Welcome
As we settle into Ordinary Time, it is fitting to pause briefly to reflect on what has been going well and what may need adjustment in the future. Because soon we will be moving forward. Those of us who serve behind the scenes are already turning our attention toward the rapidly approaching season of Lent and the preparation for the celebration of the Resurrection.
Although our altar guild work often takes place behind the scenes and our hands tend to the tangible and holy hardware, we are united by a shared and deep commitment to Christ and the Church. As we offer our time and talents — setting God’s table week after week — we do so to the glory of God.
Grant, O Lord, that we may handle holy things with reverence and prayer, and perform our work with such faithfulness and devotion that it may rise with acceptance before you and obtain your blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ Prayer from an old Altar Guild Manual, Hope Episcopal Church, Houston.
For those of you new to altar guild or considering service, we recommend this great YouTube video explaining what altar guild does: https://rb.gy/gck85v.
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Highlights from Epistle
God Is Endless Compassion, Mercy and Hope
One of my favorite authors is Greg Boyle. He is a Jesuit priest and has served the last 40 years in Los Angeles doing ministry with gang members. He started Homeboy Industries which employs people coming out of gangs in auto repair, culinary arts, and carpentry…
God Uses the Ordinary
One of the quiet truths woven throughout Scripture is that God rarely calls the people we might expect. Again and again, He begins with the ordinary, the men and women who see themselves as small, unqualified, or unnoticed, and then equips them for work far greater than they ever imagined…
Answering the Call: Serve an Office in NAGA
As NAGA members, we are responsible for serving the altar and upholding the National Altar Guild’s traditions and mission through leadership. Each Triennium brings new opportunities for fresh voices and faithful hearts to step forward…
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Connect with NAGA
Seeking NAGA Representative for Province IX (Central & South America). For more information, contact David Hawley-Lowry.
Contribute to a History of NAGA: In 2006 Barbara Gent researched and wrote a book spanning 73 years of NAGA’s history. Now, a second volume of NAGA history and the future of altar guild is in its infancy. We welcome any suggestions for inclusion in this work. Click here to read more.
Emergency Communion Kits. Should fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake or epidemic leave your parish unable to host Eucharist, NAGA will provide a free Emergency Communion Kit. If you need a kit, please contact your Province Chair or Kate Canby (Kate.Canby@gmail.com or 512-636-9010). Click here for a video on how to assemble them.
Order your Epistle in living color. Members can receive their Epistle by email. Just send your e-mail address to Martha Noble.
Share your insights with others. We are happy to share your altar guild newsletter on our website. Please send a PDF of the current issue to our webmaster Betty Hinchman.
Who’s Who? Who are your current Provincial and Diocesan Altar Guild Directors? Please send current contact information to Martha Noble or David Hawley-Lowry.