Welcome
As NAGA members, we are responsible for serving the altar and upholding NAGA’s traditions and mission through leadership. A position on the NAGA board is a meaningful way to deepen our ministry, strengthen our community and help shape the future of altar guilds across the Episcopal church. Leadership within NAGA is not about knowing all the answers — it is about offering your time, your experience and your prayerful presence in the service to others.
Each Triennium brings new opportunities for fresh voices and faithful hearts to step forward, regardless of previous experience with a parish or diocesan altar guild. Nomination details and descriptions of available roles will be coming later this fall, and we encourage everyone to take this time to prayerfully consider standing for office. If you have ever thought, “I want to do more,” this is your moment. Let your willingness to serve be a light to others.
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Highlights from Epistle
The Sacristy as a Classroom: Lessons Altar Guilds Teach
It was a cold morning when I unlocked the sacristy for the first time. I had just been named a student sacristan, and the Eucharist was mine to prepare. I immediately began making sure everything was set with care…
Remembering Peggy Curlin
There is a name known in altar guild circles all over the United States and that is Peggy Curlin. Her death on May 8, 2025 leaves a big hole in many lives …
Homily for the Feast of Ascension
Early in my faith life, I assumed the Ascension was a little like Jesus getting promoted. Like after Easter, he’s clocked enough miracles, logged enough parables, and finally, it’s time for the big celestial corner office — complete with a cloud …
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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 Joan Konecny (or 936-870-5781). 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.