The women of the Altar Guild graciously care for the Altar using traditions that have been passed along through the generations. Flowers should never be higher than the cross, flowers should always be cut flowers – they have already given their life and never step in front of the Altar are a few of the reverent customs adhered to.
The Altar Guild ensures that the Altar is tended to: the candles are filled with oil, the Altar is clean and intentionally plain, supplies are ordered and flowers are placed appropriately. After all, the Altar is the most significant object of the church – it is the Lord’s Table.
“We care for the Altar with reverence as we are touching things that are divine.”
Perhaps the most visible thing that is performed by the Altar Guild is changing the paraments according to the liturgical seasons and festivals of the church year – green, red, white, purple and blue. They also hang the banners in the church accordingly.
The Altar Guild prepares the elements for Communion – they even bake the Communion bread!
The Guild also assembles items for Baptisms at Rush River: the font, water and candle as well as a handmade quilt for each baby.
All women of the congregation are welcome to join the Altar Guild.