" prior to the season of Advent, and removing of the Christmas decorations prior to the season of Epiphany.
Baking or purchasing communion bread, as needed.
Caring for and maintaining the silver service, tablecloths, snack sets, punch bowl and other items used when serving at receptions or other celebrations.
Taking part in serving at receptions and/or birthday/anniversary celebrations at the church.
Preparing for baptisms and cleaning up afterward.
Maintaining the albs/robes used by the pastors, cantors, acolytes and communion assistants.
Striping of the Altar at the End of the Maundy Thursday Evening, in accordance with published procedure.