Reflections

Reflections for Week of August 4, 2025 from Kathy Shoalmire

I never thought I wanted to serve on the Altar Guild until Duncan asked me if I would in early January. Who says “no” to Duncan? Now, I can’t imagine not serving on the Altar Guild.

We could need a few more who would like to serve so I thought I would share with you what we do. In general, we prepare the Lord’s table in the way of long standing tradition.

First, we make sure that we use the correct colors for the hangings. We are in the green season now (ordinary season) The next season changes to purple which will be for Advent, a solemn season as we await the coming of Christ. Purple is also used during Lent. Following Advent is Christmas when we change to white which is also used at Easter, Baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and some other special days. Red is used for Pentecost, martyr days, and Palm Sunday.

There are several linens of varying sizes used for the Eucharist. The corporal is laid first. Then we have the purificator which covers the chalice and one is stored in the burse which is the square piece that sits on top of the veil. The lavabo towel is used by the LEM for the celebrant to dry their hands. The table to the right of the altar is the credence table which is covered with a credence cloth. All the linens are kept clean and ironed. An interesting tidbit is that we use the purificator and the lavabo towels to wash the chalice, patens, and ciborium after the service. We check carefully for wine stains and remove those. These towels are laid out wet on the counter in the Sacristy and wiped with a white sponge to remove all wrinkles. They dry very crisp and are ready to fold the next week. The linens all have a white embroidered cross on them and have been blessed.

To set the altar, we start with the corporal, then the chalice which we top with the purificator. The paten (plate for the hosts is next and we place the large wafer the priest breaks and eats first). This is topped with the square piece called the pall, then the veil, with the burse on the very top. The Eucharistic candles are checked for sufficient oil supply and are placed exactly the same distance from the edges of the altar. This is done by using the prayer book to set the position. The brass stand which holds the service book is placed to the left of the celebrant and the Gospel is placed on the front of the altar.

We place the ciborium, one for the regular hosts and one for the gluten free, on the credence table which has been covered with the credence cloth. We fill the carafes with wine (Taylor Port) and with water. The handles are turned toward the priest and the crosses on top face the congregation. There is a lavabo bowl for the priest to wash his fingers. There is also a tiny silver spoon in case a communicant should drop their wafer into the chalice.

After the service, we clean the altar and credence table. Any water or wine that has been blessed, is disposed of either by drinking or pouring outside on the grounds. We do not pour blessed wine or water down the drain.

The protective dust covers are replaced on top of the hangings. We wash, dry, and return to the designated spot.

The Altar Guild is also in charge of the flowers and making sure the brass is polished at least twice a year. The coming together for polishing the brass gives us an opportunity to fellowship while doing something needed.

Let Liz Reynolds or me know if you think you might be interested in serving. We will be glad to help you get started.

Kathy Shoalmire

kathybshoal@icloud.com

SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS

Sunday, August 10, 2025 - Rev. Tina Frizzell- service at 10:30 followed by coffee hour.

Readings for Sunday.

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Luke 12:32-40

Those who serve

LEM: Michael

Lectors: Brenda and Jo Ella

Altar Guild: Liz and Anne

Thank you to all who helped with the Watermelon Carnival.

Announcement

We have completed our focus on the Mission Committee members and would now like to move on to members of Nativity. Who will volunteer to be the focus next week or in the future? I’ll be glad to give you some prompts. Contact me kathybshoal@icloud.com.