Altar Guild

Setting the Lord's Table

The Altar Guild is a body of deeply committed persons dedicated to serving our Lord by preparing the sanctuary, the altar, the priest's vestments, hangings, vessels and elements and doing all that we can to make worship meaningful and beautiful.

The Altar Guild serves under the direction of the rector, who has overall responsibility for determining how Altar Guild duties are performed. We do our work in the background and strive to help the worship life of the parish run smoothly.

Some of our duties include:

1. Draping the altar and walls with the appropriate hangings for the season.
2. Setting up the altar communion vessels prior to each service.
3. After each service, cleaning and storing the items used.
4. Laundering linens used during the service.

In general, maintaining the articles used in the worship life of the parish in good order.

There is a period of training and there is a lot to learn. During this time each new member of the guild is assigned to a team and the team leader is primarily responsible for the instruction. However, generous support and camaraderie is shared by all members of the guild.

If you feel called to this ministry of our church, please contact our chairperson, Elizabeth Slater, at easpawa@wavecable.com or 452-0350.

We would love to have you join us!

Altar Bread

7/8 cup lukewarm water
1/4 cup honey
2 T oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 pkg dry yeast
2 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cup white flour

Add yeast to water in a large bowl. Stir in honey, oil and salt. Add the flours and mix with hands or machine. Add a bit more water if necessary.

Turn onto a floured board and knead for 5 minutes. The kneading is important. Place in a slightly greased bowel, cover with a damp cloth and let it rise until double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours. Knead again.

Roll to thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut into size you want: bowls work well for making rounds. Score cross lines into the loaf out to the edges with a knife but do not cut through. They will separate a bit during the baking. The loaf size will not increase during baking.

Bake on a slightly oiled pan at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes or so. Cool on rack. Bread may be sealed in plastic and frozen.