This update of a classic work on altar guild ministry offers a lively blend of liturgical history, sacramental theology, and practical hints. The authors combine how-to advice with creative ideas on preparing for the traditional liturgies and simpler, special-occasion services.

Completely updated to reflect the sweeping changes in worship patterns which began with "The Liturgical Revival" and culminated in the adoption of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Chapters cover preparations for the various services of the Church, plus special celebrations such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, weddings, burials, ordinations, consecrations, and others. A glossary of church terms is included.

Train new altar guild members with this study book featuring illustrated modules that cover church history, church buildings, appointments, furniture, vessels, linens, vestments, the Christian year and more.

A valuable handbook for the server at all liturgical celebrations. Complete with illustrations, this volume covers in careful detail all the responsibilities and duties of the acolyte.

Clear instructions and more than 100 illustrations, make this how-to-book vital for churches preparing and maintaining items for service.

S. Anita Stauffer's original work for altar guilds has been a fixture in churches everywhere since the 1970s. This fourth, revised edition of her classic reflects recent developments in liturgical practice and gives attention to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship family of resources. Altar guild members and sacristans will appreciate the practical and expanded information on caring for the worship space, furnishings, appointments, vestments, and linens; the nuts and bolts of preparing for the sacraments and for funerals, weddings, and other occasional services; and a thorough overview of the church year. Also included are suggestions for organizing the altar guild's work and a helpful glossary. Altar Guild and Sacristy Handbook invites you to approach this role not just as a task, but as a ministry to the whole assembly in God's service. S. Anita Stauffer (1947-2007) served on the worship staffs of the Lutheran World Federation, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and Lutheran Church in America. She is author of several books on worship and served as the general editor of a series of worship and culture studies of the Lutheran World Federation.

An acolyte resource for the 21st-century Episcopal Church Despite the changing landscape of the Episcopal Church, one ministry that continues but gets little attention is that of acolytes. Whether second graders or adults, the mentoring and training of acolytes is a formational experience. I Serve at God’s Altar offers a simplified theology of how God is met in worship and how it affects the lives of those most engaged in it, a visual exploration of the Episcopal liturgy and its history through extensive illustrations, how acolytes fit into the work of the church in worship, and how worship affects the acolyte’s discernment for ministry and Rule of Life. Illustrations include a visual exploration of church artifacts (crosses, candles, Eucharistic vessels, etc.), holds, and processes to set a standard of expectation and expertise in service according to Episcopal practice and tradition. There is a section of reproducible handouts for organizing an acolyte ministry at every size church, including scheduling, communications, installation liturgies, recruitment plans, and training outlines.

This basic, fully illustrated manual for congregational leaders explains how to prepare the sanctuary and its furnishings for the celebration of worship and sacraments throughout the Christian year. This practical, informative guide is an indispensable companion for worship committees, altar guilds, or individuals whose responsible for these vital tasks in their church. United Methodist Altars includes: care, cleaning, and storage instructions for all vestments and appointments; a calendar of the Christian year, with appropriate colors for each season; responsibilities and suggested organizational structure for the altar guild; an explanation of the history and meaning of worship furnishings; preparation instructions for the various United Methodist services; and, a glossary.