Overview
A Quiet Call to Serve
Have you ever felt called to serve in a quiet yet deeply meaningful way?
The Altar Guild at St. Stephen’s plays a vital role in preparing our church for worship. Members care for the altar, linens, vessels, and sacred elements that help bring our liturgy to life each week.
This ministry offers a unique opportunity for hands-on service behind the scenes. It is a place of reflection, reverence, and connection—many who serve find it to be a deeply spiritual and rewarding experience.
Rooted in a tradition that began in the late nineteenth century within the Episcopal Church, the Altar Guild is a dedicated group of parish volunteers called to serve God by preparing and tending the sacred spaces where we worship. The Guild lovingly cares for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens, ensuring that all is ready for each service.
If you are seeking a meaningful way to serve, the Altar Guild may be calling you.
organization
A membership of approximately seven volunteers. New members to the Altar Guild are always welcome and training is provided. If you would like further information regarding service on the Altar Guild, speak with Maureen O’Keefe or either of our Priests.
members
Maureen O'Keefe - Executrix
Dolores DeWitt - Seamstress
Donna Young
Ellen Rich
Sheree Skinner
duties and responsibilities
Set up for Sunday worship services, weddings, memorials and funerals.
• Wash vessels and linens.
• Placing the appropriate linens on the altar and credence table.
• Change the colors according to the liturgical season.
• Place the Hymn numbers on the Hymn Board.
• Upkeep and placement of the candles in the narthex.
• Ensure that pew cards and present and in order.
• Tend to the all the candles and basins.
• Tend to the flowers which includes watering and replacement.
• Liaison with the florist for the procurement of the flowers for the altar.
• Members of the Altar Guild prepare the sanctuary for services, and clean up afterwards.
time commitment
. One service a month.