ST. JAMES CHURCH ALTAR GUILD
St. James Altar Guild consists of nine dedicated members who carefully prepare our Sanctuary for worship. We believe that a clean and beautiful Sanctuary enhances and enriches worship for our congregation.
Each member of the Guild takes responsibility for this ministry one month of the year (and for some, for two months). We set up for Holy Communion; we place flowers in the Sanctuary; we clean and dust the Altar area; we clean linens after each service; we make sure the appropriate candles are set out and are filled with oil; we change the frontals and other hangings according to the church seasons. We decorate our church at Easter and Christmas, and we clean and strip the Altar on Maundy Thursday. We keep a check on Altar supplies to make sure they don’t run out.
We “officially” meet twice a year for sharing information, for instruction, and for discussion. These meetings are usually followed by a “brass cleaning bee” before Easter and Christmas (and as needed between these major holidays).
We see ourselves as “God’s housekeepers”, and try our best to give our labors in God’s Sanctuary as an offering to the Lord, who always deserves our very best.
Etsuko Schulenberg
Altar Guild Coordinator
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
WHO WE ARE
We are Episcopal Church Women of all ages, ethnic origins and socioeconomic backgrounds who hold a variety of views. However, the common denominator of our members is the love of God and the wish to do His work.
Mission – Centered in congregations, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) empowers women to do Christ’s ministry in the world.
Vision –Our vision for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing art of the Church. We aspire to be a God spark – shining and sharing the love of Christ.
Role – The Roll of the National Board of ECW is to:
1. Model and share best practice in Communication, programming, leadership, and governance.
2. Develop, support, and inspire leaders at all levels: local, diocesan, provincial, national.
3. Represent and build support for ECW in the wider church and the world.
All women of the St. James are considered members of ECW, but not all are active members.
The women of St. James meet the third Saturday of the month at 10:00 am unless otherwise posted in the Sunday bulletin. They enjoy breakfast and fellowship together.
ECW NEWS – Edna Hermes
The next ECW meeting is scheduled for Saturday April 21st at 10:00am at the church.